DAKINE Drafter Backpack - 650cu in - 2004 BCS

So I decide that I need a small bag to hold my camera, PSP, and all that other junk. I also decide that it would be cool to have a hydration pack for school and day hikes, so I take a look at what DAKINE has to offer. I immediately decide on the Drafter, and I don't regret it. On the front of the pack all you see is mesh, but there are actually two visible pockets on there. Can't forget the two straps either, its perfect for a jacket, heck, maybe even a skateboard. Then there is a huge zipper that goes almost all the way around the bag, unzip that and there are two spandex straps where I keep my gloves. On the opposite side are mesh pockets, I keep my PSP in one, my camera in another, my keys and headphones and everything in the small one, and my iPod in another. Plus, I keep a notebook and my Spanish textbook for school between ALL of that. 650 cubic inches? It feels more like 1000. The hydration feature is awesome, there is neoprene padding running down the outside of the tube, so if I ever go snowboarding I don't have to worry about it freezing. The only thing I can find wrong with the backpack was that the tag said "flannel sunglasses pocket", but it’s nonexistent on my bag.

Everything about this pack is pretty much fine. Good amount (but not too much) gear storage space, and an ample water supply to keep you hydrated through the day. The bite nozzle is easy to use, and easy to clean. The only slight draw back that i thought was a little annoying was that you have to bend your head over more than usual with any other hydration pack, to reach the bite valve with your mouth. Just the way the pack was designed, the water tube & bite valve is accessible from around the abdomen level, instead of the chest area like it should. But other than that little nuisance, i thought this item was a great buy. stylish, useful, practical.

I have been looking for this item for a while, and finnaly I found a great price for a great product, excellent service, recommend to anybody looking for the best gear.

I love it. Plenty of storage space, as well as very comfortable. You don't know it's there.

Pack is fine the only thing that bothers me was the hydration tube itself.. it was bent and the water backs up. (Like bending a garden hose while the water is running) so I have to keep readjusting it. A little painful to have to stop on the mountain to fix.

The Dakine Drafter is great, I have used it about five times now, water flows perfectly, and all the organization pockets are great. I keep tools I need in the hook and loop sleeve for quick access, other stuff inside. I got warm on one ride and put a long sleeve T-shirt in it no problem with my other stuff. It stays in place, I even took a pretty good endo this past Sunday and all items were in the pack were fine.