SPECIFICATION
- Built to pharmaceutical biocompatibility specifications to assure taste and odor free hydration
- Contains AquaGuard™ anti-microbial formula to prevent
bacteria and mold
- BPA and PVC free
- Weight 250g
CAMELBAK VS OSPREY
VERDICT
To truly appreciate just how great a product this is it’s necessary to back up and take the long view.
One longtime backpack maker — Osprey—proved to be a contender when it entered the Hydration Reservoir market , its biggest contribution to the category may well be this Hydraform reservoir, a bladder that boasts a rigid spine in front, a structural plastic plate in the back, and a no-fuss/no-muss wide screw-top opening.
Whatever chemical liner Nalgene—the company that makes the Hydraform reservoir for Osprey—uses on the inside of the bladder, it works. In more than two years of use I’ve yet to give the 2-liter Hydraform bladder a proper cleaning and water always comes out tasting as clean as it did coming out of the tap (although it could stand a good cleaning).
Nalgene® reservoir film is treated with Aquaguard™. Aquaguard™ is the trade name for an FDA-approved anti-microbial which uses a silver and zinc composition to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, while offering carefree maintenance and odor control. Nalgene® recently communicated the following information as it relates to Aquaguard™ :
“You may have heard recently that the Food and Drug Administration said new research raises "valid concerns" about the possible health effects of Triclosan, a chemical commonly used for its antibacterial properties in a wide range of consumer products. Aquaguard™, the anti-microbial formula used in Nalgene reservoirs and hose assemblies, does not contain Triclosan, and never has.”
The Hydraform bladder is worth talking about at such length because, well, no one else is doing it. First, the simple pre-ride act of topping off with water has never been easier. Just grab the Hydraform reservoir by its rigid handle and hold it under the lowest, most awkward of faucets (imagine kitchen sinks overflowing with dishes), and filling it up is a cinch.
But the real beauty of the design is how it interacts with a pack—no more wiggling and gyrating to get a full reservoir to fit inside.
The rigid structure of the bladder backed with fabric slides easily into any reservoir compartment, and while the spine keeps the bladder relatively taut top-to-bottom, the plastic Hydraform plate keeps it in line side-to-side. Rather than roll around on the rider’s back, the Hydraform reservoir lays flat and stays put.
Yes, this is in fact a Nalgene product, and the company sells a version of this design with a rigid plastic handle, but Osprey product managers designed and patented the Hydraform aspect in-house. Thankfully, they opted to not use Nalgene’s quick-connect fitting that allows users to disconnect the hose from the bladder. Osprey was wise to insist the Hydraform reservoir comes without it.
While Nalgene’s quick-connect introduces an unnecessary failure point, its simple bite valve—with Osprey’s own twist—worked consistently well.
Osprey uses an effective little magnetic sternum strap clasp to take care of hose management. The accessory comes standard on Osprey packs, and can be retrofitted to most packs.
CLEANING
FAULTS
There may come a time when user error in cross-threading the retainer ring of the cap into the threads. The other manifests in older production bladders (or online retailer older stock) in which the top edge of that wonderful plastic Hydraform plate can pinch between the back of the cap and, over time, wear through the bladder membrane. Those without the foam are advised to keep an eye on the membrane for wear, and call Osprey if there’s an issue.
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DISCLAIMER
This blog is not in any way advertisment, endorsement nor representation for any brand and/or company related.
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