Weatherproofing
This is the Hauser’s big card, its roll-top closure and weatherproof material immediately set it apart from most other hydration packs. I was blessed with more than a few wet rides this spring, and have been impressed with the Hauser’s weatherproofing.
The outer shell sheds water and mud easily and dries quickly. In fact, after muddy rides I’ll just hose it down without bothering to unpack it. I did find that when I just rolled the lid up, as opposed to folding it down, some water did leak through the zipper into the tool compartment when riding in a downpour. I tried folding and buckling the lid and never ran into this issue again.
The Hauser is the most weatherproof pack I’ve used, and I’ll also be reaching for it on shorter non-bike-related hikes where I need to protect delicate gear from the elements.
Comfort
The Hauser uses a simple perforated foam back panel, which doesn’t provide much support or do much to keep the pack off your back.
On cooler rides this wasn’t a problem, but on warmer rides I definitely noticed the temperature difference compared to packs with molded back channels. It’s not the end of the world, but I did run a little warmer in the Hauser than any other pack I’ve used recently.
However, the trade-off for this is that the Hauser felt very connected to my back. I haven’t noticed it shifting around at all, and the pack feels low profile – there’s not a lot of extra weight changing my center of gravity. Part of that is probably due to the adjustable fit; I was able to dial in how the Hauser felt more than any other bike pack I’ve used.
Personally I’ve struggled with a few packs, most notably a Dakine Nomad that were better ventilated than the Hauser, but never felt truly secure or comfortable when things got rough. For now I’m willing to take that trade-off in ventilation for the ride quality the Hauser offers.
Price
At $215 without a bladder the Hauser is not cheap. Part of that can be chalked up to the fact that it’s made in America, but it’s always debatable how much that fact should influence your buying decision.
Dakine’s Nomad comes in at $105, while Camelback’s M.U.L.E. costs $109, and Osprey’s Raptor 14costs $140.
However, the Hauser has a leg up on all of those options with its weatherproofing. The most comparable option in that regard is probably Dakine’s Seeker 15L backpack which also has a roll top and weather resistant construction, but costs $225 with a back protector, or $200 without.
The value proposition of the Hauser really comes down to your riding conditions. If you’re primarily riding somewhere hot and dry, something less expensive with better ventilation is probably a better option. However, if you’re consistently riding in very wet conditions and need to keep your gear dry, the Hauser is a very compelling choice.
Bottom Line
While there are cheaper, and better ventilated options on the market, the ACRE Hauser 14L places a premium on weatherproofing that sets it apart. Its well-thought-out features and generous capacity make it a top choice for longer rides where you need to carry a lot of gear and keep it protected from the elements.