BORELLI CONSULTING: Recreational Equipment Reviews

HydraStorm Matrix: A Climber's Hydration System
By: Frank Borelli, 18 July 2005

Over the course of the past few months (years?) I've reviewed my fair share of hydration systems from various manufacturers. Although it's a competitive market - especially where military equipment is involved due to the on-going evolution of gear in that arena - it's difficult to objectively choose one manufacturers products as always better than "the other guys". Depending on the environment and mission, different hydration systems might be better suited to the need. Outside of military and police operations, the need for specific features can be relaxed even more. I mean, all of these systems are designed to provide you two things (typcially): 1) water to drink in an easily carried and accessed manner, and 2) some storage space for food or other necessities.

If the system provides you other features beyond that, in a recreational setting, the value of those features is dependent on your activity. The best hydration system for bicycling probably isn't the same as the best hydration system for rock climbing. This week I'm reviewing BlackHawk's HydraStorm Matrix: a hydration system / pack that was specifically designed for climbing work. The cool part (at least to me) was that HydraStorm specifically designed the system / pack to be of equal value to the recreational climber / backpacker as to the mountain rescue worker.

Starting with the design of the pack itself, we find that it has a tapered shape making it more comfortable during climbing activities. If your shoulders will fit through a section of rock, then so will the back. On the outside of the pack, there is a shock-corded section that BlackHawk put there for tool attachment. I'm not really a rock climber, but I can imagine that being able to get to the right tool quickly is a good thing. Gravity isn't forgiving as I recall.

The shoulder straps are adjustable, padded and have a lining that keeps them from slipping easily across your shoulders. That might sound like a bad thing but isn't. It's good to have your pack not slipping around while you're moving your body, hiking, climbing, or hanging at an angle. In addition to the straps, there is a carry handle sewn into the top, and a bottom constructed of HawkTex - BlackHawk's proprietary non-slip, abrasion resistant material. Attacked through the HawkTex bottom are strap loops where you can attach a sleeping bag, tent, etc.

The storage space inside the Matrix is fairly generous at 1920 cubic inches. Measuring 20 x 10 x 7.5 (averaged throughout the pack), the internal space is sufficient for day trips, minimal overnights, or first-aid and rescue gear for climbers.

The hydration system incorporates BlackHawk's MicroBan anti-microbial treatment which helps to prevent mold, mildew or other germ growth inside the hydration bladder and delivery tube. It's important to realize that the presence of the MicroBan treatment doesn't mean you don't have to wash your stuff out. It is more like a booster shot: You wash it and the MicroBan helps to keep it clean by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold and midlew normally present in water anyway.

I tried out my test Matrix on a day hike that I took with my two sons. I filled the three-liter / 100 oz. reservoir with fresh cold water AFTER I had filled it with ice cubes first. Inside the storage space I put some snacks, some basic first-aid items, and minimal survival supplies. I knew the area we were hiking and didn't think there was much of a chance of getting stuck out there. We weren't far from "civilization" and I knew there was good cell phone coverage throughout the planned hike. If worse came to worse, I was pretty sure I could call for assistance and rescue personnel could get to us within an hour. Food and shelter weren't a major concern going out.

The Matrix road well and was comfortable for the several hours we were hiking. Through some places we had to jump over depressions, walk fallen trees (as bridges over mud) and climb some inclines. The pack didn't shift much at all, and the compression straps on the storage compartment kept the materials inside from shifting around very much. I imagine that a sudden weight shift inside of a climber's pack could be a very bad thing. No worries about that with the Matrix. The built in padding - BlackHawk's IVS system - kept the pack comfortable on my back and provided enough air flow that my shirt wasn't wet with sweat at the end of the day.

All in all, a good pack for what it was designed for. The BlackHawk online retail price is $149.95, but I found it a few other places online for a few dollars less. If you're into climbing, or even just good hikes, this is an ideal pack to have. For more info, check out the BlackHawk / HydraStorm site.

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