Description:This 96-oz. hydration pack with exterior tool pocket could be the best cycling companion you'll ever have. Adjustable yoke-style harness keeps everything stable on rough terrain while offering maximum comfort and adjustability. Expanding stash pocket compliments tool pocket for smaller gear and snacks. CoolMax(R) polyester back panel and padded shoulder straps wick moisture away from body; adjustable sternum strap. Compression straps on bottom of pack stores jacket or spare tire tube. Reflective piping for safety.
mouth peice leaks like a biatch; drinking tube becomes mouldy; water bladder looks like a strange urine colour; expensive when purchase in Oz. The RRP for this is Aus $190 which is a ripoff considering Supergo.com has specials on this for US$30 mark.
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC2 with disc brakes
Bottom Line:
there are better products on the market that are cheaper, that have better storage, and do not leak. Would definitely look at Camelback products next time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Boca Raton, FL USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Quiet Waters
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
REI.com
Strengths:
Water and gear capacity
Weaknesses:
THE SCREAMER VALVE!!
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp Disc
Bottom Line:
I reviewed the bag when I first got it and wasn't expecting much from it. It seemed OK at the time. However, when I started XC riding, boy did my opinion change!
I now know why they call it the Screamer valve - because trying to get water out of it on the trail 3 miles in to a ride in 90 degree heat with 99% humidity makes you want to SCREAM! What a horrible torture device that valve is. My jaw hurt so bad I simply gave it up. As soon as I went to my bike shop, I cut the dang thing off and bought a Camelback valve and rigged it so it fit. I am much happier with the set up now that I can actually draw water out of it. Otherwise, the bag and bladder are great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T Dude
a Cross Country Rider
from Sapporo, Japan Date Reviewed: May 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
I could tell you but then...
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Rei
Strengths:
Excellent weight support, way more comfortable than any of my backpacks.Stays positioned. Holds the extra stuff my bar bag used to hold so I can see my front wheel, also in cold weather(used it on chill rides/x-c skis) the water remained water and kept temperature for the duration(-5C for 5+hrs,hose tucked in windbreaker cuz hosewater did get cold)Water was taste free(unlike the hydrapak purchased at same time)
Weaknesses:
Not as easy to slurp from as the hydrapak and I still haven't figured out how to clean all that fungus growing in the tube(maybe someday) and drink piece. Still don't know how bad I'm gonna sweat in the summer with it yet
Similar Products Used:
Hydrapak(is the bullet the one holding a liter?)
Bottom Line:
Being a firsttime user of a camelbak type gig I was glad I chose ULTIMATE as the one. Way comfortable to wear and will hold a fair bit. Beats my cheap'o other one in terms of comfort and taste but like I said the water takes more work to get out.Its made itself a part of my cool/cold weather outtings irregardless of how it fairs on hot summer rides.I am contemplating a waterbag/valve with easier pull though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KT
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
oh geeze, don't make me say it
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Well constructed, adjustable fit, spaceous
Weaknesses:
bag a little bit of pain to get in
Similar Products Used:
Camelbak Blowfish
Bottom Line:
For 40 beans, (like a previous poster noted) this thing beats the snot out of Camelbak. It's well constructed with rip stop nylon, has an adjustable yoke to find the right position on your back, and a slightly larger belt (like a day pack) helps keep the weight of the bag off your back and places it on the hips. It's has plenty of storage but isn't overly bulky/ enough for any winter or epic ride extras. A nice big deep mesh pocket provides ample space for a few Poland Spring bottles that other idiots leave on the trail. The bladder is really easy to fill and close, much easier than appears at first sight. With a Camelbak dryer, it drys really fast. The mouthpiece is fine, no drip. It takes a bit more 'sucking' to get water than a Camelbak, but it's a tiny difference. Compression straps are a bonus. The bladder is a little difficult to drop into the pocket, but you'll find a routine that works for you. It also takes a little getting used to the padded shoulder straps, but this thing is comfortable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T
a Weekend Warrior
from College Station Date Reviewed: August 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Lake Bryan, Emma Long, Ho Chi Men, Area 51
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
The only thing this pack wont carry is your tent
Weaknesses:
Mouth piece
Similar Products Used:
Camelback / basic
Bike Setup:
2000 Trek STP 200
Bottom Line:
PACK Grade : A+ For storage space, looks, and comfort
BLADDER Grade : A+ For design, different from the twist tops on the Camelbacks, easier to put ice in, easier to clean, holds more than enough water
MOUTHPIECE Grade : F Terd Ferguson himself is responsible for designing this thing. Once you find the right spot to bight, it is alot like drinking from a straw. It is hard to keep it in your mouth without making the deluge pour into your throat.
Value is through the roof as it blows the camelbacks and other products out of the water on price, but be prepared to take some time getting use to the mouthpiece. This is a good pack at a great price. Supergo has them starting at 40 bucks + S&H. I have heard it leaks, but have not seen this yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clint
a Weekend Warrior
from Alabama Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mountain & Trussville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
REI.com
Strengths:
Cost, Quality, Storage Space, Can hold 2 bladders, VERY comfortable, Lots of room., easy to clean, needs to special tools to dry, very large opening - can easily fit ice cubes, can take large gulps of water..harder u bite and suck the more water
Weaknesses:
Bladder can leak if turned upside down too long.
Similar Products Used:
bottles
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Mamba
Bottom Line:
I strongly recommend this any one who mountain bikes. For the cost it beats all the competition holding 96oz of fluid plus enough room to store a jacket, pump and MANY other things...food, tools, etc etc. This is all you need to carry when biking! At $39 (closeout from rei.com) you can't beat it as it compares to some of the more expensive Camel Baks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell S.
a Cross Country Rider
from Boca Raton Date Reviewed: January 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$48.00
Purchased At:
REI Outlet
Strengths:
Great weight distribution. Screamer valve provides adequate water flow. Capacity is good too.
Weaknesses:
None.
Bike Setup:
Trek 7200
Bottom Line:
This is a great product. When it is full, you can't feel the weight of the pack at all. The straps distribute the the weight down to your hips. It can hold enough stuff (balance bars, sweatshirt, shorts) for a day trip (or even a trip to Disney). The clip keeps the bite valve close by. The bite valve delivers plenty of water. I've heard that it leaks, but mine hasn't yet. The roll top bladder is weird at first, but really works. I'd tell anyone using any hydration pack not to clean it with soap, but to use baking soda and water in order to avoid getting a soapy taste in the bag. Oh, by the way, it looks sharp too.
$ 80.00
Overall Rating:
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