Gear invention that’s a problem to develop

That would add a lot of weight to a pack when it probably wouldn't be anymore comfortable than your normal foam straps/ back panel.

2 problems to which you alluded

1) you drink the fluid so the cushiioning effect is gone

2) the water warms up so the cooling effect is gone

Other than that, it's brilliant.

The thing about BC's is that they can be adjusted in both "directions", more or less buoyancy.

But then it sloshes. Not good. LOL

As a veteran of several Camelbaks and exactly one Nathan Vapor Wrap. Ever run 13 miles with slosh? Yo, drive you effin crazy, mon.

Oh, like baffles? Patent time!!

Could work if the passages between channels were small and the baffles slanted down!!

Good stuff.

Two comments, two general and one specific.
1.The best inventions are those that solve a problem that people recognize as a problem. Are people really dissatisfied with their current water bladder solutions, and if so what specifically do they like least about what they currently use? If you are solving the problems that they care about, that's great. If you are trying to offer the best solution to a problem that nobody cares about then…
2.Combining multiple functions into one product can be problematic if the expected life of each are different or they have different technology curves. You end up with one wearing out, or obsolete, before the other. Keep this in mind.
3.Keeping bladders clean is always an issue. The more irregular the shape the more difficult this becomes.

As a person who has dealt with new product ideas for many years I would have to say that #1 above is the most important.

Having tubing going from the straps to the pack and adding channels as well, will just increase the weight per volume ratio and add complexity for cleaning.
I think that many already have problems keeping a standard bladder clean no need to make it worse.
Another point is that the pack tends to become more uncomfortable the longer we walk.
If some/most pack support is provided by water that gets consumed as we walk the support will lessen not increase.

Just not simple enough for me. I agree, cleaning would be a nightmare. That alone would be deal breaker for me.

jimmyb

I agree that adding weight and complexity is not desirable. I don't use bladders for hiking anyway, although I do use one with a Nathan Vapor Wrap for the occasional trail run.

As for cleaning, for many years I have used bladder systems (Camelbak) for MTB and find that the best strategy is to simply rinse out the bladder/hose, fold them up and put them in the freezer. If the need ever arises to clean, put a few drops of chlorine dioxide into the water to kill the cooties.

Despite the warnings I read about long-term freezer storage damaging the bladders/hoses, I have not noticed this at all. I have some that are about 10 years old that are still fine. Just take care to run hot water over them right after removing from the freezer to prevent any chance of cracking.