20 Best Hydration Packs For Women (2023 Updated)

Fabric and construction of this product appear to be top-notch and as expected from the Camelback brand. All zippers operate smoothly without catching on the fabric, and the plastic components all appear to be high quality.

Starting from the outside, the exterior “stuff” pocket may be able to hold a t-shirt or a windshirt, and little else. It doesn’t fully close so you are reliant on gravity and tension from the buckles and straps to keep things secure.

I am not sure that there is much utility to this stuff pocket due to its size. You can attach a helmet to this stuff pocket, so from that perspective it adds some additional utility if you have to park your bike.

The next compartment on the pack has some organizational aids with mesh inner pockets for small items, a wallet and snacks. You could also stash bike tools or a spare innertube in this compartment. The next compartment is a large compartment that can house clothing or a jacket.

It is the largest compartment and makes up the middle of the pack. Attached to this compartment is a small zip pocket that is soft lined for sunglasses or a phone. The last compartment (closest to the back) is the compartment that contains the water reservoir.

There appears to be an insulative layer between the reservoir compartment and the other compartments of the pack. Overall the organization of the pack is well designed and thought out. It is not a large pack but is ideal for a day trip and has enough room to contain the essentials.

My only real concern is the chest strap which is connected via a magnet. The magnet is also used to hold the tube to the water reservoir when not in use. While the magnet is strong, I do worry that it may come undone too easily.

It’s a minor issue, and unless the strap is overtightened or the bag is weighed down, it is probably not an issue. Other than that, the pack provides great utility for day trips and is an excellent pack for biking.

If you are looking for a well-constructed pack that can handle the necessities of a day trip/biking adventure be sure to check this one out.

This CamelBak hydration vest offers an alternative to the larger form factor backpacks you usually see. With a minimal footprint, this lightweight and breathable hyrdration vest comes with two 0. 5L water bottles, which are made from the same flexible material you see the hydration bladders being made from.

This allows the bottles to take up as little space as possible and stay out of your way. There are designated pockets at the front of the vest for each of the water bottles. one on each. While the vest includes two 0.

5 L bottles, this product does NOT come with a hydration bladder for the main rear compartment. However, if you have another CamelBak product, you will probably be able to use the hydration bladder from that in this hyrdation vest, which is precisely what we were able to do.

I ordered this vest for my father who does a lot of cycling, hiking, and running. He had the following things to say about this CamelBak hydration vest: 1. Fits well and doesn’t bounce, even when both water bottles are filled (0.

5L each) as well as the bladder (1. 5L). 2. Very lightweight – even with the bottles and bladder full, it only weighs 6. 5 lbs! 3. Well designed with good materials that are breathable and don’t make sweaty or wet.

4. Lots of adjustable straps make it easy to get a comfortable fit. 5. Plenty of pockets – one large pocket on the outside of the rear main comparment that holds the hydration bladder (again, not included), various small pockets on each of the front panels where the two water bottles are.

One of the pockets was big enough to fit an iPhone. Overall, my father was pleasantly surprised with how well this hydration vest performed when he took it out for a few runs. When I told him this product was listed at $150, he replied with, “Yeah, I’d pay that much for a CamelBak.

” We’ve bought a few CamelBaks over the years and they still serve us well to this day, so I expect that this hydration vest will be around to serve us for many years to come as well. Two thumbs up and a 5-star rating.

As a side note, I feel its worth mentioning that when we first got the vest, it looked really, really small when we took it out of the packaging. So, be forewarned that looks can be deceiving in this case! For reference, my father is 6’2″ and weighs 190 lbs.

Hope this helps!.

I bought this pack for day trips while in Kauai, so I was needing something with great airflow and rain protection. I used it almost every day for 30 days. Packed to the max with not much. (I had wished this pack came in 20L for females.

) The pack is comfortable on my back and gives great airflow. The upper shoulder strap adjustments are also great for getting the pack to have the best fit. The pack is ok for stuffing soft items, but everything else I had to un pack and re pack soooo many times to get things to fit right.

I finally came up with a system of how everything had to be packed exactly to a T each day. Definitely time consuming. The bottom is narrower than the top which is a definite negative, also the front small zipper pocket only zips down on one side.

When the larger main compartment is full, it basically also fills up that front zipper compartment, so I couldn’t put much in there. While I love the mesh backing that keeps the pack off my back, it also has a major downside.

The hard bowed framing that takes up half the space in the main compartment. I could never fit my water bladder inside. So I put my water bottles in the very tight side pockets. I could only use slim bottles.

The tiny top zipper pocket for sunglasses or a cell phone also falls into the top of the main compartment filling up its space. The compartments on this pack are kind of pointless because when I fill one area up, there’s is hardly any room in the other compartments.

I had to make sure the lower area wasn’t filled to much from side to side, otherwise my water bottles wouldn’t fit in the side pockets. Another huge negative is the lower portion on the back of this pack has ruined all the shirts I wore.

It rubbed on them causing serious wearing down of the fabrics and bad piling. I am contemplating sewing a better fabric over the bottom area that rubs, hoping that fixes the problem. Not sure if I should do that tho, or just get a new pack from another company.

The extra mesh screening on the back leaves your back feeling fresh and not sweaty. Haven’t use the Hydraflex water bag yet. For size, can fit a light wind / rain jacket in, front zip pouch has room for a cellphone, glasses case, money clip, sunscreen ( lanyard with 3 keys for 2 bike locks + bike rack lock).

Can’t fit large heavy duty Kryptonite lock on ebike, so it fits in mid section of pack with long cable. Haven’t used the rain protector for the pack yet. Best part is an upper chest clip and a waist clip to secure the pack so it isn’t flapping.

I got this back to upgrade from my small 1L camelbak hydration pack. I really like the opening and size of Osprey product bladders. The large mouth opening are so much easier to clean and fill. The bag portion of this pack is also amazing love the size but flat or minimal it feels when wearing.

I mainly use this pack for mtn. biking or hiking. The high vent or flow system is amazing and helps keep my back cooler. I run super warm so this was honestly the main reason I got this pack. My only slight whines are that the straw for the hydration pack crosses in front of your chest and when removing the back it dangles freely and often ends up on the floor or somewhere dirty.

