DAKINE Glacier Hydration Pack

The glacier pack has done everything I want it to so far. The straps are super comfy but I wouldnt expect anything less from DaKine. I have only used it for mt. biking so far and am waiting to see how i like it once its on my back going down slopes. So far so good.

DaKine makes some of the best bags around, period -- I have the Heli Pro and love it. But this bag is not as advertised. It lacks the fleece lined pocket which is mentioned both on site and on the bag. Also, compared to the 05 model, it doesn't have jacket straps on the back; instead it has two gear loops which are all but useless (what are you going to use them for? and how, on a bag this small?). Point being that DaKine obviously dropped two features and kept the price point. That's a little sad, as this bag, despite its small size, is a choice bag for nordic and slackcountry skiers who need a hydration carrier which can also fit a minimal amount of gear. But without the jacket bungees and the fleece pocket, the bag suffers considerably.

The previous review was written by me, and I am retracting it. The review was really for the previous year's Glacier pack -- not the one I received. I liked last year's a lot (see review), but this year's is being sent back. First off, it's so small that it looks like a purse on my back. That's the main problem. Actually, that's the big problem. A small problem was that this year, they don't actually have a fleece pocket like they had last year. But I don't care if it was lined with golden fleece, it's going back because it looks like a purse. Dakine, good job not making fanny packs, but don't make purses for guys either. Come on now.

Dakine definitely nailed this one. This is a great inbounds pack. It really does have a fleece GOGGLE pouch, which works great by keeping moisture and scratch makers away from your spare goggles. This pack has the best hydration system there is-- even better than my Black Diamond 32L Avalung. It's insulated and easily accessible because the zippers are very smooth to open and the mouth thing doesn't move around more or less than you want it to. The Black Diamond is great, too, but always takes two hands because of a tough zipper and improper compartment sizing. The bladder is just the right size, too-- you don't really want more than 70 ounces on your back even for a full day at the resort. I say stop by the water fountain during the day once or twice for additional thirst. The main compartment is perfectly sized for an extra layer, lunch, camera, wallet, keys, etc. Another thing-- this works better than a bigger out of bounds pack because it doesn't have all these loose straps hanging everywhere on your back, that inevitably tangle with the lift chairback. Also, this works better than a fanny pack, too, because fanny packs look so lame. Great work Dakine! Thanks for not making one great pack and for not making fanny packs!

just the size i wanted. little larger than the small camel bak's with room for a spare base layer...but compact enough for inbounds. there is no fleece sunglass pocket. not that i would use it...but odd that it is advertised on the site and the tag with the pack.