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Dakine Apex and Nomad 2007
Words and photo (unless noted) Cam
McRae
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Usually tried and true products evolve at a slow but steady pace. If
it ain't broke don't fix it - at least not all at once. Some product managers
are impatient and itchy though and sometimes wholesale changes come long before
they seem to be due. I was a fan of Dakine's Apex pack last year and I
didn't expect to see a facelift so soon. The boys started with a clean
slate this year though and the results are impressive.
The new Apex loaded above the entrance to Grannies on Mount
Fromme. Photo ~ Cristina Piccone
One of things I thought was less than ideal about the previous
Apex was the way the bladder shared a pocket with your gear. Any leaks
would expose your worldly goods to moisture and filling the bladder was less
than convenient - particularly when your pack was full. Now the Apex
(and the Nomad) have back access pockets for your liquids - you get to your
fluids through a zipper pocket closest to your back. No matter what
you've got in your pack you can easily get in there. And if you gap
and don't close it properly it won't leak onto your new camera
Above - the new moulded back piece which (below) zips
away to give access to your bladder. Another cool feature is that
the waist belts are now removable on all Dakine hydration packs.
The back piece itself is also new. It has ample padding
and a neoprene-like fabric that feels cozy against your back once the sweat
starts to pour. It also seems to suck against you. I wrote that
the
previous
Apex feels like it's part of you while you are descending. Well the
new version takes that to a new level and it seems to mould against your
spine - a true solid state connection.
The eyewear pocket on the Apex is now goggle-sized.
It's also micro-fleece lined.
I used to throw away the bladder when I got a hydration
pack that didn't have a Camelbak branded reservoir. The others
were often leaky, had a small fill opening with a poor seal and
they always seemed to have a drippy nipple - a sad condition indeed.
Dakine's bladders are now as good as it gets. You can even
disengage the hose from the bladder so you don't have to re-thread
everything after a fill. With this feature you can also top
up and then leave the bladder in the fridge to chill. The
bladder on the Apex that Dakine sent us also came pre-impregnated
with a lemony flavour. Hopefully whoever used it first didn't
have any open sores - or at least not ones that I don't already
have.
The ninja pocket - ideal for a multi tool or
for stashing whatever you happen to like to stash safe and dry.
Waterproof zippers are a welcome site to this rainforest dweller.
We ride on the Shore in every season and when the spare jersey and gloves
stay dry until the trailhead it keeps you smiling.
Waterproof zippers are a fantastic touch.
Overall the Apex looks smaller than last year's model. It also looks much cleaner
- more like a fly piece of luggage than a technical pack. The leg pad straps
now stow under a cover and the helmet carry straps have integrated elastic loops
that keep the excess from flapping in the wind. I don't think any carrying
capacity has been compromised because the main compartment no longer has to share
real estate with your liquid. I easily loaded my SLR in a small case with
a spare lens.
The new Apex has a clean urban look.
The Nomad is also brand new. It lacks the goggle
pocket (eyewear yes but your goggles won't fit there) and waterproof
zippers but it shares the rear bladder access, the stow pocket in
the helmet carry and the new side pockets. The Nomad bladder
zone is also insulated on both sides so your liquids will stay warm
in summer and they won't freeze in winter. The Apex is only insulated
against your back - not on the side closest to your gear. For
most folks doing day rides the Nomad is the perfect size. If
you are a fan of epics where you'll be exposed to unforgiving weather
or if you like to carry camera gear you'll want an Apex because of
the extra volume. The nice thing about the new, more compact
Apex is that you can strap it down when you aren't packing like a
mule and you'll never know it's there.
The Nomad is looking good as well. It shares
the backside bladder access and the ninja and side pockets.
I'm not one for bold pronouncements but I'm smitten with the
new Apex. In fact I'm going to call it the best damn mid-volume
hydration pack you can get your mitts on. It's pretty clear
that this was designed by a rider - and one who listens to what
other riders have to say. All the best products are born
that way.
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