The other whine I have is that the straw doesn’t remove or have a quick disconnect at the base like the camelbak bladders. This feature is really nice for cleaning but not a deal breaker.

This H²O backpack was well designed, made with good quality materials and excellent craftsmanship. It’s comfortable and light. I like the color and ‘contemporary geometrical camouflage’ pattern. It has enough compartments/pockets for keys, phone, snacks, helmet, light gear.

The bladder holds enough water (2. 5L) for my 2-3 hour rides. However, I’m concerned with longevity since material is on the thin side. The mouthpiece delivers water in any position, but the magnet is a bit weak to keep the tube in place across the chest, specially if biking on rough terrain.

Rotating the mouthpiece helped with issue. The tube came without an insulated jacket to keep water cold/cool. The first zip is always warm. Overall, an excellent pack. I recommend it. I give it 4. 5 stars due to the issues mentioned above.

Jenson had it on sale when I bought it so even better.

I have had this bag for a little over a year and it has been on about 40-50 mountain bike rides with me. Overall, I like the functionality of the bag and it’s size. However, the backpack has ripped on one of the back seams.

For $120 I was expecting this bag to last quite some time before I needed it repaired/replaced. I have not put this bag through anything in my mind that would have caused this tear, and I have not fallen off my bike with it on and it just sits on my back (as expected).

Pretty bummed it’s ripped. Osprey does offer free repairs, but you pay the shipping and return time is 10-12 weeks. Funny that they mention their turn around time is so long because of the high volume of repair requests.

I think that’s somewhat of a red flag that so many people are needing their bag repaired. Don’t think I’ll get another osprey back pack.

I have used this product for 2 years now to carry water and a small set of tools for dirt bike riding. I have taken multiple falls onto the backpack and there are no tears and the water bladder has no leaks.

The phone pocket at the top is a great place to stash a phone and the lower mesh pocket on the interior is helpful for keys. I stash a small tool pack in the main pocket and sometimes carry a jacket with the straps on the exterior.

The 85oz water capacity has never left me wanting for water even on 25+ mile trail rides and 8+ mile hikes. Overall this is a very well made and very useful product and the lifetime warranty makes it preferable to a similar product by Camelbak.

I am finally looking to replace the water bladder (I don’t have any issues with the water bladder but it is 2 years old) and my only complaint is that a new bladder costs ~$40 which I think is a bit much.

Let me start this review by saying this is my first hydration pack, so I don’t have another products or experiences to compare it to. I love a lot of things about this pack, with the obvious one being how much water it holds (100oz) and how consistently it keeps me hydrated, because of the convenience.

It has a locking mechanism in the straw to control the flow of water, and a solid strap-in & magnet system that keeps the mechanism in place well. I will continue to use this pack for longer hikes and day trips.

As a hydration pack, it works exactly how it should: it holds water and keeps you hydrated. There are a few areas where I could see improvements: Firstly, because most of the pack-space is being taken up by 100 liters of water, there’s little room for anything else.

I can pack a wallet, a rain shell, and a few other small items, but I could not pack this like a regular (~18-22 liter) pack. Most of my daypacks can fit a couple nights of clothes and be used as a weekend bag, but this hydration pack is truly just a hydration pack.

Another note to be made: the water pack is not insulated, so your water temperature isn’t regulated. The temperatures have been in the mid-90s this summer, and it’s been hot, dry, and sunny. Even if I prep my bag with ice cubes and cold water, it’s warm within a few hours.

This isn’t a deal breaker for me– if I’m hot and sweaty and tired, I’ll drink my water at any temperature, but this is something to note. I’m excited to use it as my XC ski pack in winter, as I’m sure my water will stay nice and chilled.

My last concern is long-term sanitation. As a teenager, I loved Camelbak water bottles with the bite-down rubber straws (similar to this hydration pack), but the biggest long-term issue was the bacteria build-up in the straw tip that was impossible to remove.

I have the same concern with this. I drink tap water, I’m not using purified or filtered water, so I know there will be bacteria build-up over time, and I’m worried about how I will clean the straw. The water bag is removable from the bag, and you can sort of disassemble the straw tip, but not completely.

When I’m done with the pack for the day, I like to remove the water bag, rinse it completely, and hang it upside to dry. But I’m sure there’s bacteria getting stuck in the straw and straw tip, that’s impossible to clean out totally.

Overall, I genuinely really like this pack. It’s not going to become an overnight bag for me (which was never Camelbak’s intention), but I think it’s going to replace my other day-packs for many of my day hikes.

Usually, I will (at-most) carry two, 32oz water bottles on a hike, and this nearly doubles that amount, and the distribution of water in the pack makes it feel much lighter. I can also see myself using this for mountain biking trips (too hot for mntn biking right now)– the system is super easy and hands-off, and absentmindedly keeps me hydrated.

Even with my critiques, I would say this pack is fantastic, because it does exactly what it’s designed to do, and it does it well.

During my 2-3 weeks of owning the CamelBak M. U. L. E Hydration pack I have thoroughly ran it through its paces. I have used it while on multiple hikes, mountain bike trips and a camping trip in the remote PNW.

As such, I feel confident in saying this is hands down the best hydration pack I have ever owned. Read on for details. This review will be broken down into specific categories. 1. Overview 2. Functionality & Performance 3.

Recommendation. 1. Overview: The MULE has 5 compartments if you include the soft, small pouch as well as the compartment holding the bladder. The outer pocket seen in the first image has elastic on either side allowing it to stretch to fit a small bike helmet.

The next inner pocket shown in image 3 allows you to secure multiple personal belongings. I typically used this to my flashlight, keys, cell phone and other random odds & ends. The compartment after is not shown in images, however it lays open and flat.

I stored my journal and medicines in here while camping. In between this, and the hydration compartment, you’ll find a small microfiber pocket which is likely for holding sunglasses – which is how I used it.

The 3 liter hydration pack (image 4) has a sturdy handle allowing you to easily fill it up, while slipping smoothly back into the compartment once done, thanks to the material housing it on the backpack itself – this small detail was not lost on me.

If you’ve ever struggled with stuffing a bladder back in you’ll know what I’m talking about. The backside of the pack (image 2) is lined with a mesh and their AIR support technology logo is visible. The chest strap (image 5) has a quick clip & release system to easily slip into place.

