BlackHawk Hydration/Hunting Pack

[rucker]

I have been looking for a backpack with hydration system for awhile now but haven't wanted to spend as much money as most places are asking.

Today I noticed that BlackHawk has this model: http://www.blackhawk.com/product1.asp?P=73PA03&C=C1796 on "sale" for $66.50. Comparing to what I can find on Cabelas website that seems like a pretty good deal. Are BlackHawk packs decent quality? Is there anything else in that price range that I should look at?

edit: another question was about ARPAT camo; does it at least sort of work in green forest areas? I don't really care because 99% of the time I will be wearing blaze orange anyways but was just wondering.

[Squib Joe]

That is a really good price. I have one of the regular hydration units (without the pack) and I paid almost as much. I've only used it a couple of times but it seems well made.

[westberg]

We are a BlackHawk dealer and can't touch the price, it may be a closeout item or color. As far as matching the forest for the time of the year, I don't think its a real issue since it will be on your back. I think it will be difficult to find another pack of this quailty for the price they are offering. Now if the critters started carrying guns I reserve the right to change my mind.

[EricMN]

Blackhawk gear is GREAT gear. I've got a decent selection of it that I use on duty and I have ZERO complaints. I believe Blackhawk is still 'utilizing' it's lifetime warranty, something (ANYTHING, including getting shot in the sandbox) goes wrong, send it in, and they'll either repair or replace with same/similar item.

As for their hydration, it has advantages and disadvantages over CamelBack. Mainly, that they use an 'anti growth' stuff in the treatment so you don't get mold if you forget about it (I think camelback now offers this) and their bite valves get a bit more water in than CamelBacks. However, CamelBack's normally come with some sort of valve cover that was not offered when I picked up my first BHI hydration rig.

You won't regret the purchase in my opinion.

[rucker]

Thanks everybody. I think I am going to order it today