REI Cascade Hydration Pack

rated 4.00 of 5 stars average rating
Reviewed by 2 Trailspace users

This pack is a bit of an anomaly. At first it seems…

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Design: top loading daypack
Size: 1200 cu inches
Number of Pockets: LOTS
Max. Load Carried: 3 l. of water and maybe ten pounds of stuff.
Height of Owner: 5'4"
Price Paid: $85

This pack is a bit of an anomaly. At first it seems like it doesn't work well until you "learn" how to use it.

The primary opening is fairly small, so it seems like the pack doesn't hold as much as it should. That is untill you get all your stuff past the small opening and it sits on the bottom of the pack. Then it just keeps swallowing up stuff until its full.

The compression straps work well and shapes the pack nicely. It has lots of little pockets that are spaced nicely for all the stuff you need access too. It has a place for an iPod, but I never use that.

The nalgene resevior works fairly well and is easy to fill and clean. No problems there.

The fit is very good and the feature that's supposed to allow the pack to move with you works as advertised, but if you lean forward, expect the pack to feel like its about to slide off your back, even if it doesn't.

The whistle that's built into one of the clips is cute.

About the only thing I have a problem with is that the sleeve for the hydration pack takes up a bit too much room from the other things you want to put in it. I think that the part of the sleeve that actually holds the hydration bladder should be flexible rather than a hard molded shape.

Other than that, a great day pack.

Please sign in to comment

Great pack. I am using it to train for mountain running;…

Rating: rated 4.5 of 5 stars
Max. Load Carried: 40+
Price Paid: 30$ at the closeout sale.

Great pack. I am using it to train for mountain running; hiking with gear, full water and 30# of weights in it.

Padding is great, and breathes well. Holds more than you expect, so it can be light or really loaded down. Very little jostling, and well balanced. Straps articulated for strong chest. Has an external sleeve that is good for stashing your wet stuff -- even has a drain for it, and taped zipper side pockets at hips accessible on the move. It never leaked- which is good when carrying a phone and MP3.

Overall- a Great pack.

Please sign in to comment
Do you know someone who might be interested in this?
Share a link to this page via email, Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.
If you've owned or used a REI Cascade Hydration Pack, please share your experience.

Where to Buy

Buy Online

The REI Cascade Hydration Pack is not available from the stores we monitor.

You may want to check pricing and availability directly at these REI retailers:


REI

You may be able to find it new or used at one of these sites:


Trailspace Classifieds

GearTrade

US | Canada | UK | Aus

Amazon

Retailers: Do you sell this product? List your site here.

Discontinued

The Cascade Hydration Pack has been discontinued.

previously retailed for:
$59.83 - $85.00

The REI Cascade Hydration Pack is not available from the stores we monitor.

Last seen February 7, 2008 at REI.

where to buy:

You may want to check pricing and availability directly at these REI retailers:

- REI

- other options »

Browse similar products »

Recently on Trailspace

To Write the Best Backpack Reviews Answer 3 Questions

When buying a backpack, people want to know how it will fit, feel, and hold their gear. Give those details, and you'll help other hikers, backpackers, climbers, skiers, trail runners, and paddlers find the right pack for their next backcountry adventures. Read More »

Review: Mountain Hardwear Men's Way2cool Tank

The Way2Cool Tank is a running top made with a fabric using Cool Q ZERO (“a cooling agent”) it is also finished with an antimicrobial agent. Its partial mesh… Read More »

Review: Osprey Talon 44

Relatively lightweight internal frame pack that is much heavier than other frameless ultralight options, but does not provide the stability/suspension of heavier… Read More »

Review: Mountain Hardwear Men's Chiller Long Sleeve Shirt

The Chiller Long Sleeve shirt is designed to help you stay cool when it is hot out while providing SPF 40 protection from UV rays. At just 9 oz. /255 g. its special… Read More »

Add your voice to the world's most comprehensive and useful collection of independent outdoor gear reviews. Review Your Gear