Hydrapak Big Sur
Drink systems have evolved quite a bit in the last decade. However, most companies have not strayed very far from the blueprint established by industry leader CamelBak. That is until Hydrapak approached the water-in-a-bag-in-a-backpack concept from a slightly different angle. Its creative idea centers on the unique bladder inside the pack. The bladder takes its design from dry bags used by explorers with a wrap-up hook-and-loop closure rather than the normal jar-lid style. The Big Sur I tested also had another trick up its sleeve-a quick-release connector and shut-off valve on the reservoir called the Plug-N-Play system. The hose allowed me to remove the tube from the reservoir without any water leaking out of the valve, making filling and cleaning a breeze. To fill it, just hold the reservoir under the faucet and then close the top when done via the flap. Once it's full, simply click the drink tube back on, put it in the bag, clip it to the "hanging" buckle and it's ready to go. The no-slosh 100-ounce/3.0-liter reservoir has strategically placed baffles to help keep the contents from moving around-we like that. On the outside, the Big Sur has an array of storage pockets and expanding gussets for stashing energy bars, spare gloves or rain gear. Inside the small pocket are a clip for keeping those truck keys safe and a webbed mesh pocket to hold your wallet.
Perhaps the best thing I liked on this unit over the first-generation Hydrapak is the angled bite valve. You can still get a straight model, but it's not a good idea for use with a standard moto helmet. The designers must have looked at their ballpoint pens for inspiration here, as the fluid flows around a ball held in the soft rubber of the valve that opens up when pinched between the rider's teeth. This complex setup with a push-closed/pull-open operation was about the only area where I experienced any problems on the Big Sur pack. If you're not careful, the valve will leak-whether it's squeezed open or not. Pushing the valve closed usually worked, but that wasn't a guarantee you'd end up with a wet-spot-free gear bag. That was my only snivel, and draining the bag before storage was the best solution. Other than that, it was a pleasant system to wear and use, and the light weight and good-size capacity were a plus. Hydrapak kept the accoutrements to a minimum, and the bag does what it needs to do without an excess of bells and whistles.
| GEAR | 92 |
| Installation | 19/20 |
| Function | 9/10 |
| Durability | 45/50 |
| Design | 9/10 |
| Price | 10/10 |
Bottom Line: A standout in the sea of drink systems, the wallet-friendly $69.99 Big Sur is an ideal trail-ride drink system.