Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA USA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001
Strengths: Unmatched fluid capacity-128 oz Comfortable, well padded, Coolmax carrying pack Roomy for gear
Weaknesses: Leaky screamer valve Non standard hose size-can't fit other brand valves & tips
Bottom Line:
I bought the Epic from REI earlier this season because I kept running out of water using my 100oz Camelback on long rides. At 128oz, the Epic has enough capacity for almost any ride. I have drained it on all-day rides, but I was carrying some additional fluids in the roomy cargo compartments just in case. There's plenty of padded Coolmax between you and the weight, so it's comfortable for a pack with so much fluid & gear inside.
Now for the bad-I've had nothing but problems with the leaky screamer valve. I have followed troubleshooting advice from the website and have replaced both rubber band and entire screamer valve (twice) for my pack. I'd love to fit a shutoff valve (like Camelback's) to my Ultimate, but the drinking tube is too large for other accessories.
Customer service has been helpful when I've called, offering troubleshooting tips and guiding me through the tip replacement. They've sent spare tips for me and my buddy's packs on more than one occasion. They must be spending a mint on customer service resources due to these serious flaws in the screamer valve.
Buy it if you need more than 100 oz capacity in a hydration pack, but be prepared for frustration as you see these extra 28oz drip out on your thigh over the course of every ride.
Similar Products Used: Original Camelback ('91) Camelback Mule ('96)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
AC
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2000
Strengths: Roomy Pack with lots of gadgets for storing or attaching gear, tools, parts etc. High quality materials and hardware. The best harness available for carrying all the weight of your stuff.
Weaknesses: Bite valve leaks. All over your right side. When its 40 degrees out.
Bottom Line:
This is a great pack, without a doubt the most comfortable one of all my hydration packs. The weight is carried low, around your waist, and the shoulder straps are designed to accomodate upper torso gyrations with a floating harness. I can carry a lot of weight without incurring back pain with this pack. All fittings and needlework are high-quality stuff. The roll top bladder is a nice idea, too, but I am unable to live with the drippy bite valve. I called the customer service lady at Ultimate Directions and she was very nice and promised me a new valve, six weeks ago. Still no valve. So I stuck an old 80 oz. Camelback in the pocket and I'm completely happy with the setup. This product is available at Speedgoat for $90, which is a little high unless you can deal with the "screamer" valve. So--two chilis for value, and four overall for the great pack, in spite of the chronic leaks
Similar Products Used: Camelback--at least 5 different variations of hydration bladders.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Ourston
a Cross Country Rider
from San Anselmo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000
Strengths: MODEL: Nimbus (http://www.ultdir.com/torso2.htm)--Very comfortable, 80 oz. bladder, does not slosh, easy to balance weight, wide and comfortable hip belt, well constructed, easy to fill or add ice cubes, carries quite a bit of gear if necessary.
Weaknesses: Soft rubber of bite valve springs pinhole leaks. Black interior makes it harder to see contents of pack. Would be nice to have room for a 100 oz. bladder.
Bottom Line:
This pack (Nimbus) is fantastic except for the weaknesses noted and the flakey treatment I got from U.D.'s customer service. It is great for anyone who needs a comfortable pack to carry enough food, water, and clothing to last for a long ride--if you can get something done about the soon-to-be-leaking bite valve.
When I called U.D. about the fact that the bite valve was leaking all over me, The woman in cusomer service sounded surprised but eventually agreed to send me a new valve at no charge. However, more than two weeks had passed when I called back to find out where the replacement valve was. At first, I was told they did not have any in stock but that I would receive one when they had them. When I asked for half a dozen of the soft rubber tips that cover and seal the spring loaded jaws of the assembly (so I wouldn't have to go through the trouble of getting another replacement a couple months later), I was told that they couldn't send me that many and that they had no record of that part being problematic (after reading other reports of leaking valves, I have my doubts). A week later, however, I did receive two of the red rubber tips, so I am happy for now.
While I was waiting for a replacement bite valve, I bought a valve made for another manufacturer's hydration system, but then I discovered that U.D. uses a larger diameter tube, so that is not an available remedy.
I would love to give this product 5 chilis but the defective material used in the bite valve and the less than wonderful customer service lead me to knock one chili off the score.
Submitted by
Tav
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999
Strengths: Bladder works great. Easy to get ice in to.Screamer valve gets a lot of fluid in to mouth. Easy to usePack fits wellLife Time Warrenty
Weaknesses: Valve breaks easy if stepped on or abused.
Bottom Line:
I have had no problems getting replacement valves unlike other companys. I have gone through 2 valves in the last 2 years. The original valve leaked. I called and they sent out a new one pronto!!
Submitted by
Adam Thomas
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cape Cod, MA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1999
Bottom Line:
I think this is the most comfortable pack. The valve does leak and I now use a Blackburn(it rocks). I don't understand the bladder taste issue. If something isn't cold, with a good foam head and in a glass you aren't drinking it for taste.
