In 2000, Nissan was holding a promotion: Test drive a new Xterra and get a free hydration backpack. Back then I was a bit of a wannabe hiker (though never as much as I was a wannabe golfer) and hydration packs were new and popular.

Anyway, I took the test drive (could care less about the SUV – no offense Xterra owners), received my pack a few weeks later…and I loved it. I loved the way the water tube was right there on your shoulder strap – hands free accessibility while you walked.

Now even though I was a hiker and avid golfer, it never crossed my mind to have a hydration system built into a golf bag. Though it would make sense, since we drink lots of water on the course. And not to mention most stand bags are duel strap, just like a back pack. I guess I’m just not much of an inventor. But I’ll tell you who is: Mark Kreutzer.

You see, Mr. Kreutzer not only realized the genius in having a hydration system on a golf bag, but he also realized how to turn one useful idea into four useful ideas. His invention is called The ForePack and for those of us who like to walk the golf course, this is no gimmick.

The ForePack unobtrusively fits around your golf bag to provide a hydration system that snakes up via your shoulder straps. That alone is worth it. But The ForePack goes three steps further: It has a holder for a scorecard and a separate holder for a pencil; it has a Velcro patch for holding your golf glove; and it includes a pullout rain hood. And all these things are conveniently located right near the top of your bag. Check out his Kickstarter video:

I can’t tell you how many times I empale a finger searching for the pencil in my pocket, or how on hot days my scorecard turns to mush in my back pocket. The ForePack solves these seemingly trivial, yet completely annoying issues we course walkers have to deal with.

Now I should add I have not received or tested this product. I do not know Mr. Kreutzer personally nor had I heard of The ForePack before he emailed me about his campaign. And I am not receiving any monetary compensation for this blog post. He simply sent me an email to check out his product – and honestly, I don’t have time to follow up on all the emails like this I receive.

But the hydration system reminded me of my old backpack and after viewing his video, I not only felt the product was worthy of my time, but that it was quite possibly one of the most important accessories a walking golfer could have on his or her bag.

I wish Mr. Kreutzer luck in his endeavor and hope The ForePack helps make a difference out on the course for us walkers!