Polarpak Moflow - For people who don’t suck…
It was announced recently that Polarpak will team up with Oakley on a mountain biking hydration backpack. Oakley will be providing the pack, the Oakley Toolpouch 2.0, and Polarpak is providing the Moflow hydration system. It seems like a marriage made in hydration heaven, and here’s why.
Oakley is known for it’s goggle-style sunglasses which were so popular in the 90s. I owned a pair of “Foakleys” once because I was too cheap to get the real deal. 
But they have really made a name for themselves in recent years with their packs. And I can attest for Polarpak as well because they contacted me after the announcement of their partnership and sent me a Moflow to test. I used it on a short mountain bike ride and a trail run. Here’s what I found.
- 70oz fluid capacity
- 100% antimicrobial (reservoir, hose, couplers, bite valve and screw cap)
- Two quick release couplers with shut off valve
- 360º rotation, 90º angle MOFLOW bite valve
- Pump system
- No slosh baffles
- Retails for $31.95
The Moflow has all the standard features of its competitors; antimicrobial, large 70 oz. capacity, durable construction, bite style valve, etc. But the Moflow brings hydration to the next level. The most obvious difference is the pump. The Moflow comes with a pump that fits into the same place the hose attaches to the bladder. You simply turn the hose there and push in, the hose releases. Then push the pump in. 10-20 pumps gets you enough air to fill the extra space in the bladder. Be careful, don’t over-inflate, as I learned this will push air out of the valve. Once pumped, re-attach the tube and you’re ready to rock. The advantage this pump system provides is that you don’t need to suck on the bite valve. This may not be important for a casual workout. If you are working hard however and trying to keep your breathing rhythmic, this makes a huge difference. I noticed that I could simply put the valve in my mouth an bite. Water shoots into your mouth, and there is no need to take a deep breath so you can suck water through. Thus, keeping your same breathing rhythm. Note: You will need to either re-pump, or start sucking halfway through your water supply because the air pressure will run low.
The bladder also has slosh baffles, or small walls inside to keep the water in 3 chambers rather than one large one where it would slosh around. Lastly I liked the fact that the bite valve swiveled. Other hydration systems I’ve used were cumbersome in that department because it makes it difficult when the tube gets twisted.
I give it an A. Great product. I look forward to seeing the Oakley/Polarpak system once it is released. Maybe I’ll have a review for you then on how they work together.
4 comments September 7th, 2007
