Fox01 Backpack with Bladder vs Outer Limits Bladder Pack

Outer Limits Bladder Pack
The Outer Limits Bladder Pack is a small backpack measuring approximately 40 X 20cm (16” X 8”) with several storage areas.  As supplied to me, it came fitted with a 2 litre bladder (bladders are normally supplied separately). The bladder section is insulated with thick padding either side, and the main compartment is expandable in size by means of a zip in much the same fashion as nearly all expandable luggage these days. The main compartment has netting on the outer side, which can be opened up by means of a zip on the external layer, providing ventilation or a second storage area. There are a further two pockets on this pack, with a third netted section on the back.

In use, this pack does everything you expect, and it cannot be faulted.  It is an inexpensive alternative to the CamelBack system, and does very much the same job.  The only issue I had with this system came from use on the bike in very hot weather, which is probably the exact kind of conditions you would most want to use such equipment.  I found that the pack sitting right on my back, blocked ventilation through my summer jacket, and my back felt uncomfortably hot, to the point where I had to strap the pack on to the rack on my bike. Admittedly this was during the height of summer, where we were getting near 40C here on the Downs. But a drawback is a drawback.

Fox01 Cyclists Pack
This pack is somewhat larger than the Outer Limits Pack, measuring approximately 40 X 30cm, but importantly, it is deeper and has many more pockets, nooks and crannies for you to lose your keys in.  The bladder section is non-insulated, and sits inside the main storage area, separated by thin material from the rest of the section. The main storage area is reasonably generous, and quite useful.  There is a section on the back designed for accepting a bicycle helmet, but it is quite useful for strapping in odd shaped/sized things, such as a loaf of bread with out squashing it in the main pocket for example.  There are also two netted sections on each side that happily accept standard water bottles, as well as a zipped pocket on back. As supplied to me, it came with a 1.5 Litre bladder, but the 2 Litre fits just as easily.

Another very handy feature is the zipped section on the bottom housing the waterproof storm cover, which is intelligently a reflective silver colour. Probably the biggest difference between this pack and the Outer Limits pack is the netting and hard internal plastic support that keeps the bag physically off your back.

In use the pack is very comfortable and allows plenty of ventilation through the back. It should be no surprise that this is my first choice when I need a pack for a trip. In fact I rarely walk into town now without it, and I do find it very comfortable.

This pack is somewhat dearer than the Outer Limits pack, and being designed for the Cyclist market there has obviously been some extra thought put into its design. The Fox01 is definitely the better choice for a wide range of weather, its versatility, and superior design.