I wanted to try Hydrapak so I gambled on the AS Trail. I am very glad that I did. The bladder doesn't have a screw-on lid like most other systems but rather a roll-top with velcro. I know that sounds bad and I was skeptical, but it really does hold water well. I filled it up and squeezed and couldn't get it to leak. Additionally, the bladder is easily pulled inside-out so that makes drying and cleaning a breeze. Oh yeah, the hose disconnects from the bladder so you can take the bladder out without snaking the hose through the system - the connection is also excellent, no leaks.
The construction of the pack is perfect. Nothing is coming apart, no loose threads. The straps stay tight. I did find that the chest strap (I didn't even try to use to waist strap) kept pulling my jersey up exposing my lower back to mud - a problem made worse, I suspect, by the air channel pads. But when I disconnected that strap everything was fine. The pack has a curved rigid side that works in tandem with four pads to keep contact at a minimum and keep air flowing over your back. This worked great - even in high Central Texas humidity after a period of heavy rain.
The pack has lots of storage space - nearly as much storage space as water space. I would like to see some sort of expandable system for the gear compartment. If you fill the bladder up, things get pretty cramped. The gear compartment has a pocket to keep some things available/safe and has a little clip so they stay put. The elastic on this pocket could stand to be a little tighter so it holds the pocket closed. Not a big deal and it hsan't been an issue for me. This is also a cord-port so you can run headphones or headlamp cables from the pack. Good feature although I don't really take advantage of it.
The bite valve may be the only real problem the system has. It's a very simple system and gives water readily. Once I got used to how the valve acted, it wasn't too bad. Part of my problem may have been that I'm used to a straight valve and this one was a L-bend. Probably not going to be an issue for others. The valve's tendency to premature hydration is the only thing holding this pack from 5 chillis overall.
Plenty of room for rides of a few hours. Elastic cords to hold jackets and such. Great deal for any sort of rider.
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£39.99
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