Orange Mud HydraQuiver Double Barrel Review

September 4, 2015
Orange Mud HydraQuiver Double Barrel
2-HydraQuiver_Double_Barrel_Black_Front
Orange Mud HydraQuiver Double Barrel 2-HydraQuiver_Double_Barrel_Black_Front
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
73
Fit/Comfort
6
Carrying Capacity
7
Function
8
Hydration System
3
Versatility
7
Multi-sport Versatility
2

The Good

  • Easy to clean water bottles
  • Exposed back for ventilation

  • Very light

The Bad

  • Different feel takes getting used to

  • No sipping on the move
  • Little storage for extra layers
THE VERDICT

By holstering water bottles in a small pack Orange Mud shakes up the hydration pack mold with the HydraQuiver Double Barrel pack. The shoulder ride feel took a little getting used to and it lacks storage room for more gear intensive adventures. Anyone who doesn't love bladders will find this a nice break to carrying water bottles in their hands.

FULL REVIEW

COMFORT
The unique design of the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Double Barrel positions two water bottles on angles in a half pack. It sits high on the back—over the runner’s shoulder blades—leaving the rest of the back open and well ventilated. The high position and the pack straps looping fairly snugly through testers’ armpits felt odd and slightly uncomfortable at first, but after half a mile testers forgot about any discomfort thanks to the soft padding with a ventilation groove. It’s heavier than the others here, but with water it’s not significant.

STABILITY IN MOTION
Without a sternum strap testers were surprised at how well the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Double Barrel stayed put on runs. The snug fit and small area helps reduce movement. Water in the bottles tended to slosh, but it wasn’t of much concern.

HYDRATION
Two 500 mL bike-style squirt bottles come with the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Double Barrel. These could be upgraded to 750s if needed. The two bottles open up options for running with two different liquids: straight water and an electrolyte or one for you and one for Rover. And the bottles are easier to clean and refill than a bladder. Holstered slightly angled towards the shoulders, as long as you have normal flexibility in the shoulder joint they’re easy to reach, even on the move. However, someone with shoulder issues might find this move more difficult. 

STORAGE
The Orange Mud HydraQuiver Double Barrel has two small pockets on the shoulder straps, two more at the top of the pack, a small hidden zip and an elastic cord. It’s probably just over a liter in total. Testers could carry a phone, car keys and a bunch of snacks and gels, as well as an extra layer in the elastic cord. For many runs and races it’s all most would need.

QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION
Construction looks solid with excellent materials—medical grade neoprene on pockets, soft webbing and cushy padding—and solid looking stitching. After several runs there’s no sign of wear. It comes with a lifetime warranty, no questions asked.

MULTI-SPORT VERSATILITY
This is a running pack. We found the position of the bottles tended to bump our helmet biking and there wasn’t enough storage for adventure racing or hiking. 

 


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