Sports scientists say that a mere two per cent drop in hydrationcauses a 10 per cent drop in performance. Let your fluid levels dropby seven per cent and, if the weather is hot and you are exercisinghard, you could collapse.
So, a hydration pack can be useful for all sorts of activities.But would you be willing to experiment with a Streamer, a Hoser or aBig Bore? Or are you a loyal Omega Reservoir user?
For years Camelbaks, and the Omega Reservoir inside, were theonly choice for those who wanted to carry water in comfort withoutlugging leaky water- bottles around. Cyclists prefer them to frame-mounted bottles because they are more hygenic and don't weigh thebike down. Hikers also appreciate hands-free hydration, and the USArmy even have their own camouflage packs. But with a dozen or sobrands now on the market, are Camelbaks still leader of the packs?
The clever Platypus MegaWatt range is a serious contender. Thesepacks are designed for anyone who wants to be more visible: turn onan LED strip housed in a reflective pocket down the back of the packand you get a glowing red light. The MegaWatt has a cargo capacityof 7.6 litres, enough for some tools, snacks and perhaps an extralayer, but not much more. The TeraWatt, though, has a 18.3-litrecapacity.
The Nalgene Kaibab III is a comfortable, mid-sized pack. Itsfeatures are basic, but mountain bikers will like its low profile,as it is less likely to snag on branches. There is a waist strap forextra stability. But the ace in Camelbak's pack is its hydrationsystem, the plastic bladder that is tucked inside. The best on test,it has a large screwcap access so it can be cleaned easily(essential if you fill it with anything other than water), and theBig Bite valve in the mouthpiece sends a steady stream of water intoyour mouth with minimal effort.
The mouthpieces on Platypus's Hoser system and Nalgene's Big Boresystem are not as comfortable or efficient. They do have someworthwhile features: the Nalgene system sits in its own insulatedpouch, and the Platypus system can be attached to a shower kit for awilderness wash. But we wouldn't swap them for the Camelbak OmegaReservoir.
So, Camelbaks are still the pick of the bunch, then? Well, no,not entirely. While the hydration system is superb, the packs inwhich they are housed could be improved: the larger packs could bebetter ventilated and more supportive.
By far the best large packs we tried are made by Deuter. A stiffframe keeps the back stable and the weight of the load evenlydistrib-uted. Deuter's Airstripes ventilation system really doeswork, creating a channel for a cooling airflow down the length ofyour back. The Bike 1's build quality is superlative, with a rip-stop nylon outer and even a rain cover. It can fit 22 litres of kit,in a comfortable, ergonomic shape. And you can buy just the pack forpounds 45 and pop a Camelbak Omega Reservoir (from pounds 21) insideif you want the best of both worlds.
Deuter Bike 1
Brilliant pack with 22 litres of cargo space and two-litreStreamer bladder. Stockists: 01539 733 842.
Price: pounds 65
Camelbak Siren
Women-specific pack; 1.5-litre Omega Reservoir, 1.5 litres ofstorage, mobile phone pocket. Stockists: 01423 325 325.
Price: pounds 29.99
Platypus MegaWatt
Clever 7.6-litre pack with two-litre Big Zip Hoser and LED stripfor extra safety. Stockists: 01629 580 484.
Price: pounds 69.99
Nalgene Kaibab III
Comfortable pack with three-litre Big Bore bladder plusinsulator. Stockists: 01629 580 484.
Price: pounds 47.99