The hydration tube attaches easily to this same clip due to the extremely strong magnet. 2. Functionality & Performance: The MULE works exactly as intended and then some. It holds a large amount of water -enough to keep both myself and my wife hydrated on a 5 mile hike – along with plenty of capacity to store most if not all of your personal belongings for any hike/bike/day trip.

If you were planning to do an overnight hike you’ll need something much larger, but fortunately the hydration bladder is easy enough to remove so it could be brought along with you. Speaking of – the tube itself has a sweet valve to prevent water from leaking on you when not in use, although truth be told I never found myself using the valve as it never really seemed to leak on me.

To draw water in you pinch (bite) the sides of the end of the tube. When hiking in warm to hot weather and sweating I did not feel that the pack was making the situation much worse. The mesh lining seems to help considerably here.

Something that should also be noted is the pack was extremely comfortable when full of water as well as loading down the inner pockets – in image 2 you’ll notice two pads lining the back of the pack helping to increase comfort when in use.

The only negative I have to say is the pack did leak at one point – but this was most likely user error in reattaching the tube to the bottom of the hydration bladder. I say this due to the fact that it quickly dried after I noticed, and I was not able to replicate the problem.

3. Recommendation: If you’re in the market for a hydration pack that holds a good amount of water as well as having storage for a ton of other storage look no further. The technology, features and comfort of these has come so incredibly far along in recent years, it truly blew me out of the water.

I would recommend this for people who are mountain biking and hiking. It’s also handy to bring along when camping!.

The Pros: As a hydration pack, this was a great product. It is lightweight, comfortable on a hike tested up to 4 hours and has a little storage for a few extras like snacks. I filled the water 3/4 full each time and went through it throughout my hikes without any noticeable sloshing or discomfort.

I did minimal trail jogging as well with no real sloshing of the water so when all straps are properly tightened this worked great. I have a more muscular build and often these vests do not fit at all yet this one fit comfortably, though it is noticeably small on me.

Comfort matters more than looks on a hike anyway. The quick release on the chest was a tad confusing at first but after a moment of figuring it out it was great. Never came off unintentionally and was incredibly easy to take off when needed.

All straps held and didn’t loosen prematurely. The Cons: Personally, I like a bigger pack that can hold a bit more, I couldn’t fit my little travel hardcase first aid/emergency pack inside which fits nicely in my other hydration pack.

I often like to bring a hammock on my hikes and there was no way of fitting this inside either. The pockets are tight, a sandwich, keys, phone and small hand towel fit but anything else would have been a struggle.

There are no front side pockets for snacks, a knife, a phone or anything so to access anything you have to take the pack off. I prefer to have a few essentials reachable without taking the bag off so this was a downside to me.

I hiked in my hiking shorts that have pockets but if you didn’t have any pockets or are wearing swimming trucks, which I often do on a hike where I can get wet, then you’d have to take the bag off each time you needed something.

All in all, it is great for the right application. If you like to bring a handful of extras on a hike for safety you really have to find the smallest things possible to fit into the pack. I would not want it on a longer more strenuous hike because of this, or any hike where the weather might change as carrying an extra layer would be nearly impossible.

The lack of front access is a major downside to me as well as I dont want to take the pack off until I find a resting spot many hours in. So it really depends on what you like to have on a hike and how long you go out, or if you are in a more rugged area or not.

A local hike on manicured trails would be perfect for this. Something in a more mountainous area or rugged terrain would not be preferable. I would need to know someone’s planned use before I recommended it.

I will have to mention again, it is definitely very comfortable and the water did not slosh around much at all.

We started looking for new hiking packs after our recent trip to Yellowstone. I had a 22L pack that was more like a stuff sack. It only had the one main compartments and it made it hard to find things when you’d have to dig around and take everything out.

I’m always apprehensive to buy the expensive brand gear because, in my experience, you can find brands like Teton that have amazing quality products that will last just as long if not longer. So many pockets! My main reason for buying.

You have enough storage and enough pockets to make sure you have everything you need – extra clothes, first aid, hydration, snacks, you name it! Super comfy too with all the padding on the back. I also picked it because it wasn’t too big and wasn’t too small.

My husband and I are day hikers/explorers so this pack is perfect for that. Best part – built in space for a rain cover! They thought of everything with this bag, so if you’re on the fence, get down and go buy this pack!!.

I have only used my backpack on one trip so far, but it fit my needs perfectly for my hiking trip. It’s very comfortable, has great storage space, and I love that the hydration pack is able to hold 3 liters.

Unfortunately, one of the straps that allows the front-zip pocket to expand started to fray at the seem after only a few days of use. It appeared to be a defect in the stitching when I compared it to how the strap on the other side was stitched in.

I sent in pictures to Teton customer support and they were able to send me a replacement for the entire bag right away and completely free of charge. I was very impressed at how quickly they were able to do this for me.

Teton has great customer service and it’s hard to beat that lifetime warranty.

Bought this to hike and have water available instead of toting bottles of it. Nice pack. It’s winter so I haven’t been able to use the bladder because I’m sure the water will freeze. Below 0 here. I did use it for my other items.

It is small but I didn’t want a big one just one to hike smaller hikes like 10 miles a shot. Not happy with the cord in the front. The plastic drawstring toggle spring stop (cord lock) never tightened and fell off my FIRST hike with the pack.

Now I tie the cord instead of using the toggle spring stop. If they could send me a replacement, I’ll be all set. Can’t wait to actually use the bladder.

I love the color of this Camelbak. The front pocket is big enough for sunscreen, a wallet, keys, and minimal first aid kit. I was even able to strap a thin layer on with the bungees on the outside. HOWEVER, it has a major flaw.

LEAKING BLADDER. I have tried to use this pack twice now. First time heading out with it, I filled up the bladder, set it with my backpack, then noticed my pack was SOAKED when packing the car. I didn’t have time to sort out the leak, so I left the Camelbak at home and took a trusty water bottle.

Next time out with it, I filled the bladder up, applied pressure, didn’t see any leaks, so I hit the trail. About 1/2 a mile in, my back was soaked with water. I couldn’t figure out where the water was leaking from.

