The North Face Cadmium Hydration Pack - 610cu in - 2006

I bought this hydration pack for on-piste alpine snowboarding. I've been through three packs so far looking for a thoughtful and practically designed, small hydration-pack pack ... and although this is better than the rest, it is far from perfect. As far as I can tell, this is as good as it gets, but it may possibly be improved with some DIY modifications.

Hydration: the Nalgene hydration system works much better than camelbacks for winter sports for two reasons: wider delivery tube and better valve system. The bite-me valve is much more convenient than the nalgene bit. Being able to open/close the valve by turning the bit straight or at an angle is a big plus, given the low-dexterity that glove/mitten covered hands have. The Nalgene system's delivery hose has a wider diameter than the Camelbak, which prevents it from freezing in lower temps, or at least, it prevents it from freezing as quickly. The ability to zip the tube up into the shoulder strap further slows the rate at which the water freezes but the problem is: in cold temps your water will STILL freeze. The best solution is to drink frequently, and to blow air back into the bladder after each drink, which keeps water out of the tube/valves where it is most likely to freeze. It seems like this pack could benefit from some additional insulation in the shoulder strap. That said, this pack freezes more slowly and does better in low temps than any other pack I've used (aside from under-the-jacket type packs).

The pack: it has just the right amount of room: enough for an extra layer, granola bars, binding tools, goggles, wax and keys. The pack is well designed and compartmentalized, getting stuff in and out is easy. It fits plenty but is small enough to not make riding the lift uncomfortable.

My only complaints are that the cinch strap on the top of the pack is too easy to lose (I've allready lost mine), and that there is no system for managing extra strapping lengths on the adjustable waist and shoulder straps.

Overall, this is a great pack. If there was better strap management and better freeze prevention, it would be perfect, but from what I can tell, it is the best small hydration pack available on the market for winter sports.

I am glad that I bought this pack. It was very convenient to not have to get off my atv to get a drink, it holds everything that I need for a day of riding and it is lightweight. The only thing I wished it had is the magnet for the bite valve.