Gregory Swift 16 H2O / Inertia 18 H2O Hydration Pack Evaluation

Backside Line

The Gregory Swift 16 H2O / Inertia 18 H2O excels as a light-weight, compact hydration pack, excellent for brief hikes, or biking. It provides a snug match for mild hundreds, with a well-distributed weight that minimizes fatigue. The hydration system is environment friendly, with a sturdy bladder and an ergonomic pan deal with for straightforward filling and hydration on the go. 

The pack’s 16L capability offers sufficient area for necessities, although it’s greatest suited to minimal gear as a result of its smaller compartments and restricted storage. The pack is sturdy general, however the mesh materials on the shoulder straps and again is probably not as sturdy for prolonged put on. It lacks a padded hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps, which may have an effect on consolation throughout longer outings. For those who’re searching for a bigger or extra sturdy pack, please see our full information to the greatest hydration packs. 

The Swift 16 provides nice worth for these looking for a no-frills, environment friendly pack for brief adventures. It’s ultimate for lively people who prioritize consolation and ease.

How We Examined

We took the pack out on a 6-mile winter hike at Lake Keechelus in Washington throughout the winter to check for consolation and consider how successfully it carried our snacks, gear, and different objects for mountain climbing. We examined ease of use for the hydration system and used a bathe to judge the pack’s climate resistance.

Consolation & Match

The Gregory Swift 16 H2O provides respectable consolation for brief hikes however lacks some options for long-term put on. Throughout our winter hike in Washington, we felt slight discomfort with sporting the pack because of the lack of a padded hip belt. With 8 kilos on our again, we didn’t overpack the Gregory Swift 16 H2O however felt that any extra weight can be uncomfortable for an extended hike. Moreover, there are not any load lifters on the shoulder straps which diminished the adjustability.

Nonetheless, with the lighter load we used throughout our testing, the match was usually snug. Each the shoulder straps and again mesh have been breathable, retaining us cool within the winter solar. This isn’t probably the most supportive pack in the marketplace, nevertheless it’s ultimate for minimalist adventures the place consolation isn’t the very best precedence.

Hydration System

One of many standout options of the Gregory Swift 16 H2O is its hydration system. The 2L bladder is straightforward to fill and insert, particularly when the pack is full, because of its well-designed bladder compartment. We beloved how the pan deal with felt when filling the bladder and the way straightforward it was to carry with only one hand. The pan deal with ensures that the bladder doesn’t slip round, and the sturdy, lengthy deal with makes refills easy. There isn’t a exterior aspect pocket for a Nalgene-sized bottle, however the 2L bladder is ample for the smaller pack measurement.

All connection factors with the bladder have been straightforward to make use of, such because the clip between the bladder and hose. The slightest concern we discovered was that the button to detach the hose was stiffer than we desire. A minimum of it gave us a bit of thoughts that the hose wouldn’t by chance self-detach and trigger a bladder leak. We just like the bonus function that the bladder mouth is the right match for a Nalgene-sized filter (just like the Katadyn water filter pump.

Total, the bladder matches comfortably within the pack and is probably the most straightforward and ergonomic to make use of in comparison with all different hydration bladders we examined. The hydration system is dependable, and the bladder’s straightforward setup makes it among the finest options of the pack.

Compartments

The Swift 16 H2O options minimalist compartments that present fundamental group however lack versatility. There’s a separate compartment for the bladder, retaining the principle compartment dry after filling the bladder. That fundamental compartment provides sufficient room even after the hydration bladder, together with snacks and some small necessities, nevertheless it’s not roomy sufficient for bigger gear. We have been barely in a position to slot in a winter jacket with our lunch meals, which restricted what we may carry on the hike. 

Past these fundamental compartments, the important thing pocket is a pleasant contact, retaining small objects safe. The aspect zippered pocket is spacious, however the stiff material makes it more durable to entry. It’s the appropriate measurement for a telephone however because of the zipper location, we didn’t really feel prefer it was a fantastic choice to position a telephone in case it fell out.

Nonetheless, we felt that the 2 exterior small pockets have been useful for offering additional storage divisions for small snacks versus only a single compartment like extra minimalist packs. There’s no inside hidden pocket, which was a downside for hiding away necessary objects like keys and pockets. For mild adventures, the compartment format works, however it could be too limiting for many who want extra group.