Tried to dry it off, disconnected and reconnected the hose; no leaks, so started hiking again. Minutes later, water was dripping from the bottom! I dumped the water out and continued the hike without water.

My hiking partner had some, so I was ok, just wet and cold in the wind from the leaking bladder. Back at home, I can’t figure out where the leak is coming from. I won’t use the bladder anymore. I do like the pack though.

So. not sure it’s worth the money, since I need to find a replacement bladder now. Great small pack though for short hikes.

I have used these for years and I absolutely love it. Hands free for biking, hiking, kayaking, all kinds of activities! I recommend this to anyone who does activities outside. All ages. Just keep it clean.

And I only used water to drink, tho at this point, I’d try wine haha! They really do make a great gift! If your life style changes, hand it down to someone else, they aren’t cheap and it will be appreciated for a lifetime.

There isn’t much more I can say other than AWESOME!! I really don’t need to type a 120 word review for this but it is making me do so, and I’m sorry you are still reading this thinking that there is more jazz to this statement, but there really isn’t.

Unless you want to know the story about when a moose bit my sister while hiking one day. I never thought that teaching her the sound of the Moose mating call would end up biting her in the butt one day.

The moral of the story is, Don’t make mating calls sounds to a full grown moose if you aren’t prepared for the dance that comes along with it! Moose bite hard.

For the last four years I have used the Camelback packs and thought they were good. Never had a issue, so I was not sure how I would I would like something new. I’m not big into “change. ” I took the XC/trail focus to Moab last month.

When I pulled it out for the first ride, I had to figure out how to fill the bladder which was a snap. Its very easy to fill, and the locking mechanism is much easier to use than the only I have on my camelback.

The hydration tube has a nifty magnet system so when you are done drinking it locks right back into place on the shoulder strap. Its a great feature. I love the small soft pocket at that is great to though your sunglasses.

The inside of the pocket is lined with a very soft material. There is also a mesh pocket which is nice because you can see what’s the pocket without having to unzip. I’m not use to using a pack this size and I was very impressed how light weight an comfortable it was.

I wore it for a 2. 5 and a 4 hour ride and hardly knew I had it on! There are two additional side pockets on the waist band, perfect for food. I love this pack.

This is hands down the best hydration pack I’ve used. I’ve been using this pack for 2 years and it remains my go to pack while others collect dust. It’s thoughtfully designed for the needs of mountain biking The pack sits lower to distribute the load over the hips (vs.

up high on the shoulders) which reduces fatigue on long rides. The expandable cargo capacity combined with the 2. 5L reservoir makes this pack extremely versatile for shorter rides to full day efforts.

The ReTract hose system works flawlessly for staying hydrated while keeping the hose secure and out of the way. Easy access side pockets makes reaching for food or gear a breeze while riding. Various internal pockets for organizing and securing gear.

The materials are durable and allow for good ventilation. This pack is holding up well and I’m looking forward many more miles. Highly recommended!.

I have had this pack for a month now and honestly if it wasnt so darn hard to close the bag I would give this pack a 5. Everything about this bag except the way you close the bag is 5 star. I want to love this pack so much, but cant get past how difficult it is to close the bag with the clip.

It does not “slide” on like the videos show. Mine feels like a fight to get on. I’m considering returning it and getting another hydration pack just because of this. The loop that secures the top of the bag to the inside is also too tight.

Maybe have a stretchable loop? So here’s the deal. If you dont mind the frustration of a poorly designed way to close the bag, and possibly taking 20 minutes to figure out how to close it, then get this pack.

You’ll love it once the water is in. If I was going to use this pack often, I would return it or buy something else. Thule: Design the bag so its easy to close. If you already think its easy, its not.

Unlike other people complaining about size, features and dimensions, this pack is really all you need for a 3 season (and light 4 season if you don’t need campons/ice axe) day hike. This pack carries a load very well, which I give credit to the harness/suspension/frame design.

The only downside (hence 4 stars) is the top zippered pocket isn’t large enough to put an easily accessible first aid kit in there. My phone, emergency blanket, compass, extra candy bars, etc. all fit fine in there.

I realize a lot of people can’t be without their phones for a few hours (oh the horror), and subsequently, my Motorola Z4 fits perfectly fine in the pouches on the belt – not that I carry it there as I carry more useful items like food, a knife, headlamp, batteries for my cameras (GoPro & Fuji X100T), etc.

I guess if you use oversized garbage like Apple, then the phone won’t fit. The main compartment can be snug depending on what you carry, but I haven’t had any problem fitting in or accessing my GSI pot, stove, fuel canister,16 oz nalgene for cooking water, food, first aid kit, Grayl water filter (although the smaller Grayl will fit in the right outside mesh pocket if needed), jacket, extra shirt, gloves, hat, etc.

I also haven’t experienced anything falling out while getting things out, so I’m unsure how others are having issues with this. If you need something at the very bottom of the pack and your pack is full, then common sense would dictate you’re gonna need to remove stuff anyway.

not a big deal. Plus, you want a snug fit with your gear as the load carries closer to your back, therefore more efficient at carrying the load. and this pack really excels at this. The left side mesh pocket is tight, but I usually put my GoPro with handle mount in there, which fits it just fine, albeit a bit loose but hasn’t fallen out, and can get it in/out without having to take off the pack.

While the hole at the top of the pack for the hydration hose is tight, again, not a big deal. you stick the hose in once, and shouldn’t need to remove it unless you need to clean it, as you can detach the hose from the bladder to fill up the bladder.

Easy peasy. BTW, I’m a guy – unfortunately I have a short torso (around 15. 5″), and sadly the mens pack was a hair too long. but this pack fits like a glove. Haven’t used the larger front mesh-type pocket yet, but I imagine it would be fine for storing a lightweight jacket that got wet or something, or if you changed out your socks & sock liners and don’t want to stick them inside the main body of the pack.

Pros: Weight distribution is great and the pack is very comfortable. The hydration features work well. The pack seems durable but lightweight. Cons: The design for storage is so strange to me. All of the smaller pockets are way too small.

The outer zipper pocket is only big enough for a phone and a tube of sunscreen maybe. The inside zipper pocket barely holds my wallet and keys. The hip belt zipper pockets are too small for my phone.

