Platypus has 5 different sizes of Hydration Packs. The Origin 9 is their light full day epic pack. All their packs come in three colours – Blue, Green and Black. The pack weighs in at a respectable 1 lbs 8 oz or 662 g. It is constructed of tough waterproof 10,000mm-coated fabric, welded all-weather zippers and heat-taped seams.

Platypus Origin 9 Features:

• Weatherproof Protection: Waterproof, 10,000mm-coated fabrics, welded, all-weather zippers and heat-taped seams.
• Integrated Hydration: Dedicated, easy-access compartment for included 3.0L Big Zip^™ SL reservoir, options for top, bottom, left or right hose routing, lightweight reservoir suspension toggles, and locking hose clips.
• Clean Design: Precisely what you need and nothing you don’t to keep things light and simple.
• Refined Fit: BioCurve^™ back panel, plus ergonomic shoulder straps with soft, stretch-woven surfaces and high and low shoulder strap attachment points for long and short torsos, respectively.
• Essential Features: On the go waist pockets – quick-access external sleeve pocket – internal organizer – welded light loop/lash points – reflective detailing.
• Colors: Green, Blue, Black
• MSRP: $99.95

Platypus Origin 9 Hydration Pack Review

Featuring a separate water bladder storage with options for top, bottom, left or right hose routing, lightweight reservoir suspension toggles, and locking hose clips creates options for your hose and security of the bladder. As well if the bladder leaks or is wet when you fill it it will not get other parts of the pack wet.

Main compartment is also water proof with an internal accessory pocket. This main compartment contains your tools, food and spare clothes in one section. Two smaller easy to access pockets are on hip belt for food or other items you need quick access to.

Exterior welded light loop is right on the back where you can attach a light for commuting. As well loops for helmet or other attachments are easy to use.

I was able to store my tools, spare tube, pump etc. in the main compartment as well as my food and spare jacket for all-day rides. I could also store another spare jacket in the water bladder compartment if I wanted it out of the way. A second open pocket was also present on the back which I would use to store spare gloves or other items. The pack fit comfortably with Platypus’s BioCurve™ back panel. The ergonomic shoulder straps were comfortable and easily adjusted.

The hip belt also held the pack securely to my back until the trail got very rough when it would move around. I was concerned about the narrow waste straps but they were generally not an issue unless I over tightened them. .I was really impressed with the external hip belt pockets. I could keep food and tools in there and they didn’t fall out.

The pack held everything I needed for an all-day ride. I could secure my helmet to the outside of the pack easily for storage or on longer climbs. While I was able to carry light XC knee pads in the outer pocket of this pack, securing bigger knee pads or more armor was less convenient. Addition of external straps would help in this situation.

Bottom Line: Platypus Origin 9 Hydration Pack

A light, simple water proof pack that fits well and carries everything you need for a days cross country ride. Could use a separate pocket for the sunglasses and other more delicate items now required on rides.

Buy Now: Find the Platypus Origin 9 at Backcountry.com

Platypus Origin 3 Hydration Pack Features:

• Weatherproof Construction: Waterproof, 10,000mm-coated fabrics, welded, all-weather zippers and heat-taped seams.
• Integrated Hydration: Dedicated, easy-access compartment for included 2.0L Big Zip^™ SL reservoir, options for top, bottom, left or right hose routing, lightweight reservoir suspension toggles, and locking hose clips.
• Clean Design: Precisely what you need and nothing you don’t to keep things light and simple.
• Refined Fit: BioCurve^™ back panel, plus ergonomic shoulder straps with soft, stretch-woven surfaces and high and low shoulder strap attachment points for long and short torsos, respectively.
• Essential Features: On the go waist pockets – internal organizer – welded light loop/lash points – reflective detailing.
• Colors: Green, Blue, Black (tested)
• MSRP: $79.95

Platypus Origin 3 Hydration Pack Review

I’ve long used Platypus water bladders and have been impressed by their ease-of-use and function, so it seemed natural to me that they would produce a pack line to carry their bladders. But, this is not just any hydration pack line, the Origin series offers a much more streamlined approach to hydration packs that’s really refreshing, I think.

Many hydration packs are loaded with straps, clips, bungees, pockets and the like, but the Origin series is simple and functional. As Leonardo da Vinci said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” That’s true in life and, I think, true in hydration packs.

The heart of the Origin 3 is the bladder. The Big Zip 2.0L bladder has a commercial-grade zipper and sliding closure that makes filling, emptying and cleaning a cinch. The large handle also makes it super-easy to transport from sink to pack without feeling like you’re handling a giant squid. Add on top of that the one-button hose removal and you’ve got yourself one of the easiest-to-use water bladders on the market.

