GEAR | Thule UpTake 8L Hydration Pack – Review

April 22, 2019 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

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What is it?

Thule UpTake 8L Hydration Pack RRP: £90
Buy it here

Features

Stay hydrated without slowing down using the hands-free ReTrakt magnetic hose return system
User-friendly 2.5L HydraPak reservoir features a slide closure for easy cleaning and a locking bite valve to prevent leaks before and after your ride
Organize a pump, tools, nutrition and extra layers in 8L of cargo storage
Quickly access a phone in the exterior zippered pocket
Stay cool and comfortable with perforated foam harness and backpanel and articulating shoulder straps
Added stability when carrying a full load thanks to the integrated waist strap
Stay visible in low light conditions with reflective trim and a tail light attachment loop

The verdict

I spent a full week in the mountains putting this backpack to the test during a recent snowboarding trip to La Plagne and I simply would not be without it. I love it.

I always snowboard wearing a small backpack and for the past 15 years my go-to pack as been my old Dakine 5L backpack, just big enough to pop my purse in, a bottle of water, tissues and a high-energy snack, but not much else.

At 8L the UpTake is bigger than my old backpack, but still small enough that it feels light even when full. A real test for a backpack like this being used in the mountains is the ability to sit comfortably on a chairlift whilst wearing it.

Larger packs can push you forwards and feel uncomfortable on chairlifts, but the size of the UpTake means you don’t get the sense of wearing something bulky, and I still felt like I could sit back when using lifts. That’s handy becuase this pack is mainly targeted at mountain bikers looking for hydration on the go, so for alpine riders who’ll be using chair lifts to take their bikes up the mountain come summer, it’s also perfect.

Due to the smaller size of my old backpack, I could only really fit a small bottle of water in, and would often run out part way through the day, the UpTake however comes with a generously sized internal hydration pack which holds an impressive 2.5Litres of water.

I wasn’t keen on adding too much weight, so didn’t more than half fill the pack and over my week it got used frequently every day. Filling the pack is easy, it’s just a case of sliding off the sturdy plastic top clip and opening up the pack and holding it under the tap.

Once filled, the hydration pack hooks securely back in place inside the backpack and has its own full-length pouch to hold it, keeping it separate from everything else in the backpack.

Drinking from it couldn’t be easier and during use, the valve was completely leak-proof and it took no effort at all to get the water flowing despite the relatively long hose size.

Once done drinking, I loved the fact I could just drop the hose and it snaps straight back into place, held securely against the backpack thanks to its clever magnetic external hose holder.

I don’t like leaving water in the pack too long, so at the end of each day, I’d empty the pack and leave it hanging upside down. Inside the hydration pack there’s a little fin, which stops the inside of the pack from touching either site, making it easier to air and dry out in between use.

Any down sides?

The only thing I didn’t like was the slight plasticy taste I got when drinking from the pack. I know from using similar hydration packs when hiking that this can be common during initial use, so I’m hoping over time with continued use, it will lose the slight taste taint.

What I liked most

I love the fact that the pack is so easy to take on and off
The size makes it small enough to ride in comfort with when spending all day on the mountain, but it’s also big enough for all of your essentials, even a small waterproof jacket would fit inside
The hydration pack works extremely well, no leaks at all and I love the magnetic hose holder
Loads of different pockets, all of which I made use of on the mountain
Lovely vibrant colour without being too bright
Wide comfortable and fully adjustable straps
A good quality outer shell on the backpack and an equally high-quality hydration pack that’s completely leak and drip proof

Final say

Our Rating

Quality 5/5

Practicality 4.5/5

Looks 4/5

Value 3.5/5

Overall Rating (4.5 / 5)

For active outdoorsy types, especially skiers, snowboarders and mountain bikers, this pack is perfect. It’s sturdy and good quality and is small enough to be light and comfortable for all day wear, yet big enough to fit all of your essentials in.

It’s excellent quality and the included hydration pack is simple to use and doesn’t drip. It’s versatile too, you can remove the hydration pack entirely if you don’t need it, so as well as mountain sports, it’s also great for use on days out hikes.

Win a Thule UpTake Backpack worth £90!

We’ve got a Thule UpTake backpack to give away, make sure you follow us on social media to enter! [competition now closed]

Thank you to Thule who sent us the featured product. We were not paid to write this review.

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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