The way the zippers go all the way down the sides of the main compartment makes it difficult to rummage around in the pack without dropping items and makes it so even though it’s a 24 L pack which should be plenty big for a day hike where you need snacks and layers, it feels very cramped.

There are no additional internal organizational features inside the main compartment which can make it difficult to find things. The attachment for trekking poles is positioned weirdly so they flop around.

The slit to thread the bladder hose through is tight and hard to push the nozzle through the narrow opening. I’d heard such great things about Gregory packs that I was excited to try this one but feel a bit let down.

The color shown for Plum Red is inaccurate; I bought the pack in the store, and it is a luminous burgundy/claret color. The longer I look at it, the more I like the color. To see an accurate rendition of the color, go to “write a review” and this backpack in the actual color for Plum Red will show up.

(Plum Red does not describe the color. ) It is a Claret / burgundy but with a slight sheen that appears lighter and quite beautiful in the sun. It appears to be a deeper rich color when overcast – and not the flat dull color as REI shows it to be (there’s a low sheen to the material also).

See the photo in review from “Maggie” in a turquoise T-shirt to see a more accurate rendition of the color. I believe the other color option (blueish) is better than shown too. I went into REI thinking I’d buy a Patagonia backpack I saw online.

When it was on my back, the shoulder straps were thick and formless and it did not rest on my body as such. It also had nothing but cute style to offer. Conversely, the Osprey straps are thinner, exceptionally well made, form-fitting, and sit snugly into my shoulders.

I should add that I have one shoulder lower and smaller than the other due to Scoliosis – (curvature of the spine) so I was very pleased with the way these straps did not slide off. I’m fairly broad shouldered generally, but with one lower shoulder, sometimes straps will slide.

I am 5’9″, 170 pounds, with a 47% thoracic (upper spine) curve and few packs manage to take the weight off my back, I found this pack to be incredibly comfortable. It fit snugly against my back and it appeared to stand straight and slim and close to my back when the waist belt was closed.

There was no sag, slouch, or gaping space between my back and pack. The waist belt shifts all weight to the hips and does it very well. In my 40 years of wearing packs, this was the most comfortable I’ve worn.

It appears overly stuffed on REI, however, In person it appears slim, lightweight, and not at all bulky. Again, see the photo under the section “write a review. ” I’ve added some photos, but they are mostly to show color.

The brightest is the one shown close to window–the others do not show the color as well. I didn’t go shopping for the 28L pack or for a pack with a hydration bag, however, I would happily take this on longer hikes of 10 or more miles and am quite sure it will be very comfortable.

I put a 5lb weight in pack at the store and didn’t feel it, whereas I did with other backs. The waist belt has zipped pockets big enough for snacks, bandana, small sunscreen, etc. The stretchy pockets that they had in an Osprey 30L Mens pack would have been a better option on the sides in my opinion, but I guess they figure that with a hydration pack, you don’t need stretchy water-bottle pockets.

As pockets go, these are exceptionally roomy and fit a 20oz Hydro-flask (should you opt to not use the hydration pack), with no room to spare at the top, but plenty on either side. The zips open from the bottom up which I found hard to locate with pack on, but some kind of key fob or other jangly item might help to find them.

Otherwise, I think you are stuck with the waist pockets for access while pack is on, and which are ample enough for most trail needs. The two side pockets I expect (just to give you an idea of size) could each fit 10 pairs of SmartWool socks.

There is another exterior large pocket in front of the pack and located behind the flap that is the face of the pack and which buckles at the top to right and left. At the bottom of the “flap” it says Skimmer 28– just so you know what I’m describing.

Behind that flap front is a large bucket-like pocket with an accordion-style opening at sides; it can lay flat and clean behind the flap, or you can stuff it and it expands. I expect a few t-shirts could fit in there just to give you an idea of size.

It is not zipped but the flap covers it completely and extends wider across the pack than the bucket-like deep pocket behind it. The interior of pack has no pockets that I can see aside from the place for the hydration pack.

It is kind of like a stuff sack. I would expect one could fit plenty of gear in there in packing cubes etc. : enough clothing for 4-5 mild weather days, food, toiletries, towel and more. I have not used the hydration bladder yet so cannot speak to that.

I plan to make it work as well as possible because I don’t want a large hydro-flask’s extra weight on my body especially on long hikes. I tried on packs of all sizes for two hours yesterday and did not intend on getting anything bigger than a 24L, but this was so comfortable and sat well that I figured I should get it for longer hikes.

I’m still looking for a smaller day pack 16-20L so I can retire by 20-year old Kelty pack of many zipped, netted, fobbed, lined, and other pockets– a well-made pack of yesteryear.

Get measured to see what pack size is right for your torso length and body type. This will make sure the pack sits properly and the straps are the right length once the pack is loaded. If you can load the pack in the store with something – do it and try out the fit.

I’m 6’2′, 230 lbs, 47″ chest/lat circumference (it matters due to strap design-fit over the traps and around the lats) and about a 21″ measurement from (i think) C7 vertebrae to L5 – and this Skarab 30 pack is a little too short for me.

Once loaded out, the strap cinch buckles ended up uncomfortably on the side of my pectorals. I got sized and ended up with a Talon 30 PRO XL with adjustable harness system and had an experienced sales/hiker help me adjust the harness for perfect fit.

The side pocket zippers on the Skarab are oriented to close zipping down which is incongruent with zipping up around something too tall for the pocket. Might be a deal breaker for some but the pocket will be more durable and keep things more secure than elastic open pockets.

Personal preference.

I spent a lot of time reading reviews and trying to find the perfect hydration vest that could go the distance comfortably. I have the Camelback Marathoner I’ve been using for 6 years and absolutely love it! I’ve kept it in great shape and even with the hundreds of miles, it still works great.

My only issue is the front pocket doesn’t fit a can of bear spray… I need a vest that can fit the spray as I run where bears are present and I need the protection. This Nathan vest looked good but definitely has some design flaws.

I filled the bladder half way and set out for my run. I was not even out of the my neighborhood when I noticed the hydration bladder rubbing at the base of my neck. There is absolutely no buffer between you and the bladder, there is only the super thin fabric.

