User Review: MSR CloudLiner

My experience was very brief and unsuccessful. Due to the brevity of my test of the product, however, I am reluctant to give only one star.

I bought the reservoir on a Thursday, and on the following Saturday morning filled it and slid it into the hydration pocket of my pack (Cilogear 40 liter worksack). Hiked a quick 15 minutes or so from the parking lot to the base of a local crag and pulled out my climbing gear. Just before casting off in the first route of the day, I noticed that my pack was flooding.

The drinking tube had separated from the reservoir at the tube/reservoir connection point, and around 2.5 liters of water was now sloshing around in the bottom of my pack. Experimentation then revealed that the tube/reservoir connection could be separated with a light tug. Most likely I unknowingly gave just such a tug to the tube while pulling my climbing gear out, resulting in the deluge.

I took the product back to the shop where I bought it (ICI-Ishii Sports, Harajuku Branch, Tokyo), and they confirmed the easy separation of the tube and reservoir on my unit, and found the same result on at least one other new unit on their shelves. They then offered me an immediate exchange for a 3 liter Camelback reservoir that they had on the shelf. I accepted and will be testing the Camelback this weekend.

I have written to MSR describing this experience, but have not yet heard back from them. When I do, I will edit this review, if possible, to provide their response.