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MSR CloudLiner

rated 1.5 of 5 stars

The CloudLiner has been discontinued. If you're looking for something new, check out the best hydration reservoirs for 2024.

photo: MSR CloudLiner hydration reservoir

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.

Price Paid: JPY 5,000

This is a piece of sh*t. Tube will detach from the base of the reservoir with the slightest tug filling your bag with water and soaking everything you were trying to keep dry.

My pack is an Arc'teryx Naos 70 and it's waterproof, so there is no signs that all your stuff is soaked until you sit your pack down and open it. Also the liner on the inside of the tube (to keep your water from tasting like plastic) will eventually get pushed inside the tube creating a clog. The only way to fix this is to cut it above the clog. I've tried everything.

I loathe this product.

Confirm other reviewer's experience of the tube separating from the bladder...then, due to the polyethylene-liner, you can't get it back on!

Since I had two of these bladders, I've secured the second tube at the bladder connection with a zip-tie...hopefully this will prevent a similar event.

Price Paid: $24

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Price Historic Range: $10.47-$79.16
Reviewers Paid: $24.00

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