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The Product...
Zenith Hydration Pack by Mountainsmith
Volume: 625 ci/10.25 L
Weight: 1lb,9oz/.71kg
Frame: 18"
Torso: 15"-20"
Dimensions: 19"x9"x4"
Additional: Includes a two-liter water reservoir.
Customer Service: 800-551-5889
MSRP: $89
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The Product Tester...
Paul Dryer - aka. Tour De Paul
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 145lbs.
Build: Stout
Style: Smooth and Methodical
Background: "I am a Lead guide for The World Outdoors, a multi-sport adventure travel company based out of Boulder, CO. I guide weeklong hiking and mountain biking adventures throughout the western United States."
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The Completely Biased Review...
Category: Accessories
Photos: Adam Clark
I recently had the opportunity to try out Mountainsmith's "Zenith" hydration pack. I took the
pack with me on a four-day mountain biking trip in Canyonlands National Park, along the Park's famed White Rim Trail.
Skeptical about the new pack at first, since I had been using my current hydration system for two years and never had
any real problems, I was quickly impressed with the Zenith and swore that I would never use my old pack again. My
conversion was primarily due to the added comfort I felt wearing the Zenith. The large design conformed perfectly
to my back and the waist and chest straps kept the pack snuggly close to my body. The comfort factor is what initially
attracted me to the Zenith, but as our trip went on I discovered other aspects about the pack that further impressed me.
First, the amount of storage space is enormous. Both the main compartment and the outer, mesh pocket are more than sufficient
to hold anything you could possibly need on an extended ride or hike (you'll even have room for extra cookies!). Second, the
main compartment is organized very well. It has a large, separate pocket for your water reservoir; the compartment is yellow,
making it easier to locate smaller items; and it has a small, handy, zippered pocket located at the top of the compartment for
items such as money, a lighter, etc. Third, the mouthpiece on the included water reservoir is durable, comfortable, and does
not leak. And fourth, I liked how the mouthpiece snapped securely onto the pack. It was easy to access, but did not flap
around while I was riding.
There was one aspect of the Zenith that does not make it the pack for everyone - its size. As I mentioned above, it is very
large, probably too large for anything less than a long day ride. In fact, I never even came close to packing it to capacity.
However, there are two reasons to use this pack even if you think it's more than you need: 1) even when it's not full, the pack
conforms great to your body and wears very comfortably; and 2) it's always better to have too much space, rather than not enough. So
now you can throw in that extra balance bar or chain tool, because you'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have
it! And besides, you need space for extra cookies! If you are looking for a smaller hydration unit, Mountainsmith also offers
the Saguaro (volume 700 ci, weight 13 oz.). For these and other Mountainsmith products, check out their web site at
Mountainsmith.com.
- Mountainsmith products are available online from REI
- Do you own a Zenith Moutainsmith Hydration Pack? Post your own review
More Biased Reviews Of This Product...
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