Geigerrig 500 Citrus
Retail Price: $98
Specs per manufacturer: THE RIG is a lean, mean water machine made of heavy duty 840 Ballistic Nylon. It holsters our 2 Liter Hydration Engine that sprays for easy cooling, cleaning, drinking and sharing. Has a diagonal zipper that runs the length of the pack, as well as a top zipper that runs horizontally. This enables the pack face to lay wide open for easy loading and unloading of the engine. Inside there is a small 5 inch by 7 inch mesh pocket for holding a granola bar, your car keys, and a couple small odds and ends. The pack straps and back plate have soft waffle padding covered with easy breathing, durable, stretch mesh for comfort. The shoulder straps are adjustable, as is the chest strap. The chest strap adjusts both vertically and horizontally and hosts an emergency whistle. The drink tube is secured by a magnet when not in use. The RIG has a non-removable waist strap and small pack handle. Grab your RIG and go. NOTE: Image shows pack strap with the insulated tube garage attached. This accessory is not included with the purchase of a RIG Citrus. The insulated tube garage is available for purchase in our on-line catalog.
Findings:
A hydration system that sprays? What novelty. Geigerrig suggests using the spray for everything from a quick drink, to watering the dog to cleaning off your camp dishes. Again, what novelty. As a mom of four, I am less concerned with novelty as I am with functionality and durability. So how did the Geigerrig measure up?
1.Ease of use: Once I figured out how to use it, I found it simple.But I have to admit I struggled a bit with the initial install. Let’s just say this isn’t your mother’s hydration system.I advise you watch the You Tube video.
2.Ease of cleaning: WOW, this thing couldn’t get any easier to clean. One of my biggest complaints of the old fashioned hydration systems has been theinability to get them clean. You can actually turn the Geigerrig inside out and put it in the dishwasher. As a mom, it is really important to me to have my kid’s drink clean.
3.Durability: Did I mention I have four kids? While we work really hard to take really good care of our gear, we do use our gear a lot. I never write a review until we have taken the gear out for a real run. I have a real thing for zippers and the Geigerrig zipper scores a perfect ten.I open and close the zippers just to experience the perfect glide. Ahhh. The bladder must be made of some wonder material, because it won’t pop no matter what. And trust me, my kids tried. The tube connecting to the bulb pops off easily, but Geigerrig says this is intentional. I haven’t had any problems losing parts.
4.Design: On paper the design is novel. We discovered the practical side though. Little kids can have a hard time sucking from traditional systems. Even a little toddler can easily get a drink from Geigerrig. Have extra kids along you don’t want sucking on your spout? No worries, just spray them a drink and give your dog a shot while you are at it.
As it is winter as I write this review, I haven’t had a chance to test out the filter system yet, but I do love the concept. I can also see appreciating the spray on a hot day. Needless to say, I haven’t tested that either this winter. Novelty? Perhaps, but brilliant novelty. Geigerrig gets this mom’s full approval.