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How exactly do the main pack bags attach to the Evo frame? Are they just compressed in like the dry bag in the video or is there actual attachment to the frame?

There is a top and bottom connection on each side of the pack bag independent of the compression. The top connection doubles as a haul loop and provides a redundant side release buckle in case one is broken or lost.

Our theory on water bladders is that they should be outside the pack bag due to ease of access and the possibility of leaks.

The top pack bag connection allows you to very easily access a water bladder, even with a full pack.

We will get some video up of the connections in the next week or two.

some pictures or video would be very helpful.

I plan to use a 3 liter water bladder, so I need to fully understand all the options for water bladder attachment, as well as any implications for changes in pack geometry as a result of different attachment locations. Your comments & photos/videos would be helpful.

Kevin.....I get your concern about putting a bladder in the main pack bag itself and the Evolution (not the Unaweep) has a great solution to that issue that keeps the COG in check. However, most bags do put the bladder inside the main pack bag. For users like me who keep their stuff for which they'd be concerned about getting wet in dry bags, I am not so worried about the rare possibility of the bladder exploding. It just means that the inside of my pack is wet and not my stuff. Personally, I intend to continue keeping my moisture sensitive stuff b/c none of the main pack bags are truly waterpoof (only the materials are waterproof, but not the seams). Therefore, I liked when you were still offering a hydration port as an option, so that on the unaweep one may still keep the COG in a good position.

Typo.....for got to say "in dry bags"

"Personally, I intend to continue keeping my moisture sensitive stuff in dry bags b/c none of the main pack bags are truly waterpoof (only the materials are waterproof, but not the seams)."

Also, another possibility would be to put the bladder in the main pack bag and to keep the side zipper open just enough to feed the tube out the side.

You can have a bladder in the main bag and slip it out one side of the roll top as well, by not rolling one side super tight as well.

Correct the bags are not technically waterproof, but IMO, they are reasonably waterproof for most uses except submersion.

I've done testing in a variety of configurations and even in the shower and been pretty satisfied. Most water, outside of the zipper gets in through wicking not through the seams. Even in our tents, while we advise seam sealing, I rarely do it on my own except areas that may wick. The seams do pretty well.

Things change fast. I didn't realize that the hydration port on the unaweep is no longer available. Hope you got my messagse to change my order to the hydration talon. Why did you decide to not offer the hydration ports? Too labor intensive?