Fluid Logic GPR50 Hydration System Water Backpack Review 

What are your favourite hobbies to blow off steam and get outside? If it’s anything to do with two-wheeled vehicles then the Fluid Logic GPR50 hydration system is well worth looking into, writes Trinity Francis.

Designed for mountain bikers, dirt bike riders, cyclists and motorcyclists the water backpack does the thinking for you to keep you hydrated.

Studies suggest that a 1% dip in hydration can result in a 12% drop in performance. In competitive or recreational activities, this can have a huge impact on endurance and recovery. The GPR50 is an evolution of Fluid Logic’s in-vehicle motorsports focused products and extends this technology to riders, regardless of the vehicle. All you need is a helmet and the ability to wear a backpack.  

What is the Fluid Logic GPR50 Hydration System? 

In simple terms, the GPR50 hydration system is a smart water backpack. Unlike traditional water packs, Fluid Logic’s model doesn’t require you to suck water up or even remember to drink. 

On the right strap, three buttons control the system’s functionality: on/off, dispense and refill. A remote button can also be linked to the pack and mounted on your handlebars or wherever feels most comfortable. 

Depending on the level of hydration you’re hoping to achieve, you can set the frequency and amount of water you want to drink. The pack will then vibrate as a reminder for you to click the button and dispense water. 

The system works with open face or closed face helmets and comes with attachment accessories to get it set up. For safety and ease of use, the pack connects to the helmet delivery system with a magnetic attachment. In the event of an incident or when you’ve finished a session, the two parts simply disconnect, so the helmet and pack can be stored separately. 

What tech does the Fluid Logic GPR50 Hydration System have? 

The key thing that sets the GPR50 apart from other hydration solutions is its app. While the app is yet to launch on app stores in Europe, I was able to download it with a link supplied by Fluid Logic to test it out. Like any other fitness app, it wants to know a bit about you – such as height, weight, age and performance goals – to generate tailored advice. 

It’s simple to connect the pack via bluetooth to start sessions. In the app, you can set the intended intensity of the ride, how often you want a reminder to drink and how much water the system will deliver in one go. Based on the data inputted, the app will calculate how to achieve optimal hydration and adjust drinking intervals accordingly. 

With location permissions allowed, the app will show the local temperature and humidity as well. When the pack is connected you can view the battery state of charge and the system’s associated remote button. Fluid Logic estimates the reservoir – which can hold up to 1.4-litres of water – will fill and dispense 10 times on a full charge. It can either be refilled by taking out the reservoir, or by pressing the refill button on the pack which sucks water back into the system. 

When you set an activity session in the app, it will show estimated sweat loss and the amount of water you’ve drunk. If you feel like these figures are imbalanced, there’s the option to edit dose and reminder intervals during the session. When it’s time to drink, the right strap of the pack vibrates three times to prompt you to press the remote button or button on the pack. 

Information from activity periods is stored in the app, so you can view how hydrated you were during the session. This is helpful to keep track of your preferred settings based on the type of activity and conditions. 

How much does the Fluid Logic GPR50 Hydration System cost? 

The Fluid Logic GPR50 is priced £365.47 which includes the pack, helmet delivery system, and remote with various mounting options. Compared with water backpacks from the likes of CamelBak, the GPR50 is around twice the price, but you’re paying for the technology and ease of use. Due to the pricepoint, it’s more likely to appeal to those who ride competitively or very frequently to quickly see the value of the pack.