BackpackGearTest.org - High Sierra Sport Company - Soak 2 Owner Review by Jo Ann Moffi

Backpacking Background:
I was introduced to backpacking about 15 years ago when I met my husband. We have been backpacking, canoe camping, car camping, hiking, and participating in all sorts of outdoor activities ever since. We live in a border town (US & Canada), so we spend lots of time in both countries for our outdoor excursions. My most recent foray has been into Adventure Racing. When making a decision on gear, I like to go lightweight and practical. I don't like to carry around extraneous bits and pieces.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: High Sierra Sport Company
Manufacture Date: 2005
URL: http://www.highsierrasport.com/
Model: Soak 2
MSRP: N/A
Size: 46cm x 19cm x 17cm (18" x 7.5" x 6.5")
Hydration Reservoir Capacity: 2L (70oz)
Color: Black/Grey, also available in Black/Orange
Listed Weight: 0.9kg (2lbs, 5oz)
Measured Weight: 1kg (2lbs, 7oz)
Warranty: Lifetime
Fabric: Mini-Hex Rip stop Waffle Weave

The High Sierra Soak 2 is a hydration pack with three additional pockets for gear. The bladder slips into a separate sleeve in the main pocket lined with a special Thermo-Silver insulation. The main pocket has an additional long, slim sleeve with a Velcro strap at the top for a bicycle pump. The larger of the two front pockets has three smaller sleeves along the bottom with elastic across the center to keep longer items from falling forward when you open the pocket. There is also a mesh pocket with a zipper sewn into the front flap of this pocket. A small plastic clip is sewn to the back of this pocket for keys, etc. The front panel of the pack has the smallest of the pockets. It is accessed by the zipper on one side of the pack. This pocket runs along the entire front panel of the pack.
Additional features of the pack include:
- Drain hole in the bottom of the main pocket
- Elastic shock cord on the outside of the pack for more gear
- Plastic clip on the front of the pack
- Mesh panel that comes out of a zippered compartment on the bottom of the pack for carrying a helmet (attaches to the pack near the main pocket's zipper so that the main pocket can still be accessed when a helmet is carried on the pack)
- Reflective strip near the bottom of the pack
- Extra adjustable waist strap that comes out of the sides of the pack near the smallest zippered pocket
- Vapel Mesh Airflow adjustable shoulder strap
- Hands free water reservoir pressure valve with a dirt shield
- 2 Liter hydration bladder with Z-Valve is included with the pack
- Insulated water tube cover
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Vapel Mesh Airflow padded back for moisture wicking
- Zipped expansion gusset for increased capacity (runs along both sides and the bottom of the pack)

Field Information

Location or locations where the pack was used:
In and around Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Southern Ontario, and in and around Anchorage, Alaska

Description of Location(s):
In Sault Ste Marie I use this pack for numerous longer mountain bike rides, hikes, and running. I have also used this pack in Alaska on Mount Aleyska while snowboarding, and while participating in an adventure race in Southern Ontario. Distances range from 5 km (3.1 miles) to 50 km (31 miles).

Weather Conditions:
Anything from cold early spring to hot summer weather. Temperatures ranged from 14 F (-10 C) to 97 F (36 C).

Product Review

I purchased the High Sierra Soak 2 Hydration Pack on a whim at Costco.

Using the Hydration System:
The bladder is easily removed from the pack by sliding it up out of the insulated pocket. There is a large easy to use lid on the bladder. To fill the bladder, simply unscrew the lid, and fill via the opening in the bladder. Once the bladder is full, slip it back into the insulated pocket. It is possible to fill the bladder without removing it from the pack, but I have not done so. The tubing runs from the bottom of the bladder up to the top on the outside and through a hole in the top of the bladder. There are holes on the top on both the left and right side of the bladder so that the tube can be used on either side of the pack. The pack itself also allows for the tube to be attached on either side of the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps have both a sewn in loop for the tube and a Velcro fastened loop. To drink from the bladder, the dirt shield is removed and water flow is controlled by biting down on the valve and sipping. The dirt shield is attached to the valve via a small cord.

This is my first hydration pack. I am very happy with the bladder and valve. The bite valve is very easy to use, just put it between your teeth and bite down lightly to get the water to flow. The dirt shield adequately keeps the valve clean, but I usually leave it off when cycling for ease of use, letting it hang by its cord. I put it back on when running to keep it from flopping around.

The first couple of times I used the pack there was an unpleasant taste to the water. That has long since disappeared and water tastes as it should. The instructions for cleaning are to occasionally place the bladder, tube, and valve in the freezer for a few hours, remove from the freezer, allow to thaw and rinse. I have done this several times and have not had any problems. The theory is freezing kills any bacteria that may have developed.

The pack fits adequately for hiking and cycling, but it does a fair amount of shifting around when running. I wore this in a 50 km (31 mile) adventure race and was annoyed with the pack after about 1 km (0.6 miles) into the trekking/running portion. The small adjustable waist strap does not adequately hold the pack from swinging side to side and banging into my elbows when running.

The pockets allow for plenty of gear storage. I have packed in the full 2 liters (70 oz), a light jacket, energy bars, keys, cell phone, and wallet with room to spare. The outside attachment points allow plenty of spots for attaching gear. I've used it for rope, a PFD, and bike helmet, all at the same time.

Most desirable features:
- Easy to use bite valve
- Mesh panel for carrying a bike helmet
- Lots of gear pockets for the size of the pack

Least desirable features:
- Insufficient waist strap

Summary
This hydration pack is more than adequate for the average hike, bike ride, or snowboarding/skiing day. I would like it more if I could use it for trail running without it flopping around so much.

Reviews > Hydration Systems > Packs > High Sierra Sport Company - Soak 2 > Owner Review by Jo Ann Moffi

Reviews > Hydration Systems > Packs > High Sierra Sport Company - Soak 2 > Owner Review by Jo Ann Moffi