Hydrapak Shape-Shift 2L

Perfect system and easy to clean. No special equipment.

I got this for my daypack that has a spot for a hydration reservoir. This hydration delivers on all levels. Good water flow, easy fill, easy clean.

I used this during an OCR event and sometimes filling your pack can be a pain to fill when running. This was no issue. Top slides open and fills quick. Even running with this didn't slosh around.

I'm very happy with the configuration.

A unique folding opening makes filling easy and is leak proof. Shape-Shifts baffle gives the reservoir a slim shape. Plug-n-Play hose disconnects without removing from your pack.

As someone who has been using water reservoirs for over 25 years, it was exciting when I got a chance to test Hydrapak's Shape-Shift 2 liter reservoir. My pet peeves through the years have always included leaky threaded closures, a bulbous profile, cleaning issues, and bite valves that to often leaked onto my shirt.

The Shape Shift 2-liter reservoir has cured these problems in some interesting ways. The first thing you notice about this BPA/PVC-free reservoir is the unique closure/hanging system. Instead of a threaded opening, they use a fold over and slide lock system. I found this to make it both easier to fill and leak proof.

Follow the photos to see how easy it is to fill and secure the Shape Shift.

Slide closure/hanger in place

Opening unfolded and ready to fill


Fold over the closure slide seal


Slide on the lock in its groove. The slide lock is attached to the reservoir by a lanyard.


Locked and ready to insert in your pack of choice.

Hung inside my Granite Gear pack

Filling my reservoir with an attached hose was always a pain since I would need to fill the reservoir near the pack where there was always the chance of spilling water into or on my loaded pack. Hydrapak has solved that problem by installing a Plug-n-Play valve for the drink tube. Just press the valve in to unlock and remove the reservoir from the tube and fill. The valve remains closed until the tube is reinstalled.

Reservoir with drink tube removed

Plug-n-play valve on drink tube

The leaky bite valve is also a thing of the past. Hydrapak's Blaster valve is high flowing and so far has been leak proof. A twist lock at the valve can be used for additional leak protection.

Drink tube bite valve with twist lock

Cleaning a reservoir has always been a pain, usually involving a brush and a lot of swearing. The Shape Shift is fully reversible for both cleaning and drying. Disconnecting the hose allows all the parts to be cleaned and dried separately. The Shape Shift is actually upper rack dishwasher safe for those looking for a super cleaning.

Shape Shift turned inside out with baffle unlocked

Since I have switched to a lightweight Granite Gear pack that does not have a reservoir sleeve I needed a reservoir with a short slim profile. With the baffle locked the Shape Shift has a rectangular shape that is less bulbous than when the baffle is unlocked.

The only shortcoming is that the 2-liter capacity is downgraded to 1.5 liters when the baffles are locked. Luckily in California where I hike and backpack water is plentiful and 1.5 liters of water will usually last me at least 8 miles. Hydrapak also offers the Shape Shift in a 3-liter size for people who would like to carry more water.
Shape Shift baffle locked with 1.5 liters of water

Shape Shift with baffle unlocked with 2 liters of water note the larger profile.

The Hydrapak Shape Shift can handle water temperatures up to 140 degrees and can be frozen without damage. 

After testing the Shape Shift in a variety of packs from a backpack to a day pack to my mountain bike pack I am really impressed with how a different shaped opening, locking system, and valve operation make in the use of the reservoir.

Hydrapak uses a durable abrasion resistant  TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane, a mixture of hard plastic and silicon) and RF (radio frequency) welded seams for superior durability and elasticity in the manufacture of the Shape Shift reservoirs and my Shape Shift has been bullet proof so far. If I ever have a problem, Hydrapak's "Beyond lifetime guarantee" will come in handy.

No questions are asked for a repair or replacement because Hydrapak wants our adventures to keep going.

Details:

Price: Shape Shift 2-liter $33

           Shape Shift 3-liter $36