Product Reviews: Hydration Packs

From Kevin Fonger, A MapMyFitness Team Member
As featured in the October 2007 Newsletter

Hydration Packs are an essential piece of equipment for both endurance athletes and people who enjoy spending long periods of time being active outdoors? For any active person who sweats while working out, it is essential to replenish liquids lost or dehydation can set in and there is no better way to carry your supply than a good hydration pack! Have a comment? Join the discussion...

	Camelbak Alterra Features: • 1 liter reservoir with external fill • 2 side cinches to get a secure fit • Velvetex waist belt to reduce chaffing • Pockets to hold essentials such as gels, energy bars, etc • Bungee system for a lightweight jacket • Key strap. Review: This is a hydration pack with the runner in mind. At first, I was skeptical about having the pack bounce on my waist, but it was very secure. This pack works great on runs up to 2 hours or longer for those who need little hydration. This is a great alternative for those who are looking for a pack that sits on your waist and does not want to carry water bottles. Price: $45 \| buy now
	Ultimate Direction Flash Features: • 32 oz. Reservoir with external fill 32 oz. reservoir, • Waist style hydration pack • Small front pocket for gels • Reflective bungees for small extras • Neoprene insulated tube. Review: This pack does well for those running one to two hours and prefers using a waist style hydration pack. This pack did not bounce on the hips and felt very comfortable. The front pocket is detachable if you want to take it off while running or place it on other pack with waist belt. The insulated tube is nice for in the winter time for those in colder climates, a freezing tube can be very frustrating, and dangerous! This pack is very minimal for storage, so it’s good for the minimalist looking to run very lightweight. Price: $50 \| buy now
	Camelbak Lobo Features: • 100 oz. Reservoir with external fill • Low profile for cyclist and mountain bikers • Air director for enhanced ventilation • 2 zip pockets(top and bottom) • Sliding sternum strap • Removable waist belt Review: This hydration pack does very well for those looking to go on long rides and day hikes. The side of this pack that sits on your back is very impressive, having what Camelbak calls their air director, and this reduces pressure on your backbone and has good ventilation. The pockets are very convenient, works great for those looking to put cameras and cell phones in one pocket and keys and other items in the other to prevent your high end electronics from getting scratched. Price: $75 \| buy now
	Camelbak Octane 8+ Features: • 70 oz. Reservoir • Insulated to keep liquids cool/warm • Center zip for expansion of pack • Air director mesh panel for ventilation • Waist belt with pockets for load stability Review: This pack does great for those looking for the ideal pack for long trail runs, day hikes and adventure races. This pack is large enough to fit a 100 oz. reservoir for longer activities. The external zip was particularly useful when looking to store extra gear. The pockets on the side straps come in handy for energy bars and gels. Price: $80 \| buy now
	Camelbak Hydrobak Features:. • 50 oz. reservoir with external fill • Low profile for those looking to use it for cycling and mountain biking • Breathable lightweight mesh harness • Reflective strip for night visibility. Review: This pack is for those looking for a no frills hydration pack. There are no hip straps which concerned me at first, but it did not slosh around as expected. There is a small pocket for keys and a gel or two. With a 50 oz. reservoir, most users will be able to take this out for 2-3 hour run/rides with no problems. Price: $30 \| buy now
