Platypus Duthie AM 10.0 hydration pack review
No matter the terrain, the Duthie AM 10.0 has maintained a stable, secure and unobstructed fit.
Lowdown: Platypus Duthie AM 10.0 Hydration Pack
The best hydration packs are there when you need them, invisible when you don’t. They provide ample and secure storage, fit comfortably, breathe well, and don’t flop around or otherwise impede progress when you’re tackling tough terrain. With those critical criteria in mind, we spent the last couple months with the Platypus Duthie AM 10.0 hydration pack on our back to see how it measured up. Read on to find out how it fared.
| Storage: 7 liters | Back panel: Float air with tensioned mesh |
| Bladder: 3 liters/100 fluid ounces | Color options: Carbon, Moss (tested), Red |
| Pack material: 160D/210D water resistant nylon | Price: $140 |
| Pack weight: 800 grams |
Rating:  4 out of 5 |
| Bladder and hose weight: 150 grams |
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Review: Platypus Duthie AM 10.0 Hydration Pack
Over the last few years, the hydration pack has fallen out of favor. Whether it’s SWAT storage, fanny packs, or overstuffed jersey pockets, riders seem intent on ditching the pack lest their back gets the least bit sweaty. And I’ll admit that for shorter rides (typically anything two hours or less) I usually don’t use a pack. I love the free feeling of having nothing on my back, and as long as your bike’s frame allows for a bottle cage, and/or you have a pair of SWAT pocket-equipped bibshorts or some other cargo carrying space, it’s pretty easy to transport everything you need for shorter rides.
Cargo capacity is 7 liters, plus a 3 liter (100oz) bladder. Photo by Dave Kozlowski
But let’s be honest, two hour rides are fun and all, but the best mountain bike adventures last longer and take you farther into the backcountry. And that’s why a high functioning hydration pack is a must. The best are there when you need them, completely out of mind when you don’t. They’re comfortable, breath well, have ample secure storage, and don’t bounce all over the place when you’re shredding the gnar.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLxfYb3Z3ks
In nearly all of these cases, the Platypus Duthie AM 10.0 gets high marks. Fit is dialed via a pair of shoulder straps, and adjustable waist belt and sternum strap, all of which stay in place once secured. The highly breathable back panel utilizes a layer of mesh tensioned around a wire frame to prevent the pack from compressing against your back. This increases airflow, helping to avoid that not-so-fresh feeling. And it’s super comfortable, closely conforming in my case to a protruding line of vertebrae. There’s also a subtle amount of suspension, which minimizes bounce during descents. You can see a rundown of all the pack’s features in the video below.
Fit is dialed in via a pair of adjustable shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and oversized waist belt. Photo by Dave Kozlowski
However, the Duthie is lacking any sort of extra spine protection. So if for instance you’re racing enduro and want a little extra piece of mind, you’ll need to look at another pack such as the Dakine Seeker 15 L Bike (review upcoming), EVOC Freeride, or CamelBak K.U.D.U.
The highly breathable back panel utilizes a layer of mesh tensioned around a wire frame to prevent the pack from compressing against your back.
Weight for the seven liter Duthie pack is a reasonable 800 grams, with the 100oz bladder adding another 150 grams. The 160D/210D water resistant exterior nylon material has stood up to a summer’s worth of riding, and there’s tons of storage space. The main compartment has a zip mesh pocket with key clip, plus three more mesh pockets that are ideal for tools and such. A pair of sleeves secure a shock pump and tire pump, though my shock pump didn’t quite fit and instead just ended up loose inside this compartment, which also worked fine.
A pair of zippered mesh waist belt pockets allow quick access to snacks.
The waist belt has a pair of easily accessible zippered pockets that are perfect for a couple gels, an energy bar, or even your smartphone. The pack also has a system of adjustable straps, buckles, and stretch pockets that accommodate a helmet (or removable chinbar) and knee pads. Up top is a fleece-lined zip pocket where you can stash sunglasses or your phone. Finally, if you get caught in downpour there’s a rain fly that deploys from a pocket on the bottom of the pack, and can easily be removed for post-ride cleaning. It’s all well-conceived and expertly executed.
Continue to page 2 for more of our Platypus Duthie AM 10.0 hydration pack review
The post Platypus Duthie AM 10.0 hydration pack review appeared first on Mountain Bike Review.