Originally Posted by sherpaPeak

Hydration Pack: Hydrapak, Big Sur

Bladder capacity (e.g. 2 liters): 3L

Gear Holding Capacity (e.g. 900 cubic inch): 465 ci/7.6L

Pack Brand: Hydrapak

Bladder Brand: Hydrapak

Your Riding Duration (average): any where from .5 hour to two

Type of weather you ride in (with seasonal Veriation): All, not usually below about 32 deg F

How much water do you use on an average ride: depends on how hot it is.

How comfortable is the suspension system: Don't notice any hot spot or anything of that nature.

how well the back pannel manages sweat: Pretty well. The pads will create sweat spots but will absorb/dispurse the sweat. No pads down the center of the back.

Additional Features of the pack you like: Lots. Able to use multiple bladders with tubes out of the left and right sides (useful for left and right handers too) (I have a 3l and a 1l that I use both of when racing. The smaller gets an energy drink and the large one gets only water), the bladders hang in the pack, the flow is great and easy to get, each tube has a velcro strap to hold it in place, the bladders are reversable for easy cleaning, the bladders have a nice wide opening for filling or reversing, the tube has a quick disconnect feature, there is a "gizmo gear" pocket with an outlet for head phones or a battery to support a light, plenty of storage space, the strap to hold the shoulder straps together has an elastic strap, ...

Features of the bladder/hydration system you like: Reversable bladder (reverse and hang to dry), removable drinking tube, large opening for cleaning/reversing the bladder.

Features you dislike: Can be too big for racing. Like any pack that sits on the back, it traps some heat.

What would be the main reason (other than additional fund) you would upgrade this pack or buy a different hydration pack: I may get a smaller one for racing specifically.

Things you do not like about the pack: See above.

Things you dont like about the bladder/bite valve: Sometimes the bite valve gets compressed accidently and a lot of water or drink gets spilled. I usually do not engage the lock to prevent this.

thanks for your help. I am looking for different opinions which would help me decide about my next pack.

thanks.