The Orange Mud Endurance Pack V2.0 is the second endurance cycling hydration vest The Unpaved Hub has reviewed. The first review covers the CamelBak Chase™ Bike Vest 50 oz. We suggest you read the Chase Vest review to get a feel for the benefits and disadvantages of endurance cycling hydration vests. We also suggest you read the Chase Vest review alongside this one to see how they stack up against one another.
Please note that Orange Mud released V3.0 of the Endurance Pack as this review was being drafted. Orange Mud indicates that there are five changes from Orange Mud Endurance Pack V2.0 to V3.0. This review discusses the tweaks.
Overview
The review of the Endurance Pack covers the following subject areas:
- Pack Size,
- Fit,
- Liquid Capacity and Bladder Logistics
- Gear Capacity and Logistics,
- Entry/Exit and Bladder/Gear Loading,
- Safety,
- Price/Colors,
- Pros/Cons, and
- Summary.
Let’s get to it!
Pack Size
While the name suggests it is a pack, it is appropriate to classify the Orange Mud Endurance Pack V2.0 as an endurance cycling vest. Endurance cycling vests pack a punch when it comes to gear and liquid carrying capacity. But, as indicated in the Chase Vest Review, the Chase Vest and Endurance Pack may not have enough capacity for some. Orange Mud has other vest and pack sizes to accommodate those that desire a larger option. This review will still generally apply as the larger options share many of the same features with the Endurance Pack.
According to Orange Mud, the Endurance Pack measures 10″ wide by 13″ tall, weighs 11.4 ounces, and has six liters of carrying volume (four liters for gear and two liters for liquid). The latter does not take into account the added carrying capacity attributable to the trekking pole webbing/shock cord that can hold layers or the add-on four-liter bag. More on that in the Gear Capacity section. For now, on to the Endurance Pack’s fit.
Fit
Like the Chase Vest, the Orange Mud Endurance Pack V2.0 fits higher on the back than traditional hydration packs, and also allows access to jersey pockets. The Endurance Pack actually sits higher on the back and chest than the Chase Vest. This may be advantageous if you like a snugger fit. It is also advantageous when there is little-to-no liquid in the bladder because the pack is more stable in those situations. For me, it sits a little too high and makes access to the shoulder harness pockets somewhat difficult. Have a look at the photo gallery of the pack with gear.
Adjustability
The Endurance Pack has two sets of straps on the shoulder harness. These straps are very similar to the Chase Vest. The first set consists of nylon webbing and runs along each ribcage. Both straps are easily adjustable while parked or on the go. Plastic clips secure the straps and prevent strap flap. One of the changes from V2.0 to V3.0 is with the securing clips. Orange Mud replaces the plastic clip with an elastic loop surrounding the strap (similar to that found on the Chase Vest). The plastic clip appears to be of superior quality, but in use, it tends to slide down the straps allowing strap flap. Kudos to Orange Mud for addressing the issue. On whole, the side straps are well-made, and rarely ever need adjusting (outside of resecuring the plastic clips described above).
Strap-set number two resides on the chest. The chest/sternum straps consist of an elastic material for comfort and flex when huffing and puffing. As noted in the Chase Vest Review, the elastic material tends to slip causing the straps to loosen. This is more of an issue on the Endurance Pack because both sternum straps consist of the elastic material (only one of two Chase Vest straps are elastic). Orange Mud addresses the issue on V3.0. The straps now consist of nylon webbing, which Orange Mud states provide a “cinch tight and no slip fit.” Another kudos to Orange Mud for improving an already impressive product. To make up for the stronger sternum straps, Orange mud added “structurally tough elastic into the side [of V3.0] for just a bit of stretch to conform with chest breathing while still maintaining stability.”
Both sternum straps on the V2.0 have two elastic loops that surround the straps to prevent strap flap. In addition, both sides of each sternum strap slide up and down via a track system sewn into the shoulder harnesses for added strap position customization.
Breathability
You may be asking whether the tight fit impacts breathability. The answer is yes, but the Endurance Pack does the best it can at dampening the impact. The material that comes in contact with the body is made with what Orange Mud describes as “a highly breathable and durable mesh that transfers heat quickly away from your body, yet is still soft on your skin.” This claim is on-point. While the tight fit may inhibit airflow, the material that comes in contact with the skin breaths and transfers heat away from the body.
One of the cons raised in the Chase Vest Review related to CamelBak’s use of the thin 3D Vent Mesh that contacts the body. The thin profile of the 3D Vent Mesh on the Chase Vest allowed the contents in the bladder to rise with rider body temperature, and it also allowed sweat to get on the gear inside the vest. Fortunately, the mesh on the Endurance Pack, along with the ripstop material on the inside of the bladder compartment, is just right. It is airy enough to mitigate sweating, but thick enough to inhibit heat and sweat penetration.
