Hydrapak Jolla Hydration Pack Review
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The back is enclosed foam with mesh, the shoulder are ergonomic and the Quantam Clip keeps the drinking tube in place.
The Jolla from Hydrapak is one the most versatile hydration packs on the market. At 18 liters of space and holding a 100 ounce reservoir it is a great choice for those all day hikes, bikes or treks. Plenty of storage and well placed zipper and pockets make it easy to organize.
Having used this pack on long rides, day hikes and as carry on for flights, I can say that it’s versatility is a great plus. Two large exterior compartments are big enough to hold a computer and books, or spare tubes and a jacket along with energy bars, repair kits and extra socks. Inside the smaller of the two compartments are zippered and velcro pockets for further organization. There is a smaller compartment, perfect for a small camera or iPod. A small portal allows for headphones to be routed outside. Two large side zippered pockets hold gels or other small items, although they are not readily accessible while riding. The Jolla can carry all you need for a full day. The 100 ounce reservoir is accessed via a back panel that opens wide for easy removal. The bladder itself uses a fold over and slide mechanism for opening and closing. With a wide mouth it is very easy to fill.
The Jolla is made from a mix of ripstop and stretch nylon and is very durable. The back panel is fully enclosed foam padding and is comfortable. The mesh like fabric helps with moisture management, although I was often soaked at the end. Two compression straps on each side help keep the pack secure and still. The shoulder straps are ergonomic and have a fully adjustable chest strap
One nice extra feature is the Quantam Clip. It is essentially a magnet that clips to the chest strap and will hold the drinking tube in place. This is great when you are mountain biking and don’t want to have to look around to secure the tube. The hip belt works well and is slightly padded. When not in use, they can be tucked into the back of the pack to keep them out of the way.
I loved this pack for my long mountain bike rides. Gearing up for a 68 mile mountain bike race I loaded the pack up with all sorts of gear, making it about 20 pounds! Carrying the extra weight and extra water in training was great preparation for race day. On day hikes I was able to carry all sorts of extra items so I wouldn’t be caught unprepared on the trail. On a recent flight it was perfect to fit in a book, my computer, some snacks and it easily fit in the overhead bin.
It’s in the upper range for a hydration pack, but given that it can be used in so many ways and the smaller details, I feel it is absolutely worth the price. For more info on the Jolla and other Hydrapak products, visit www.hydrapak.com or www.amazon.com/hydrapalk.
