Wingnut Hyper 3.0 Hydration Pack Initial Impressions

[Dirt]

My old hydration pack was on its last legs. I thought I'd get a new one. I'd read a lot about the Wingnut packs and talked to a few people about them. I decided to pull the trigger on one.

http://www.peterbeers.net/peters_roadtrips/mbrt/Bike_Repair/wingnut/images/IMG_0859.jpg

You can read the whole review HERE (http://www.peterbeers.net/peters_roadtrips/mbrt/Bike_Repair/wingnut/index.htm).

Later

Pete

[drevil]

...
Pete
It'd be cool if you could give us an update when you get more miles on it. One issue I've heard about is durability. Granted it was one person (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=1934056#poststop) who seems like he might be rough on his stuff, but what is your opinion? Also, what about comfort? Is it noticeably better than an equivalently sized "backpack" style hydration pack? Does the pack shift around much or does it stay in place well? Finally, when are you getting the optional sheepskin (http://forums.mtbr.com/showpost.php?p=1797069&postcount=1) pads?

I know Jon S (of Family Bikes fame) has been using one for a while. If you run into this, let us know your thoughts as well.

[camp]

Does the Hyper fit a pump in it?
Looking at their site, looks like anything smaller than the 3.0 won't fit a pump. Unless those 3 compartments aren't separated, and a pump would fit sideways.

[bolder13]

I have been using the 2.5 version for about six months so far. I really like the way it sits low on my back. My camelbak was always hitting me in the back of the helmet. It has these sweet pockets that are built into the waist belt that wrap around to allow you to easily reach into them. Much easier then even a jersey pocket. There is also a built in flask holder below the left shoulder. I haven't had any problems with it moving around.


I don't really like the setup of the main compartment. It is one big bag, and at least with the 2.5 version I can't fit my Topeak road morph pump in even sideways.

So far duribilty has been fantastic. All of the seams and zippers are sealed and the fabric is waterproof. I tried an assault on the C&O canal last summer during that crazy rain storm we had. it got pounded with water for 6+ hours and everything inside was dry. I have probably riden about 500 miles with it and it is in great shape.

Trevor(2big2ride) also has one. Maybe he'll chime in.

Jonathan

[Dirt]

The 3.0 has PLENTY of room in it. Like I wrote on my web site (http://www.peterbeers.net/peters_roadtrips/mbrt/Bike_Repair/wingnut/index.htm), it has TONS of room for pretty much anything you could want to put in there.

Right now I put tools and flat repair stuff in the zippered side pockets, gel packets in one of the mesh side pockets, my GPS in the other mesh side pocket, and my suspension pump and tire pump in the main pocket. There's enough room for at least one six pack of beer (if I separate the bottles) in the main compartment. The pack is much bigger than I expected. The bungees incorporated into the back of the pack keep everything tight and compact for those rides where I'm not riding with a full 100oz bladder and 6 beers. They also make it easy to lash stuff to the outside of the pack when I'm removing layers on a ride that starts cold, but warms up (a common occurance in Colorado... moreso than here).

The pack is extremely comfortable. I used to ride with a Deuter (air race was the model, I think) pack. It was really good. I liked how it held the pack 3/4" away from my back so that air circulated between my back and the pack. That was very comfortable for me. Though the Hyper 3.0 does not really do this (there are air channels that let air circulate a little behind the pack... I haven't noticed them doing a lot though), it ends up being much more comfortable because it is lower on my back and it doesn't move around at all. Since my upper back has no pack on it at all, I have stayed much cooler on the two warm rides I've done, and not sweated through my layers on my upper back and shoulders on the cold weather ride that I did.

It used to be that I had to keep any hydration pack's straps fairly tight if I didn't want it to move around on my back. I usually left them a little loose and let the pack shift around so that the straps and belt would be comfy. I don't have that compromise in the rides that I've had with the Wingnut. It sits in the small of my back and is low and wide enough that it doesn't shift. I've done a few technical drops where I'm well off the back of the saddle with it and the thing doesn't move at all. I did an emergency stop when someone bailed on the Phase III downhill right in front of me and the pack stayed in place with no drama at all.

As I noted on my web site, the thing is substantially more expensive than any other pack that I looked at. It also has more features. I like that the main compartments and zippered side pockets are waterproof. I haven't tested it yet, but it can't be worse than my Deuter. Even with the rain cover, that pack let everything get wet. It is made in America which means something to me. I love the side pockets... both the mesh ones and the zippered ones. It makes grabbing stuff from the pack a no-brainer (something I'm particularly in need of) and I don't have to take the pack off to get to stuff.

I'll post more impressions that I have on durability and quality as I get more time with it. For now I'm very happy with my purchase, even though it makes my butt look bigger.

Pete

[pete]

I have 2 of these and my issues have all revolved around the bladder/bitevalve system. Esp in the 3.0. The one he provides for it(maybe now he has a new provider for the bladders? Nalgene?)tends to fold after you drain about half the water and or when you get thrown around a bit on the bike. When that happened I was unable to take a pull so I would have to stop and mess around with it. The pocket basically was too big for the bladder. The bite valve was horrible too. HORrible.

