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Geigerrig Hydration Engine
- Category: Gear reviews
- Published on Thursday, 10 February 2011 07:52
- Written by Josh
I was so impressed with the new Geigerrig 'Hydration Engine' bladder systems that I ordered one immediately, even though I'm not much of a hydration-bladder-kind-of-guy. After marvelling at the Geigerrig's 2-chamber pressurized system and the impressive out-flow results I started thinking of ways in which I could impliment one into my kayak fishing game. Unable to find fault with the system I currently use for day-trips (GSI Dukjug on deck, MSR Drom bag for backup supply stored in hull), I figured at the very least I'd get use out of it on expedition, be it on kayak, foot, pushbike or motorbike. And I knew for sure that Holger - who is a hydration bladder kind of guy - would get good use out of one of these as well, for all the same sort of exploits, and more. So I bought him one to.
There's a few reasons I've never been keen on hydration bladders with drinking tubes. One of them being that unless one is vigilant about rinsing and drying out after use (as if a guy like me doesn't have enough maintenence chores to uphold), they tend to go feral with stale water and leave an unpleasant taste that is difficult to irradicate. I've never really been all that impressed with the gravity-fed bite-valve system either, as one typically needs to suck pretty hard to get a reasonable flow of water.
The Geigerrig system changes all of that. Comprising of two chambers - one for water, one for air, the engine is pressurized by pumping a small bulb-like pump. Once done, it only takes a gentle squeeze on the bite valve to get an impressive squirt of water coming out through the hose. Unlike the trickle a normal bladder would give you, the geigerrig squits water out with enough force to use it to cool yourself down, or rinse of equipment (such as reels or camera lenses).
It gets around the age-old problem of rinsing and (specifically) drying the interior by utilizing a fold-over, clamp down style opening at the top, as opposed to a round hole with a threaded cap. Not only does it make for a larger opening (to make filling easier), more importantly, it means the bladder can be turned inside out and dried out completely after use.
You can find out more about these incredible Geigerrig Hydration Engines from their website. There you will find bladders available in 2 and 3 lt sizes, as well as a series of daypack style carry pouches. In need of a new daypack (not for kayak fishing), I bought myself a Rig 1600, pictured here.
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