Mountain Biking - Nalgene hydration packs

I have a bit of an obsession with hydration paks and bladders. My latest purchase was a Nalgene Draft 3.0L that I got on clearance from Nashbar. I'd read a lot about them, and the consensus was that the pack was great, but the bladder has a tendency to leak. Well, I've got another 3L bladder that is nigh-on indestructable, so I figured I'd just replace the stock one with my current bladder if it started leaking. Well, it did. After 2 rides.

I thought, that's just silly. Nalgene doesn't put out crappy products. So I got in touch with customer service, and learned that the handle you hold onto when you're filling the bladder (it's right next to the fill hole) actually unscrews, and you can remove it. When it's on, though, it has to be screwed underneath some tabs, or else it doesn't seal properly. I'm convinced that this is the problem most people had with their bladders, they just never took the time to get an answer from Nalgene.

It works perfectly, the pack is well-insulated to keep my water cool, and it's really adjustable. It has plenty of room for goodies, and was cheap. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a sleek hydration pack. There are days when hauling around your M.U.L.E. is just silly.

I agree the nalgene packs are a great value. I love the magnetic clip on the "bite me" valve, it really stays in place well. I have the 2.0L draft picked it up for $20 at nashbar to see if I liked the hydration packs. I like this one and really see no need to upgrade. There is minimal storage on the draft series, but I don't take alot with me. I don't know about the handle thing mine just has plastic molding around the large cap.. maybe the 3L is different. Only complaint is it is too strappy.. it really doesn't need a waste belt I usually just tuck it in the bottom of the pack.

I think the ones at nashbar are last years model that's why they are so cheap.. look at the north face packs they are the exact same thing they just say the north face instead of nalgene and are 40 more dollars.

Thanks for the tip. I was just getting ready to send back my bladder for warranty. I was kinda ticked that it started leaking. It did take almost a year before I noticed it, though.

I've never tried Nalgene bladders, but while we're on the subject, the only brand of hydration bladder I've used that has yet to let me down and make a mess is hydrastorm bladders. They are made by a company named blackhawk and primarily aimed at the military market, but they work good for bike rides too.