Revolutionary Winter Hydration backpack For Cross-Country Skiing, Biking and Trail Running
$144.99
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Key details
Weight: 300g (*excl. bladder)
Pack Volume: 4L
Hydration Volume: 2.0L / 70 oz
Hydration: Elite Hydration Bladder with Plug-N-Play™ Coupling Made by HydraPak®
Harness: NDM Harness
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$150
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WHY WE DESIGNED IT:
The NORDIC 4L Winter Hydration Pack uses revolutionary Thermo Cell insulation technology to prevent your drink tube and bite valve from freezing in subzero conditions, keeping you hydrated through cross-country ski races, winter trail runs, and frozen mountain bike sessions. USWE's patented No Dancing Monkey 1.1 harness delivers zero bounce stability while the ultralight 300g construction and included 2.0L Elite Hydration Bladder make this slim 4L pack disappear on your back during fast-paced cold weather efforts.
NDM harness with Thermo Cell insulation for zero bounce and freeze protection
2.0 L / 70 oz Elite Hydration bladder
4 L storage for essentials on winter or alpine adventures
Specifications
Pack TypeWinter Hydration Backpack
ActivityNordic Skiing, Alpine Skiing
UserUnisex
Weight300g (*excl. bladder)
Dimensions40cm Length / 17cm Width / 11cm Depth
Total Volume4L
Hydration Capacity2.0L / 70 oz
Hydration SystemElite Hydration Bladder with Plug-N-Play™ Coupling Made by HydraPak®
Fit, Specs & Care
How To Set Up The Harness?
All of our NDM 1 products are unisex and are designed and tested for both men and women. To set up the harness follow the steps below.
Put the backpack on. Adjust the horizontal chest straps to a comfortable length (The two "d-rings" allow you to change between a larger and smaller size). Use the outer ring for the large size and loop through both for the smaller size.
Adjust the vertical shoulder straps (If needed) to adjust the height of the buckle, the center buckle should align around the height of your solar plexus. Do note that a few models like Race 2.0 and Outlander PRO does not have this setting due to their low weight.
Care Instructions
Packs
We want you to follow the instructions on the care label for each product. Care labels are typically found inside of the product. If you can’t see it, look again. If you still can’t see it, contact us.
STEPS
After every ride, empty the pack completely and brush clean soiled areas with soapy water.
Never put your pack into a washing machine or dryer, this damages the PU coating. Only hand wash.
The pack fabrics can’t be ironed.
Zippers must be kept clean for improved lifetime.
To store: close the pack and keep it in a dry, well ventilated place.
Hydration Systems
ELITE
Reverse by placing your hand in the bladder, grab the bottom, and pull it back through the top opening, just like turning a sock inside-out. The molded opening can also be flipped after the bladder body has been reversed. Then, throw it in the dishwasher or rinse with mild soap and water. Make sure to let the bladder dry out completely while reversed.
Technology
Award winning NDM harness.
It is the unique shape and suspension of our No Dancing Monkey™ (NDM) harness systems that make our packs 100% bounce free.
Its construction allows you to snug the packs really tight to the body, without affecting your breathing capacity or
body movement. It is almost like wearing no pack at all.
NDM 1 Winter
The harness buckle easily clicks in place for an absolute snug and secure fit.
It also comes equipped with Integrated elastic straps that expand along with the chest during physical exertion,
allowing a constant tight and compliant fit giving you freedom to breathe and move in action.
It’s all super adjustable to give you that perfect, tailored for you, feel.
The shoulder straps are equipped with our Thermo Cell anti-freeze technology, preventing the drink
tube from freeze during cold activities.
•
NDM Buckle
Secure. One hand operation.
•
Adjustable webbing
It allows freedom to breath and move.
•
Multi-size (dual) adjustment loops
Super adjustable from M-XL
•
Thermo Cell Shoulder Straps
Thermo Cell Technology
Thermo Cell is equipped with a multilayer insulation cover that reflects the heat on the inside and shields from the cold and wind from the outside. By its design, the Thermo Cell closes tightly to the body and a thin mesh membrane permits maximum body heat to pass through. Used in this way the body heat feeds the Thermo Cell with thermal energy. Smart!
Thermo Cell encapsulates heat from physical activity in an insulating air pocket that protects the tube and bite valve from freezing even in the most extreme winter conditions. Therefore, we have chosen to provide both shoulder straps on the NORDIC, HAJKER and POW backpacks with Thermo Cell so that you get the option of choosing which side you want to have the tube in tube, or having tubes on both sides (double hydration bladders). Or optional, why not store gels and bars that you easily reach on-the-go in the pocket you don't use.
