Dakine, Hydration, Seeker - January 18, 2017

Dakine Seeker 15L hydration pack review

The added back protection meant a little more confidence when dropping in… Photo by Otto Maddox

What is it

Dakine’s Seeker 15-liter hydration pack with included 2-liter reservoir and removable spine protector is built for all manner of mountain bike adventures. Ample cargo space, durable polyurethane-coated 200D Nylon Ripstop fabric, and a near-waterproof construction and closures make it a viable companion for true backcountry adventures. The removable back pad and easy-to-use helmet and armor carrying system give it true enduro racing potential. Either way a host of interior and exterior pockets (including one that’s fleece lined) allow the rider to carry all the gear they need and keep it organized.

It’s a great looking pack, though just a tad on the tall and heavy side.

Pros

Highly durable
200D Nylon Ripstop with weather resistant coating
Quick disconnect water reservoir
Breathable mesh back panel
Breathable ergonomic shoulder straps
Removable spine protector included
Roll top design keeps water out
Deployable helmet/armor carrying system
Multiple pockets to stay organized
Fleece lined valuables pocket
Magnetic hydration hose clip
2-liter reservoir included
Looks good
Water weight kept low on body
Material cleans easily

Lots of pockets and sleeves help keep things organized.

Cons

On heavy side for pack of this size
No easy-to-access waist pockets
2 liters not enough for longer rides
Height of pack an issue on bikes with no dropper
Thin waist strap can pinch

The chest and waist straps keep things in place.

Mtbr’s Take

Riding bikes and product testing often go hand in hand here at Mtbr. And that means taking pictures, too. But when it comes to carrying a camera out on the trail, all hydration packs are not created equal. Sure most have enough room for a small mirrorless set-up like the one I use. But not all can be trusted to keep water out if a squall rolls through. But thanks to a water-resistant coating and roll top design borrowed from the white water boating world, Dakin’s Seeker 15L inspires total confidence. No matter how hard it pours, your gear will not get wet. That’s critical peace of mind when you’re deep in the backcountry and might need those extra dry layers.

The Seeker also comes stock with a removable DK impact CE-certified spine protector. When installed it adds 300 grams to the already hefty 1340-gram pack weight.

The Seeker also comes stock with a removable DK impact CE-certified spine protector. When installed it adds 300 grams to the already hefty 1340-gram pack weight. But no one will ever call this a XC-oriented gear carrier, so who really cares. That extra heft also translates into a pack that’s truly built to take a beating, and not come apart at the seams. (And yes I put that concept to test via a handful of unscheduled get-offs.)

The mesh back panel helps alleviate sweaty back syndrome.

Venting on the shoulder straps and back panel is well-designed, and the 2-liter rectangular-shaped reservoir sits low, which helps keep overall center of gravity low, too. It’s also easy to stay organized via a handful of gear sleeves and zippered stash pockets, including one that’s fleece lined to keep your smartphone and sunglasses safe.

Back of head bonk was an occasional problem. Photo by Otto Maddox

My biggest complaint with this pack is its height, which is roughly 20 inches top to bottom, or about two inches taller than the Platypus Duthie AM 10.0 hydration pack Mtbr reviewed in November 2015. Those extra inches make the pack more prone to whacking the back of your head on steep descents, especially if you happen to be riding a bike without a dropper post (which hopefully doesn’t happen often).

The water resistant material, roll top closure and seam sealed zippers keep Mother Nature out.

I also wish it had waist pockets, which can provide a great stash spot for snacks on the go. As it is, you have to at least unclip the waist and chest straps in order to dig into the small side pocket on the pack’s lower right side.

Carrying a helmet (or removable chinbar) and pads is easy.

But these are small niggles. Bottom line, if you’re looking for a durable hydration pack with loads of functionality the Dakine Seeker 15L should be on your short list.

Rating: 4 out of 5 4 Flamin' Chili Peppers