	The North Face Iridium Features: • 70 oz. Nalgene reservoir • Polarguard insulation to prevent freezing in cold weather • Molded back panel • Tricot lined padded optics pocket with mesh divider and audio port • Zip front pocket with key strap Review: This pack has a great fit for those looking to use it for running or even skiing and snowboarding. The reservoir is very easy to take in and out for filling and cleaning. The zipper system keeps the hose from going everywhere which can be annoying at times. The sternum strap keeps the packet well secure, with minimal straps. The clip has a whistle on it for those using it for trail running or others who want to be safe when running in secluded areas. Price: $65 \| buy now
	The North Face Hammerhead Features: • 100 oz. Nalgene Reservoir • Molded E-VAP back panel and harness with airflow channels • Removable Waist Belt • Magnetic Bite Valve • Reflective Hits & Light Loop • Safety Whistle on Sternum Strap Review: This pack works well for those looking to go out for longer day hikes. With a 100 oz. reservoir, space for a pair of lightweight pants, jacket, medical kit and more, this pack best fits those that are looking for a pack that will be a lifelong friend while hiking. This pack tends to be on the larger side for those looking to use it for running and cycling, unless you are looking to do more of an extreme long run or adventure race. Price: $90 \| buy now
	Ultimate Direction Zoom Features: • 100 oz. Ultimate Direction Reservoir • Small pockets for gels on both should straps • Separate compartment for reservoir • Insulated Tube, • 5 external pockets (one being large enough for a pair of running shoes) • Velcro gear loops for trekking poles • Reflective material • Very Lightweight. Review: This pack is for those looking for a little extra room. Out of all the packs tested, this has the largest for extra gear. The reason being is that this pack is designed for the adventure racer in mind. For those of you not familiar with adventure racing, many times you have to a little more gear than the typical run or ride. Finding a pack that can carry the extra gear in a comfortable state is hard to find. Ultimate Direction has all the pockets you need in the right places. This pack is also adjustable for those with longer torsos, which can come in handy for some. This pack has an external pocket for the reservoir, which is convenient when trying to refill your pack and not having to shuffle through the rest of your pack. Price: $109 \| buy now
	Hydrapak Chute Features: • 50 oz. Hydrapak Reservoir • Gear Pocket • Insulated Reservoir Compartment. Review: 50 oz. reservoir, this pack is for those looking for a simple low priced pack. It has one small pocket for keys, cell phone, gels, etc. One great feature of this line of packs is the reservoir. You are able to completely fold it inside out for cleaning, this is very hard to find on the market at this point. For a very basic hydration pack, this pack has done well. Price: $37 \| buy now
	Deuter Hydro Exp 8 Features: • 100 oz. Deuter brand reservoir, • Space for a bicycle helmet • Two external zip pockets (top and bottom) • Expandable Pack for when you are looking to load more gear • Sternum strap • Reflective Material for safety. Review: This pack is best suited for those mountain biking or hiking. It can be used for running, but feels a bit too much when running. There are plenty of pockets to keep cameras, keys, gels, etc. separate and easily accessible. The reservoir was very easy to clean, being able to put your whole hand inside. It also dried out very quickly after washing. Price: $89 \| buy now
	Salomon Raid Revo 15 Features: • 34 oz. Platypus reservoir • External access to bladder • Expandable Pack when you need more room to carry gear • Waterproof zip pocket for small items • Drainage Holes. Review: This pack is a great ultralite running pack. It has a really good fit and it was hard to notice that is was on your back due to it being so light. This pack is geared more towards those running trails with a few pockets on the back of the pack and it being adjustable. With it being adjustable, it was nice to cinch it in when I went through most of my water, this way it felt closer to my body and did not seem to move around on me. Price: $75 \| buy now

