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Review of MSR Cloudliner 9 Hydration System
By Matthew Smith
With all the different hydration products available on the market, there is rarely a new
product that is truly new and innovative. However, MSR has done an excellant
job with the Cloudliner 9.
The Cloudliner 9 is available in two sizes. After using the Cloudliner extensively
I have come to appreciate the details MSR has provided. The bladder is long and
slender, and fits well into smaller backpacks. Rather than being brittle like some
other hydration bladders, it is very supple and durable. I have squashed, rolled,
folded and stuffed the Cloudliner countless times over the last four months,
and have yet to see any weaknesses in the material.
The one feature about the Cloudliner 9 that really impressed me was the adjustable
hose attachment on the cap. So many bladders have the hose either fixed to the
cap in one position, or have the cap tighten over a sort of washer; once the lid is
tight, you can't adjust the direction of the hose. MSR has solved that problem by
adding an additional connection, so even after the cap is screwed on tight, you can
unscrew the hose and easily position it as needed.
The bite valve was more rigid than others I have used, and it took a little getting
used to, but I haven't had any problems with dripping. I was surprised at how well
water flows through the valve. My first impression looking at it was that I would have
trouble getting as much water as I wanted, but using it proved me wrong. I was
easily able to quench my thirst. Even my two-year-old daughter was able to take a
drink.
The only drawback I have found to the Cloudliner 9 is the length of the hose. With
the bladder being long and slender, it doesn't fit into the lid of some packs very well.
Frequently I ended up putting it inside the pack, or in one of the side pockets. In such
cases, I was unable to get the hose all the way over or under my shoulder to slip onto
the shoulder strap of my pack. A extra 8-12 inches of hose would be nice. As with
most manufacturers, additional/replacement hoses can be ordered from MSR.
Summary: The Cloudliner is as durable a hydration system as I have come a
cross. It is very functional, and for $20.95 it is a good product for the money.
The Cloudliner 9 is probably best suited for use in smaller packs.
Matt Smith is the canyoneering specialist at GearReview.com.
For more information, contact:
Mountain Safety Research
4225 Second Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134
(800)877-9677
info@msr.e-mail.com
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