Skip to main content

Amplifi Stratos MK II hydration pack


The stratos is notably heavier than any other pack here at just over 1.5kg but that’s due largely to its motorbike-grade Armourgel back protector.

Fat, cushy straps and a vented back panel add comfort, but with the spine guard in place and a bladder (not included) full of water it’s a heavy beast, though it does stay in place well. It’s a far comfier prospect without the back pad. Features include plenty of pockets (including easy-access hip ones), a heavy-duty rain cover, reflective light loop, helmet net, tool roll and compression straps to carry your pads. If you’re the kind of rider who enjoys epic all-dayers yet heads off to the Alps for some gravity riding too, then this could be the pack for you. It comes in a range of colours, as well as black, and two sizes.

BLADDER? No
SPINE PROTECTION? Yes

Price 225$ (L/XL), 210$ (S/M)




Popular posts from this blog

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

COMMENCAL EL CAMINO 3

Commencal are going from strength to strength at the moment and they’ve taken their tough trail hardtail bang up to date with 650b wheels. With its skinny rims, crankset and fork, the El Camino certainly isn’t perfect and it’s the least hardcore bike here. The handling, smoothness, speed and all-round agility of the basic bike still make it a real blast for technical trail riding though, and it’s a great base for upgrading over time.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

Axiom Annihilateair G200A track pump

THE AXIOM ANNIHILATEAIR may seem crazily expensive, but this pump is certainly built to last. The sturdy metal base has metal pins to grip your shoes and a large, accurate pressure gauge.

Shimano Saint CD50 Chain Guide

SO GOOD: There’s no doubting the solid, high-end build quality of this device. The sprung lower guide moves on impact, is silent and causes very little chain drag.