|
| Home | Guest - Not logged in | |||
|
» Register
» Login
Gear Reviews
Documents
Tools
» Contact
|
Reviews > Hydration Systems > Packs > Hydrapak Streamline > Test Report by Chuck CarnesHYDRAPAK
STREAMLINE  Initial Report: March 18, 2008 BIOGRAPHICAL
INFORMATION
Name: Chuck Carnes Age: 38 Gender: Male Height: 6 ft. 0 in (1.83 m) Weight: 175 lb (79 kg) E-mail address: ctcarnes1(at)yahoo(dot)com City, State, Country: Greenville, South Carolina USA BACKPACKING
BACKGROUND
I love the outdoors – I’ve spent time camping in the outdoors since I was born, and have been actively hiking and backpacking since then. I consider myself a lightweight hiker, usually carrying 20 – 30 pounds (11-13 kg) for hikes up to a week in length. I hike at an easy pace, averaging 2 mph (3 kph). I am a one-man tent camper for now. I like to carry a single trekking pole when I hike to help relieve stress to my legs and knees. I like to get out on the trail as often as I can. I N I T I A L R E P O R T March 18, 2008 PRODUCT
INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Hydrapak Model: Streamline Color: Black/Grey Gear Storage: 160 cu. in. (2.6 L) Hydration Capacity: 70 fl. oz. (2 L) Year of manufacture: 2008 URL: http://www.hydrapak.com Listed Empty Weight: 15.0 oz (425 g) Actual Empty Weight: 15.7 oz (445 g) MSRP: $52.99 USD PRODUCT
DESCRIPTION
The Hydrapak Streamline at first glance doesn't seem like much of a gear pack but it has a lot of gear space under those flaps and zippers.  The
upper pocket is a fleece lined, zippered pocket that is big enough to
hold MP3 player, sunglasses, camera or any other piece of gear that you
really don't want scratched. If an MP3 player or any other audio device
is used, there is an exit port at the top left for wires from
headphones.  The
lower pouch has many different pockets and elastic
holders that can put your imagination to the test when it comes to
putting items in it. It also is equipped with a 'key' clip. There is
room enough for snacks, money, wallet, keys or any other personal item
that you want secured. Integrated with the front pouch is a small
pocket on the outside that is closed by a small hook and loop fastener
and has a rubber fabric tab for opening proposes.   The
upper pocket also acts as the pack's flap that covers the opening
for the hydration bladder. The flap is held down by way of snap buckles
on each side. Under the flap and behind the front pouch are two pockets
that connect the front pouch to the pack with mesh material and elastic
hem. These two pockets can be stretched out and have wind jackets or
lightweight shells stored in them.  There
is a tube holder that is called the 'Quickdraw Tube Attachment' that
allows the tube to be placed anywhere on the shoulder strap without
having to fish it through elastic straps to keep it connected and close
by. One part of the holder is wrapped onto the tube itself. It is a
hook and loop material with the loop portion to the outside. On the
shoulder strap is the other part which is the hook fabric that allows
these two to stay together and can be slid up and down the shoulder
strap. The hook portion on the strap can also be removed to be able to
place on the opposite shoulder strap if desired. The
sternum strap is expandable and adjustable by elastic straps and can
also be removed from the shoulder straps through slots in the side
buckles. The hip belt is made of webbing with clip buckles and can be
removed from the pack also. The rear panel has two raised mesh panels
that come in contact with the shoulder blades and gives much needed
comfort in that area even when carrying a light load. The panels have a
slight curve to them and are spread apart to give a chimney effect so
that air can flow between the pack and back.   The
Reversible Reservoir II bladder is very unique the the Hydrapak system.
The Streamline model comes with a 72 fl. oz. (2 L) bladder that has
fluid gradual marks printed on the front and instructions on how to
'reverse' the bladder, inside-out, for better cleaning. The opening of
the bladder is sealed by folding the top at a manufactured crease and
then sliding the blue slide clip over the crease to completely seal the
opening. Attached to the blue slide clip is a string that is also
attached to the bladder to keep from losing or misplacing. Also
attached to the string is a clip so that the bladder can be hung by a
cord or similar and a buckle that mates with the buckle inside the
bladder sleeve to keep the bladder upright while in the pack.  The drinking tube connection with the bladder is called
'Plug-n-Play' because the tube can be disconnected from the bladder by
pressing a grey tab that releases the tube connection. This allows the
user to keep the drinking tube attached to the pack and can take the
bladder separately to have it filled up or cleaned. When ready to
re-connect the tube simply press the connection back together.Summary: I am pretty sure that I will really like this pack. I will be doing many day hikes, trail runs and bike rides this spring and summer and this pack will work great. I look forward to testing out the 'Easy Flow Bite Valve' and how well the liquid actually flows and how well it keeps from flowing when not in use. That's Cool: * Just enough capacity for gear and hydration for the weight * Routing options for the drinking tube * Push-Pull bite valve to open and close * Reversible bladder for easier cleaning * Wide mouth opening in bladder for easier filling * Seal type closer instead of screw top That sucks: * Nothing sucks at the moment This concludes my Initial
Report.
Check back in May for my Field Report Thank you Hydrapak and BackpackGearTest.org for this opportunity. Read more reviews of Hydrapak gear Read more gear reviews by Chuck Carnes Reviews > Hydration Systems > Packs > Hydrapak Streamline > Test Report by Chuck Carnes | |||