Women-Specific Packs

	The North Face Catshark Features: • 70 oz. Nalgene reservoir • E-Vap Back Panel • Articulated magnetic bite valve • Reflective material • Removable waist belt • Sternum strap with safety whistle, extra external mesh pocks, and a • Low profile for those looking to use it for cycling or mountain biking. Review: The North Face Catshark is an ideal pack for an epic back country trail run. I took it on a 35 mile run in the mountains and it was the perfect running companion. The large main compartment was the perfect spot for a light running jacket and my cell phone and other food, and the side mesh pockets were big enough to carry my gels and bars -- and accessible enough to grab food from without stopping (a big plus). The hydration bladder is made by NalgeneTM and is very evolved: it's got a quick connect hose so you can fill your bladder before you get to the trailhead and just add the hose when you get there, so there's no need to worry about leaking. The best part is the magnetic bite valve. After you sip (or swill) you simply replace it back on the smartly placed magnet on the pack. The real genius of this pack is its fit. Literally every aspect of the harness system can be adjusted (or even removed if desired), which results in a very nice ride. And to top it off, most of the pieces that touch your skin are made of E-VAP, their proprietary fabric that really does help keep me dry and help me forget I'm wearing a pack in the first place. Just for fun, I removed the waist belt and threw this on for a quick mountain bike ride, and found the features translated very well. Price: $65 \| buy now
	CamelBak Charm Features: • 50 oz. reservoir • Women specific shoulder harness • Small external key pocket • Low profile • Reflective pieces on pack for visibility • External fill. Review: This pack is lightweight, has good design aesthetics, plenty of padding for the back and good use of mesh throughout, that kept me cool on the run. This 50 oz. pack is ideal for a shorter jaunt as its main compartment is designed to carry just the bladder and its small exterior zipper pack is designed to hold a couple of gels, car keys and perhaps a bar. The 50 oz. reservoir seems bulletproof, has a great bite valve and is easy to clean. While the Charm functioned well as a running pack, its lightweight design doesn't allow for lots of straps and options for adjustability -- making its real sweet spot for biking and hiking. Price: $35 \| buy now
	CamelBak Dream Features: • 72 oz. reservoir • Air-Mesh women specific harness • External fill • Insulated • Reflective pieces for visibility. Review: The CamelBak Dream takes the basics of the Charm and takes it to the next level. This pack will take you on a mini-epic through the mountains and bike paths in comfort and style. It features a larger version of the Charm's bullet proof reservoir and wraps it in a feature-rich pack. Its chest strap made adjusting this pack quite satisfying. And its two exterior zippers provide dual access the to the packs main compartment. If you plan well, you could fit a map, small jacket, cell phone and assorted food items that can be organized into one of two mesh pockets inside the main compartment. There's also a bungee cord for additional exterior stowage. There's also one more pocket under the main flap to carry light items that you wouldn't want to access frequently. I used it as a spot for my car key, credit card and a little cash. My favorite design feature on this pack is the use of micro fleece on the neck and shoulder strap. Price: $50 \| buy now
	Ultimate Direction Wink Features: • 64 oz. reservoir, w • Women specific sport vest shoulder harness, w • Women specific torso length • Zipped pockets on each shoulder strap • Adjustable sternum strap • External mesh and bungee system for external storage. Review: This pack does a great job at fitting a women's body. It is very light and it is hard to notice you are wearing a pack. All of the pockets come in very handy for those longer runs and hikes, especially the ones on the shoulder straps since they are right up front. The measurement system on the reservoir was handy for measuring out how much fluid to put in to mix with powder mixes. This pack has a great look to it keeping women in mind, very cute looking. Price: $75 \| buy now

Have a comment? Join the discussion...

