The North Face Animas 12 hydration pack review

With a capacity perfect for three or four hours out in the sticks, the Animas also packs plenty of handy features without being swamped by useless gadgets. The compartments are a good size, it has a wide opening to aid rummaging and just the right amount of mesh organisers and pockets to see your tools and spares right.

We always like to see a good pair of compression straps in place to keep your pack contents under control, and the Animas has that too. The Source bladder doesn’t have a quick release (QR) hose, but with a locking bite valve and wide opening for easy fill it’s a quality alternative to the better known hydration packs. It is ultra-comfy on the bike, and very stable once the straps are cranked in.