Pros: This is good as a back pack. I find the hydration bladder and hose simply annoying. Update: My replacement bladder leaks as well. Soaks my back on rides.

Cons: first one I got had a leaking bladder. The cap wouldn't seal properly. I replaced it and the second one worked. Then I read the warning label: that magnet they warn you about that stops pacemakers. . . it also erases phones and mp3 players. I thought maybe there's an alternate way to store the hose and get rid of the magnet. There's not. Water tastes like plastic. The hose pops off the magnetic as one would expect. It looks like you're going scuba diving.

Pros: Plenty of straps/bungees to keep things tight. There is a compartment for everything. I LOVE the magnetic valve holder.

Recommendation: This was recommended to me by the LBS. Kudos to the college kid for selling me a great product.

Model/Year: 2012 Red

Pros: Reservoir is easy to remove and install, fits tight on your back, lots of cinch downs to make it smaller.

Cons: No large gulps, only medium sips, hard to dry out reservoir.

Recommendation: Much better than MULE, more features and fits better.

Pros: Great features. Reservoir is easy to refill. Good ventalation. Tons of stroage for daylong rides.

Cons: I have owned the pack for about 1 year and wis I bought one sooner!

Recommendation: The reinforced reservoir makes filling simple.The reservoir can be removed and filled without needing to empty everything else. Overall the pack is comfortable and has good ventalation on hot days. Well Constructed. Definately recommend this hydration pack.

Pros: large storage space without the large bag feel on your back. helmet hook. rigid reservoir. very nice looking and built well. nice ventilation at the back. competative cost to other bags, but offers more.

Cons: none at this point

Recommendation: I want this bag bad. i own the Camelback MULE and love it, but a buddy of mine has this one and i looked at it today at REI again and love the room and compartments for additional gear, pumps, tools, tubes, water bottles, IPOD, etc. the rigid hydration pack is really nice when your bag is packed and space gets tight, although with the space in this bad boy, I cnat see that happening unless your planning an overnightstay somewhere.

Pros: Cost. Ease of resorvior. Design.

Cons: None so far and I have been on numerous rides, at least 100 miles.

Recommendation: I have recommended this brand and specific pack to everyone I know. In my opinion, its the best pack for the money.
I love the Hydroform resorvior. That is probably my favorite feature. I love the clip to hold my helmet, outer pocket for a poncho or a spare towel, and the magnet to hold the bite valve. Those would be my favorite features. The storage room is amazing and more than likely more than you need. I can fill the second pocket with snacks and two extra water bottles. I carry spare tubes, tools, keys, and a camera in the smaller first pocket and still have room for more stuff. Then there is a smaller pocket for my phone and wallet at the very top of the pack.

Pros: The ease of the 3L Hyraforms reservoir removal, fill, and replacement into its own dedicated compartment. The adjust-ability and fit is excellent. Plenty of storage room. Good ventilation.

Cons: None so far.

Recommendation: After checking out the Hydrapak and The Camelbak lines I ended up buying the Osprey Raptor 14. I've only been out with it once so far and I wasn't disappointed. It fits(feels) great, holds a lot of gear, and has the 3L reservoir. The reservoir has a rigid plate made into it that makes removing and inserting it into the pack a snap, plus its contoured to your back and keeps the reservoir from barreling out against your back. Very comfortable and the ventilation was excellent, even on a 95 degree day. I would highly recommend this pack to anyone.