Liquid Carrying and Bladder Logistics
Capacity
The Endurance Pack is accompanied by a 70-ounce Hydrapak bladder. The bladder is very similar to the Hydrapak Shape-Shift™ Reservoir discussed in the Chase Vest Review. The main difference is the one accompanying the Endurance Pack does not have the center baffle inside the bladder that limits liquid volume to 50 ounces. Really, no big deal. Just put less liquid in the one included with the Endurance Pack.
The Endurance Pack carries 70 ounces of liquid no problem, and there is minimal to no awkwardness in terms of side-to-side shift. The 70-ounce capacity equates to about three and a half traditional bottles (compare that to two and a half with the 50-ounce Chase Vest). In other words, the Endurance Pack pretty much eliminates the need for bottles on short to medium-length rides. The photo gallery in the Fit section above shows the pack with 70 ounces of liquid in the bladder. The photo gallery below shows the Endurance Pack with 50 ounces of liquid in the bladder and loaded with the above gear for comparison.
Add-on Flask or Bottle
One last note on liquid carrying capacity. Both of the large shoulder harness pockets were designed to carry 600ml Hydrapak flasks. The pockets will also fit standard 20-ounce bottles. I am not a fan of carrying a flask or bottle because the pockets feel as if they are going to bounce up and give you a black eye, but to each their own. Still, it is rather incredible that the chest pockets fit that much.
Bladder and Tube Logistics
The bladder secures to the Endurance Pack much differently than that of the Chase Vest. The bladder compartment or pocket is open concept, which essentially means there are no zippers closing it off. This enables easy loading and unloading. The bladder is held in place by an ingenious hook and loop velcro “strap.” The hook end of the “strap” is sewn onto one side of the compartment and the loop end is sewn onto the other. The bladder secures by feeding the loop part through a slot on the top of the bladder closure and affixing it to the hook end on the other side. So simple, yet so cool. Sometimes the small things are so, so impressive. This closure method makes filling the bladder a breeze, which is definitely a huge advantage for the Endurance Pack. More on that in the Filling and Refilling in the next subsection below.
The tube can exit either side of the Endurance Pack. A nice touch for those lefties preferring the tube on the dominant side. This option is not available on the Chase Vest where the tube can only exit on the right side. Both shoulder harnesses contain two loops that act as guides for the bladder tube. The first set of guides sit around the collarbones, and the second just above the large shoulder harness pockets.
Unfortunately, the pack doesn’t have built-in tube clips on the sternum straps like those found on the Chase Vest and described in the Hub’s Chase Vest Review. This is an issue because the loops don’t securely hold the tube in place like clips, allowing the tube to move from side-to-side on the shoulder harness. As a result, the tube can hinder access to the shoulder harness pockets. The Endurance Pack also does not include a magnetic tube trap to secure the hose. Fortunately, a tube trap is a relatively inexpensive aftermarket add-on.
Filling and Refilling
Most hydration packs require riders to remove the bladder to fill them, which can make filling and refilling a nuisance. The Endurance Pack eliminates any nuisance. The combination of the open concept bladder compartment and the accompanying Hydrapak Reservoir makes filling and refilling easy. Undo the hook and loop velcro “strap,” remove the slider closure on the Hydrapak Reservoir, fill, do the reverse, and be on your way. This is money!
Gear Carrying Capacity
Orange Mud indicates that the Endurance Pack holds four liters of gear. I can’t confirm the gear capacity by volume. But one thing is for sure – it is abundantly clear that Orange Mud put a lot of thought into the pocket design on the Endurance Pack, and there is tons of room for gear carrying. The material, the closures, and the pocket location are all spot on. Let’s break down each pocket, starting on the back.
Pocket #1
This pocket has a very sleek YKK zipper closure, and contains a key lanyard. There are no dividers or subpockets inside. The pocket consists of stretchy material, and measures about 10.5″ by 7″ to 9.” It is great for stuffing gear and nutrition, in addition to securing keys.
Pocket #2
Pocket #2 is open concept and sandwiched between Pocket #1 and the bladder compartment. Thus, it takes the dimensions of Pocket #1. This pocket is great for stuffing layers, a pump, tools, tubes, and the like. One thing to note here is that this pocket becomes a challenge to access when 70 ounces of liquid is inside the bladder.
