The Hydraulics™ collection is receiving positive feedback from various members of the media. See below for snapshots of the series’ performance, fit, and design.

Kelly Bastone: Backpacker/Freelancer
Testing: Manta 20

It’s an amazingly featured pack. Stow-on-the-go attachment, on a pack this size? That’s surprising, and welcome. Loved it. As well as the other features—stretchy outer pocket, attachment points for random gear and a helmet. Manages to fit an impressive amount of gear into its 20 L. I liked how opening the bladder didn’t require painful prying. But mostly I loved that you don’t have to jiggle the bladder down into the pack—its rigidity makes it really easy to insert. I’ve been wishing for that feature for a long time!

Dan Nelson: Adventures Northwest and The Seattle Times
Testing: Manta 25

• Bladder is unmatched in easy of use/refilling. Good flow through bite valve. No leakage
• Nice compression on pack, when more than 50% full (and I never had it less than 3/4 full).
• Great design of bladder sleeve. Very easy access for in/out of bladder.

Joe Lindsey: Bicycling and Mountain Biking magazines
Testing: Raptor 14

• the pack construction is clearly high quality.
• The graphics are excellent.
• Zipper pull tabs are perfect – lightweight but easy to grab even with gloves.
• I like the rotating bite valve, the interior pocket design and the suspension system and compression straps.
• Heavily loaded, it’s more comfortable than many other packs.

Richard Cunningham: Mountain Bike Action
Testing: Raptor 10

• It is very innovative and I like the lighter weight fabric and excellent seam treatments.
• Engineered very well.
• I had some zipper issues when the outer zipper pulls caches the rain hoods. Fortunately, the hardware is good quality and it the pulls could handle being jerked around to release them.
• The bladder is excellent and I love the magnetic catch.