| Uses Newer Nalgene Hydration Technology 
by Doug Cook
I have used Platypus and Camelbak hydration bladders in the past. TNF uses the CXC based bladder for it's bladder. It is soft and rubbery like the Camelbak. This is better than the Platypus filmlike material which is stiffer and can wear out on crinkles with enough use. I don't notice any taste with this material after 2 uses. The first two uses had the typical new plastic taste. A better rinsing would have prevented this however.
The bite me valve works fine but doesn't allow as much volume flow as either the Platypus or Camelbak valves.
Other Nalgene valve designs incorporate a strong magnet to secure the bite valve on the strap. This bladder lacks that feature. It doesn't miss much because the pack straps hold the feed line just fine. I have used the Nalgene bladders in other packs and notice one can easily lose the magnet clip on if one leaves it connected only to the bite valve without securing it to a strap.
The back panel does seem to allow for ventilation.
This pack is a winner in my opinion. It's only weakness is the slightly reduced flow from the bite valve technology.
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