Gear Review

Hydrapak's Big Sur and Morro Backpacks

November 18, 2011 Tags: gear review, hydrapak, hydration backpack
Category: Gear Reviews, JH Features 1 Comment

hydrapak_01, hydrapak hydration backpacks, big sur, morro, gear review, gear testing, the mountain pulse

Hydrapak’s Big Sur and Morro packs

For the Winter 2011/2012 season, we are launching a new gear review section here at The Mountain Pulse and are excited to start researching, testing and reviewing some great gear. First up, our friends at Hydrapak and Outside PR hooked us up with a couple hydration packs that will definitely keep your H2O close at hand when you are out working up a thirst. The Morro and Big Sur packs have some great features that are setting them apart from other packs in the market. While we may be heading right into the winter, these two packs are definitely more suited for mountain biking and hiking than skiing and snowboarding.

Hydration Reservoir

Hundreds of companies make backpacks, but only a few make hydration bladders which make the features of the Hydrapak reservoir that much more important. The biggest thing that sets this reservoir apart from others on the market is its ability to be turned inside out. Anyone who owns a hydration bladder will tell you that cleaning and drying it is no easy task. If the pack sits on your shelf for a few weeks between uses, even the smallest amount of moisture can leave a musty or mildewy taste in the bladder. Allowing the reservoir to be opened up, cleaned and dried, keeps bacteria from forming inside and keeps the musty taste down. Also the tube has a plug and play connection to the bottom of the reservoir making it easier to take just the bladder from the pack to refill or clean. Other features:

Available in three sizes: 1L, 2L & 3L
Bite down surge mouthpiece
Twist on/off mouthpiece
36″ flexible tubing
Magnetic ‘Quantam’ clip
PVC and BPA free

Plus Side: Opening up the reservoir to dry was pretty easy. Slide off the bar on top and pull apart the plastic zipper-like connection in the middle of the bladder. Not something I would do between every use, but definitely easier than trying to scrub the inside of a Camelbak.

Down Turn: The standard tubing for the Hydrapak reservoir is not insulated. Winter activites, escpecially in Jackson where temps hover near the zero mark, require an insulated tube to keep the water from freezing and blocking the flow. Hydrapak does sell an insulated tube for $14.99, but does not come standard with their packs.

hydrapak_06, hydrapak hydration backpacks, bladder, gear review, gear testing

Morro

Hydrapak’s second largest pack at 800 cubic inches, the Morro has the padding and load bearing structure to make it comfortable even when fully loaded. The pack sits well and your gear won’t be jostling around when downhill mountain biking or cycling. Other features:

Includes 3L reservoir
800 cu. in of storage
Back compartment for reservoir
One large main compartment and four smaller outside pockets
Ripstop nylon material
Reflective fabric patches
Ventilated shoulder straps
Breathable and moisture wicking back badding
Packable waist strap
Sliding chest strap

Plus Side: Super light and super comfortable. Even with a full reservoir and packed full of gear, you would barely notice you have an 800 cubic inch pack on. Ventilated straps and breathable back padding allow the breeze to flow to places where sweat normally soaks your shirt through.

Down Turn: I really want these packs to be suitable for skiing and snowboarding but I am having a hard time believing that they would stand up to the beating. The clips on the side may be adequate to carry a pair of skis, but no snowboard carry? Us snowboarders have to work that much harder to get into backcountry game, and we get thirsty too.

hydrapak_04, hydrapak morro backpack, the mounain pulse, gear review

Big Sur

The Big Sur is Hydrapak’s best selling and most popular backpack. It’s lightweight, durable nylon material and comfortable fit make it perfect for day excursions into the mountains. Reasonably priced at $99.99, the Big Sur will get you where you want to go with enough water and a small amount of gear. Other features:

Includes 3L reservoir
450 cu. in of storage
Back compartment for reservoir
One large main compartment, three smaller outside pockets, one stash pocket
Ripstop nylon material
Padded shoulder straps
Breathable and moisture wicking back badding
Removable waist strap
Sliding chest strap

Plus Side: Again super light and very comfortable. A great smaller option when you dont need to carry much besides water, a shell, tools and food. No need to weigh yourself down on short day hikes or biking trips.

