Hiking for me started at an early age, as I was always an avid camper and Boy Scout. Living in the Catskill Region backpacking has become serious for me over the years. I camp, hike or multi-day backpack through the Catskill or Adirondack Wilderness every weekend. As a mid-weight packer I'm always prepared and use a tent for overnighters. Being an aspirant of the Catskill 3500 Club and Adirondack 46ers, peak-bagging is now my favorite outdoor activity. During these warmer months I will climb many mountains while on multi-day treks. My long-term goals are to complete long distance thru-hikes.

INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Hydrapak LLC
Year of Manufacture: 2008
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.hydrapak.com
MSRP: US$52.99
Listed Weight: 15 oz (425 g)
Measured Weight: 16 oz (454 g)
Torso: 18 (0.41 m)
Waist: 32 (42 EU)

Other details:

Fluid capacity/Reservoir: 70 oz (2 L)
Gear Storage: 160 cu in (2.6 L)

Front-flap for easy reservoir access. Raised mesh panels create air flow between back and pack. Sternum strap and removable waist belt reduce pack movement.

*Above details taken from the product page on hydrapack.com

Image courtesy of hydrapak.com

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The pack was received on March 27, 2008 with one defect in the bladder pocket. A nylon strap located inside the bladder bag compartment was torn and completely frayed and threadbare. It seams that the end of the nylon wasn't melted to keep it from unraveling. This nylon strap is used to hold the bladder in place and helps to keep it from sagging to the bottom of the pack.
Customer service was eager to help with this issue. The person I spoke with was a pleasure to deal with and was very courteous. I was told to return it for a replacement. I was told they will send a check from Hydrapak to reimburse shipping costs.

The pack didn't meet my initial expectations when I first received it. I thought it was a bit smaller than compared to what I saw and read on the Hydrapak website. Now after thoroughly inspecting it I feel it will be perfect for short day hikes and mountain bike rides. As soon as I get the replacement pack I will size it up for long day trips. My big lunches will be a tight fit in this compact pack.

Besides the one defect I found all other seams look to be fully intact and constructed well. All stitching look good and all zippers run smoothly.

There are plenty of small pockets to organize and stash any small gear. The top outer pocket has a soft cushioning material lined in the inside. This will make a perfect sunglass pocket. The small lower outer pocket has two organizational sleeves inside and elastic strapping for stashing small items in as well as a key clip. On the outside of this pocket is a smaller pocket that fastens closed with a hook and loop closure. On the inside are two open elastic sleeves and one open main compartment for the bladder bag. I will be able to better explain the bladder in my Field Review when I have the replacement and can play with it when filled with water.

TRYING IT OUT

I didn't get to try out the pack since I wanted to keep the bladder parts sealed in the factory seals for an easy return for replacement. However, I did do a through examination of the pack and found no other flaws. Pockets look and seem to be easily accessible. Zippers and hook and loop closures are all intact. Hopefully all goes well with the replacement pack and I will thoroughly test the pack to provide quality assessments in my upcoming reviews.

TESTING STRATEGY

I will wear the Hydrapak Streamline on all my day trips mostly hiking to mountain summits. During the warmer months I do many car camping trips and will use the pack then when hiking from base camp for the day. I will also be taking many mountain bike rides where this pack will be perfect to use and test.

My wife and I do take some site seeing trips around some Adirondack and Vermont areas were this pack will also be of much use. This June we will be doing some site seeing in Las Vegas after our trade show. The pack will be used then as well.

SUMMARY

Aside from the one defect I found the pack looks pretty well built and constructed. I will report all of my findings, pros and cons in the next report for this test series.

Customer Service so far was a positive experience for me. It was a good second impression after a negative first from finding the defect. They seem to be a good company who cares about their consumers.

This concludes my Initial Report. The Field Report will be amended to this report in approximately two months from the date of this report . Please check back then for further information.

Test Report by Mike Wilkie

All material on this site is the exclusive property of BackpackGearTest.org.
BackpackGearTest software copyright David Anderson