Full Description
Design & Action
Racing through frozen trails or pushing tempo on a ski marathon doesn't work if your hydration turns into a popsicle halfway through. The NORDIC 4L Winter Hydration Pack is a lightweight hydration backpack built for cross-country skiers, winter runners, and cold weather mountain bikers who refuse to let subzero conditions kill their flow. USWE's patented No Dancing Monkey 1.1 harness uses elastic straps and a technical NDM buckle to clamp this pack against your torso, delivering complete stability when you're skating through icy corners or bombing frozen singletrack. The revolutionary Thermo Cell insulation technology wraps the drink tube and bite valve in protective layers that prevent freezing even when temps drop below zero, keeping you hydrated through the coldest winter races and training sessions.
The slim 4L total volume keeps weight minimal while still hauling your essentials for shorter winter adventures. The included 2.0L Elite Hydration Bladder with Plug-n-Play coupling makes refills quick and hassle-free, while the insulated shoulder strap pocket keeps your drink tube accessible without exposing it to brutal wind chill. At just 300g without the bladder, this pack disappears on your back during fast-paced efforts where every gram counts and every second matters.
Tech & Specs
No Dancing Monkey 1.1 harness with NDM buckle: Locks the pack to your body for absolute zero bounce on variable terrain and high-speed descents.
Thermo Cell insulation technology: Shields the drink tube and bite valve from freezing in extreme cold, keeping hydration flowing when temps plummet.
4L total storage with 2.0L Elite Hydration Bladder included: Carries water, snacks, and a spare layer without adding unnecessary bulk for races and training runs.
Lightweight construction at 300g (excluding bladder): Minimizes pack weight for fast-moving winter sports where speed and efficiency matter.
Plug-n-Play coupling system: Allows quick bladder removal and refilling without fumbling with frozen connections mid-activity.
Fit & Kit
Dial in the fit by adjusting the elastic NDM straps across your chest and the waist belt until the pack sits high and tight against your back. The harness should feel snug but still allow unrestricted breathing during hard efforts. After each winter session, rinse the hydration bladder with warm water and hang it to dry completely before storage to prevent mold and keep the system fresh. The Thermo Cell insulation works best when the tube stays tucked close to your body, so route it through the shoulder strap pocket and keep it protected from wind exposure during long, cold rides and runs.
FAQ
Will the hydration tube actually stay unfrozen in subzero temperatures?+
Yeah, the Thermo Cell insulation wraps the tube and bite valve to prevent freezing even when temps drop below zero. Keep the tube tucked in the insulated shoulder strap pocket and close to your body for best results.
Is 4 liters enough storage for a full day of skiing or winter riding?+
The 4L is built for shorter winter races and training sessions, typically 1-3 hours. If you're planning longer all-day adventures, check out the NORDIC 10L for more gear capacity.
Can I use this pack for mountain biking in normal weather or just winter?+
Absolutely. The pack works year-round for mountain biking, trail running, or any activity where you want minimal bounce and lightweight carry. The Thermo Cell insulation is a bonus feature that kicks in when temps drop.
How do I clean the hydration bladder after using it in cold weather?+
Rinse the bladder with warm water after each ride, then hang it open to dry completely before storing. This prevents mold and keeps the system fresh between winter sessions.
Does this pack fit both men and women?+
Yes, it's a unisex design. The elastic NDM harness adjusts to fit different torso sizes and body types, so dial in the straps until the pack sits snug and high on your back.
Great for staying hydrated
I’m really happy with this backpack! The built-in water bladder is so convenient, especially when cycling or skiing. It makes it really easy to drink regularly without having to stop, and it helps me stay hydrated throughout the activity. Lightweight, practical and very useful. Highly recommended!
The belt itself is great. The tube for the waterbag is way to short. It's hard to take it during skiing and dring while you ski.
The flow of the valve and the tube is a bit too small for me.
So I would say puting a longer tube will make this vest great.
And I'll keep it and try to adapt it a bit to make it perfect for a long life on skis or biking...
This bag is perfect for all winter activities. I used it in north of Qu�bec at minus 25celcius and it did his job. Also, the insulation can be useful during summer activities if you want your drink to stay cool. The bag is lighweight, breathable and stable. I strongly recommand !
I bought this for my endurance skate ski, I go out for 3 hours and more so the 2 litres capacity means I don�t have to refill which is great because there is no refill possibility where I go. When the temperature drops to around -15 Celsius the pipe freezes and it becomes very hard to keep it flowing.
