We've
been using a North Face hydration pack wtih a rather cunning feature
since the autumn, though it's only just appearing in the shops
now.
The Gulper - right - which is a 9-litre, £50, fast-movers hydration pack
uses the same Nalgene bladder as last year's range of TNF
Hydration packs but with an ingenious twist.
Fitted to the shoulder strap is a buckle fixing with a powerful
but small magnet housed on it. The bite valve of the bladder has a
matching magnet, so instead of it dangling annoyingly somewhere in
the vicinity of your chest, it stays securely anchored to your
shoulder strap.
Because the buckle is detachable, you can quickly re-locate it on
either side depending on your personal preference. There is a
downside though, you'll need to keep your compass away from the
magnet or run the risk of getting horribly lost...
The rest of Gulper is familiar from last year's packs. That
means you get a nice burnt orange colour, what feels like sturdy
build quality and a nice selection of handy pockets plus a
shock-corded cargo loop. We particularly like the EVA EVAP
closed-cell perforated-foam in the back system because it doesn't
absorb water and 'sog out' even during high-intensity, sweat-bath style
activities.
The indoor ice wall at the TNF store in Manchester is open for business with 40 tons of ice just waiting for a good kicking from your expertly wielded crampon points :-)
