Changes

* '''The Heavyweight'''. The [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Salomon+Skin+Pro+14%2B3&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ASalomon+Skin+Pro+14%2B3 Salomon Skin Pro 14+3] a larger pack, which is a mixed blessing. There are times when it's useful to be able to carry more gear, but the size of this pack does tend to encourage overloading. The MSRP is $160, so it's a little more expensive than the Nathan or the Alpha. If you need a small, lightweight (15oz) day pack in this is well worth considering.

* '''The maximalist'''. The [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Nathan+VaporCloud&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ANathan+VaporCloud Nathan Vapor Cloud] is a heavier pack at 19oz, even though it only holds 11 Liters of gear, quite a bit less than the lighter Salomon. With an MSRP of $200 it's rather pricey for a hydration pack, but it does have some nice features. If you're not worried too much about weight or cost, then it's worth thinking about.

==Nathan HPL 020 Vest==

The [http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-HPL-Vest-2-Liter-Grey/dp/B009KRU4TG Nathan HPL 020 Vest] is a little older in its design, and is something of a classic. The 020 is also one of the cheaper packs on the market, making it good value for money.

* Like virtually all hydration packs that are some bungee cords to tie extra clothes to the pack, and again the Nathan is a little more minimalist than most, making it a little trickier to tie stuff on.

* This pack only comes in a single size.

==UltrAspire Alpha Vest==

The [http://www.amazon.com/UltrAspire-Alpha-Hydration-STEEP-GREEN/dp/B00BWSN51U UltrAspire Alpha Vest] is a far more minimalist hydration pack, weighing less than Nathan, but achieving good levels of control.

* I do not like the mouthpiece of the bladder that comes with the Alpha, but it's easy to use an alternative.

* This pack comes in two sizes, and at 140 pounds the small size worked well for me.

The [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Salomon+Skin+Pro+14%2B3&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ASalomon+Skin+Pro+14%2B3 Salomon Skin Pro 14+3] is larger and more complex than most packs, and is the opposite of the Alpha. In some ways you can think of this pack as a very small, lightweight day pack, rather than as a typical hydration pack. The pack also tends to be a little more complex than I would like, with a wide array of pockets straps and fasteners. However, there are situations where you do need a pack that will carry more gear, like [http://hardrock100.com/ Hard Rock 100] where there are several hours between aid station cut off times. I don't think this is an ideal pack for running with, but it doesn't make a great ultralight day pack for hiking.

* The main body of the pack as a number of features:

* Each shoulder strap has a reasonably large pocket that would contain a small bottle and is fastened with a bungee. The left pocket has a small mesh pocket attached that holds a gel.

* The closure for the shoulder straps uses a clip-on fastener with quite a bit of placement flexibility.

* As the name suggests, this pack holds 17 Liters of gear and weighs a remarkably light 15oz.

The [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Nathan+VaporCloud&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ANathan+VaporCloud Nathan Vapor Cloud] is nice pack, and the materials that are used are nicer than the other packs I have recommended here. However these materials have both a financial and a weight cost.

* The main body of the pack is accessed via an open elasticated gap at the top. The hydration bladder sits in its own sleeve next to your back, and is held in place by a simple Velcro tab.

* The shoulder straps are clipped together with the usual buckles.

* The package includes an emergency whistle, which is a great idea.

=Storing Bladders=

It's easy to get mold in a hydration bladder, and once that happens the best option is often to replace it. Rinsing with dilute bleach works for some people, but it often leaves an aftertaste. Rinsing and drying the bladder, then putting it in the freezer will prevent mold growing. If you rinse with rubbing alcohol, the bladder should dry more quickly. Use Ethyl Alcohol, not the toxic Isopropyl and remember the fumes are flammable.

[[File:StoringBlad.JPG|none|thumb|500px|To prevent mold, it's best to store hydration bladders and hoses in the freezer.]]