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Reviews > Hydration Systems > Bladders > Sea to Summit Pack Tap > Test Report by Erin Marie Hedden
SEA TO SUMMIT PACK TAP
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TESTER INFORMATION
Backpacking Background: I have been backpacking since 4 years of age, taking long trips into the mountains with my family. I hike various terrains from mountains and plateaus to grasslands and prairies. My excursions can be a day hike with a light-weight waist pack, a loop trail taking up to 5 days on which I keep my pack as light-weight as possible, or an in-and-out trip for a night or two where my pack can be heavy. Slow and steady is my pace and I use a tent or a hammock depending on weather and terrain.
INITIAL REPORT
PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS Manufacturer: Sea to Summit Year of Manufacture: 2011 Manufacturer's Website: Sea to Summit MSRP: $24.95 as listed by retailer (not listed on website) Listed Weight: 4 oz (113 g) Measured Weight: 4.4 oz (125 g) Size tested 4 liter (135 oz) Color tested: Green and black Also available in: 2 liter (67 oz) 6 liter (203 oz) 10 liter (338 oz) Listed Capacity: 4 liter (135 fl oz) Measured Capacity : 3.8 liters (128 fl oz) Material used for the bladder is Mylar Material used for the exterior is 420 D ripstop nylon INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
TRYING IT OUT
SUMMARY
I look forward to using the Sea to Summit Pack Tap on my fall excursions into the bush and backwoods. It holds more water than the average water bottles I normally carry with me and because of that and its functional ability to be strapped to the exterior shell of a backpack I can cut the weight I normally carry by not having to include so many bottles of water in my pack. FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
I took the Sea to Summit Pack Tap to the prairies of Southeastern Colorado where it was secured to a tree using a small bungee. The day was sunny and 54 F (12 C) and cooled to 48 F (9 C) by the time I left. It was just an afternoon out to see how easy and convenient the Pack Tap would be for a day hike. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD I had no problems using the Pack Tap out in the field both during day hikes and on an overnight trip out in Oxbow state wildlife refuge area in December. To prevent overnight freezing of the water left in the bladder after the day was over I brought the Pack Tap into the tent and kept it in my sleeping bag next to my body. I experienced no leaks or problems with any of the components and with the extra steps taken to prevent the contents of the Pack Tap from freezing I had no problems procuring water for my morning coffee the next morning. I am very pleased with the performance of the Sea to Summit Pack Tap. SUMMARY In short, I am very happy with the Sea to Summit Pack Tap. It is easy to fill, easily stored away when not in use, easy to carry and hang at the camp site or rest site on a day hike and all the components worked properly without any leaks or major problems. I am very impressed with this product. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS I have used the Sea to Summit Pack Tap on many occasions and in many climates over the past few months including winter camp outs in the Comanche National Grasslands of Southeastern Colorado and in the prairies around my home in La Junta, Colorado. Unfortunately I have not made it up to the mountain ranges surrounding my home in Colorado but used the Pack Tap while at work getting fields ready for planting and irrigation. The weather ranged from snow and temperatures of 28 F (-2 C) up to sunny and clear weather with temperatures of 74 F (23 C). It has found a use in the snow, in the rain, in wind and in calm clear skies. PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
During winter camp outs in the Comanche National Grasslands I experienced no problems with the Pack Tap freezing over completely during the cold nights where the temperature got down to 36 F (2 C), the water inside the bladder was ready for use, though a little slushy, when morning came and I was ready for a hot cup of coffee. SUMMARY
In summation the Pack Tap performed well and proved itself to be a very useful piece of gear to have along with me on the trail, in the tractor, in the Jeep and in camp. Read more reviews of Sea to Summit gear Read more gear reviews by Erin Marie Hedden Reviews > Hydration Systems > Bladders > Sea to Summit Pack Tap > Test Report by Erin Marie Hedden |