HydraPak took my simple idea and made it far better with their Reversible Reservoir II Hydration System.  We first became acquainted with this reservoir hydration system when we tested the Dakine AMP backpack, however the reservoir was first introduced in 2008.  We quickly stopped using any other reservoir we had on hand.

The Reversible Reservoir II Hydration System features a 36″ Drink Tube, 90deg. Bite Valve, Quickdraw Tube Attachment, Plug-N-Play Connector, and Straight Bite Valve Base.

We loved everything about the HydraPak Reversible Reservoir II Hydration System

The reservoir itself is ingenious.  The opening of the reservoir folds over itself and is secured in place by the easy on, easy off, Slide Seal, a sliding  plastic clip which slides across the top of the reservoir.  Think of the bladder as a Ziploc bag that gets folded over itself and then you slide the white little plastic piece across the top…it is very similar.  When it is time to clean the bladder you simply slide the plastic clip off, unfold the reservoir, reach inside and turn it inside out.  Amazing! 

The wide mouth of the reservoir makes adding ice cubes and sport mixes a breeze. The reservoir is constructed of FDA approved durable polyurethane – strong enough that it can be stretched many times its original length without failing.

The Plug-N-Play Connector was very nice as it made it very easy to fill, empty, clean and repeat without the hassle of threading the drink tube through the holes, straps, and clips on the backpack.  In addition the Quickdraw Tube Attachment made it easy to extract water with ease and sealed off the connection when water was not wanted eliminating water leaks common with other bladders.

For a video depicting how the reversible reservoir works, check out HydraPak’s homepage.  We will try to get our own video up soon!  We strongly recommend HydraPak’s reversible reservoir to everyone and have included it on our 2009 must-have products list.

• February 24, 2009 -- Dakine AMP 12L Hydration Pack Review