by John Medford
IPMBA Industry Relations Committee

Denver PD (CO)

Bike patrol can take a lot out of you during a long, hot day. Although hydration packs have made it easier to survive a day in the saddle, a long day in the sun (or against the back of an overheated cop) can make the water inside them rather warm and unsavory.

PolarPak - with its 70- and 100-ounce hydration bladder - helps to slow the boil. Using non-toxic gel-filled pockets, the Polarpak bladder keeps your fluid of choice cold for up to six hours. I put it to the test on a recent warm day (only 65° - it is winter in Denver) while working in a car. I placed it on the dash in the sun to try to make it hotter. But by the end of my eight-hour shift, the pack was still providing cool H2O.

Other features I appreciate about the Polarpak are its quick-release hose/valve and easy-to-access bite valve. The quick-release hose makes it ultra-convenient to remove the bladder from a hydration pack, especially when the hose is routed internally through the shoulder straps, which makes traditional bladders very difficult to remove. The quick release hose makes it easy to release the bladder and store it in the freezer between shifts or rides. And since the bladder is frozen, bacterial growth is almost completely stopped, which reduces the amount of regular maintenance necessary to keep the bladder safe.

Prior to finding this product, I would put ice directly into my hydration pack, which would dilute a supplement drink or juice. Too soon, all that would be left was a watery, warm mess. I hated this and would sometimes slow down the intake of vital fluids. This will not be a problem anymore. And if I am ever on the trail and have need of one, the PolarPak can double as an icepack.

Cold-weather riders will be glad to know that the pack can also be placed in hot water for 5-10 minutes to warm the gel, which slows the freezing process. I look forward to trying this feature when I go skiing, but since the deadline is this week, I will let everyone know how it works in a future issue.

Finally, PolarPak can be embroidered with Police, Sheriff, EMS, or whatever your heart desires for only nominal fee (.50 per thousand stitches, or approximately $3 for text only). The IPMBA cost on the 1.0 model is $18.30 without the gel and $28.30 with it. To purchase a system, contact Jeff at 208-426-9058. There is a limited supply of 2004 models, but the 2005 model is not yet available. For more information about PolarPak, visit www.polarpak.com.

John is a police cyclist with the Denver Police Department. He rides both road and mountain bikes recreationally and works part-time at Collins Bicycles in Denver, specializing in law enforcement sales and general repair work. John can be reached at collinsbicycles@aol.com.

© 2005 IPMBA. This review appeared in the Winter 2005 issue of IPMBA News.