Restrap Rolltop hydration waistcoat: A faithful companion for long cycling adventures

Restrap already has a drinking waistcoat that Race Hydration Vest. Now the bikepacking experts from the UK have released a larger version - with 14 litres of storage space. Perfect for long day trips without luggage on the bike or for bikepacking tours and races in remote areas.

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Strict separation

The compartment for the hydration bladder is separate from the waterproof main compartment with roll-top closure. If the hydration bladder is defective or leaks for any other reason, the rest of the pack stays dry. The 2-litre hydration bladder is included in the scope of delivery. The tube is long so that it can be shortened to the required length.

A quick-access mesh compartment on the back is perfect for a wet rain jacket. The rucksack waistcoat also has plenty of other practical compartments. Mesh pockets on the sides can hold 500-millilitre bottles, for example. There are also mesh compartments at the front of the straps: two compartments on the right, one above the other, and a mesh pocket on the left above a highly water-repellent zip pocket with a small carabiner that can be used to secure a key, for example.

The side structure and the front of the bag are no different from the Race Hydration Vest, which we have already tested extensively. In bad weather, we put our smartphone in the zip compartment. When the sun is shining, it can also be stored in the mesh compartment above. It's quicker to grab for the next snapshot. An action cam can also be placed in the slide-in pockets. But what is always there: Snacks, snacks and more snacks: gels, bars, jelly babies and the occasional squeeze from the children's section.

Two sizes

The hydration waistcoat (>> available e.g. here*) comes in sizes S/M and L/XL. Both sizes offer the same packing volume, but are designed for bodies and upper bodies of different sizes. A size chart is available on the manufacturer's website. However, you can also use the size of jersey you usually wear as a guide.

Correct adjustment at three points

To ensure that the fully-packed hydration waistcoat fits properly, all adjustment options must be tightened and adjusted in the correct order.

1. Put on and fasten the drinking waistcoat with the chest strap loose
2. Tighten the side straps
3. Tighten the straps at the top of the straps to adjust the load
4. Tighten the straps in front of the chest.

The whole thing is vividly illustrated in the reel from Restrap:

Security features

There is a whistle on the upper of the two chest straps. In some bikepacking races, it is even compulsory to carry a whistle. Other safety features include reflective details such as logos, zip handles and reflective strips woven into the straps. Reflectors should be visible from all angles.

The Restrap Rolltop Hydration Vest in detail

• Sizes: S/M and L/XL
• Volume: 14 litres
• Weight (without hydration bladder): 588 grams (S/M), 600 grams (L/XL)
• Weight bladder: 146 grams
• Capacity of the hydration bladder: 2 litres
• Price: 227,99 Euro