Even though the hydration pack market is already fairly crowded, Mission Workshop has figured out a way to get people interested with an all new pack design. More than that, Mission Workshop has introduced an entirely new division of their San Francisco based operation, called ACRE. Calling it gear built for weather, fit for riding, ACRE offers an extension of the quality you’ve come to expect from MW, in a collection of bags and clothing built to withstand the rigors of mountain biking, and the elements.
Check out what sets the Hauser hydration pack apart, after the break.
First teased back in July, the Hauser is a made in the US pack that will be offered in both a 10 and 14L variety. At $195 and $205, they’re quite a bit more than your average hydration pack especially since they don’t include a bladder, but the price reflects the attention to detail, quality of craftsmanship, and the complete waterproof construction you’ll find in the Hauser.
While the waterproof laminate will keep your stuff dry, the perforated shoulder straps and back panel are designed to offer adequate ventilation in order to keep you dry. You’ll also see that the actual bag’s footprint is slightly smaller than the actual back panel in an effort to add as much stability to your cargo as possible. The adjustable shoulder straps have an adjustable sternum strap as well, which in addition to the removable waist belt can be configured in 4 different initial sizing configurations which are then able to be micro adjusted.
Built into the bag you’ll find hidden carry straps for a full face or cross country helmet in addition to pads while retaining access to the main pocket.
Closing the main compartment of the bag is accomplished like a standard roll top, or by fastening it in the flap down configuration for better coverage of the zippers.
Inside the main compartment is a sweet little detachable tool roll. The four pockets can hold just about all of the tools and supplies you’ll hopefully not need for a mechanical, and the compartments keep your tools from beating each other to death in the bottom of your pack.
The Hausers offer a full zippered opening for easy hydration bladder access, and fit most 3 liter designs. You’ll either need to use your own, or purchase one from ACRE. The hose can be routed right or left, above the shoulder, or under. Weight wise, the bag itself comes in at 710g, the tool roll at 130g, and the removable waist belt at 60g. Add in a hydration bladder and you get an assembled weight of 1060g for the Hauser 10L and 1090g for a Hauser 14L with a 3L Hydrapak reservoir.
Of course, as a MW/ACRE product it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Following in the protection from the elements story line, ACRE also is offering a number of clothing pieces including this Meridian rain jacket. The fully taped waterproof and breathable jacket is made from Schoeller c_Change fabric which is basically magical threads that react to changes in body temperature. The more you heat up, the more the fabric breathes.
Additional ventilation is provided by laser perforated under arms, and the jacket has number of pockets like the Napoleon, internal media, and rear stow. Made in Vancouver, the Meridian is up there with most high end rain jackets at $385.
Additionally, ACRE is offering two merino wool jerseys – the $135 District Henley, and the $95 Linear Crew. Made in San Francisco, the pair are also found in the Mission Workshop Indian Summer Kit line. Expect to see the Traverse All Mountain short, built from water repellent mil-spec 4 way stretch fabric, in the near future.