I have said that if he could make a proprietary bladder for that pack, and not sub it out, with a similar bitevalve to the camlback that he would have the best pack out there. There are 4 pockets easily accessible whilst riding. 2 mesh/2 zipper, snugs up on lower back and does not slap around like my old Mule did on rough descents. Storage space is unbelievable. Light, lite, lyte too. 17oz or something crazy. Emergency whistle thing and a gu/cell ph holder integrated.

When I use it now, I have my Mule bladder in there for bitevalve purposes despite it being too 'tall' for the pocket-I can only get about 70oz in with that setup.

[2big2ride]

As Jonathan said I picked one up this fall. The big advantages of this pack are the easy access to the rear pockets, the lower distribution of weight on your back and the material and zipper pulls. The only thing I changed on mine was the bite valve. I used my old valve from my mule. A future modification I will be doing (this week) is to cut and sew in a piece of wide elastic across the "top cross strap" on the shoulder straps. I have wide shoulders and when I lean "way over" the top of the strap cuts into the back of my neck. The elastic will allow the straps to flex as my body position changes. I also like the cool whistle on the sternum strap. ;)

If you want to see the mods i made, I will post them when I do it.

[Dirt]

My hyper 3.0 didn't come with a bladder. I purchased a 100oz camelback bladder and trimmed the hose down a little.

Pete

PS: EEEEEEEEeeeek a short post from Pete. The sky is falling!!!! ;)

[camp]

I'm reading all these with interest. It's been time for me to buy a new pack. I have no place near me to go look and feel one of these, so I have these couple questions which weren't totally answered below (bear with me fellas..)

1 - can a standard size pump fit in either the 2.5 or 3.0 or both?
2 - Must I supply my own bladder? (I think I know the answer to this one)
2a - Would a 100oz bladder fit vertically or horizontally in the above packs?
3 - Does these lowriders cover up access to your jersey pockets?

thanks for your opinions

[Dirt]

I'm reading all these with interest. It's been time for me to buy a new pack. I have no place near me to go look and feel one of these, so I have these couple questions which weren't totally answered below (bear with me fellas..)

1 - can a standard size pump fit in either the 2.5 or 3.0 or both?
2 - Must I supply my own bladder? (I think I know the answer to this one)
2a - Would a 100oz bladder fit vertically or horizontally in the above packs?
3 - Does these lowriders cover up access to your jersey pockets?

thanks for your opinions

Hey Camp

1: STandard pump fits fine in the 3.0. It might not in a 2.5. I haven't seen one.
2: For the hyper 3.0, yes. I believe the 2.5 comes with a square bladder that fits the pack.
2a: the 100oz bladder fits vertically in the 3.0. That is what it was designed for. The 2.5 probably would not fit a normal 100oz bladder.
3: They cover access to the jersey pockets for me. They also replace the jersey pockets. Anything that I'd put in my jersey goes in those side pockets. They're actually easier to access than jersey pockets.

I'm heading out to Colorado today. I'll be back next weekend. You can look at my pack next weekend if you want.

Pete

[riderx]

I am a big fan of the Deuter (http://www.deuterusa.com/) packs with the Advanced Air Comfort feature (http://www.deuterusa.com/img/systems/advancedAircomfort.gif). This is a light structure the lifts the pack off of your back and allows air to circulate underneath and keep you super cool. I first got turned on to these when a friend who was living in Germany sent me the Futura 28 (http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=futura28&sub=hiking&tert=futura). Too big for normal riding, I've used it on several overnight bike tours like the C&O, etc. when I was going super light and without panniers.

I've recently picked up the Race X Air (http://www.deuterusa.com/products/productDetail.php?packID=raceXAir&sub=hydration&tert=race) to replace a 100 oz. pack I destroyed. It's the smallest model with the Air Comfort structure. The design keeps your back considerably cooler than normal packs and the load sits very stable. Sizewise it compares to a Camelbak Mule.

Disclaimer: Deuter is now a sponsor. Keep that in mind when reading the above. I should mention that I sought them out because their products are so good and the bags I mention above were acquired through normal channels, not through my current Deuter association.

[cbass]

I've got a Wingnut Hyper 2.5 and I really like it.

The side mesh pockets are nice...much easier to access than jersey pockets.

The side zipper pockets are handy for stuff you want zipped away, but within easy reach during a ride.

The big storage area is pretty damn big. My mini-pump fits easily. I'm only using a fraction of the space for normal rides. It'll come in handy for epics...extra clothing, etc.

One thing that I really like is that you can go big or small. Load it up with all kinds of crap and it's still comfortable. Or...run it with only the bare essentials. Cinch down the straps on back and it shrinks down nicely with minimal bulk. The pack itself is very light weight.

Keeping the weight low on your back is good.