Pockets #3 and #4
The third and fourth pockets are located on the shoulder harnesses, and sit on top of the collarbones. These pockets measure about 4″ by 2.5,” and consist of stretchy material similar to the other pockets, making them very versatile. An iPhone 8 fits fairly easily with room to spare. Both pockets are also great for small bits and gels, or a combination thereof. Each contains hook and loop velcro closures for easy access.
Pockets #5 and #7
Pockets #5 and #7 are the large pockets that sit on the chest. They are 6″ deep, and close via a bungee-type shock cord and toggle. The rider also has the option of not drawing the cord, and using them in open concept fashion. The elastic material and open concept option allow riders to store A LOT of gear in each pocket. As indicated above, the pockets hold a 600ml Hydrapak flask or a standard bottle.
Pockets #6 and #8
These small pockets are sewn onto the front of Pockets #5 and #7, and are about 4.25″ deep. They make a great place to stuff trash.
Bonus Webbing/Shock Cord: Orange Mud included trekking pole webbing and shock cord on top of Pocket #1. I understand that most of you aren’t here to read about hiking options. The good thing is that this shock cord also doubles to hold extra layers of clothing. The trekking pole hardware is a $12 upgrade, if you hike as well as bike. Note that V3.0 adds webbing to the front of the Endurance Pack for added trekking pole anchor points.
Hang Loop: There is no hang loop on V2.0. V3.0 adds the hang loop onto the top of the vest. This loop comes in handy when storing or air drying the Endurance Pack.
Add-On Bag – Upgrade Option / It’ll Cost Extra
The add-on bag for Endurance Pack adds 4 liters of volume. It attaches to the trekking pole setup described above. Take a look at the pictures below, which show exactly how it attaches to the vest (the add-on bag does not come with instructions).
Orange Mud makes clear that the add-on is best for a light jacket or layers, not heavy bulky items. This is very accurate because of the way the add-on attaches, so temper your expectations. In my experience, the add-on bag tends to flop around if overfilled.
The add-on also comes with trekking pole hardware (the two octagon-like plastic pieces on the top webbing) and a similar shock cord found on the Endurance Pack to stow even more layers.
In sum, the Endurance Pack fits a lot of cargo capacity into a small space, and does so very effectively. The Endurance Pack utilizes the front of the vest for cargo more than the Chase Vest (i.e., the shoulder/chest pockets hold more on the Endurance Pack). The Chase Vest holds more in the back pockets than the Endurance Pack. Choosing between the two really comes down to personal preference.
Entry/Exit and Bladder/Gear Loading
As indicated in the Chase Vest Review, the feel of putting a cycling vest on and taking it off is a bit different than a traditional hydration pack. Vests have a tendency to tangle and twist because of the lighter material and gear load in the front pockets. This is no different from the Endurance Pack. The rider will just have to carefully enter the vest, or the shoulder harnesses will tangle.
Gear loading can be a challenge if the full bladder is already inside the vest. So too is bladder loading a challenge if there is already gear inside the vest. I have found that it is best to load the bladder without any gear in the vest. The bladder shifts better than gear.
Safety
The Endurance Pack does not contain any reflective material for safety. The vest does contain a whistle on the sternum strap in the event of trail danger. While there is no dedicated loop for hanging a taillight, the trekking pole webbing does the trick for the task.
Price and Color
The Endurance Pack V2.0 comes in four colors: Lime Green, Black-Orange, Coyote Brown, and White. The V2.0 is 20% off on Orange Mud’s site as of the publication date of this post because of the launch of V3.0. The standard setup (sans trekking pole hardware) now costs $107.96. The setup with the trekking pole hardware costs $119.96.
The add-on bag is black, and comes in at an additional $29.95.
V3.0 comes in Black or White colors, and costs $139.95.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimalistic | Fits a little too high on the back/chest |
| Efficient pocket placement | Rear storage limited/tight fit with bladder filled |
| Secure fit | No bladder tube clips or magnetic trap |
| Bladder easy to fill | Shoulder harness has a tendency to tangle during entry |
Summary
I have used a lot of different hydration packs, and have tried even more workarounds for traditional bottles. The Orange Mud Endurance Pack V2.0 is no doubt a hydration leader. It is minimalistic and efficient, and ticks almost every box a hydration pack could tick. What differentiates the Endurance Pack is its versatility. While the Endurance Pack may cater to cyclists, it is also a great option for trail runners and hikers. This separates it from the competition. I believe that some of the perceived cons set forth in this review may simply be due to the fact that Orange Mud is attempting to balance the fit and function important to all user groups.
What’s more, Orange Mud seems like a great company. Buy a product from Orange Mud, and you are likely to get an email from its CEO asking for your opinion of the product. Nice touch!
You can purchase the updated Endurance Pack on Amazon.
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