The most noticeable feature of this female-specific Platypus pack is its narrow dimensions. The shoulder straps are slender and sit close to the collar bones giving a snug fit. This slim design is unobtrusive and comfortable on longer rides – it’s a pack for those who don’t like to feel like they’re lugging a massive load around.
It still has the features you’d expect from an all-mountain bag – plenty of storage, a carry system for a full-face helmet and pads, waist belt pockets and a practical magnetic sternum clip to stop your drinking hose from flapping about.
The hydration system is a winner – a detachable drinking hose means filling the pack is a doddle, with no more tubes getting in the way when trying to fill up and the big zip opener quickly and securely seals the deal.
The Siouxon pack has a conveniently slender design
The bladder has been designed to distribute the water so it sits closer to the back. The large oval-shaped bite valve took a bit of getting used to and felt unnaturally big compared to others we’ve used.
Adjustment straps kept everything in place and allowed for the necessary tweaks, although we did find the pack jumped about a bit on rougher descents, no matter how tight we made the straps.