I suppose it has it's place. I tried a bladder and really didn't like it much but I think that pack and water system would be good for fast paced dayhikes and mountain biking in rugged areas. It looks like it's made for that to me.

After much diddling I've come to really like my collapsible bottles with a charcoal filter. They last a long time, don't weigh much, don't take up much space when empty, and there's a lot to be said for a simple charcoal filter. It might not get the viruses out, but it makes them taste a lot better.