Endurance Pack V3.0: Ideal for running, triathlon, mountain bike and gravel biking

When it comes to hydration packs, the Orange Mud Endurance Pack V3.0 is like a scrappy underdog—it’s small, mighty, and has some impressive moves. This pack ticks a lot of boxes for runners and multi-sport athletes, but let’s be real: it’s not perfect, especially if you’re on the larger side. Here’s my breakdown after putting it through its paces:

Fit & Comfort

I’ll start with the elephant (me) in the room. As someone wearing a US XL, this pack fits tight—tight enough that if you’re larger than XL, you might not find it comfortable. Once I adjusted the straps, it stayed put and felt secure, but it was designed with a more slender audience in mind.

Hydration System

This is where the pack truly shines. The 2L bladder slides in easily and doesn’t fight you when filling or storing. My twin 500ml soft flasks up front are equally hassle-free. I loved how simple it was to stay hydrated without fumbling around mid-run. However, a full bladder squishes the back storage pockets, making them less usable when carrying a lot of water. It’s a trade-off you might have to consider for longer runs or rides.

Storage Layout

Let’s talk about the pack’s storage game.

The shoulder stashes are absolute champs, holding a boatload of gels (at least six per side!). The front mesh pockets easily fit essentials like salt sticks, snacks, or even an iPhone 16, which was a delightful surprise.

But the back pockets felt cramped when the 2L bladder was full. Sure, they’re there, but they’re not super…