DAKINE Apex Hydration Pack - 1600cu in

I bought this to upgrade from my smaller Camelback and couldn't be happier. This thing has a giant main pocket, a really easy to organize mid pocket and a bunch of smaller pockets, 3 of which are lined with soft cloth for glasses, goggles, etc. I think my favorite part about this pack though is it's ability to carry my helmet and armor. Just a lot nicer to not have to wear my knee pads or helmet on a 20 minute section of hiking in the scorching Arizona summer heat.

I like to bring a lot of gear, food, cell phone, etc. this thing is huge. lots of zippers and pouches and pockets. most of all i like the comfort. i had a camelback hawg and wrote off hydration packs cause it was so uncomfortable. i rigged up an old mountain hardware bag for a while, but ended up breaking down and getting an apex. should have done it a long time ago. huge bladder and room for tubes and candy and tools and food.

at first i thought ....DAMN! this might be overkill!!.........but down here in southern Louisiana its been Freekin HOT!!! i have only been able to use it twice so far and with the heat index its been 105 to 110 degrees!! and humid.....comparable to a sauna! the bag is great! it has a 100 oz water capacity! and when its african hot like its been its well worth having. it even managed to keep the water cool on a 30 mile bike ride! the back part has a cool vent system which really makes a bit of a difference, it allows some air to flow through the hot sweaty back area. and i can never have enough compartments and pockets! this has plenty. 4 of them, with a lil stretching can be reached without removing the bag. perfect for a camera and on my New orleans rides a small gun or some mace. JUST IN CASE!

I guide mountain biking trips in the sierras for kids and I will tell you that I will never use a different bag for the job. I carry food for 2-3 people at a time, a full tool setup, a substantial first aid kit, 2-3 heavy duty tubes, 100 oz of water and usually an extra water bottle or so and this pack just swallows it all. If you want a pack you can stuff with gear and feel comfortable, this is the pack.