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The Outside Buyer's
Guide , for the first time, presents the authoritative
list of portable hydration systems. Desirable features
include bite-valve shutoffs, screw threads to accommodate
filters, and antibacterial linings--plus welded seams
for strength. Since the latter quality is critical-- after
all, you're tucking a half-gallon of the wet stuff in
with your gear-- we drove over a fully-filled sample of
each product with a 1995 Honda Accord in an experiment
we're calling the Splat Test. Verdict? These things may
outlast you.
-- Rick Howells
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70
oz, $28;
100 oz, $30
See it at REI.com |
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64
oz, $24;
96 oz, $26
See it at REI.com |
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64
oz, $23;
100 oz, $25 |
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68
oz, $20;
101 oz, $22 |
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70
oz, $23 |
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64
oz, $21 |
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70
oz, $35; 100 oz, $40 |
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Fist-size
fill-opening for easy cleaning |
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Roll-top
opening for easy cleaning |
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None |
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Antimicrobial
treatment |
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Zip-top
filler for easy cleaning |
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No |
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Keep
gel panels frozen and bacteria don't stand a chance. |
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Yes,
with $7 adapter |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes,
with $4 adapter |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes,
via cap |
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No |
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No |
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No,
but nifty quick-disconnect gizmo for hose. |
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Tethered
filler cap and a 90-degree mouthpiece puts the bite valve where
you need it. |
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DoubleShot
valve doubles the flow. |
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Big
Bore wide opening: Throw in the ice! |
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Spring-loaded
valve barely needs biting; hygienic valve cap. |
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Dump
an ice-cube tray in the zip top |
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Hang
loop for easy drying |
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Gel
panels keep your liquid cool (or hot) for hours, assisted by
neoprene hose sheath. |
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Tricky
to dry |
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Rubber
valves are slick, hard to bite. |
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Rigid
valve can be tough on teeth. |
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Valve
cap bangs around when not in place. |
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Pre-hike
test of zip seal is critical. |
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Fills
from bottom. Bite valve requires big bite. |
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Need
to freeze bladder between uses. |
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SURVIVED |
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SURVIVED |
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SURVIVED |
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SPLATTED |
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SPLATTED |
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SPLATTED |
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SPLATTED |
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