Geigerrig is shaking things up in the industry and winning awards for their innovation on a technology that had sat still for too long. We checked out and loved the big 1600 and modest 500, but the new kid on the block is the minimalist RIG. I’ll just put it bluntly: I LOVE IT!
The RIG ships with a 70oz (2L) hydration “engine” (not a bladder to Geigerrig), and like all their products, it features the pressurization technology that makes Geigerrig unique. The RIG is perfect for mountain biking, and I’ve used it constantly on my Garry Fisher SuperFly 100. You could use it for road biking as well, but I’m like most road bikers in not liking extra mass on my back.
The pressurized bladder really helps on the trails, where it pushes the water out so I never have to suck again—I hate sucking! I like the small, useful pockets, well-ventilated “waffle mesh” shoulder straps and back panel, and heavy-duty 840 ballistic nylon durability. I love being able to open the pack and load it flat—very convenient. The little pocket is enough for keys and an energy bar, maybe a couple other small items. That’s it—no more. You’re done.
At nearly $100 on Geigerrig’s site, the RIG is not a cheap, small pack—but it is very much worth it. Competitors in size all lack the pressurization trick, which has spoiled me, I’ll admit, and some of those who can match the RIG’s quality aren’t much different in price. Go ahead and pony up for the RIG, and you won’t be disappointed. And yes, I do spray myself clean like the video shows–you will too.
