Platypus, one of the brands that make up Seattle-based company Cascade Designs had big news this year at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. Spring 2011 will see them debuting a line of hydration backpacks after years of developing and perfecting their hydration reservoirs.
The Origin line of packs will be weatherproof, lightweight, and available in a large range of sizes, from the compact Origin 3 (with a 3-liter gear capacity, on top of a 2-liter reservoir) all the way up to the Origin 32.20 & 32.22 (32-liter gear capacity and a 3-liter reservoir). The reservoir is housed in a separate pocket from the rest of the pack, so even when full, it doesn’t affect the capacity of the rest of the pack. This also will help to cut down on condensation transfer to your gear on hot days when you fill your reservoir with ice cold water.
Each pack will be packaged with one of Platypus’ Big Zip SL reservoirs, smaller packs with the 2-liter reservoir, and larger packs with a 3-liter reservoir. However, even the smallest packs will have the space to accommodate a 3-liter reservoir, should you want it.
A lot of thought went into the design of these packs, made to function in a wide variety of outdoor pursuits–from trail running to longer day hikes and short overnight treks. Weatherproof zippers and taped and sewn seams keep your gear dry, and the clean profile of the pack prevents snags on low-hanging branches when hiking on an overgrown trail. There are strategically-placed stretch woven panels where comfort is key, and the packs all feature Platypus’ BioCurve ventilated back panels. The larger capacity packs (28 and 32-liters) will be available in two torso sizes, as well.
All the packs will be available January 2011 and retail from $79.95 (for the Origin 3) up to $159.95 (for the Origin 32.20/32.22).
