SPECS
fluid capacity - 70 fl. oz./ 2.0 l.
gear volume - 195 cu. in. (3.2L)
empty pack weight - 1 lb. 3 oz./ 542.9 g. FEATURES
Main front zip pocket has Hydratunes cord port and Gizmo gear pocket for mp3 player and helmet light, mesh shoulder straps with sternum strap and removable elastic waist strap
Air Scoop design features larger pods for comfort and
ventilation and a molded back so the pack keeps its shape even when fully stuffed with gear
Fully insulated reservoir compartment has 4-way tube
routing: top or bottom routing possible
Full feature Reversible Reservoir drink system with
Plug-N-Play valve
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from College Station, TX Date Reviewed: March 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bar H in St. Jo, TX. Although I'm a Lake Bryan local.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
BCS Bicycles
Strengths:
Lots of storage space with a hook & pocket for keys/phone. Easy to fill/clean bladder. Air channel really makes a difference. Easy to use locking mechanism on bite valve.
Weaknesses:
The elastic on the pocket doesn't make it too secure. Bite valve seemed to leak a bit. With full bladder, the storage space suffers.
Similar Products Used:
Camelbaks and also a Trek hydration pack (demo from a Trek shop I worked at)
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000 - very little of it is still stock. Truvativ Stylo 3.3 GXP cranks, Mavic EX721 wheels (I know they're FR-oriented, but I got a great deal and I needed a new set), LX shifters, XT mechs
Bottom Line:
I wanted to try Hydrapak so I gambled on the AS Trail. I am very glad that I did. The bladder doesn't have a screw-on lid like most other systems but rather a roll-top with velcro. I know that sounds bad and I was skeptical, but it really does hold water well. I filled it up and squeezed and couldn't get it to leak. Additionally, the bladder is easily pulled inside-out so that makes drying and cleaning a breeze. Oh yeah, the hose disconnects from the bladder so you can take the bladder out without snaking the hose through the system - the connection is also excellent, no leaks.
The construction of the pack is perfect. Nothing is coming apart, no loose threads. The straps stay tight. I did find that the chest strap (I didn't even try to use to waist strap) kept pulling my jersey up exposing my lower back to mud - a problem made worse, I suspect, by the air channel pads. But when I disconnected that strap everything was fine. The pack has a curved rigid side that works in tandem with four pads to keep contact at a minimum and keep air flowing over your back. This worked great - even in high Central Texas humidity after a period of heavy rain.
The pack has lots of storage space - nearly as much storage space as water space. I would like to see some sort of expandable system for the gear compartment. If you fill the bladder up, things get pretty cramped. The gear compartment has a pocket to keep some things available/safe and has a little clip so they stay put. The elastic on this pocket could stand to be a little tighter so it holds the pocket closed. Not a big deal and it hsan't been an issue for me. This is also a cord-port so you can run headphones or headlamp cables from the pack. Good feature although I don't really take advantage of it.
The bite valve may be the only real problem the system has. It's a very simple system and gives water readily. Once I got used to how the valve acted, it wasn't too bad. Part of my problem may have been that I'm used to a straight valve and this one was a L-bend. Probably not going to be an issue for others. The valve's tendency to premature hydration is the only thing holding this pack from 5 chillis overall.
Plenty of room for rides of a few hours. Elastic cords to hold jackets and such. Great deal for any sort of rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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