HydraPak takes aim at the very top of the hydration system pile with the Contour series, its new lineup of reservoirs.
The Contour comes in 3L, 2L, and 1.5L (for lumbar carriage) capacities. HydraPak designed it with cycling in mind, and also targeted backpackers and hikers.
You’ll find curative touches all over the Contour. My favorite inclusion: a handle just below the opening, so you can fill up far more cleanly than the photo above depicts.
Along with that, the two bigger Contour sizes come with the first 3D-welded bottom and side exit port in the category. What’s the benefit of 3D welding? The upshot is, it cuts down on what HydraPak called the “balloon factor.” The construction technique helps fuse the bottom of each reservoir in a flat shape, rather than letting it sag like a plastic grocery bag full of water.
HydraPak said the 3D welding helps the Contour carry more comfortably, makes it reversible (a unique feature in the category), and allows for the two baffles on the bottom — which it said dampen sloshing. Finally, the side exit port aims to ease loading and unloading.
HydraPak also updated the “Slide-Seal” top to give it a more compatible hanger, designed to work with clips, hooks, and loops in a wide variety of packs. HydraPak targeted Osprey, CamelBak, Gregory, Dakine, and EVOC packs for use with its new product line.
On the “Comet Bite” valve, you’ll find all the industry-standard features. It self-seals after each sip, you can operate the lock with one hand, and a magnetic clip on the hose helps you stash it out of the way on a shoulder strap.
The Contour joins the existing Velocity and Force lines in the HydraPak lineup. The 3L fetches $45 MSRP. It’s $43 for the 2L, and $41 for the 1.5L.
