CRUMPLER THE BUMBER ISSUE hydration pack
Test Series by Richard Lyon

Initial Report October 6, 2009
Field Report (anticipated) early December 2010
Long Term Report (anticipated) early February 2010

PERSONAL DETAILS and BACKPACKING BACKGROUND

Male, 63 years old
Height: 6' 4" (1.93 m)
Weight: 205 lb (91 kg)
Email address: rlyon AT gibsondunn DOT com
Home: Dallas, Texas, United States

I've been backpacking for 45 years, regularly in the Rockies since 1986.  I do at least one week-long trip every summer, and often take three-day trips.  I'm usually camping in alpine terrain, at altitudes 5000 to 10000 ft (1500 - 3000 m).  I prefer base camp backpacking, a long hike in with day trips from camp, but I do forced marches too.  I've been actively reducing my pack weight, though I still tend to favor my favorite camp conveniences over minor weight savings.  Much of my winter backcountry activity takes place on telemark skis.

INITIAL REPORT
October 6, 2009

PRODUCT DETAILS

The Bumper Issue is a hydration pack designed for cyclists and hikers.  In person it looks very much like its description and pictures on its manufacturer's website, bright colors and all.  It was ready to use out of the box, as it includes a 2-liter hydration pack (made by a company named Source) that's also colorful – a bright red bladder and tube.  Maybe it'll work with wine!

Manufacturer: Crumpler 
Web Address:  www.crumplerbags.com 
Dimensions, measured: 18.0 x 9.5 x 4.75 in (45.7 x 24.1 x 12.1 cm)
Weight, measured: 30.9 oz (876 g)
Materials: "Water resistant 600D shell & 150D Ripstop lining"
Color: Green front panel, black and white side panels, bright blue trim.  Also available with front panel in red, brown, or black, or in two different camouflage patterns.
MSRP: $95 US for solid colors; $125 US for camo.
Warranty: One year

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

This is much more than a simple top-loading pack with a hydration sleeve.  The Bumper Issue is flush with features that to my eye indicate very thoughtful design. 

The grey material at the bottom on the front of the pack, just under the buckle for the top, and under the front compression straps is reflective, for greater visibility when biking.  Crumpler calls these the pack's "eyes."  Hard rubber Crumpler logos on the right shoulder strap and the middle of the cover are also reflective. The white trim on the side panels, though not reflective material, should also aid nighttime visibility.

The top opens to reveal three compartments separated by fabric dividers: one for the hydration bladder and two for gear.  On each side of the front panel is a zipper.  At first I thought that these were two openings to the same pocket, but not so: each secures its own compartment that extends all the way across the front of the pack.  Though no capacity is listed on Crumpler's web site I estimate that the four storage compartments will hold 800-1000 cubic inches' (13-16 liters') worth of gear.  And it is possible to use the compression straps (two on each side) to lash additional items.  Each compression strap and the strap that holds the cover are adjustable, and each has a Fast-tec type snap.  The Bumper Issue cinches around me by means of an adjustable hip belt and sternum strap, each also connected with a snap; the male piece of the sternum strap buckle includes a small whistle.  The pack's shoulder straps are padded with mesh and quite comfortable.

Source has supplied a bright red hydration bladder.  This has a mouth that runs all the way across its top, secured by a bar that slides on and off easily.  The hydration tube is heat-welded to the bladder and the bite valve and so cannot be removed.  The tube may be inserted through a sleeve on either shoulder strap, as shown in the top photo, or through a simple port on either side of the top of the pack.  I tried all four and had no problem with any; each aperture is large enough to thread the bite valve and tube through quickly and without any forcing in either direction.  I also had no difficulty fitting 2L bladders from two other manufacturers in The Bumper Issue.  The bite valve has a rubber cover that is secured to the tube with thin string. 

INITIAL TESTING

My first project with The Bumper Issue was to see if the bar atop the hydration bladder holds all the water inside.  It does; after filling the bladder and replacing the bar I shook the bladder vigorously in various positions and didn't lose a drop.

Last Sunday The Bumper Issue got its first workout, on a short day hike in the park area surrounding Bachman Lake near my home.  On my one-hour early-morning hike conditions varied from a light mist to steady rain, at about 65 F (19 C).  I carried a sweater and rain pants in the two inside compartments and my wallet and house keys in one of the zippered pockets on the front.  Upon returning home I found all contents to be completely dry and the pack beaded with rain but not the least bit soggy.  The hydration system worked as it should, though once or twice the cover slipped off the bite valve. 

LIKES

·        The bright colors and reflective material.  I hike or walk my dogs early in the morning, often on city streets.  One reason I requested green, the brightest available front color, is that I want to be seen.

·        Compartments.

·        Sturdy material and sound construction.

CONCERNS

·        The string holding the bite valve cover appears somewhat flimsy.

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My Initial Report ends here.  Please check back in two months or so for my Field Report.  A big "thank you" to Crumpler and BackpackGearTest.org for this testing opportunity.