Hydro3 Review

  TBM issue 109, 2004

CHRIS EVANS -Tested  Hydro-3, US-5 & Tool roll:

I have a big plastic box full of various drinking systems. A few were given to me, but most were bought in a pre-race panic when I discovered that the one I had planning to use had gone mouldy and horrible. To be honest there hasn't been much racing recently and so no real reason to mess around with bent coat hangers (inserted in the bladder to try and get the little bleeders to not stick together and so dry out) or any of the other myriad joys associated with sucking refreshment through a bite-valve. Until that is, the physio I was seeing to sort out my tennis elbow impressed upon me the importance of drinking lots of fluid to keep my ligaments hydrated - a moment that roughly coincided with the Ed chucking a Kriega Hydro-3 system at me and telling me to 'test it to destruction'. Now I am one of those people who hates carrying anything about my person when I ride. I'd much rather stuff the pockets of a sleeveless jacket than wear a backpack or (even worse) a bum bag, and so didn't greet my 'evaluation exercise' with much ehthusiasm. Over the last few months however, I've been converted. Basically there are two reasons the Kriega has won me round. The first is the unique harness system Kriega employs which is supremely comfortable (no thin straps cutting into my shoulders) and above all extremely easy to get in and out of. The second is the bladder itself, which has a nice big 'roll-top' opening which means that it's easy to fill and you can actually turn it inside out to get it dry. I like stuff like that.

There  is also  the pleasure  of using a very nicely made and well designed piece of kit. Whoever is behind Kriega is obviously a chronic anal-retentive who should seriously consider therapy, but the result is a product that is standing up to the test of time (and the washing machine) extremely well. But the bit I really like the best of all about the Kriega Hydro-3 is the optional five litre carrying pouch it comes with. This is designed to be clipped onto the back of the drinking system - or bolted onto the rear mudguard of your bike if you prefer. Now I hate tool pouches on the back of bikes even more than I hate backpacks, as being smallish of stature it makes it extremely difficult for me to get my leg over (insert joke here please). But bolted on to the front mudguard it works an absolute treat. I have tried this with other types of pouch system before with only limited success - mainly 'cos all the tools I put in there thrash around inside the pouch grtting rusty and damaged, before finally bursting out like something out of Alien when I'm not looking. The Kriega pouch thingy gets round this by being totally waterproof and coming with a superb tool roll into which I have obsessively decanted my KTM tool kit, a Leatherman, a couple of spark plugs, a small roll of duct tape and a mini first aid kit. Once it is all safely inside the pouch you then strap it down so nothing moves around - absolutely inspired. Of course the thought that Kriega have obviously put into this product, and the quality of materials they have employed, means it ain't exactly cheap. On the other hand I am sure if I totted up the amount I have spent over the years on cheaper hydration systems and pouches, not to mention their contents, it would work out as something of a bargin. So yes I really like the Kriega Hydro-3. It's well designed, incredibly well made and stands out from the rest. And although I didn't pay for it, the best thing I can say is that I would do so willingly.

  MOTO-X february 2009

RECOMMENDED

With a three-litre reservoir this well made and super-durable 'hydration pack' is crying out to be abused on the trails. So sure are they of its quality, it comes with a whopping 10-year guarantee and, what's more, it boasts the firms easy-to-use Quadloc harness system. An add-on five or ten litre dry pack is also available for maximum versatility. This really is the king of hydration packs. Buy one!

  Examiner.com Phoenix USA - May 2010

For years, my hydration pack had sufficed. Not for any particular reason outside of the fact that it faithfully carried up to two liters of water. I thought it was fine until...... Well, until I picked up the Hydro-3 from Kriega one day. Have you ever admired something that seemed a bit over-engineered for its intended purpose?  Some people might say 'over-kill'. Nonsense. In fact, the Eagle Scout in me screams 'be prepared'! Well, that's the Hydro-3. A quick inspection proved that this was no ordinary hydration pack. Indeed, it was heads and tails beyond what I had been using. The first feature that jumped out at me was the harness system. Notice, I didn't say 'shoulder straps'? That would be an understatement. The Kriega's system is called Quadloc. It allows for custom adjustment, and provides a fit that is unheard of for a hydration pack. indeed, it was the Hydro-3's fit that made me begin to realize that my old hydration system was deficient. I didn't run with the old bladder because with every step, it would bounce all around. As soon as I tried on the Kriega, I couldn't wait to try a run with it. In fact, after filling it with three liters, and some ice, I took off on a six mile cross country run. The fit was spot on. Between the harness system and the hip belt, the pack didn't move about, and It didn't cut off any circulation in my shoulders or arms. Previously, I would not have even attempted six miles in temperatures approaching 100 degrees. The harness system adjusts perfectly for use with bulky motorcycle wear too. The pack was so comfortable on the motorcycle that I would forget it was there until I got thirsty. Even with a full-face helmet, it was easy to take a drink. The bite valve is secured to the harness strap with velcro, so it's simple to find, detach and replace even with gloves on. The quality, versatility and purpose built philosophy carries through the Kriega line of backpacks and motorcycle bags.

