Karrimor Hydro 30 Tested
30 litres of fast-moving, hydration system-friendly day sac from the Big K ranch. And we love those pockets
Posted: 5 February 2002
by Jon
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Karrimor Hydro 30
Rucksac
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Price:
£59.99
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Weight: 1300 grammes
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Features: Capacity
30 litres total, CoolMax back system, zipped-opening hydration
compartment- exits both sides - water-resistant zip closure on main
compartment, twin waist-belt pockets, twin mesh stuff
pockets, compression shock cord, chest strap, key clip,
reflective trim front and rear, accessory shock cord for
pumps etc (we think), twin zipped external pockets, rear
bike light mounting strap.
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Decent capacity active use rucksac
A little fussy about back lengths
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Karrimor's Hydro 30 is the biggest of their 'active' sacs and with a
total capacity of 30 litres is spot on for long days on a mountain
bike or simply walking. And, as the name suggests, it comes with a
built-in hydration system compartment of generous proportions, so
there's no fighting to get it in and, if needed, you could probably
get a second bladder in there too.
 It's
the sleek, ergonomic looks that really stand out though. There's a
pronounced curve to the back that looks OTT at rest, but works really
well once it's on your back and the humpy lines are reminiscent of
the American Osprey pack we featured recently.
Basic comfort is excellent. The Hydro is heavier than pure race
sacs like the Lowe Contour Event and the KIMM Sac with pronounced
foam padding, but it's body hugging and feels more substantial and
supportive. The big wings of the hip-belt are foam too, adding to
comfort. There's a down side to this though. You need to have the
right length back to wear a Hydro.Too short and the pack folds over
at the top leaving a gap above the shoulders, too long and the waist
belt sits too high.
Funtionally it's good. Our fave feature are the over-sized belt
pockets. They're neatly cut so as not to interfere with leg movement,
but are huge, perhaps three times or more the size of what you
usually get. That means you can carry a load of food, perhaps some
gloves, a bike multitool, torch, camera and whatever else you might
need quickly, close at hand. No stopping to swing the pack off.
Brilliant, all packs should have them.
Fast movers will also be happy with the mesh stuff pockets, though
as usual, you need to be double-jointed to access them easily and the
simple water-resistant zip access to the adequate main compartment -
no fiddling with flaps and snowlocks here. There are also two zipped
back pockets and the hydration system compartment which can also be
used as storage if needed. Build quality feels sturdy and the fabric
tough.
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Verdict: We like this pack a lot.
It's never going to be an out and out adventure race pack -
it's too heavy for that - but you gain comfort as a result
and, providing it fits you properly, the wicking, curved
back design is excellent and more supportive than minimalist
race sacs. Features are excellent for fast movers and we
love the big hip pockets which manage to be roomy without
becoming obtrusive. The rest of the detailing is good too,
the back system wicks well and the sac gives every
indication of being properly put together. The
water-resistant zip seems okay, but the contents of any sac
without sealed seams will get damp eventually and it's more
of a time saver than anything else, though it looks neat as
well. Try carefully before buying though, the Hydro needs to
fit you to work properly. Not cheap.
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Performance
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Value
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Pushed for time:
Whacky looking Karrimor creation with comfortable ergo
curves and giant zip pockets on the hip belt. Too havy for
most racers, but extremely comfortable provided it fits your
back. The belt pockets mean you can minimise stops by
carrying what you need close to hand, though there's also
more than adequate stowage capacity out back. Stable,
comfortable and with a roomy hydration facility, it also
feels well made and tough. The only fly in the ointment is
the slight pickiness of the back length - you'd better not
be too tall or too short. Good buy for fast moving in
comfort and a neat mountain biking day pack as well. We like it,
though the 60 squid price tag may put a few people
off.
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Discuss this story
Well, it sounds kewl but is it as good as a lowe alpine flywheel and the like, the rush air still sounds better. Has anyone tested any of these, if so, which one would you say is the best for long distance mountain biking and the like. Jon... does the Hydro 30 take a three litre camel bak bladder?
Posted: 06/02/2002 at 13:54
Ben, it would appear that we were both reading the same article at the same time... It does sound good and cool, and all singing and dancing, BUT it does cost £60, a put off to anyone of limited finances. I'm in the market for a nice relatively cheap summer day sack (30l) that can take a platty...anyone know of a good one?
Posted: 06/02/2002 at 14:05
I don't have one to hand, but I'd be astonished if it didn't, the compartment measures 50cm by 26cm, which is pretty big. A camelbak 3 litre jobbie is, according to them: Dimensions: 9 in x 7 in x 19 in (229 mm x 178 mm x 483 mm). So I would say yes, it should fit.
Posted: 06/02/2002 at 14:08
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