I then noticed the tube bouncing around! The magnetic piece on the mouth part of the tube had fallen off! I turned around, threw the Nathan vest in the house and grabbed my old camelback. I may just need to find a comfortable waist belt for my bear spray.

I could not imagine running 26 miles with the Nathan vest. It was not comfortable and for serious runners, this is not a great vest. I still can’t wrap my head around the price either. The fabric felt cheap and I did not see anything special that put this vest at this price point.

The hydration tuning was better quality than my Camelback, but that was about all I saw good about it. I returned it asap.

Nathan sent me this as a replacement for my VaporHowe vest, as they said this is the new version (I’d reached out for help as my zipper was stuck on the VaporHowe and WD-40 wouldn’t even budge it). So that was awesome customer service.

Unfortunately the sizing seems to be inconsistent with that of its predecessor, the VaporHowe. In the same size in the Pinnacle, I’ve experienced bouncing and, consequently, chafing. There is no side strap to tighten, only the two front straps.

This makes a big difference unfortunately. In addition, the front bottle pockets seem to be deeper, or perhaps the thin strips that hold the straws in place are placed higher, as the straws on my bottles don’t stay where they should, and then wiggle around as I run.

I would recommend sizing down if you are transitioning from the VaporHowe. The plus is that it has a second zipper pocket (hopefully this one won’t get stuck).

I really like this vest. Make sure to follow the sizing guide. I was surprised to order a size small (I’m 6’1, 175 lb) but it fits great with the straps about halfway tightened. Absolutely no bounce.

I forget I’m wearing it after 10 minutes of running. The included bottles are excellent. They have a spine down the back which makes them easier to fill and put back in the included pockets. The storage for extra layers is really neat – they’re in two tubes on the back and you can easily pull them out holes on the sides if it starts raining.

It runs a little hot, but that can’t be helped. The phone storage is also not waterproof on the inside so make sure to bring a baggie. I also find that the phone is uncomfortable on my ribs if I also have a bottle on that side, though this probably wouldn’t be an issue if you have a smaller phone.

The velcro closures were also poorly sewn on and starting coming off immediately, but that’s an easy fix.

This pack has a lot going for it. While I am not a big fan of the hydration bladder setup on most packs, I appreciate how much CamelBak has done to allow for diverse uses with this particular piece of gear.

The actual hydration pack is well designed, and features a genuinely useful handle for filling. I wish other hydration packs had this feature. However, for most of my use, I used the pack without a hydration bladder, as that’s just the setup I prefer.

This pack works great for those uses too, and the side sleeves are perfect for all sizes of water bottles, and provide for quick access. I’ve stored various sizes of Nalgenes, from 16oz to 48 oz in these pockets, as well as different size Smart Water bottles (which are my go to for trail running), and all of these different types have worked well.

The bottle holders are both secure and easy to access, and I appreciate their design and mesh material. The front of the pack also has a double layer of this mesh material, which works well holding extra gear I want to access quickly, or holding dirty clothes or things I’m trying to dry.

One downside on the outside of the pack is that the little loops at the bottom are just too small to effectively work with ice axes, which was an application I was quite excited for when I originally got the pack, but I think I will have to modify the pack a bit for this to work.

Although it may not be great for alpine climbing out the box, I like how adaptable this pack is, and the webbing on the back allow for a lot of different setups and modifications, and I appreciate CamelBak providing these options.

I plan to modify mine to better carry a helmet and ice tools. The side straps on the pack carry a rope decently well, and although that isn’t exactly what the pack is designed for, it can totally work for climbing applications.

Finally, there’s the two brain pockets. These are great for stowing small items, and where especially useful when I used this pack to take a Wilderness First Responder course, and holding my field manuals and SOAP notes in a pocket that was properly sized and rapidly accessible was critical.

This pack worked very well there. While the zippers to the main compartment may very well be a weak point in the future, I have so far noticed no issues, and the zippers are smooth, don’t catch, and are of high quality.

Time will tell as to how well they hold up. Finally, the main compartment is just an empty area, which I like, as it gives me a lot of versatility with how I use the pack. It is a large enough size that you can use it for several day trips if you pack very light, or it can hold plenty for any day adventures.

I’ve used this pack for hiking, wilderness first aid, whitewater kayaking, cragging, and day trips around town, and it has worked well in all applications. The straps are comfortable and fit well, and the waistbelt pockets are useful for keys or small odds and ends.

The one downside is the phone pocket on the straps, as it is too small to fit my phone, and even when you can get a phone into the pocket, it is not the most comfortable of a carry. I would’ve liked maybe a bigger pocket, or just replacing that pocket with a water bottle holder in the front, but you can also use the pocket for smaller items, and in that regard it is useful.

I plan to take this pack with me on a half year trip to Peru, given how versatile it has proven and how useful it is in a variety of applications.

I just took this pack for its maiden voyage on a 2 week day-hiking trip and it performed great! The pack felt great on all day. The shoulder straps were the perfect width and shape for me and the shoulder/waist/sternum strap adjustments were all really easy to adjust on the go, even with gloves on.

The elastic stuff pocket in front was WAY more handy than I had anticipated. I appreciate the ability to use either a hydration reservoir or water bottles. I only took 2 Nalgene bottles for this trip but will be taking bottles and a bladder in hotter months.

Only 2 potentially negative issues with this bag for me. First, the “easy access” pocket on the left shoulder strap was a bit too small. I was able to squeeze my iPhone and case in there with some maneuvering.

but it was too tight of a fit for me to take it out frequently/easily for photos. However, fixing this would require a wider strap and I value the comfort/fit of the straps more than I was bothered by the size of the pocket.

Second, the back panel was great for day-hike and all-day wear, but it seems to limit the capacity of the bag. I need a good everyday back pack for gym to work and don’t think this will work for me because of the extra structure.

Again, this is an intentional design feature that improved comfort on my hikes, so I wouldn’t change it or knock off any ratings points.

i like this bag! it’s a little stiff to start but after a couple wears it’s gotten more comfy on my back. I wanted a good sized camelbak to bring on day hikes and i was torn between this and the Mule and i’m glad i got the Cloud Walker! i compared it to my partners Camelbak Mule and it is almost the exact same size, the Cloud Waker extends out more to fit more stuff but the footprint is almost identical if that makes sense.

a few things that make it 4/5: – it comes with a 2. 5L reservoir instead of 3L but the side pockets make it super easy to carry extra water and a 3L reservoir will fit inside if you have an extra one.

