Q36.5 is developing an aero full suit with an integrated hydration bag

The long-distance gravel scene continues to push the limits of materials, and Q36.5 has just joined the emerging trend of integrating hydration packs into jerseys. The Italian brand is working on a new competition skinsuit with an integrated hydration system that aims to solve the problem of transporting enough liquid without compromising aerodynamics or stability on the bike.

This Q36.5 skinsuit takes gravel aerodynamics to the extreme and integrates a 2-liter hydration pack

The new Q36.5 Adventure Racing Hydration Skinsuit is still in the development phase, but it has already debuted in real competition. The first prototypes were used by riders from the Q36.5 Women’s Off-Road Racing Expedition team in both the Cape Epic and the recent Traka, two perfect scenarios to test a product designed specifically for long efforts, high temperatures, and very rough terrain.

In long-distance cycling events, it is increasingly common to see backpacks or external hydration systems, although these often generate constant bouncing, discomfort, and a clear aerodynamic penalty. Q36.5 has opted to fully integrate the system into the skinsuit itself with a reservoir designed to carry up to 2 liters of liquid while always maintaining contact with the body.

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The system is housed in an ultra-light mesh pocket located on the upper back and has been developed to prevent movement even in very bumpy areas. The brand claims that the goal was to eliminate the typical “bounce” effect of conventional backpacks and maintain a cleaner and more efficient position on the bike. Additionally, the reservoir can be quickly removed for refilling or replacement during the race.

Far from being just a simple skinsuit with an integrated water bag, the project is based on the technological foundation of the Dottore Pro, the aerodynamic skinsuit that the Italian brand developed for its professional road team. From that platform, Q36.5 has adapted the design to the specific needs of gravel, where thermal management and comfort over many hours become as important as aerodynamics itself.

The skinsuit combines Dottore Pro woven panels in the leg area with a multi-layer upper construction mapped to the body. According to the brand, this structure seeks to find the balance between ventilation, thermal regulation, and aerodynamic efficiency, something particularly challenging in long-duration gravel events where speeds, positions, and conditions change constantly.

Behind the project is Luigi Bergamo, founder of Q36.5, who explains that development began in the summer of 2025 while they were working on the prototypes used by the professional team during La Vuelta. From there, they saw potential to transfer that work to other disciplines such as triathlon or gravel.

The brand also acknowledges that gravel offers a much more open environment for technological experimentation than traditional road cycling, something that has accelerated the research and development process. In fact, the units recently used in Traka already correspond to a second generation of prototypes compared to the first versions tested months ago in the Cape Epic.

Q36.5 confirms that the product will continue to evolve throughout the season through competition testing and direct feedback from riders before hitting the market. If there are no changes to the planned schedule, the commercial launch of the Adventure Racing Hydration Skinsuit will take place in early 2027.