not bad

By Benjamin Vincent Ranked #216 - Hydration Packs - Small May 6, 2010

The outer vest itself is made of good material. It alone as a windproof microfleece lined softshell vest is worth the sale price alone, IMO. Has zip hand pockets (not mentioned in specs), and the chest pocket functions as a pocket (imagine that) when not using the hydration system. Dual drawstrings at the waste is nice, but I'm confused as to why the zipper is backwards. I quadruple checked the tag to make sure I got a mens vest, cause the zip is like a ladies.

The bladder inserts into a second mesh vest that's removeable. This inner mesh vest is also stretchy and quite a bit smaller than the outer softshell, and zips up tight on your chest to hold the bladder secure. There is padding between you and the bladder. The hydration system is pretty inventive but I thought it would be limited in use because the bladder is inside the vest with your trapped body heat. But, fill it full of ice and it keeps you cool as it melts, with minor condensation issues. It's mitigated greatly by the padding provided inbetween you and the bladder. I was also worried that the hose would be annoying up against my body like that, but after a few minutes with it on, I didn't notice it unless I thought about it.

Also, nothing is mentioned about the spiderweb design that covers most the back of the black one, suprize! Since I bought this with motorcyling in mind it didn't bother me, kinda fits in. If nothing else, the money is worth having a unique piece of gear no one else has, that fact that it has multiple functions is a bonus.

Runs pretty slim, size up!

View Details: CamelBak Shredbak Hydration Pack Vest - Men's

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