Keeping the upper back open and breathable is good.

It comes with a bladder. The bladder is fine. It takes a bit of experimentation to figure out the hose-routing that works for you. The bite-valve takes some getting used to. I'll probably replace the valve soon.

I had switched to bottles for rides of 3hrs or less, but I've been using the wingnut on every ride since I bought it back in January. When I get the bite-valve squared away all will be good.

[camp]

Futura 28I summer commuted with the Futura a couple years ago, but traded in it for something bigger to hold winter clothes. That was a mistake, I wish I still had my Deuter. Maybe I'll buy another one from your site, if I don't go the lowrider route.

[riderx]

I summer commuted with the Futura a couple years ago, but traded in it for something bigger to hold winter clothes. That was a mistake, I wish I still had my Deuter. Maybe I'll buy another one from your site, if I don't go the lowrider route.If you want to give the hydration pack a try let me know. It will give us an excuse to meet up and ride ;)
My local shop in Frederick (The Bicycle Escape (http://www.thebicycleescape.com)) carries Deuter.

[drevil]

I also like the cool whistle on the sternum strap. ;)

If you want to see the mods i made, I will post them when I do it.
FYI, these "whistle buckles" are available at REI for around a buck or two. I've purchased a couple and sewn my own sternum straps for a couple of bags.

http://www.survivalschool.com/products/survival/Whistle_Web_Belt_small.jpg

[Squirrel Girl]

I scrolled through some of the pix on the Wingnut site. Plus, I read how you can use a Camelbak bladder. And you know, I just don't get it. The Wingnuts seem *almost* as tall as a Camelbak. And if you don't fill your CB all the way up (or you've sucked it partway down (Drew, Craig, Dirt--insert rude comment here), what's the diff?

OK, so the little pockies that wrap around look nice. But until a CB wears out, even shopaholic me probably won't buy one.

[Dirt]

I scrolled through some of the pix on the Wingnut site. Plus, I read how you can use a Camelbak bladder. And you know, I just don't get it. The Wingnuts seem *almost* as tall as a Camelbak. And if you don't fill your CB all the way up (or you've sucked it partway down (Drew, Craig, Dirt--insert rude comment here), what's the diff?

OK, so the little pockies that wrap around look nice. But until a CB wears out, even shopaholic me probably won't buy one.

I thought that too, but it sits at least 8" lower than my old Deuter pack.

The Hyper 3.0 can use a camelback bladder. The 2.5 can't. It comes with its own square bladder.

Pete

[drewdane]

I thought that too, but it sits at least 8" lower than my old Deuter pack.

The Hyper 3.0 can use a camelback bladder. The 2.5 can't. It comes with its own square bladder.

Pete
Square bladder. Now there's a term I don't think I imagined I'd ever read.

Square bladder.

Square bladder.

Square bladder.Square bladder.Square bladder.Square bladder.Square bladder.

[Squirrel Girl]

Drew, it's time you get on your bike and ride. Ride, ride, ride.

Hands off the keyboard and ride.

[camp]

I've got a Wingnut Hyper 2.5 and I really like it.
.......... My mini-pump fits easily.I'm tryin' to decide whether to click the button and order one of these. But I want to make sure a pump will fit in it. Cbass, about how long of a pump do you think it can hold?

thanks

[bolder13]

I'm tryin' to decide whether to click the button and order one of these. But I want to make sure a pump will fit in it. Cbass, about how long of a pump do you think it can hold?

thanks

I carry a Topeak Road Morph in my 2.5 diagonally. Never had any trouble. I think that the pump is about 15 inches long or so.

Jonathan

[camp]

I carry a Topeak Road Morph in my 2.5 diagonally. Never had any trouble. I think that the pump is about 15 inches long or so.

Jonathan
Perfect, thanks Jon

[camp]

Perfect, thanks JonActually, one more question Jon. Is it 3 separate compartments, or 1 large compartment?

[bolder13]

Actually, one more question Jon. Is it 3 separate compartments, or 1 large compartment?

There is one large main compartment which I was leary of when I first got the bag. It works out well though, especially with the mesh and zippered wrap around pockets. I was actually able to carry my Digital slr camera in the large compartment with other things in it when I went out to Moab a few weeks ago. But with the compression straps it slims down nicely when empty.

Jonathan

[Dirt]

I'm tryin' to decide whether to click the button and order one of these. But I want to make sure a pump will fit in it. Cbass, about how long of a pump do you think it can hold?

thanks

If you order, I'd suggest calling them to order. I think you'll get much faster service that way.

Pete

[camp]

If you order, I'd suggest calling them to order. I think you'll get much faster service that way. PeteThanx Pete, I ordered online and called after your suggestion. Learned that they (he?) makes them one at a time after an order, and that none of them come with bladders anymore.

[Dirt]

Thanx Pete, I ordered online and called after your suggestion. Learned that they (he?) makes them one at a time after an order, and that none of them come with bladders anymore.

That is actually really cool.