The Dakine Seeker has long been a staple in the brand’s hydration pack lineup. The latest 10-liter Seeker takes the classic design and adds a modern twist with a host of practical features.
The Seeker comes in two sizes: 18L and 10L. I have used the 18L Seeker before and decided to try the 10L to see if it was big enough for long trips and not too bulky.
Regardless of the pack size, all Seeker packs come with a 3-liter hip hydration reservoir located at the base of the pack, along the lumbar spine. The hip hydration reservoir distributes most of the pack’s weight (and therefore water) to the hips rather than the shoulders. Therefore, the main interior space of the pack is located above the hydration reservoir.
The pack also features an external zippered pocket with a flap for quick access to tools and parts during emergency roadside repairs. The top of the pack also features a fleece-lined zippered pocket, perfect for carrying a cell phone or other sensitive electronic device. For easy carrying, both waist belts feature zippered pockets, one mesh and one closed.
The back of the pack features Dakine’s “AirLite Suspension Back Panel,” which is essentially a breathable Dakine back panel that keeps the main body of the pack from touching your body. To help the pack maintain this shape, a wire frame is wrapped around the entire rectangular outline.
The backpack is made of lightweight, weather-resistant 420D ripstop nylon with a PU coating, and some areas are made of 210D plain weave nylon with a PU coating and DWR water-repellent treatment. All fasteners are sealed and waterproof. Overall, the Seeker effectively protects against rain and snow, even without a backpack cover.
I rode the Dakine Seeker for six months, riding mountain and forest trails. It accompanied me across both islands of New Zealand and all four states of the United States. I tested it in the rainforests and arid deserts of the Southwest, on rides ranging from an hour to eight hours (or more).
In reviewing this pack, I have to admit one thing: I chose the Seeker from Dakine because I felt it best suited my needs. Specifically, I just can’t stand packs that don’t have hipbelt pockets. For reasons unknown, Dakine has removed hipbelt pockets from all hydration packs except the Seeker. In my opinion, being able to easily access snacks, lip balm, and other essentials without having to take off the pack is absolutely essential. Compared to some other packs I’ve used that only had one hipbelt pocket, the Seeker has two, which is a luxury.
At first I was worried that the 10-liter capacity wouldn’t be enough for a big adventure, but I’ve used the Seeker on big, all-day adventures lasting eight hours or more. I found that the main pocket was too small to hold a full meal and several extra layers of clothing. All I could fit in the main pocket was a survival raincoat, a hat, a pair of warm gloves, and a small lunch. All the tools and repair supplies were safely stored in the roll-up area.
Conversely, if I want to carry a couple of pads (to wear when I get to the top of the mountain) or a heavier item of clothing that I don’t want to throw away, I’ll use the external straps at the bottom of the pack. I find these straps work great for both knee pads and a jacket. With a little ingenuity, even a 10-liter pack can hold a lot of mountain bike gear!
The suspended back panel does a great job of ventilation and heat dissipation, and it also holds a stable load. I found that this pack held up well even on uneven terrain. The biggest adjustment is the quick tightening of the straps to adjust the weight.
Since the Seeker holds just 10 liters, it weighs, shakes, and bounces much less than a larger pack. For most mountain bikers, it really is the perfect package: not too bulky, but just right.
After riding hundreds of miles, I had only one problem: the main water reservoir was slowly leaking. Unfortunately, I couldn’t pinpoint the exact location of the leak, so I grabbed an old water bag from another backpack.
If you’re looking for an everyday hydration system for your mountain bike, you can’t go wrong with the Dakine Seeker 10L. Pockets on the hip belt provide easy access to snacks on the go. The main bag offers plenty of storage, enough for most riding needs but a little short for truly adventurous outdoor adventures. If you need to carry a few extra layers, a first aid kit, etc., consider the Seeker 18L.
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