TFO Super Tanker Hydration System
By David Loveland

By now you probably realize that one of the quickest ways to get sick on any outing is to drink too little, too late. Keeping that in mind, maybe your next outing should include the Super Tanker from TFO. If the name conjures up images of a sleek fighter jet tanking up behind a flying gas station, you get the idea, without the smell of fuel! The Supertanker holds water all right, three full liters of liquid. That may seem like a lot of water, but depending on how hard you push yourself, and how long you are out there, it can be nice knowing that you have all you need. The material it is made out of is tough. I took this Tanker all over the place, in and out of packs, strapped to the top of a pack, crammed inside, and it took it all in stride. It has been down slot canyons, across ice fields, and up and down mountains. The tubing- with the words Anaconda written all over it, can be bent every which way, and still comes back for more. I really appreciated the two twin openings at the top. This allows you to keep the tubing still inside the tanker, while you fill it back up. It also makes draining and cleaning easier. I also like the fact that the weight of the water doesn't sit on any connections, lessening the chance for a leak. The water is sucked out the top. The Bite-Me valve works great- as long as you don't try and take it apart. Then you will have a bit of trouble trying to figure out how to put it back together, so take my word for it, just leave it alone. This was the only negative aspect of the system, I took it apart and had to have John at the company talk me through the re-assembly. Lest you think it is overwhelming, I just had a small stopper a bit too far up the tube. Overall, this durable product has stood the test of time, earning a place among my favorite pieces of gear. And at a fraction of the cost and weight, I will pick it over a jet refueling tanker every time.

Specs:
Cost - $20.99
Volume - 3 Liters

David Loveland is a contributing editor to GearReview.com specializing in winter backcountry adventure.

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