Dakine Apex 26L 2012
Reviews / Hydration Packs/Bags
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At A Glance
The Apex 26L is the biggest pack in the Dakine range, before you start getting to the very specialised builders pack that is and unless you want a chainsaw holder the Apex is going to offer you pretty much everything you will need in terms of a large volume all day pack.
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It is based around the popular Drafter and Nomad designs and in terms of styling it is very similar. It features a 3-litre Hydrapak Shape Shifter bladder, which prevents ballooning of the bladder when it is full. The bladder can also be turned inside out when you need to clean it.
The materials used are tough and hardwearing and there are plenty of bike related features, as you would expect from a brand like Dakine. Full Face and XC lids can be carried, as can a set of knee and shin pads with hidden straps.
On the Trail
The harness system on the Apex is excellent; even when fully loaded with 10 kilos of camera gear the pack felt comfortable and didn’t move around too much. One thing we love about these packs is the array of organiser pockets in the front section, you can keep all your tools and spares neatly arranged and ready to be grabbed in the blink of an eye.
There is also a waterproof tarp pocket on the inside of the lid carry panel, which is a great place to keep your phone when the heavens open. A quick mesh stash pocket on the side would be nice but with practice you can undo the zips on the side pockets, remove a multi tool and slip it back in without taking the pack off. The main pocket is roomy enough to take some spare clothes, food and just about everything you would need for an entire days riding. We’re actually tempted to take this pack on some wilderness rides in the summer over a couple of days and see how it fairs with some basic camping gear inside…
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This review was in Issue 15 of IMB.
For more information visit DakineRelated
By Rou Chater
Rou Chater is the Publishing Editor of IMB Magazine; he’s a jack-of-all-trades and master of none, but his passion for bikes knows no bounds. His first mountain bike was a Trek 820, which he bought in 1990. It didn’t take him long to earn himself a trip to the hospital on it, and he’s never looked back since. These days he’s keeping it rubber side down, riding locally and overseas as much as possible.