  DIRT  2009

The DIRT 100   (top 100 MTB products):

Kriega are better known for making bags to use on a motorbike, but here they've used their skills at producing robust and hardwearing kit to make the best bike pack we've used. If you're tough on gear then you'll appreciate the build quality, everything from the water-resistant zips to the comfortable harness just feels like it'll last a lifetime. It comes as standard with one of the best bladders in the businesss, and then if you want to add more storage capacity you can strap on either a 5 or 10 litre 100% waterproof dry bag. We reckon it's fine for a quick blast as is, and then if you're out for a longer one then the 10 litre add-on is spot on. It's not cheap, but it'll last for ages, and we reckon it's also the best looking pack we've seen.

  SINGLETRACK magazine - 2008

Kriega isn't well known in the mountain bike world bit it is very big in the Enduro motorbike scene. We've tested their modular Hydro-3 system. The main pack consists of a main bladder pocket and a small side pocket with a mesh bungee on the front, and a side pocket into which you could get a pump and tools and maybe a tube. The modular aspect is the clip-on pouch that attaches to the outside via straps and clip, and closes with a dry-bag style closure. The model we tested had the 5L pocket but if I were buying one I'd probably opt for the 10L model. The extra room would be handy for longer days out. All of the above is good and the attention to detail is fantastic. You have the impression that it was built to a quality rather than a price point. The money has gone in to decent materials and good zips not unnecessary peripherals like mp3 player pockets. All of this is only as good as the harness of course and this is probably its strongest factor. The ergonomically designed harness straps sit inside the pack and can be fed out to get a perfect fit, (you use the external webbing to adjust the shoulder pads). The two shoulder straps are then securely wrapped around your upper body via one push-button buckle that joins it in the centre of your chest, this is also able to pivot up and down unlike a normal harness system. Overall: it's the most stable thing I've ever used, (you don't need a waist belt really at all) And as such I'd recommend it highly. 

  ATV Sport USA - 2010

Jerrod Kelly, Kriega Hydro-3 test:

As I've climbed closer to the 'middle age' mark, I've come to realize I like to wear a backpack while I'm riding. Not only can I stuff a water bottle or two inside it, but a pack is good for carrying an extra set of goggles and gloves and snacks. However, some packs I've worn are uncomftable and dig into my armpits, making me wonder why I even wore the darn thing. I recently tested the Kriega Hydro-3 pack and was pleasantly surprised. The unique Quadloc harness system is amazing. Unlike normal packs and other hydration bags, this harness offers unmatched comfort. The adjustable back and strap holders offer both an ideal fit and eliminate loose straps (which can act like mini whips when speeds exceed 50 mph - crack!). Kriega says the pack offers 'total arm freedom'. You have to wear it to believe it, but it's true. It saves your pits from being rubbed raw and prevents the pack dancing around on your back when riding hard. This 'race-spec' pack offers a perfect design for a woods or desert racer. To secure the harness, adjust the straps to fit you and then insert one push-button buckle and that's it. A removble waist strap offers an even better fit and impressive stability. I had trouble with the circular buckle in the Glamis dunes as the sand made it difficult to open and close, but that's about all I can find wrong with the Kriega.

  TBM - Issue 99, April 2006

FLUID MOVEMENT:

There's hydro packs..... and then there's the Hydro-3 pack from Kriega. Put simply, this is the undisputed Daddy of hydration. The high quality workmanship and attention to detail are second to none. With fully adjustable harness system using 5mm thick air-flow fabric straps (including an upper chest strap that pivots to allow for movement), water-resistant zips, carry handle, 3L capacity bladder (with insulated hose) and generous 1L main storage pocket, it's ideal for both trail and enduro use. And with its subtle styling and relatively light weight (809g) we reckon it's the best hydration pack we've seen in ages.

  DIRT - 79 , 2007

New Products:

Kriega are a British company who make high quality products for motorcyclists. They make what we reckon is one of the best mountain bike hydration packs you can buy. For starters it feels like it'll last a lifetime, secondly we think it looks great, thirdly it comes complete with the best bladder system there is (Hydrapak), and finally the best bit is that you can choose to increase the load capacity with add on roll-top packs which are 100% waterproof. Seriously versatile and seriously good.