Mountain Hardware Fluid 18 Pack

The MH Fluid series is a line of hydration day packs with an extensive variety of uses.  The packs are available in 10, 18, 26 and 32 Litre sizes and 4 different colour schemes.  They are flame (red/grey, as shown), grasshopper (green/grey), fresh blue (blue/grey) and black (black/yellow).  I purchased the Fluid 18 in black, which is the basically the same as the 26 and 32 L sizes, but the 10 L version is slightly different.  The pack shows clear evidence that Mountain Hardware is very knowledgeable in the usage of their products and develops innovative design features to address user complaints.  The Fluid 18 lived up to my expectations and surprised me in some aspects, so read on.

Design Features:

• One aspect that was new to the Fluid series was the HardWave framesheet that supports the back of the pack.  With this support, the pack curves to the wearer's back while keeping rigid.  In other words, you can flex the pack horizontally but not vertically.
  I found great use for this feature, especially when mountain biking or running trails.  Any activities where your back moves positions, this pack is great because it gives you the flexibility to do so.
• The second feature was the On-The-Fly Compression system.  This was the defining improvement for me; I was really annoyed by old backpacks sticking out from my back and bouncing around when only at a brisk walking speed.  The OTF Compression system is a series of straps that pull the pack tight to the back and the load up towards the shoulders.  Straps are located on the top of each shoulder strap and both bottom corners.  Together with the HardWave framesheet, this pack takes some stress off your back and won't throw your balance during a ride.
• The back panel and shoulder straps provide excellent comfort and allow for decent ventilation across the spine.  The ventilation helps cool me down during long outdoor use, but I still work up some sweat on my back.
• The thick handle strap on top was very useful carry around not on the shoulders.  While this seems like an obvious statement, I've had packs before that were better to pick up by the main pouches, which damaged the zippers over time.
• Other smaller features I enjoyed were the loop on the chest strap to quickly hold sunglasses when taken off for a second and the top fleece pocket for actual sunglasses storage or mp3 and handheld game systems.  The front inside zipper pocket was great for keeping a wallet and cell phone accessible, rather than rooting through my entire pack.

Flaws:

• While the hydration pocket has its benefits (leak detection hole and easy access), I found it annoying at times trying to get my water bladder to slide all the way in.  The clip at the top of the pocket to hold the bladder did not fit my bladder, so unless supported by other means it would sag down.  I would have preferred Mountain Hardware include their own removable bladder that fits well with the pack.
• I was surprised that I could fit a 15.6 inch laptop in the main pouch (only just) which was good during school.  I could still fit some other books in the pack, but it reduced space a lot and prevented the use of the side water bottle pouches.  Obviously this isn`t the intended use, but if you need a pack for everyday use and athletics this is something to think about.
• The mesh waist pockets were really only good for holding keys or change, but my cell phone and others I tried would not fit and granola bars needed to be bent to get fit inside.

Price: $100 CAD/$90 USD for 18 L size

Verdict:
Overall, I was very happy with this pack and its many uses.  The hydration bladder didn't cause that much trouble and I'd much rather buy a different bladder for $20 than a new pack.  I've been able to get plenty of use out of the Fluid 18 and expect it to last me a while.  It is a high quality pack for a price lower than many competitors.