Polarpak Gel-Cooled Hydration System

What, a hydration system that keeps liquids cool? Surely you jest, Polarpak.

First off, let me tell give you the basics about this hydration system. Available in a 70 or 100 ounce hydration reservoir, it should fit in most normal sized backpacks. I have the 70 ounce model and it fits perfectly in my venerable Golite 24 1500ci pack. It features Microban construction and awesome twist lock connectors, a Nalgene-style screw cap, and a 3/8? insulated tube. The bite valve is different than others I have used, but looks like it should work well.

Down here in sunny Florida we have to deal with heat as well as humidity, which keeps a lot of people off the hiking and biking trails during the summer months. Let’s see if the Polarpak Gel Cooled Hydration System can stand up to these hellish conditions…

I know everyone has seen that video on backpacker.com showing a Camelbak reservoir being run over by a truck. You know what I say to that? Big deal, who cares if it can withstand being squashed by a Toyota Tacoma? Seriously folks, if you get run over by a truck on the trail you have more problems to worry about than your hydration system popping. I’d think you would be more concerned about your guts. It’s just not an accurate, real-world test of durability.

Here’s the test approach I took with the Polarpak, it’s pretty simple, really. I froze it, filled it with a cool beverage (feel free to use water, Pow-R-Aid, Vodka, whatever), stuck it in my pack and got on the trail. Rinse and repeat. Oh yes, I kicked it and did all sorts of mean things to it as well. Did it hold up to being so cruelly treated? Well, you’ll have to read on, and watch the video (soon to follow!).

Conclusion: The Polarpak performed wonderfully after several rides and long hikes. I was initially concerned about a lot of condensation buildup inside the hydration sleeve of my pack, but after using it several times, it didn’t seem any different than other systems. The contents of my pack were totally dry.

The bite valve was excellent, providing a good supply of water without having to bite too hard. It’s better than any I have used previously. The system rode well in my pack, with the same amount of bounce and slosh as other systems.

Did it stay cool? You betcha. Honestly, I didn’t think it would, but after both extended rides and hikes the liquid stayed way cooler than expected. You could also feel the coolness through the back of the pack which was really nice too.

This will be the hydration system in my pack on all future hikes and rides, that’s for sure. Polarpak has really raised the bar for hydration systems, and at only 30 bucks it’s well worth the price. My advice? Get that Camel off your back and go with the Polarpak.

About the Author: Kevin Mims is a freelance writer based out of the sunny state of Florida. When he is not busy promoting or partaking in activities in the Florida outdoors, you can find Kevin at his own blog, Wahoo Hiker, where he posts gear reviews, trail reports, and general hiking information to the masses.