	Camelbak Alterra Features: • 1 liter reservoir with external fill • 2 side cinches to get a secure fit • Velvetex waist belt to reduce chaffing • Pockets to hold essentials such as gels, energy bars, etc • Bungee system for a lightweight jacket • Key strap. Review: This is a hydration pack with the runner in mind. At first, I was skeptical about having the pack bounce on my waist, but it was very secure. This pack works great on runs up to 2 hours or longer for those who need little hydration. This is a great alternative for those who are looking for a pack that sits on your waist and does not want to carry water bottles. Price: $45 \| buy now
	Ultimate Direction Flash Features: • 32 oz. Reservoir with external fill 32 oz. reservoir, • Waist style hydration pack • Small front pocket for gels • Reflective bungees for small extras • Neoprene insulated tube. Review: This pack does well for those running one to two hours and prefers using a waist style hydration pack. This pack did not bounce on the hips and felt very comfortable. The front pocket is detachable if you want to take it off while running or place it on other pack with waist belt. The insulated tube is nice for in the winter time for those in colder climates, a freezing tube can be very frustrating, and dangerous! This pack is very minimal for storage, so it’s good for the minimalist looking to run very lightweight. Price: $50 \| buy now
	Camelbak Lobo Features: • 100 oz. Reservoir with external fill • Low profile for cyclist and mountain bikers • Air director for enhanced ventilation • 2 zip pockets(top and bottom) • Sliding sternum strap • Removable waist belt Review: This hydration pack does very well for those looking to go on long rides and day hikes. The side of this pack that sits on your back is very impressive, having what Camelbak calls their air director, and this reduces pressure on your backbone and has good ventilation. The pockets are very convenient, works great for those looking to put cameras and cell phones in one pocket and keys and other items in the other to prevent your high end electronics from getting scratched. Price: $75 \| buy now
	Camelbak Octane 8+ Features: • 70 oz. Reservoir • Insulated to keep liquids cool/warm • Center zip for expansion of pack • Air director mesh panel for ventilation • Waist belt with pockets for load stability Review: This pack does great for those looking for the ideal pack for long trail runs, day hikes and adventure races. This pack is large enough to fit a 100 oz. reservoir for longer activities. The external zip was particularly useful when looking to store extra gear. The pockets on the side straps come in handy for energy bars and gels. Price: $80 \| buy now
	Camelbak Hydrobak Features:. • 50 oz. reservoir with external fill • Low profile for those looking to use it for cycling and mountain biking • Breathable lightweight mesh harness • Reflective strip for night visibility. Review: This pack is for those looking for a no frills hydration pack. There are no hip straps which concerned me at first, but it did not slosh around as expected. There is a small pocket for keys and a gel or two. With a 50 oz. reservoir, most users will be able to take this out for 2-3 hour run/rides with no problems. Price: $30 \| buy now
	The North Face Iridium Features: • 70 oz. Nalgene reservoir • Polarguard insulation to prevent freezing in cold weather • Molded back panel • Tricot lined padded optics pocket with mesh divider and audio port • Zip front pocket with key strap Review: This pack has a great fit for those looking to use it for running or even skiing and snowboarding. The reservoir is very easy to take in and out for filling and cleaning. The zipper system keeps the hose from going everywhere which can be annoying at times. The sternum strap keeps the packet well secure, with minimal straps. The clip has a whistle on it for those using it for trail running or others who want to be safe when running in secluded areas. Price: $65 \| buy now
	The North Face Hammerhead Features: • 100 oz. Nalgene Reservoir • Molded E-VAP back panel and harness with airflow channels • Removable Waist Belt • Magnetic Bite Valve • Reflective Hits & Light Loop • Safety Whistle on Sternum Strap Review: This pack works well for those looking to go out for longer day hikes. With a 100 oz. reservoir, space for a pair of lightweight pants, jacket, medical kit and more, this pack best fits those that are looking for a pack that will be a lifelong friend while hiking. This pack tends to be on the larger side for those looking to use it for running and cycling, unless you are looking to do more of an extreme long run or adventure race. Price: $90 \| buy now
	Ultimate Direction Zoom Features: • 100 oz. Ultimate Direction Reservoir • Small pockets for gels on both should straps • Separate compartment for reservoir • Insulated Tube, • 5 external pockets (one being large enough for a pair of running shoes) • Velcro gear loops for trekking poles • Reflective material • Very Lightweight. Review: This pack is for those looking for a little extra room. Out of all the packs tested, this has the largest for extra gear. The reason being is that this pack is designed for the adventure racer in mind. For those of you not familiar with adventure racing, many times you have to a little more gear than the typical run or ride. Finding a pack that can carry the extra gear in a comfortable state is hard to find. Ultimate Direction has all the pockets you need in the right places. This pack is also adjustable for those with longer torsos, which can come in handy for some. This pack has an external pocket for the reservoir, which is convenient when trying to refill your pack and not having to shuffle through the rest of your pack. Price: $109 \| buy now
	Hydrapak Chute Features: • 50 oz. Hydrapak Reservoir • Gear Pocket • Insulated Reservoir Compartment. Review: 50 oz. reservoir, this pack is for those looking for a simple low priced pack. It has one small pocket for keys, cell phone, gels, etc. One great feature of this line of packs is the reservoir. You are able to completely fold it inside out for cleaning, this is very hard to find on the market at this point. For a very basic hydration pack, this pack has done well. Price: $37 \| buy now
	Deuter Hydro Exp 8 Features: • 100 oz. Deuter brand reservoir, • Space for a bicycle helmet • Two external zip pockets (top and bottom) • Expandable Pack for when you are looking to load more gear • Sternum strap • Reflective Material for safety. Review: This pack is best suited for those mountain biking or hiking. It can be used for running, but feels a bit too much when running. There are plenty of pockets to keep cameras, keys, gels, etc. separate and easily accessible. The reservoir was very easy to clean, being able to put your whole hand inside. It also dried out very quickly after washing. Price: $89 \| buy now
	Salomon Raid Revo 15 Features: • 34 oz. Platypus reservoir • External access to bladder • Expandable Pack when you need more room to carry gear • Waterproof zip pocket for small items • Drainage Holes. Review: This pack is a great ultralite running pack. It has a really good fit and it was hard to notice that is was on your back due to it being so light. This pack is geared more towards those running trails with a few pockets on the back of the pack and it being adjustable. With it being adjustable, it was nice to cinch it in when I went through most of my water, this way it felt closer to my body and did not seem to move around on me. Price: $75 \| buy now

