Unbound Gravel Tested
USWE hydration packs helped me ditch the extra bottles and focus on fueling. I would not have survived Unbound Gravel 200 if not for my Outlander Pro keeping me on track with regular fueling. The harness clasp helped out a lot with refilling at checkpoints, as it can be opened and closed with minimal attention required. The mud-caked pack cleaned up nicely after a quick trip in the washing machine (by itself and in a garment bag). With the Rush, I hope to free up my jersey pockets for tools and make use of the pack's additional 6L of space to take on longer rides in the backcountry.
If I could improve one thing, it would be to supply specific instructions about how to open the bladder for the first time. The factory seal is very tight and rather inconspicuous, so it becomes a bit of a "bravery test" for anyone unfamiliar with the design. A simple instructional diagram would alleviate the worry that a new user may have about ruining their brand new equipment.