– be careful with closing the reservoir. there’s something weird about the seal that makes it super finicky to close properly. this hasn’t been an issue with other camelbak reservoirs i’ve owned. it’s fine once it’s closed but make sure you have it sealed right before you put it into your bag.

this is the main reason i’m giving it 4/5 stars – the shoulder strap clasp seems cheaper than the ones on my other backpacks and i’m worried it might eventually break? it hasn’t yet so maybe i shouldn’t fault it for that.

overall this is a good little bag! i’m really happy with it.

First time I ever bought a technical pack specifically for hiking and apparently, I picked a good one. I’ve always used Camelbaks, and while I’ve integrated some of their features into my Mira, namely the hydrolock (as I can disconnect the mouthpiece and plug my filter in without having to open the reservoir compartment, plus the cover stays on better), and the magnetic tube trap (I prefer my mouthpiece stowed on the shoulder strap, and Osprey’s doesn’t stay put in that position).

I did buy one of Osprey’s 3l bladders and an insulation kit for it, and that thing is amazing at keeping my water cool, none of that initial hot shot of water as I pull a drink. I did remove the belt and sternum strap as I dislike those.

Even without them, it fits me like a glove, and the load is very stable and off my back, yet not pulling me backwards. The straps on the shoulder straps are nice for my compass pouch, and while I thought them being angled was going to be a nuisance, it actually helped make a cross-body reach for it feel more ergonomic.

I haven’t had it out in rain yet, so I can’t speak yet to its rain cover’s water resitance and utility, though I bag everything anyway. I don’t use trekking poles and don’t plan to ever use the stow loop on the shoulder strap, but I also don’t see any way to remove it without cutting it off, so I guess it’s staying on so I don’t void the warranty.

The little pockets on the hip belt are SO useful, I see now why people love them. Others say it’s heavy but I guess I’m just used to heavy packs, which I guess is par for buying cheap ones so far. I carried this on a couple of long dayhikes, one 7 hours and the other 13 hours.

I can only think of two downfalls. First, the zippers sometimes snag, especially the hip pockets, I find myself having adopted a two-hand cross-body technique just to close them. Second, I’ve just always been nervous about mesh pockets, they always feel like I’ll break them.

Bought this for resort skiing in Winter Park. It worked great though I opted not to use the hydration pack since I couldn’t get an insulating sleeve for the hose AND the bite valve. It’s a little thick for resort skiing especially if you put large Gatoraid bottles in it(they push you way forward on the chairs) otherwise it worked flawlessly.

The day we went they hydration pack would probably have been fine since it was around 30 but I didn’t want to cary 2. 5 liters of water if I couldn’t drink it due to a frozen valve. Plan to use this for day hikes and mountain biking, maybe commuting but there’s not a great place for a laptop, it’ll fit in the main compartment but isn’t padded, would also fit in the hydration compartment but wouldn’t trust the electronics with the water in case of leak.

There is also a reflective strip on the back that you could attach a bike light for even more visibility. Love the Sunglasses compartment and the side zipper compartment with a pouch. The Trampoline back is great too.

I do wish there was a small sleeve on the shoulder straps for holding sunglasses (or reading glasses in my case 🙂 and it even fit a pair of goggles) with easier access, but very happy with the pack overall.

I like the disconnect tube so you can remove the bladder w/out having to unthread the mouth piece and tube. but it isn’c clear how you are suppose to clean the tube attached to the bladder as you can’t get a tube cleaner dow thru the attachment without pulling out the inserts at either end.

Flushing with hot water would be the only option and not sure how well it’ll dry. I think though, this is an oversite flaw with almost every maker of hydration bottles, they never consider the ease of cleanup and mold prevention especially with the mouth pieces (at least those with valves).

This is my favorite mid-size pack. I’ve taken it on a couple 8-12 mile hikes and it’s absolutely fantastic. For me, the fit and comfort are unmatched. I’ve loaded it with close to 8 liters of water (for testing) and the overall sensation was just “pressure”.

There were no hot spots or zones of discomfort. The ‘trampoline’ style mesh dispersed the weight incredibly well. I couldn’t believe I had all that water in there (plus some loose articles of clothing).

Beyond the amazing fit/comfort the pack has some great features including the elastic/magnetic sternum strap. I really liked this as the elastic allowed some stretch as well as the magnetic clip being very quick to attach/unattach.

The attachment is a latch and isn’t a fastex type buckle. It’s really nice as it automatically hooks in with the help of the magnet. It has a very usable ‘main’ compartment that’s great for holding larger items.

The personal compartment is somewhat small but it can easily carry keys, wallet and maybe some other loose kit. The the exterior pocket at the top is pretty meager. This is the biggest distractor is how small the top zipper external pocket is.

I feel it’s good for carrying 1 cliff bar or a role of quarters. The side “nalgene bottle” pockets are interesting as they’re exposed on the sides as well as the top. Overall the dimensions are mostly good and nothing is a deal breaker but I would’ve liked different sizes/volumes on some of the zippered pockets.

Another feature I love is the addition of trekking pole loops. I’m a huge fan of these as it’s so much faster to be able to stow them under my arm than to have to take my pack off and cinch them down on the very back of the pack as what you see on other designs.

The great thing is that there’s an elastic attachment that’s there for single pole or an axe. The pack is really versatile. There are a few other great amenities like having including a hydration bladder (2.

5L) and a rain cover. The hip pads are also great. They’re actually functional in helping carry the weight. The pockets are not too small and easily carry a couple of energy bars as well as M&M’s/jerky/etc.

It’s 24L so it’s not small but there’s no requirement to load it to the max. I’ve used this on several hikes and it’s my go-to pack. It’s INSANELY comfortable (for me) and the features are really useful and well-thought out.

I initially wanted the black one so bought the men’s and returned it because it was to long in the torso. This one fit and is the perfect size to fill the bladder and add snacks, a small toolkit, spare tube, and phone.

I love the side pockets too because you can access them without taking the pack off. Also, the magnetic tube is a nice touch. The only con is that I wish it was a darker color because after a month, it’s pretty dirty.

