Keep Hydrated with the Gerber Liquifusion Hydration Backpack

Comfortable, affordable hydration on the trail. That is what Gerber® offers in their Liquifusion™ Hydration pack system. If you are tired of sloshing hydration packs, or worse, carrying water bottles, then this system is for you.

The Gerber® Company is famous for beauty and advanced design in knives, and has now brought this concept to hydration packs. The heart of the system is the Liquifusion™ reservoir. The reservoir comes in a 70 or 100 ounce design, allowing several different pack configurations. The reservoir is dishwasher safe, the only one on the market that can claim this. It is constructed of semi-rigid polyethylene, preventing the sloshing "lump" at the bottom of the pack that occurs in conventional collapsing reservoirs. Complete with a bite valve, this design is so obvious and well thought out; I am surprised no one thought of it earlier.

The reservoirs can be used in a variety of different packs, from the lightweight Reserve™ model to hiking style day packs with ample extra storage capacity. Of course within these divergent styles there are a variety of colors and patterns. Prices range from around $55 for the lightweight models, up to $140 for the hiking style.

As a triathlete I chose the lightest model, the 70 ounce Reserve™ for $55. This pack weighs in at a paltry 1.38 pounds empty and came in a high visibility yellow with 3M® reflective tape. The adjustable strap includes a chest strap and a 1" wide waist strap. I found the pack quite comfortable and stable. In addition, breathable straps and back pad controlled the extra perspiration common in other packs. I also purchased an extra reservoir for around $20. For my type of riding it is nice to stash a refill at the turnaround on training rides

The only improvement that I would like to see would be better aerodynamic design at the neck of the reservoir. The filler cap and strap that secures the reservoir into the pack does create turbulence. Probably not a huge problem for mountain bikers, and general touring, but as triathlon rider with my upper body nearly prone, I can feel a little drag near the back of my neck. But again, this is not a big problem, because you would not be wearing a pack in a competition.

All in all, Gerber® has kept up with their fine reputation and innovation with the Liquifusion hydration packs. Functional, innovative, comfortable and stylish are all words that I would attach to this affordable hydration solution. I would recommend a buy on this one, and after using it for a season, I would not be caught dead training with out it!