Inserting the bladder into the Origin 3 is also easy, but the only gripe is with the two button-style hooks that keep the top of the bladder in place. I found it a little awkward to slip them through the holes in the handle and sometimes had to try multiple times before getting them set just right. Once inserted, it lays flat and comfortable for demanding mountain bike rides. I did have to shorten the hose by about 6 inches, but that’s an easy task and is typical of most hydration packs.

The low profile of the pack stays put and the BioCurve back panel is comfortable to wear. The center channel aids in moisture management as this pack seems to breathe a little better than most packs I’ve tested. I can wear it on hot days and it stays comfortable under use. The curved straps seem to hug my chest well and also provide a solid platform for the pack. I think the straps could be minimized a little to add to the Summertime comfort, but as-is they did work well.

The interior of the Origin 3 is pretty simplistic with a bladder sleeve and an open area in the main compartment and a zippered back pocket that contains a key clip and a small mesh zippered pocket inside. This simple design keeps me from bringing along the kitchen sink and really provides just the right amount of storage for the following:

• Full bladder
• Lightweight jacket or vest
• Extra tube
• Mini pump
• Tire irons
• Multi-tool
• Digital camera
• Keys
• iPhone
• A couple of bars, gels or chews

Everything seems to fit in place and rides well in all conditions. Speaking of all conditions, the Origin 3 is a champ when it comes to foul weather. The weatherproof design and waterproof zippers keeps the elements at bay. Again, the simple design leaves no seams to attract puddles and makes this one of the best all-weather hydration packs on the market.

Good Origin 3

• All-weather protection
• Simple design is sleek and comfortable
• BigZip bladder is very easy-to-use and carry
• Carries well while mountain biking
• Just the right amount of pockets to carry the necessities
• Simple helmet loops do the trick

Bad Origin 3

• Button hooks to secure the bladder can be fussy
• Bite valve flow could be a little better

Bottom Line: Platypus Origin 3 Hydration Pack

I love the simple design of the Origin 3 and have found it to be just the right size for most of the rides I do. Yeah, you may not be able to stash all kinds of gear in or on the pack, but that’s what makes this pack unique. The weatherproof design makes this pack one of the best all-weather hydration packs available.

Buy Now: Find the Platypus Origin 3 at Backcountry.com

Tecnica

More known for their ski boots, Tecnica is attacking the trail running market with a handful of well-constructed and designed trail running shoes. Utilizing the TRS system (Tecnica Rolling System) for improved rolling stride and with a slew of other innovations (asymmetrical overlap, performance platform, bathtub construction and more), Tecnica really means business… err, trails.

The bright orange Inferno Max ($150) is built like a capable training shoe with the ability to smoke the trails on race-day if you choose to lace ‘em up on your next race. Not ultralight, but the wide platform and rocker design is built to make you more efficient and comfortable for miles. Weight looks like 12.2 oz each on these.

With a more traditional contact patch width and a burrito wrap upper, the Inferno Sprint ($160) packs a serious punch in a low-profile race-ready shoe. A look inside yields all the goodies you’d expect with the addition of a carbon plate for lightweight protection and quickness. These will tip the scales at 10.4 oz each, so not the lightest, but still light.

Suunto

The new Suunto M-Series consists of four watches that are aimed at making workouts drop-dead simple. The three-button design features a large screen and palatable price points for what you’re getting. Once set up, these watches will provide a simple workout plan that adjusts to meet your goals as your performance improves over time. Everything can be uploaded to MovesCount.com and all Suunto watches are now compatible with the most superior computing platform on the market, Apple Macintosh (and the crowd goes wild!!!!).

Easton Mountain Products

Hot on the heels of the success of their snowshoes, Easton is hitting the lightweight tent market with a sledgehammer. Known for their innovation in both aluminum and carbon fiber, Easton is bringing some serious innovation and ultralight goodness to their forthcoming tent line. The headliner is the Kilo 2-person tent ($399) that comes in at a freakishly light 2.2 lbs!

Much of the weight reduction is achieved by using ultralight carbon fiber poles and the elimination of shock-cord to keep the poles together. In lieu of shock-cord, Easton has developed what they call AirLock, which uses a carbon insert held together by mono filament line. Because the poles are now 59% lighter than aluminum ones with standard connections and shock-cord, Easton can continue to use durable fabric weights elsewhere and still come in as one of the lightest 2-person tents on the planet.

Salomon

Based on feedback from the accomplished Salomon race team, the new XR Crossmax ($130) is built to be a crossover shoe that goes from road to trail with ease. Word is they will not sacrifice anything on the trail, but will provide an improved feel on the blacktop. The focus on the XR Crossmax is on the grip, the fit and the ride, so all-new technologies are featured throughout.

