Reviewed: Hydrapak Flume
A while back, Hydrapak offered us the chance to test out their $41.99 Flume hydration pack - a lighter weight (257g), lower profile, two-liter model designed with the needs of cyclists in mind. Since we were not terribly familiar with the brand, a run of the mill hydration system is what was expected…but nothing could have been farther from the truth. As soon as the pack arrived, it was clear this was not some knock-off pouch with a hose, but rather a well thought out hydration system with several design improvements that made it both easy to use and to maintain. One of the most obvious improvements is the use of a bladder which opens from the top – something common to the entire Hydrapak line. Not only does it make the pack easier to fill and clean, but it also allows the bladder to be turned inside out for faster drying. The Flume also features a well designed mouth piece which provided a steady stream of liquid without excessive biting or sucking. Its round shape also means there’s no sweet-spot – in my tests the valve provided near equal fluid flow where ever I bit down. Hydrapak has also integrated an innovative clear plastic valve / coupling system into the bladder which allows the supply hose to be easily attached and detached. In addition to virtually eliminating connection related leaks, the clear design makes it easier to see if anything has accumulated in the valve itself.
Before testing the Flume I would have probably walked right past a Hydrapak display in favor of a better known brand…but not anymore. The Flume’s well designed features made it a pleasure to use, and best of all…easier to keep clean. In fact this is the first hydration pack bladder which I don’t store in my freezer. In the future, Hydrapak is on our hydration pack A-list for sure.
Click on “Continue Reading” below for a far more detailed description of the pack and the tests we put it through.
