Test Reports
Test Cycopac 1 | Test Cycopac 2 | Test Cycopac 3 | Test Cycopac 4 | Test Sandals |Product test and review by Shawn Mullens
Product tested: Source Vagabond Cycopac Hydration Pack
Sample description: (color, size, gender): n/a
RATINGS: (from 1=poor through 10=excelent)
Category 1: Initial Impression = 10
Comments: Sleek looking pack, liked the 2 color combo, especially the black so it would not look too dirty and the orange so you could be seen.
Category 2: Fit/comfort = 10
Comments: I really liked the fit. I weigh about 270 and could not tell it was on my back. The waist belt was not large enough to fit me, but the sternum strap was fine, doing the job the waist belt could not. The pack did not flap around while I was using it.
Category 3: Capacity/volume = 7
Comments: Depending on my activity, this was either a great capacity/volume or average capacity. With snowshoeing it was great, just right for a few hour trip, because I could store food and other things in my jacket. For MT biking it was OK, I like to pack a lot of things including tools, spare tubes, power gels, jacket as needed and the pack did not offer much space for this. May be just a few power gels and use of the bungy for a smaller jacket.
Category 4: Drinking valve = 9
Comments: I liked this a lot. Little bite pressure to get the flow going. Not like w/the Camelbak were I feel like I am going to pass out from sucking too hard to get the flow going.
Category 5: Features (Pockets, lash points, tube clip, fill cap, etc…) = 8
Comments: I liked the tube clip so I could attach it to my jacket or other areas for easy access. Fill cap was nice especially being attached to the pack so you would not loose it. Not many areas for lash points or too small of a pocket for longer trips which cut down on storage space.
Category 6: Materials, Hardware and Construction = 9
Comments: Nice tough pack. Held up nicely w/some folds of my mountain bike. Also held up to driving over it w/my car w/a full > bladder which their web-site said it could not withstand. And it did!! I > liked the bladder as well being odor free and almost like a sandwich bag material but sturdy !!
Category 7: Overall Performance = 8.5
Comments: Overall I liked the Pack. Filling it was easy since the mouth was on outside of the pack so it wouldn't fall while filling.
Question 1: Would you buy and/or recommend this product?
Yes. For short trips and not needing much storage space.
Question 2: How does this system compare to similar hydration packs you've used? Which do you prefer?
Very well except for storage capacity but I saw their higher end units do have more storage capacity. Preference-for small trips w/minimum storage space – this pack. For MT biking I would use the Camelbak.
Question 3: Briefly describe how you tested this pack – location, type & intensity of activity, weather, liquids carried, other gear carried, etc…
I used the pack for MT biking, snowshoeing and skiing. All weather conditions including, rain, snow and sunshine. All were sport drinks i.e.: Gatorade. The liquid did freeze in the hose skiing but I kept it clean and the valve in the jacket until I needed a drink and it was fine. Liquids stayed cold the entire time. Snowshoeing was a warm day at MT Ranier on the Kawlutz river train for 4 miles and MT biking in the rain at Victor Falls.
OPTIONAL COMMENTS; Except for capacity the only other problem I had was trying to figure out how to remove the bladder from the bag. It didn't seem like it wanted to come out. Finally I discovered that after you unscrew the lid, you than unscrew the plastic washer as well and that allows you to remove the bladder from the bag.
