First Look - Karrimor Hydro 30 Daysac
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Price: £59.99
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Weight: 1300g
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Specification: 30 litre total
capacity, CoolMax body contact fabric, single main
compartment, hip belt with large zipped pockets, Crossover
Compression system, hydration system compatible, reflective
flashes, body-hugging profile, YKK Ziplon splash-proof zips,
shock cord load management system, LED light holder, mesh
bottle pockets, key clip, chest strap.
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What is it? Karrimor's latest
active / adventure race sack with loads of carrying capacity
and some killer features
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First the disclaimer again due to foot and mouth the
nearest we've come to using the Hydro 30 for real is in the mean
aisles of Glossop's Tescos, so these are impressions rather than an
all-out, full-on test.
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Curves to die for, but
actually
comfy as it mimics the shape
of the spine
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The Hydro 30 looks a bit like a hydration system that's been
inflated with high pressure gas with exagerated almost aerodynamic
curves. It's one of the first designs from Karrimor's new, American
pack specialist and it uses some interesting new ideas.
The first of these and one that'll be welcomed by racers and fast
movers everywhere are the huge zip pockets on the hip belt. We've
seen pockets here before, notably on Karrimor's own KIMM sacs, but
these are four or five times bigger than the norm. Fantastic, you can
stash food, a tool kit, spare hat, whatever - all the things that
you'd normally have to stop and de-pack to reach. We love them.
More? There's a hydration system compatible slot with exit holes
on both sides of the pack, but for really hot, testing
conditions, there are also two mesh water bottle holders canted back
so you can de-holster without removing the pack. Nice and you could
also use them for food. Banana anyone?
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Big hip pockets for big snacks -
the biz
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The main compartment is accessible with a top zip, but there's
also a secondary main compartment which features a water-resistant
splash proof zip, which should please 'water up your back' mountain
bikers. There's also a shock-corded compression system for rapid
stashing of kit and stability.
The big question though has to be whether those exagerated curves
work. So far the answer seems to be yes, they match the back pretty
well and the pack feels stable and comfortable on.
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Splash-resistant zip makes an
appearance on a pack
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Bottom Line We've only just got hold of the Hydro, but
we're looking forward to using it properly soon. Those big hip
pockets are a fantastic feature which should save a load of time and
hassle over the course of a day, though only experience will tell if
they interfere with free leg movement in use. Should be a good race
or biking expedition pack.
