When it comes to staying hydrated while doing physical activity that requires you to be hands-free the Hydro Flask Journey Series 10L hydration pack has your back. After running with a water bottle in hand for way too long I decided to give this pack a shot for my hydration needs on the trail. It has some innovative features that make it stand out from other hydration bladders. Including an insulated reservoir that sits in a neoprene sleeve with a reflective lining to keep your water cold for hours.
Combined with the articulated back panel that keeps the air flowing between you and the pack the whole system is ideal for having cold water on tap. Even while running, the pack is very comfortable to wear. With a mesh back panel, padded shoulder and waist straps, the pack was secure. The Blaster Bite valve hangs right where you need it and stays secure with a removable magnetic clip for easy access to water on the move. While running I can take a drink then let the hose fall and it clips right back to the magnet!
Hydro Flask Journey Series 10L Hydration Pack:
The construction of the Journey Series focuses on maintaining cold water temperature while being puncture, tear and abrasion-resistant, yet lightweight. This pack is perfect for running on narrow trails where you might brush up against branches. The low profile design features waterproof fabric with coated seams and taped zippers to keep the moisture out and your contents dry. Storage wise the 10-liter bag features a main internal pouch for the reservoir that takes up most of the space. Three mesh storage pockets could hold a lightweight jacket and snacks as well. I was able to secure a Glock 43 pistol and extra magazine inside along with my camera and a small tripod. On the exterior are two fully lined pockets for things such as your wallet, keys, and phone. Even with adding items and having a full reservoir it is still lightweight enough to run with comfortably for miles.
Pros:
- Insulated reservoir system keeps your water cold for hours
- Bite valve stays secure with magnetic clip even while running
- Comfortable padded straps and mesh back panel for maximum airflowRugged lightweight construction and waterproof design
- Hydro Flask limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Storage is limited with a full reservoir
- A list price of $165
For the money, this pack is worth it if you demand to have ice cold water on tap for hours. Hydro Flask recommends adding ice to the reservoir for maximum coldness. This could be the ultimate luxury after a long run on the trail. Akin to having an ice-cold beer, but I wouldn’t recommend filling it with beer. I really like how comfortable this pack is to wear over long distances. And the mesh back panel airflow system keeps me cool along with the water. Even though the storage capacity is lacking with a full reservoir I was able to stow my essential items no problem. I look forward to using this pack on future excursions and when the weather gets warm I know the Hydro Flask Journey will be there to keep me hydrated and cool.
Kelin Ray is a Corrections Officer in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest specializing in man tracking and is a member of the Inmate Recovery Team. He is a former Field Artilleryman in the Washington Army National Guard and served in Iraq as a gunner for convoy security operations. In his free you can find him Tactical Live Action Role Playing with his friends as Batman.
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