GEIGERRIG is claiming that their latest hydration packs don’t suck. It’s not a bold claim. The squeeze ball pressurization allows you to spray water out of the nozzle. It’s a game-changing idea, but some ideas are better in a lab than they are in real life. So fellow copywriter Zach Horn and I took a spin on our mountain bikes in nearby Forest Park to put two different GEIGERRIG packs to the test.
GEIGERRIG Rig Guardian (reviewed by Zach)
Design: The first thing I noticed about the GEIGERRIG Rig Guardian was its looks. It seemed stout, like it could take some major punishment. The unique design sandwiches an H20 bladder between two ultra-protective plastic shells that not only protect your hydration source but can also protect your spine. Slipping it on inspired confidence, like I was wearing a suit of futuristic armor.
Fit: The fit was streamlined, ergonomic, and supportive. Riding, my movement wasn’t constrained in the slightest and I’d go so far as to say that my posture even improved while in the saddle. The ability to snug the plastic plates together with a simple webbing system really made for a compact unit. I felt like I could move fast while wearing this pack.
Functionality: Let’s talk about Geigerrig’s patented pressurized spray system. It’s got power. With a few pumps of the attached pump ball, I’d get about 15 seconds of continual spray, making it super easy to get an ample amount of water in me. It didn’t feel like I had to suck my brain through my nose in order to quench my thirst. It was even powerful enough to blast my face in order to cool off. This was technology I didn’t even know I was missing out on and am not sure if I could live without in the future.
GEIGERRIG RIG 1210 (reviewed by Tim)
Design: The RIG is the size of a small daypack. When I first filled up the H20 bladder I thought it might compromise all space within the pack, but it didn’t. The pack has three external pockets that expand outward instead of in, so no matter how much you inflate the bladder you still have room for snacks, layers, and a lock.
Best Use: Given its size, durability, and function I’d say this pack would best be used mountain biking or day hiking. It felt great while riding, and the webbing chest and hip straps ensured that it stayed in place.
Pressurized Hydration System: The pressurized drinking hose is what this pack is all about, and it’s really cool. Pressurizing the bladder is super easy to do while biking, and it makes a noticeable difference to drink without sucking. If you get a little overzealous inflating the bladder, as I did, and shoot water with surprising force against your tonsils, there’s a pressure release valve that solves that problem in an instant.