off-road.cc

The Dakine Seeker 10L hydration pack is designed to withstand wet weather, although it's still good for the summer months. It’s comfortable and well compartmentalised, and waterproof bar a single pocket – though the straps need careful adjustment to unleash its true comfort.

• Polaris Bikewear Aquanought waterproof hydration pack review
• CamelBak Skyline LR 10 2020 hydration pack review
• Buyer's guide to hydration packs for mountain biking - best bags for trail riding

The bag is built around a frame to help hold its shape, and made from 420D and 210D nylon ripstop fabrics – both with a PU coating.

Features are plentiful on the Seeker 10L. You get a 3L lumbar reservoir, AirLite Suspension back panel, breathable shoulder straps with a glasses quick stash, a magnetic hose holder, and a deployable helmet store. All zips are taped too, so struggles to find a way in.

For pockets you get an outer zipped and velcroed pocket with internal mesh dividers – perfect for tools and spares – and a phone/sunglasses pocket that’s fleece lined. There are also a couple of pockets on the waist straps, with one being mesh and the other covered by the waterproof material.

The main internal space is then divided into two, thanks to the lumbar bladder. The upper portion is big enough to fit kneepads, jackets, or a meal deal.

Below sits the three-litre reservoir, and the magic of this design lies in the Velcro-secured split. If you want to use a bigger reservoir you’re not confined to the lower section – you can easily expand into the upper storage.

While the Seeker is properly comfortable, it takes a bit of adjusting and figuring out to get there. The frame can dig into your back if the straps aren’t fitted properly, for instance.

Adding to the comfort is the low-slung position of the hydration bladder. It keeps the center of gravity low, which makes carrying a lot of water truly pleasant.

The AirLite back panel also does great things for comfort. Because it keeps most of the bag away from your back, airflow is good, keeping you cool and your back a little less sweaty.

The vented shoulder straps also do a great job of staying airy, if not as well as on the lighter Dakine Shuttle 3L, so although it’s aimed at soggy rides, it perfectly capable when it's warm and dry.

The Seeker's waterproofing is extremely good, and it does a great job of keeping dry inside. However, the tool pocket is an exception as it seals with just a bit of Velcro, so water can find its way inside despite its taped seams... but even then only when it’s seriously chucking it down. All other taped, zipped pockets are totally immune to water ingress.

Downsides are few with the Seeker 10L, but every once in a while I found it knocking the back of my helmet on steep sections – it's a pretty tall pack, so it may not suit every rider.

The Dakine Seeker 10L is an excellent year-round bag. Bar a single small pocket it's waterproof, it cools well, stays very comfortable, and makes light work of carrying a lot of kit. Get it properly adjusted and it's a versatile, useful pack for year-round trail use.

• www.dakine.com

You might also like:

• 7 trailside fixes every cyclist should know
• 10 worst bits of mountain bike riding advice I’ve been given by randoms