Submitted by
Marcus Explodus
a downhiller
from Mill Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1998
Bottom Line:
Probably the best packs, good space, comfortable, but the f'in mouthpiece leaks all over me. I called Ultimate and they acted like I was making this up. I didn't ask for hand outs, just being the concerned consumer. Soooooo, now I gotta Plattapus bladder and am all smiles. Would give this product a fiver but the bladder sucks!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mac
a cross-country rider
from San Jose, California
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
I like my Ultimate pack for everything it does but I don't really like the color. It carries enough water and it's really easy to get ice cubes in it or clean it with a brush. I replaced the bite valve with a Blackburn push valve which made things much better. The pack has the right amount of additional storage capability and the outermost net sack that became very handy for wrappers (garbage) and misc carry.This is not a criticism of the Ultimate per se, but it's a pain to get through the bad taste cycle of a new hydration system. A little bit of lemon juice makes the plastic more tolerable.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CDM
a cross-country rider
from Vermont
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
Defintely the most comfortable hydration system there is. you can load it up with water, pump, e. gel, even a small jacket, and it doesn't feel like it's there due to the great suspension system. The bladder is great with the baffle to prevent sloshing. I did replace the pull valve with a bite valve for ease of use on the move. Comfy pack which I use for hiking and snowshoeing as well. It rules!! Go get one ( I got mine at REI)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
william
a weekend warrior
from NorCal
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1998
Bottom Line:
Any serious mountain biker should check out the UD line of packs. They have been in the hydration system business longer than any of the bike-specific companies - including Camelback - and it shows. Most of the weight is carried on the hips - no more sore shoulders. You can carry more water with more comfort and stability. I have the Tailwind and plan on using it on overnight trips. Theses packs are GREAT!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raul B
a weekend warrior
from Las Vegas, NV
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
The best back mounted hydration unit! Construction is excellent, the bladder is very durable. I replaced the push/pull mouthpiece with a Camelbak bite valve. It was hard to find - I had to call the manufacturer and get a list of vendors in my area. Check the good sporting good stores - REI can order it.It is amazing how few of these you see, it kicks ass on the Camelbak or Blackburn packs as far as comfort goes. It could use a pump holder. It has compression straps for a jacket and big expandable pockets. The best part is how great it fits - buy this pack!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff C
a cross-country rider
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
Check the UD packs out before buying any other brand. Not only is the construction first rate, but the way the pack fits is unbelievable. I tried Camelbak, Blackburn, Gregory, Jannd, and K2 before buying this pack. It was the only back mounted hydration pack that felt like it disappeared when you put it on. It sits low and is much cooler (temperature) then the standard hydration packs. The bladder is extremely nice and has a baffel to help keep the sloshing to a minimum. I have the Nimbus and it fits all my gear, if you need more space the Stratus is huge. The strap design allows the pack to move without moving the straps, it almost has a suspension feel to it.Great pack, couldn't recommend it more. Look at Sport Chalet or REI in the packs/hiking section. Haven't seen one at a bike shop.PS: I tried the Camelbak Bandito (the waist hydration pack) and it sucks. Construction is first rate but it cuts off the blood to your legs and makes you feel sick to your stomach.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a cross-country rider
from Wooster, OH
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1998
Bottom Line:
*****************Having problems cleaning your Camelbak?******************** First: DO NOT BUY THOSE EXPENSIVE CLEANING PRODUCTS!!!!!!! Instead of that $15 device that effectively dries out your bladder, USE A BENT HANGER! Second:when cleaning your bladder, do not buy those expensive cleaners or even soap. The former doesn't leave a residue, but using Palmolive will leave an aftertaste of soap for about 20-30 uses. Instead, let the fungus sit in ARM'N'HAMMER baking soda for a few hours. No nasty aftertaste, and all the fungus is gone. Source:I haven't learned these things from wasting money, I just listened to my mother who has cleaned things effiecientlt much longer than I have been alive. Try it, it works!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eddie
a cross-country rider
from Kent, WA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
This is the best cross country pack available. The harness works great, is very adjustable, and is comfortable. My girl friend and I both use it, and she finds it very comfortable and quick/easy to adjust for her. It has plenty of pockets in different sizes and positions. The back padding works great in wicking sweat and insulating the blatter. The stiching and material is of the highest quality, so if it cost as much as other quality bags--it should--ya get what ya pay for. The only down side is that because it is made so durable its a bit heavy to race in, although there's plenty of room to carry a spare tube, tools, gu, and fluid.I've taken some good spils, and I know it saved my back at least once when I went over and landed in a pile of rocks only to feel the gush of my water-like bed protect my sorry ass. Definately a hot 5 pepper!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevan
a cross-country rider
from los angeles
Date Reviewed: February 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
Don't you think it kind of sucks when some idiot can post two(not one, but two) 1 chili reviews without giving the slightest reason why? Maybe he works for camelback? Without the no review reviews the average chili's would be a 5.0, which blows away all the other products. Maybe the scoring should be like some ice skating events, where the top and bottom scores are thrown out. I'm not for censorship but shouldn't any reviews with no thought behind them be removed? Could fight back by adding a bunch of 5 chili's review but would this result in a ratings war, with multiple postings? Anyway, just to repeat, I've been using UD products for 2 years now and love um. The older ones didn't have the roll up top, the new ones do. The easiest place to find them in at REI, which, beside their stores, has mail order and a web site. Don't get the one the hold the water front and back like a vest; it's designed for running/hiking and is not comfortable in a bent over position.