Camelbak

The re-design of the market-leading Camelbak reservoir for 2011 has resulted a domino-effect throughout the entire line of hydration packs. To take advantage of the new Antidote Reservoir, each pack is streamlined and optimized for its use. Since there’s no time to give the run-down of the entire line, a few features of the new bladder is going to have to suffice.

The screw-tight fill port opening has now been refined with ease-of-opening in mind. Instead of threading it in for several rotations, it now only requires a 1/4 turn. The opening is the widest on the market and the overall thickness and weight has been reduced. To help reduce sloshing and maintain its shape, the internal bladder features a 6-inch baffle that also reduces overall profile by 24%. Add on top of this the integrated dryer arms and the new Antidote reservoir is the new black. Look for it throughout the entire 2011 Camelbak pack line.

Cascade Designs (MSR & Platypus)

With some great new products from both the MSR and Platypus brands, Cascade Designs continues to see good momentum for their quality outdoor gear. With several new tents in the line, the one I honed in on was the 2 lb 14 oz Fast Stash. This new tent is based on the cult favorite, but long-discontinued MSR Missing Link shelter. As a tarp shelter, the Fast Stash ($299) can be pitched using trekking poles or included poles and features a roomy 2-person single-wall design with a sizeable front porch.

Another simple solution that’s cool is the new Universal Canister Stand. This little number can add extreme stability to nearly any canister stove on the market.

From Platypus, we get the new Origin 3, 5 and 9 hydration packs. Built using years of feedback, the Origin line is built light and as a hydration pack first and foremost. These new packs are built using weatherproof exteriors with welded zippers, laminated fabrics and multiple hose ports for either top or hipbelt exit.

Teva

While the Illum sandals have remained hot, Teva is going to ride the current wakeskate craze in 2011 with the Gnarkosi ($100) wakeskate shoe. While this shoe can be used in tow behind the boat, they can also be rocked around town or anytime watery adventure is on the menu. With a grippy outsole and hydrophobic materials, the Gnarkosi will find a home on the feet of shredders everywhere.

Sherpa Adventure Gear

What a great story here! I met with Tashi Sherpa (President and Founder), who gave me the rundown on Sherpa Adventure Gear. I’d seen their products before and thought they were good quality, but I hadn’t heard the entire story behind the company and the products.

The 50,000 foot level is that Sherpa Adventure Gear manufacturers 80% of their products in Nepal with a local workforce to support the local economy. They also employ actual Sherpas as brand ambassadors who use and test the products in the Himalayas. In short, the great Sherpas of Nepal are directly-benefited by the success of Sherpa AG.With a flagship store in Katmandu, Sherpa AG promotes the use of their products to all climbers and locals alike — offering jobs and opportunities for Sherpas and their families.

Knowing that great story, it will hopefully help you understand the product quality and their ability to offer similar products as some of the larger names at lower prices.

My favorite new piece from Sherpa AG is the Resham Jacket ($199) for men and women. The name Resham means “soft or silky” and the interior of this 3-layer shell feels just that. While it’s completely unlined and relatively minimalistic, the Resham Jacket feels soft, yet still offers excellent weather protection with waterproofing and breathability to hang with the best of them. It tips the scales at a respectable 12.6 oz and should be available Spring 2011. The image shown is the Women’s version.

Patagonia Footwear

Lots of great things coming out of the footwear side of the house at Patagonia. One of my perennial favorites, the Maui Moc, gets some hemp and leather options, but the shoe I want to highlight is the new Specter trail runner ($130). It comes in just a tad more supportive than the Tsali, but with the same midsole and outsole. Weight is slightly higher than the Tsali, but not by much. It features a two-layer mesh upper, exo skeleton arms from the heel to the uppermost lace loop and full-length Dynamic Lace system.

Vasque

While Vasque is headlong in a hiking boot revival mode, their trail runners continue to grow. For this year, the Mindbender has done extremely well, so we can look forward to the Mindbender GTX in stores this Fall. What’s innovative with the GTX is the unique Gore-Tex bootie that reduces weight and improves comfort compared to other liners. It also features a floating tongue that floats under the integrated scree guard, which houses the waterproof membrane.

Thule

I guess I’ve been living in a hole because I didn’t even know that Thule had recently developed a complete travel bag lineup that is absolutely insane. Apparently, it’s even popular enough that Nordstrom is carrying it and selling through it quite well. I got a good look at the wheeled luggage, packs and bags with the Crossover TCRD-2 87 liter rolling duffel ($300) being the star of the show. This bag is built with ultralight materials that offer no compromises when it comes to durability. The telescoping handle is secure with minimal racking or wiggling when pulling. It also features a crush-proof “SafeZone” for goggles, cameras and such.