But then again, so is my bike!.

I bought this pack about a year ago. It’s the perfect size for Moab bike rides. Back paneling is great for hot days. Outer material is rough and tough for slickrock scrapes. The women’s cut is perfect for a smaller framed person.

Had some issues with the inner pocket delaminating. But Dakine’s warranty covered a replacement bag. Couldn’t be more stoked with the bag and customer service. Thanks for making great biking gear for women!.

Perfect size for a 2 hour ride, enough room to hold the essential tools stuff a small jacket and phone. Love the colour, looks great. Fits well on the back is very comfortable. The hose can only be routed on the left side it would be better if it could go on either side.

The bladder is really good, had to google how to fill it was not intuitive but did figure it out. Also, doesnt seem to be a way to toggle off the bite valve but it hasnt leaked yet so might not be an issue.

Overall really like it and recommend.

CamelBak stuff just lasts. They could add a loop in the top of the bladder compartment to keep it upright. There are no compression straps so when the cargo compartments are empty its still pretty big.

When you need to you can carry a lot of stuff in this pack. The vented back is really good here in 100+ degree desert. The new bladders are great, they come apart easy for cleaning. The off switch on the drinker tube keeps it from leaking when its not on your back.

My last CamelBak is a Rim Runner and is still in good shape, I just wanted something that wasn’t 20 year old.

I had my mind made up on a fanny pack hydration bag and a friend at Bear Mountain in Waco Texas talked me into MOUNTAIN BIKE BACKPACK – 10003402 DRAFTER 14L BIKE HYDRATION BACKPACK. I will not go into details, but I flew off my mountain bike over a cliff about 25 feet to the rock bottom directly flat on my back.

BTW, I am 62 and in as good a shape as anyone I know. I was amazed after getting out of the emergency room that I only had broke ribs in my upper back and a separated clavicle. After further thought, I could only conclude that I must be super human to have such few injuries.

6 days later, I opened the back door of my truck and saw my dirty, torn and scratched DRAFTER that I had forgotten that I was wearing. I almost fell to my knees, realizing what saved me. Not sure, but I honestly believe that I would be dead or paralyzed without it.

I experimented with my 16 year old daughter, that same day, and had her put it on and started hitting with my fist very soft and getting harder and harder without hurting her.

I absolutely love all the features of this hydration backpack. It was designed with so much thought into making it so convenient and easy to use. One of my favorite things about it is that the bladder sits at the bottom and it has a zipper at the bottom of the backpack for easy access to it when you need to refill without having to pull everything else out of the backpack thru the top to remove the bladder.

And material of the bladder is so soft and flexible so it makes it easier to maneuver around inside the backpack especially if you’re going to pack other things inside. I love the color and design as well! I got a lot of compliments on it by friendly strangers on our long hike when I first used it.

The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars and not 5 is because the frame that keeps it off your back digs into your lower back a bit and starts to feel uncomfortable. I tried adjusting the straps so it would sit higher on my back and it helped a bit!.

I got this pack to replace my Drafter pack I got in 2013, and was excited to see the bag make a comeback. However, with all the new great features, the waist strap is waaayyyy too small. I’m a larger guy, and had no issues with the previous version, but this one I buckle the waist strap at alll, so I have a significant amount of disappointment in that department.

Still 3 stars because the bag is comfortable, and feels quality, just can’t use it like the old version.

Bought this to replace my ancient Camelbak Charge – my favorite little daypack of all time. After returning the LOBO model, which was a bit too tiny, I settled on this Luxe NV pack. I did shop other brands but couldn’t find anything that was exactly what I wanted.

PRO: It is not quite as light as the old Charge, but it is a nice small light profile pack that still provides a lot of choices for storing items and snacks plus the 3-liter water pouch. Also I like that there are double-sided zippers on 2 of the main pockets as well a no-zip pocket area to shove something into when you don’t feel like reorganizing mid-hike/ride.

I’ve only had it a short while so I can’t yet speak to durability. Nothing seems flimsy after first use and it was comfortable loaded with 3L water, extra layers, snacks, multitool & hand sanitizer for a 7 mile up and down hike.

CON Even in women’s size the shoulder straps are still a bit too far apart for my shoulders and they start to slide off unless I use the (very adjustable) chest strap. I’m usually casual day-hiking or biking with this, so I like to have the option to skip the chest/waist straps.

Nice pack, recommended so far.

Can carry a good 2 litres of water so it lasts a very long time! I used this on a 2 day expedition over dartmoor and it sat very easily in my bag with no leakage at all, it also didn’t add a huge amount of unneeded weight to my bag due to the material.

It is easy to fill up and easy to drunk out with 2 seals so it doesnt leak. I would definitely recommend if you need a lightweight water bladder for walking/ running!.

100oz is just the right amount to feel comfortable winging it through a new trail system with 20+ miles. The pack is also really comfortable, and the orange color is great for people following to see you up ahead through the trees.

My only complaint is that my lower back has had trouble adjusting to the weight after riding it for only a few weeks, whereas a pack that sits lower on the back might work better. I’m fairly sure that will pass.

Overall, I’m very happy with this purchase!.

This hydration pack is focused toward mountain biking, but is great for all kinds of activities. I love all the organization pockets. The bladder itself is very easy to remove and fill. Heads up: if you are using a compass while wearing this, the magnets in the chest strap & drinking tube will throw your needle off!! This isn’t exactly a “day pack” to hold all your essentials for an all-day hiking adventure.

Just enough room to carry snacks, a layer or light jacket, and a few knick-knacks or pocket tools for your bike. Just what you need for short excursions and local bike rides. I’ve even used the compression straps to carry my snowshoes on a couple occasions.

The pack has worked great for short local hikes (Mid-Atlantic). Carries just enough for a family of 4 when you don’t need any emergency layers. This new style of back panel is a must. I have used Camelbak bladders for years in all types of environments.

I like the fact that this bladder stays open to dry out. However, the water flow through the mouthpiece is not even close to what you get with a Camelbak (even the older ones). If you have never had a Camelbak bladder, this will be fine for you.

If you have been spoiled!, you might want to order this pack without a bladder and insert your existing Camelbak one.