The North Face Cadmium Hydration Backpack

While it doesn't have the gee-whiz HTR Heated Hydration System technology found on The North Face Snowday and Flask, this insulated Cadmium Backpack is perfect for most ski and snowboard days that fall below the Arctic Circle. In all seriousness, , unless you're doing snowshoeing or Nordic skiing for hours in sub-freezing temperatures, the insulated 100-oz. Nalgene® CXC antimicrobial reservoir and tube in this Cadmium Backpack should be enough. If you are actually sipping beverages in 15F (-10C) for more than 22 minutes (that's research data from The North Face), you could run into some clogging concerns in the tube. For those of us who tend to play in less extreme cold, the insulated Cadmium hydration pack is perfect for skiing and snowboarding conditions throughout the winter and spring. It features a ski/snowboard carry compression system that isn't as elaborate as The North Face Fly-Trap™ carrying system, but it's still ideal for short hikes up the ridge to untouched powder heaven. The Cadmium also features a radio pocket on the left shoulder strap and a ported audio pocket for your MP3 player or iPod. Another nice touch is the soft, tricot-lined padded optics pocket that's perfect for holding your sunglasses while you switch over to goggles. Side compression straps cinch down anything you put inside the narrow 610-cubic-inch main compartment, which makes the Cadmium perfectly sized for sitting on the chairlift without feeling like you're going to be pushed out of your seat by the pack behind your back.

Technically designed with 630-denier and 420-denier nylon fabric, reinforced with durable and lightweight 840-denier JR Ballistics nylon
Ergonomically molded backpanel and shoulder straps
Innovative Polarguard® insulated hydration pouch and tube conduit through shoulder strap
Universal bladder suspension accommodates a wide range of hydration bladder brands
100-oz. Nalgene® CXC antimicrobial reservoir included
Ski/board carry compression system accommodates most skis and snowboards
Practical radio pocket on left shoulder strap
Soft, tricot-lined padded optics pocket with mesh divider inside
External headphone wire port and zip front pocket for portable MP3 player or iPod
Removable waist belt
Sternum strap with attached Safe-T whistle
Internal key clip for SUV or cabin keys
Side compression straps for load control
Volume: 610 cu. in. (10 l.)
Dimensions: 18 x 9 x 6 in. (44 x 23 x 15 cm.)
Weight: 1 lbs. 11 oz. (770 g.)

2 Reviews - The North Face: Cadmium Hydration Backpack

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Connor Peckhart - 2009-03-28

Great pack, don't use if it seems pretty cold out.
I used the pack at Vail and Breck all of last week. It is great. Fits food, water in the bladder, and an extra hat and jacket. It doesn't feel too bulky on the lift either. The only downside is if it is cold enough in the morning the end of the tube will freeze up. If you play around and chew out the ice it will work again. This was spring skiing though, it def wouldn't work in winter! I love it though. I'll use it for mountain biking now.

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jody - 2006-10-24

Nice pack, poor winter hydration system
Today I got my Cadmium backpack, which I think is going to work great for skiing. However, regardless of the so-called Polarguard tube sleeve or insulated hydration pocket, this hydration system is going to freeze. For this pack to truly work as a hydration backpack in below-freezing conditions, the actual hydration bladder and tube are going to require their own insulating sleeves. I'm going to buy a CamelBak StoAway winter hydration pack to put in the North Face Cadmium. This will make a complete winter hydration system instead of the half-assed one the Cadmium is off the shelf.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No