Packs, Vests, Water Bottles

Recent Pack, Vest, or Bottle Reviews

Yeti Rambler Bottle 36oz

No lid? Terrible—paid $50 for this as a Christmas gift to replace an old Thermos. Every time you try to pour out your hot tea, it runs down the side and makes a mess. Emailed Customer Service. They told me buy a lid at $30 more. Maybe it's me, but for $50, I think that it should work. The old Thermos is out of retirement.  Full review

CamelBak TransAlp

CamelBak TransAlp was the best ever—no other product had these features. I would buy it immediately if I could. Unfortunately I used my CamelBak TransAlp so often over 10 years, that I had to buy a new one—but there are no packs which are similar to that prefect pack. Hopefully CamelBak makes a revival TransAlp!! The best backpack for all kinds of sports and in the mountains. Full review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa

Versatility is implied in the name for good reason. HMG refers to the Versa as a Fanny Pack and Pack Accessory with suggested uses far beyond just strapping it around your waist. Wearing it around the chest, like a bandolier, or attached to your pack are just a few of the options. Light at just over 4 ounces with strap and under 3 ounces with strap removed, it makes a nice addition to a pack or great standalone space for shorter adventures. Perfect for carrying items you want easy access to like… Full review

Platypus PlatyPreserve

Durable and a must-have for various adventures/venues. I have used this product for over 10+ years. I primarily use it for day hikes, picnics, in movie theaters, and indoor/outdoor concerts. I have also used it backpacking to celebrate seven successful summits of Mt. Whitney at Trail Camp. To get through concert jacket/bag searches “a friend of mine” says it conveniently fits within the “personal package” area of one’s underwear without drawing attention. His wife says there are also “female”… Full review

Platypus PlatyPreserve

I like wine!! A lot. And have no qualms about taking it on short backpacking trips. I must confess, that one of my favorite parts of overnight trips is "happy hour." And a nice glass of wine to accompany your Packit Gourmet or Good To-Go dinner, is a nice luxury. On short trips (2-4 days), I have no problem hauling a bit of the grape with me. But schlepping a real bottle of wine has issues for backpackers. Even empty, the glass bottle is heavy. And there's always the possibility that the bottle… Full review

Geigerrig Rig 500

Small, portable, capacity, maybe the air and water hoses are a bit "too cumbersome". Notice: Too small for day hikes, too big carry along a full mult-iday backpack (~45 Liters or more) That plastic taste (and at the beginning, even odor) that comes with the water out of the hose. I have washed the bag, but most probably I will have to use food grade detergent to clean it once and for all. The manufacturer recommends to wash it thoroughly and to store for an entire night water with a whole lemon… Full review

UltrAspire Momentum Race Vest

Fit: Sizing is usually true to size. UltrAspire's website offers a fitting guide for those who are unfamiliar with their products.  Comfort: No issues with chafing from the pack even when loaded to full capacity. Have used this pack for up to 11 continuous hours with no chafing or discomfort. Would always recommend a Body Glide type product if doing multi-hour or full day outings where you would be wearing a vest.  Capacity: Fluid capacity without a bladder is what makes this a very good vest… Full review

EcoVessel The Boulder Insulated

The EcoVessel is a well-designed, insulated container whose features give it a slight edge in a crowded market. The 24 oz "Boulder" holds enough liquid to keep you hydrated on shorter day hike. The dimensions are 11.625" x 2.875" (29 cm x 7 cm). This allows the bottle to fit into most modern car carrier holders. Luckily, because of an air tight screw on lid, you can just throw it on your adjacent seat without fear of leaking if you don’t have a cup holder.  The container keeps ice for more than… Full review

Bindle Bottle

A big bottle which will keep your drink cold. And then there's the "secret" compartment. I was looking forward to trying out the Bindle Bottle, so when it arrived a couple of weeks ago, I wasted no time in giving it a try.This hefty insulated bottle comes in two sizes—a 20-oz size and a 24-oz size (which is what I am reviewing). Upon opening the top lid for the first time, it didn't look big enough to fit 24 oz of water. But I used a pyrex measuring cup to test it a couple of times, and it does… Full review