Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsI want to give this 5 Stars!!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024
Unlike other reviewers I've read, my bag arrived neatly packaged, brand new and unused. As you can see in the 3rd photo, the bladder came inside the hydration bag, sealed in its own plastic packaging.
As my title says, I really wanted/want to give this bag 5 stars. However, upon my very fisrt use, when I went to secure an item in the front right shoulder/chest pouch, I pulled on the drawstring/zipcord (not hard) and one end of it came right out from its stitching. You can see this in the last 2 pictures.
Other than this 1 flaw/defect I am very happy with this hydration pack. I like it's small size coupled with the fact it still has a good amount of storage capacity. You can see in one of my picks I have 2 large water bottles inside, while the bladder is full also, and there is still room. Also, the bladder is very easy to remove and fill. So far I love the opening and the closure system and have not noticed any leaks. The entire mouth of the bag opens, making it easy to add large ice cubes. Then you just fold the top of the bladder over an attached plastic rod, and slide a long plastic clip over it, completing the seal. Also, at the base of the bladder where the hose attaches, there's a quick-release button/tab, making it very easy to remove and reattach the hose from and to the bladder.
My only 2 suggestions for improvement (to the manufacturer): 1. Maybe use hot glue in addition to where the drawstrings/zipcords are stitched into the bag, and 2. Adding a thumbtab to the plastic cap at the mounthpiece would make it easier to remove the cap with one hand while you're biking. However, so far I've just left the cap off while riding and have yet to notice the bite-for-flow mouthpiece leak.
Overall, in my opinion this is a great hydration pack at a great value! I have ordered another one, because I need it ASAP, and will be returning the defective one. If I receive my 2nd bag and it is free of defects, and when I am issued my refund for the first bag, I will happily update my review to 5 stars.
Thank you for reading my lenghty review. I hope it helps!