Now onto the bike side, there’s a new trunk-mounted tray rack (yeah, crazy eh?). The Thule Raceway Platform ($299) provides the convenience and near-universal fit of a trunk rack with the ease-of-use of a tray rack. It features a lifetime warranty and uses rubber-covered steel braided cables instead of straps for security and stability. Bikes sit into one of two trays and then a lever arm gently squeezes the top tube for secure attachment. Locks abound to secure your ride and the rack.

Great new products coming soon. Here are the highlights.

Osprey Hydraulics Raptor Hydration Packs

Available in 4 sizes (6, 10, 14 and 18) and sporting what’s called an Airscape Suspension (accordion-style back for torsional stiffness, breathability and conforming fit), the new Osprey Hydraulics hydration pack line consists of the Mantra line (for hiking) and the Raptor line (for mountain biking). I’m stoked on the Raptor line and the Raptor 6 in particular as it provides a streamlined form-factor, optimized fit for minimal “pack bounce”, an integrated and customized Nalgene bladder that features a solid back that locks into place inside the pack and a simplified helmet holder. For reference, the picture immediately below is the Raptor 14 showing the bungee helmet button system. MSRP will range from $79-$119 based on size and I’m told these should start hitting the shelves this Fall.

Platypus Platy SoftBottle

These flexible hydration bottles kick the whole plastic vs. stainless bottle debate to the curb by utilizing a soft, durable and BPA-free material that packs well and reduces volume as you use it. New for Fall 2009, the new Platypus SoftBottle will be offered in two, ultra-portable sizes (0.5 L and 1 L) with either a HyperFlow bite valve or a standard closure cap. This bite valve has a simple 1/4-turn locking system to prevent accidental spillage. With the bite valve, water flow is excellent and it easily doubles as a water gun to keep the kids cool on a hot summer day.

Bottles stand up on their own and the 0.5 L version is made to fit into standard cupholders. Each size will also come in three colors. Platy Bottles are available now, but expect the SoftBottles to arrive at retailers in September 2009 with prices ranging from $7.95 to $12.95 depending on size and cap option.

Merrell Spokes Commuter Bike Shirt

With more and more people bike commuting, the market is ripe for cool innovations like the Merrell Spokes polo shirt. On the surface, this shirt seems like any old polo shirt, but don’t let that fool you, it’s got some great features for bike commuters and loungers alike. Take the plaited Opti-wick material used in its construction, which mates soft cotton outside fabric with a polyester inside for moisture and odor management, add on top of that a grippy material on the back hem that prevents plumber’s crack and a small zippered pocket for lip balm or keys and you’ve got a solid shirt for the town or the trail. It’s not cheap at $69, but it’s got some unique features not found on other shirts.

Merrell ST Stamina 2 Running Shoe

Merrell recently jumped into the traditional road running market and continues to offer a handful of road-specific shoes in the line. As a refinement from its introduction, the new ST Stamina 2 looks to clearly set the stage for Merrell’s acceptance into the market. The running shoe market is flush with offerings from all the major players, but Merrell’s core following should latch onto some of the nice fatures of this shoe, including: improved stability (G3 Phase Pronation), increased breathability, more comfortable fit with optimized uppers and ample cushioning in the forefoot and heel. Expect these in stores this Spring at a $105 pricepoint.

Arc’teryx Accelero Jacket

Small tweaks and a full zipper makes the Arc’teryx Accelero Jacket a welcome improvement over the Accelero Pullover (one of my personal favorites). This lightweight and breathable material sheds water extremely well and breathes like a mesh shirt. Wind resistance is minimal–just enough to keep the chill off, but perfect for a cool morning or a light rainstorm. I love my Accelero Pullover, but the full zip should make this jacket that much better.

MSR Carbon Reflex 3 Tent

Building on the ultralight MSR Carbon Reflex 1 and 2 tents, it’s time to have a Carbon Reflex 3 tent for ultralight (as MSR deems it hyperlite) performance. Carbon fiber is stronger and lighter than aluminum–thus shaving precious pounds from your pack compared to similarly-sized tents. For example, the new MSR Carbon Reflex 3 has a minimum weight of 4 lbs. 7 oz. while the Mutha Hubba tips the scales at 6 lbs. 9 oz. A savings of over two full pounds! Even though it’s lightweight, the Carbon Reflex 3 is still liveable with plenty of room and two vestibules. The major setback here is price. This tent will cost a pretty penny at $600 (but did I mention how light this is!?!?!). Look for it to hit retailers in January 2010.