The Review | The USWE F6 PRO Hydropack
The market for bike rucksacks is unimaginably huge: from minimalist bladder only models, small trail packs with integrated protector, mid-sized versions for all-or-multi- day adventures to specialist photo equipment packs – every possible type is represented. But the harness systems are somehow all the same – with one exception: USWE. We were so taken by their “No Dancing Monkey” concept that the smaller F4 PRO received a Gold at the 2015 Design & Innovation Award. We’ve been testing the bigger F6 PRO model for some time and now we’re ready to share our experiences.
Compared to the racing specific size of the F4 the F6 has a bit more capacity: 15 litres to be exact. So you can fit tools, food and clothing for a long day out on the bike. Apart from the buckles the X-shaped harness system is identical and can be be perfectly adjusted to every body shape and size. The elastic bands on both lower attachment points ensure the bag stays close to your body and give enough space to breath and move.
The tool compartment is sufficiently big and also has a slightly padded slot for your phone or similar. The adjustable helmet slot can also be used to stuff in your windbreaker or food which can then be pulled out again without opening any compartments. The whole thing stays secure however. The flap closes at the sides with mesh and is connected to the shoulder straps at the top which means it automatically shuts as soon as you pull on the pack. The lower area has small attachment for an LED light if you need one.
In the main compartment you’ll find small storage slots, plenty of room and the bladder. USWE shines once again here: it holds 3 litres, has an internal wall to help maintain shape and so ‘water bulges’ never form at the bottom. The tube can be removed with a click connector and the valve is simple and pleasant in use.
If the F6 PRO is packed light it really sticks to your back on the trail and doesn’t move around regardless of how much the rider is shaken. With heavier loads the harness system starts to reach its limits. Sideways movement is still minimal but it begins to move up and down which can be attributed to the missing hip belt. This does however have a nice side-effect: you can move around without restriction, sweat puddles don’t form over your kidneys and jackets stay fitted as they belong.
That’s a lot of praise – where are the minus points? Well there are two. The innovative harness system is a blessing and a curse. Even though the USWE is sold as a unisex model in practice it effectively can’t be compatible with the female anatomy. The second is also down to the system. For the concept to work the pack has to lie close to your back and therefore can’t leave room for effective ventilation. In plain language – the back area below the pad gets wet very quickly. During a race pretty much irrelevant, but not pleasant on a full-day ride. Thanks to the small size and lack of hip belt you sweat much less everywhere else though.
We like it just as much as the smaller version in spite of that and hope that thanks to the perfect workmanship the F6 PRO will be on our backs for many kilometers to come.
Colours: Neon green or black/red
Weight: 930 g incl. bladder
Volume: 15 l (3 l bladder)
Price: € 134.00
For more information visit: uswe-sports.com
Words: Andreas Maschke Photo: Klaus Kneist
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