	The North Face Catshark Features: • 70 oz. Nalgene reservoir • E-Vap Back Panel • Articulated magnetic bite valve • Reflective material • Removable waist belt • Sternum strap with safety whistle, extra external mesh pocks, and a • Low profile for those looking to use it for cycling or mountain biking. Review: The North Face Catshark is an ideal pack for an epic back country trail run. I took it on a 35 mile run in the mountains and it was the perfect running companion. The large main compartment was the perfect spot for a light running jacket and my cell phone and other food, and the side mesh pockets were big enough to carry my gels and bars -- and accessible enough to grab food from without stopping (a big plus). The hydration bladder is made by NalgeneTM and is very evolved: it's got a quick connect hose so you can fill your bladder before you get to the trailhead and just add the hose when you get there, so there's no need to worry about leaking. The best part is the magnetic bite valve. After you sip (or swill) you simply replace it back on the smartly placed magnet on the pack. The real genius of this pack is its fit. Literally every aspect of the harness system can be adjusted (or even removed if desired), which results in a very nice ride. And to top it off, most of the pieces that touch your skin are made of E-VAP, their proprietary fabric that really does help keep me dry and help me forget I'm wearing a pack in the first place. Just for fun, I removed the waist belt and threw this on for a quick mountain bike ride, and found the features translated very well. Price: $65 \| buy now
	CamelBak Charm Features: • 50 oz. reservoir • Women specific shoulder harness • Small external key pocket • Low profile • Reflective pieces on pack for visibility • External fill. Review: This pack is lightweight, has good design aesthetics, plenty of padding for the back and good use of mesh throughout, that kept me cool on the run. This 50 oz. pack is ideal for a shorter jaunt as its main compartment is designed to carry just the bladder and its small exterior zipper pack is designed to hold a couple of gels, car keys and perhaps a bar. The 50 oz. reservoir seems bulletproof, has a great bite valve and is easy to clean. While the Charm functioned well as a running pack, its lightweight design doesn't allow for lots of straps and options for adjustability -- making its real sweet spot for biking and hiking. Price: $35 \| buy now
	CamelBak Dream Features: • 72 oz. reservoir • Air-Mesh women specific harness • External fill • Insulated • Reflective pieces for visibility. Review: The CamelBak Dream takes the basics of the Charm and takes it to the next level. This pack will take you on a mini-epic through the mountains and bike paths in comfort and style. It features a larger version of the Charm's bullet proof reservoir and wraps it in a feature-rich pack. Its chest strap made adjusting this pack quite satisfying. And its two exterior zippers provide dual access the to the packs main compartment. If you plan well, you could fit a map, small jacket, cell phone and assorted food items that can be organized into one of two mesh pockets inside the main compartment. There's also a bungee cord for additional exterior stowage. There's also one more pocket under the main flap to carry light items that you wouldn't want to access frequently. I used it as a spot for my car key, credit card and a little cash. My favorite design feature on this pack is the use of micro fleece on the neck and shoulder strap. Price: $50 \| buy now
	Ultimate Direction Wink Features: • 64 oz. reservoir, w • Women specific sport vest shoulder harness, w • Women specific torso length • Zipped pockets on each shoulder strap • Adjustable sternum strap • External mesh and bungee system for external storage. Review: This pack does a great job at fitting a women's body. It is very light and it is hard to notice you are wearing a pack. All of the pockets come in very handy for those longer runs and hikes, especially the ones on the shoulder straps since they are right up front. The measurement system on the reservoir was handy for measuring out how much fluid to put in to mix with powder mixes. This pack has a great look to it keeping women in mind, very cute looking. Price: $75 \| buy now

Product Reviews: Hydration Packs

From Kevin Fonger, A MapMyFitness Team Member As featured in the October 2007 Newsletter

Women-Specific Packs

From Kevin Fonger, A MapMyFitness Team Member
As featured in the October 2007 Newsletter