The Rockrider XC Light Hydration Backpack from Decathlon is a small pack that is more suited to shorter trips. It is far from perfect, with some fit issues and not the best use of the limited space, but it is still a great option for the money.

Decathlon is known for producing good value components and accessories, and this hydration backpack certainly ticks that box. Costing £30, including a 2-litre bladder, very little else comes close to price.

The backpack is very small, designed for cross-country use, as the XC name suggests. There are two main pockets on the back, plus smaller pockets on the front straps that are easy to access and good for food or smaller things you might need access to on the go.

The pack features a single attachment point on the front, with a metal slide-in clip that is easy to attach and take off but stays in place, not accidentally coming off. It is one of the best features of the pack.

A 2-litre bladder is included, with a top filling design, a long enough hose, and a locking mouthpiece. It doesn't quite rival some of the best for quality, but it works well enough if you take a little time to ensure the top is sealed correctly.

If you are not using a bladder, there's enough room for the general tools and essentials. For me, that would be an inner tube, or sometimes two, multi-tool, small patch kit, tyre lever, CO2, and a small pump. Using the full 2-litre bladder changes things quite a bit, with bulkier items like a tube being far more difficult to fit inside.

The pack has two main adjustment points, with large velcro straps on the front with a small arrow and size indicators, plus toggle straps under the shoulder area. It may be sufficient for taller riders or riders with a larger chest, but for me (88cm / 35" chest), I found that it was still loose even with the pack on the smallest settings. When full and laden, this caused it to move around a bit. I found the pack knocking my helmet occasionally on some rougher terrain, steeper downhills, or small jumps. It is far from the only pack that does this, and perhaps because of my size, something I have had to get used to.

The material isn't waterproof, so it would be essential to keep anything that could potentially be damaged by heavier rain showers, such as a phone, in a protective case. The material does enough to fend off splashes and mud being thrown up off the back wheel.

While the pack is far from perfect, when you look at other similar size packs, such as the  Apidura Racing Hydration Vest  at £138, the difference in price is huge. The closest small packs in price that we have reviewed include the  Osprey Kitsuma  at £65 and  Camelbak Chase Men's  and  Women's  at £90 each. There are some larger packs for less money, with the  dhb Slice 15-litre  at £35, although this doesn't come with a bladder.

The Rockrider XC Light Hydration Backpack doesn't quite have the same quality or range of fit adjustment as some more expensive packs, but it does the basics well enough. So, if you're looking for a small pack, this is a real bargain.

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Matt is an endurance nut who loves big rides and big events. Former full time racer and 24hr event specialist but now happy riding off-road on gravel bikes or XC mountain bikes and exploring the mountains and hills of Mid Wales.

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