Down Turn: Not as much breathability on the shoulder straps and back padding as the Morro. The waist strap has no padding and the material in the should straps is loose inside and twists just a bit when the pack is fully loaded.

hydrapak_03, big sur hydration backpack, gear review, jackson hole wyoming

Photo of the Day – A Break in the Storm

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 02/18/14 - A break in the storm reveals the sight that never gets old, a breathtaking sunset in Grand Teton Nation Park. Photographer: Stephen Williams Previous Photos

The 43rd Annual Shriner’s Cutter Races

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); The 43rd Annual Shriner's Cutter Races Previewed By: Adam Glos Saturday, February 15th // Sunday, February 16th Melody Ranch // Jackson, WY 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm General Admission: $15 This weekend, give your ski ... Read More

Upcoming Event: The 2014 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); The 2014 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Sponsored By: Skinny Skis Previewed By: Adam Glos Saturday, Feb. 8th / 8 pm // Sunday, Feb 9th / 7 pm Jackson Hole High School ... Read More

Live Music: Moon Taxi Live at the Pink Garter Theatre 1/25

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Moon Taxi Previewed By: Ellie Stratton-Brook Saturday January, 25th Pink Garter Theatre // Jackson, WY With special guests the Acoustic Weapons Doors - 8:00pm // Show - 9:00pm Tickets: $14 in advance // Buy Tickets ... Read More

The 2014 Coldsmoke Awards

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 2014 Coldsmoke Awards Previewed By: Stephen Williams Saturday January, 18th Emerson Cultural Center, Bozeman MT North of the Sun - Filmhuset AS Never Not Part 2 - Nike Valhalla - Sweetgrass Productions Previous Photos

Warren Miller’s Ticket to Ride Screening at the Pink Garter Theatre

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Warren Miller's Ticket to Ride Previewed By: Stephen Williams Friday December, 20th Pink Garter Theatre All Ages Showing - 6:00 pm 21+ Showing - 9:00pm $16 / Buy Tickets Online

Avalanche Awareness Night in Jackson Hole

Avalanche Awareness Night Thursday 12/05 - 6:30 to 9:30pm Jackson Hole Center for the Arts $5 Donation benefits Teton County Search and Rescue Previewed by: Stephen Williams From the time that Powder Magazine's annual Buyer's ... Read More

Photo of the Day – Touring on Teton Pass

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 03/20/14 - Spring is right around the corner and with such a high snowpack in Jackson Hole, the touring season will be awesome. Doug Hayden, Kevin Salys and Tyler ... Read More

Photo of the Day – Enjoying the View on 25 Short

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 03/15/14 - What a perfect day to be in the mountains. Fresh snow, clear sunny skies and just a little wind. Alex Howell takes a moment to take in ... Read More

Photo of the Day – Springtime Pow Surfing at Grand Targhee Resort

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 03/11/14 - Springtime pow surfing with Kyle Martin from Dragon Alliance as he rips into 13" of new snow under bluebird skies at Grand Targhee Resort. Photographer: Kevin Cass ... Read More

Canyon Kids Release Double EP

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Canyon Kids Release Double EP Written By: Adam Glos Photos by: Christie Quinn In case you missed it, the debut album from Canyon Kids hit the electronic shelves recently, proving once again ... Read More

Live Music: Head for the Hills at the Town Square Tavern

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); < Head for the Hills Previewed By: Ellie Stratton-Brook Thursday March, 6th Town Square Tavern // Jackson, WY 9:00pm // Tickets: $10 // Buy Tickets Online Although you may have seen many bluegrass bands around ... Read More

Photo of the Day – Slashing into March

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 03/02/14 - Mark Byall slashes a line in the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort backcountry as the consistent flow of snow continues into March. Photographer: Stephen Williams Previous Photos

Photo of the Day – 2nd Annual Ski Joring

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 02/23/24 - A skier flies off a jump being pulled behind a horse racing down a track at Melody Ranch just south of Jackson for the 2nd Annual Ski ... Read More

Photo of the Day – 120+ Inches in February

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 02/22/14 - February has been incredible in Jackson Hole and it's not quite over yet. Marian Herbick digs into the bottom half of Four Pjnes with more fresh snow ... Read More

Photo of the Day – Snowboarding in the Whiteroom

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 02/21/14 - Nick Grenoble left his snorkel at home and had to come up for air between trips to the whiteroom. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort was unbelievably deep today ... Read More

The 2nd Annual North American Skijoring Championships

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); The 2nd Annual North American Skijoring Championships Previewed By: Adam Glos Saturday, February 22nd - 12:00pm 1 Sunday, February 23rd - 11:00am Melody Ranch // Jackson, WY General Admission: $10 // Kids 12 and ... Read More

Photo of the Day – New Surfy Snow

Tweet !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s);if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); 02/15/14 - The recent storm has brought in a lot of heavier snow and Adam Glos enjoys the surfy conditions earlier this week. Photographer: Stephen Williams Previous Photos