I like everything except the fact that 2L bladder delivered with the pack does not fit the pack when full. With 1.7 it is OK, but there is only space for extra gloves or something like that. If anybody plans to store more I, suggest going bigger size. Anyways it saves my winter gravel rides in subzero temperatures. I would buy again!
I recently purchased the Winter hydration pack for cross country skiing. I have only used it twice but am really happy with the quality and the way it fits and doesn�t move around. I will use for biking when I�m done skiing for the season.
I use this while biking during the winter in Minnesota (Northern USA bordering Canada) and the water is not frozen. It is comfortable and easy to put on.
It's great, overall. It's a little odd, figuring out how this big "X" in front is supposed to fit with a woman's body, but basically with a sports bra, it just squishes everything in. The annoying parts are: the straw is pretty long. I wanted to cut mine down but... is that ok?? I just kind of figured it out. Sometimes the straw leaks a bit, I'm not sure why. Also does the water bag go inside that inner pocket or just in the backpack generally? It would be good if the video showed how to fill and set the thing up instead of lots of shots of some guy skiing. There are also pockets on the shoulder straps... I don't know what goes in there. They could use some "helpful hint" type marketing.
Bad design the tube has to be folded back into the pocket high up on your shoulder. Not possible when you�re moving. Total fail, should have come up under the arm to keep warm but useable.what a disappointment
I�ve now used this pack on multi-hour rides in 10-15F (-12 -9C) temps with absolutely no freezing issues. The overall performance is on par with their other products, which I�ve used on many MTB and gravel events (up to 240 miles). I don�t really notice it�s there until I need it. Super happy, as other winter products I�ve tried are either cumbersome or simply don�t work. I�ll be using this pack for XC skiing and Fat Biking, including a winter ultra.
The pack fits me well. I went for a run in the mountains in the snow in temps well below freezing. Unfortunately, my water still froze in the tubing and mouth piece.
I use this in the Southern Nevada desert to cycle on the road, gravel and MTB. Perfect size for shorter rides in the desert summer heat. I actually had to start using less ice when filling due to the excellent insulation. Half full of ice then topped off with water gives me 90-120 minutes of ride time. Was originally hoping that the 4l pack could hold 2 each 2l bladders. I can squeeze a 2l & a 1l bladder with ice. Probably need to order something capable of keeping 2 each 3l bladders cold for those longer and hotter rides. Thanks USWE!!!
Awesome pack, doesn�t interfere with arm movements. Would be better if the water tube had a magnet to keep it close to the shoulder strap. If you take out to much tube it can slowly come out quite a bit and then potentially freeze. Nit picking but still a great pack.
Good product for long workouts and hikes. The chest fixer comes in place with a heart rate sensor and this is not very good. This interferes with the placement of the heart rate sensor and causes discomfort for extended periods of time.
Excellent pack! I use it for Mountain biking, running and hiking in temperatures of -20�c and it keeps the water from freezing. The fit is perfect with very minimal bounce or movement.
Really like the design of the pack - very compact and really doesn't move around. I'm not that big a guy but I'm in the XL straps for sure -- would hesitate on this if I was any bigger.
Also, shipping process was slooooow. Barely got here in time for the last ski before the snow's all gone.
How do i get a refund? Unfortunately I found this product be a good concept but poorly executed. the handle broke the first day I tried it. stitching was poor. the hose end fell off while using the second time I used it getting me all wet while skiing and the 3rd time i used it it froze. It has failed me in every way
Even hot liquid freeze in the bite valve on very cold days so look for any good tip you may have on how to keep it free from ice? Do you blow it empty after you drink?
Bought this for cold winter cross country skiing and hot summer roller skiing. Its perfect. Doesnt move at all and sometimes I forget its there. Its small and compact but still carry 2 litres of water.
Will recommend to all my nordic, biking, and running friends. What a pack! The "No Dance Monday"/bounce free technology is amazing. With racing moving away from aid stations this year, plenty of room in the pack to carry all supplies. Love the therma-cell insulation to keep the mouth piece from freezing too.
I have this same pack in the non-insulated version (called the Vertical 4) and it�s my go to when it�s not winter!! The USWE Nordic 4 is extremely well designed and the most comfortable compact pack on the market.
Small and compact, yet adequate space, and nicely snug fitting and stable for active sports (alpine skiing for me). Surprised how well it fits - and they�re right, no dancing monkey!