Westwind Moto rolled out an updated version of its Ranger Wild Stand hydration backpack, and the changes come straight from rider feedback.
The biggest tweak hits the straps. Westwind ditched the two side pockets that used to sit near the shoulder straps after riders said they kept getting in the way. Now the straps attach right to the backpack body, making the whole thing lighter and less bulky.
Next up is the old adjustable strap, which also got cut. Riders complained it loosened up mid ride, so the company swapped it for a fixed version. For anyone running bulkier winter gear, Westwind kept things flexible by offering both a standard strap width and a wider option.
A smaller update involves the dry pack, which now attaches directly to the hydration pack on the back. There is also a new clamp on the strap that holds the hydration hose steady so it stops flapping around while riding.
Westwind built in two ways to route the hose. One option runs it through the left clamp in a fixed loop. The other sends it through the right strap and across the back before securing it in the middle. Riders can test both setups and pick whichever feels more natural.
The updated Ranger Wild Stand is now available through Westwind Moto.
My two cents…
Westwind tweaks its hydration pack because, shocker, actual rider feedback works better than guessing. Pointless shoulder pockets, gone. Wobbly adjustable strap, fixed. Dry pack now clips straight on, hose clamp stops that annoying flap. Two hose routing options too. Basically the Members Only jacket of hydration packs just got a decent facelift.
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