Waterproofing

The Gregory Swift 16 H2O performs fairly properly in moist situations. We simulated a rainstorm by testing the pack beneath a bathe faucet for 30 seconds. Total, the pack stored most of its contents dry, however water did discover its manner into the compartments via the zippers since they weren’t coated.

Nonetheless, the waterproof material itself didn’t enable water seepage throughout the simulated heavy rain. Subsequently, we consider that this pack would stand towards a light-to-moderate Washington rain however not a heavy Colorado storm with no pack cowl. Contemplate getting a pack cowl when you plan to hike in heavy rain with the Gregory Swift 16 H2O pack.

Sturdiness

The Gregory Swift 16 H2O is constructed with sturdy supplies that may face up to common use. Throughout most of their packs, Gregory makes use of 420D Excessive Density Nylon, a thick and abrasion-resistant material that’s a fantastic alternative for frequent outside actions. On the outing, we didn’t see any obvious points with the principle physique material. It by no means snagged on rocks or different sharp objects and any filth at all times slid proper off simply.

The mesh on the shoulder straps and again was clearly much less sturdy. The terrain most likely gained’t rip or tear it, nevertheless it won’t maintain as much as heavy hundreds over time. The zippers are easy and straightforward to function, nice for on-the-go fast entry with out snagging the material. Total, for a medium-sized day pack, the Gregory Swift 16/Inertia 18 H2O pack feels sturdy and long-lasting.

Weight

The Gregory Swift 16 H2O is a light-weight, compact hydration pack that’s straightforward to hold throughout brief hikes and outside adventures. Weighing in at 1.2 kilos, this pack is clearly lighter than any bigger quantity pack but additionally lighter than packs of comparable measurement – a few of which weigh nearer to 2 kilos. Though the pack materials felt barely denser and heavier than anticipated for its measurement, the environment friendly construct and compartments make the pack light-weight as a complete. 

The pack’s design additionally retains weight near the physique, which helps keep consolation and steadiness, even with a full bladder. It didn’t really feel heavy whereas mountain climbing regardless of not having a padded hip belt. Its 16L capability is ideal for hikes with restricted gear, however packing it too dense decreased the ergonomic really feel and elevated how heavy it felt on path. Total, the Swift 16 H2O is a strong choice for light-to-medium hundreds and is well-suited for short-distance hikes, providing steadiness between measurement and weight.

Ought to You Purchase the Gregory Sula 16 Hydration Pack?

The Gregory Swift 16 H2O is a strong hydration pack for brief hikes, providing a light-weight design, easy-to-use hydration system, and good consolation for mild hundreds. Regardless that its compartments are fundamental and lack organizational options, the pack excels in its hydration bladder and general sturdiness. The absence of a padded hip belt and adjustable shoulders might restrict consolation for longer hikes, nevertheless it’s a superb alternative for these looking for a compact, environment friendly pack for fast adventures.

The worth lies in its light-weight design and reliable hydration system, making it ultimate for lively people who prioritize simplicity and performance.

What Different Hydration Packs Ought to You Contemplate?

For those who’re searching for one thing completely different, please see our full hydration packs information – or attempt the next packs:

Teton Oasis 18L Evaluation: For budget-conscious hikers, the Teton Oasis 18L provides strong efficiency at a cheaper price. Whereas the Gregory Swift 16/Inertia 18 H2O excels in consolation, the Oasis offers loads of cupboard space and a pack cowl for wet days for these trying to save with out sacrificing an excessive amount of high quality.

CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Evaluation: For those who prioritize group, the CamelBak M.U.L.E.® 12 is a stronger contender than the Gregory Swift 16/Inertia 18 H2O. With a well-designed format and a number of compartments for fast entry to gear, the M.U.L.E.® provides a greater steadiness of capability and group, particularly for short-to-medium treks.

Deuter Velocity Lite 13 Evaluation: For a lighter and extra compact choice, the Deuter Velocity Lite 13 outshines the Gregory Swift 16/Inertia 18 H2O. Weighing much less and that includes a minimalist design, it’s excellent for quick, brief hikes the place carrying additional weight isn’t a priority.