Gear Review: Geigerrig RIG 500 with Hydration Engine

Geigerrig's innovative way to drink water

There are a plethora of daypacks on the market so having something that lets the pack stand out is important in this market. Geigerrig packs is just such a company that lets their packs stand out in the market. The packs come with a hydration engine allowing the user to pressurize the water bladder and no longer have to suck to get water. This also means not sharing a mouthpiece or being able to squirt water while biking. Having the water come to you means breathing doesn’t have to stop while sucking in water.

Internal mesh pockets

Media pocket and daisy chain

The Geigerrig RIG 500 is one of the smaller packs in the Geigerrig line. The pack itself has an internal compartment with framesheet. There are two mesh pockets inside for small items. On the outside of the pack there are two small pockets, one of which has an earphone port. A daisy chain is located on the back while there are two compression straps with buckles. The pack has a haul loop, adjustable sternum strap and removable hip belt. On the shoulder straps there are loops for containing hydration hoses as well as a pocket for the pressurizing bulb.

Geigerrig's unique Hydration Engine

Bulb and hose attachment points

The hydration engine is made by Hydropak. The bladder is pretty unique. There are two quick connect ports on the bladder, one on the lower front and another at the top on the back. On the back of the bladder there is a layer of material that creates a pocket for the air. There is a hose with a bulb that connects to the back air compartment. Once the bulb is attached, the air pocket can be filled with air which puts pressure on the water compartment and allows the water to spray out under pressure. A hydration hose with lockable bite-valve connects to the front bottom quick connect. The top of the bladder has a fold top closure and a slide to lock the top down.

In-line filter with adapter hose

Filter placed in-line in adapter hose

The hydration engine is really unique. Geigerrig has really thought about what would work best for hydration and not having to suck to get fluids means better hydration. Once the air pocket has been filled with air, depressing the bite valve elicits a stream of water. I find that drinking in this fashion, I take in more water than I would if I had to suck on the bite valve. I can also share water or spray it on something without fearing dirtying my bite valve. I have found that care needs to be taken when leaving the bite valve unlocked as I have placed a loaded pack on the unlocked bite valve and watched water spray out.

Holding bladder open with one hand to fill

I’ve been using the pack for a while now and have enjoyed using it on snowshoeing trips in the Wasatch Mountains as well as day trips down in the desert southwest. The RIG 500 is a really nice size for day hikes. I have enough room for wind layers as well as a couple of spare layers, wallet, cell phone, camera, MP3 player and keys. The pack fits pretty tight to my back and is quite comfortable for dayhiking, snowshoeing and even jogging. It is really easy to take in water during high activity sports even when I’m breathing hard because I don’t have to suck on the bite valve.

Enjoying the winter hiking

What is really nice about the Geigerrig packs is the hydration engine. This is a very unique system which allows the user to pressurize the bladder. It is a strange feeling at first to have water spurt into my mouth when biting the valve. I quickly got used to it and find that I do tend to drink a bit more than if I had to suck. Going back to a regular hydration system was equally strange as I was waiting for the water to come to my mouth. The ability to stray water is also useful for sharing water with other people, or if I have lip balm on and don’t want to get it all over the mouth piece I can still drink water. Filling up a measuring cup at meal time is a snap as is cleaning up.

Normal flow rate

Reduced flow rate with filter in-line

Enjoying the Geigerrig dayhiking

As an optional extra, Geigerrig has an in-line filter that fits into a special hydration hose. The hose can be used alone or with the filter in-line. With the filter in place, the water flow is slightly diminished but still sprays. The hose has two quick-connect connection, one to attach to the bladder and one just a couple inches up from the bladder connection for the filter. The filter adds a couple of inches to the hose but the hose without the filter in-line is a good length. The filter is streamlined and doesn’t add a lot of bulk. It is great for the backcountry and even for removing the chlorine taste from tap water. I really enjoy using in-line filters as it makes it easy to fill and go. Adding pressure behind the flow means the filter barely restricts the flow of water.

The Geigerrig RIG 500 is a great hydration ready daypack. The amount of storage space along with a media ready pocket makes this pack fit well with my needs. The in-line filter capability is a great add-on feature for backcountry use. I find that I drink more water and can drink water while I am breathing hard. The hydration engine is really easy to use, easy to clean and easy to fill one handed. I especially love how easy it is to use the innovative pressured hydration engine that Geigerrig has developed.

Manufacturer	Geigerrig
Materials	ballistic nylon
Weight	2 lb 3 oz/1 kg (RIG 500 plus air bulb minus bladder) 3 oz/85 g (bladder) 1.8 oz/51 g (regular hose) 2.0 oz/57 g (in-line filter) 2.4 oz/68 g (adapter hose)
Volume	2 L bladder capacity 500 cu in. RIG 500 day pack
Price (MSRP)	$125

This story was originally posted April 3, 2011.