Camelbak H.A.W.G.
MSRP: $100
Reservoir capacity: 100oz (3.0 L)
Available Colors: Ruby Red, Black
Camelbak website: http://www.camelbak.com/index.cfm



In the years since CamelBak became a dominant force in the hydration pack field, most people are aware of their products and what they do. While CamelBak does control a large portion of the market they aren't content to rest on their laurels and keep selling the same product year after year. New innovations such as the Ergo Big-Bite Valve and HydroGuard anti-bacterial reservoir keep customers coming back for their hydration requirements.

----- Big Bore Backpacks -----

Even though I already own a HydroBak, Rocket, Lobo, and a 1st generation Rim Runner, I decided I needed a mid-sized hydration pack with enough cargo storage for an all-day bike ride or hike. My Rim Runner is a good backpack, but with 1720 cubic inches of cargo space it's definitely on the large side as CamelBaks go.

While there are quite a few other daypacks by different manufacturers such as REI, Kelty, JanSport, and North Face, I went with CamelBak since I like the integration of hydration bladder and storage space. With just under 1000 cubic inches of cargo space and an all new redesign for 2006, the H.A.W.G. was the winner in my do-it-all daypack search.

----- What makes a H.A.W.G. useful? -----

The first thing which impressed me about the H.A.W.G. was how efficiently CamelBak used the space available to them. No less than 6 separate compartments are built into the H.A.W.G. and 3 of those have stretch-panel dividers inside them. Down the center and on the rear flap is a tall, skinny pouch perfect for a water bottle or energy drink. One of the biggest features which swayed me to this model was the built-in iPod pocket for all-weather operation of your iPod or iPod Mini, I'll explain its usefulness more later.

The harness and shoulder strap system is light years ahead of my old Rim Runner and takes design cues from the best hiking and camping daypacks on the market. The new Dynamic Suspension Harness keeps your loaded pack stable and distributes the weight across your back to minimize pressure points. Also new on the H.A.W.G. is the Air Director back panel which I first experienced on my CamelBak Rocket, and much like the vents on a cycling helmet it keeps air flowing between your back and pack. Also new for 2006 is reflective striping and trim to increase visibility in low light conditions.

----- What about the hydration system? -----

Now we get the Camel part of the CamelBak, the newest generation of the 100 ounce Omega HydroTanium™ Wide-Mouth Reservoir with HydroGuard™ Technology. This trademarked technology embeds an FDA-approved silver ion compound into the water bladder and liquid delivery tubes to prevent and inhibit growth of bacteria and that slimy film most long-term CamelBak users will recognize. As many readers may already know most new CamelBak water bladders will taste disgusting the first few times you use them. Even CamelBak's Omega Reservoir included with my Lobo pack took a few uses to get the plastic taste out of it. Not so with the Omega Hydroguard, it tasted like pure water from the very first time I filled it. I used my H.A.W.G. for the first time on a cross country trip which lasted 14 hours including flights and layovers. At the end of my trip the water still tasted good although it was very warm thanks to the lack of air conditioning at the Phoenix terminal. This water quality is a huge improvement over the old-style Omega and its very noticeable taste transfer into the water. As with the older Omega Reservoirs there's still the huge bladder opening for loading ice cubes and for easy cleaning when needed.

The hose system included with the H.A.W.G. is the standard length blue hose without the thermal control insulation over the tube. You can add the insulation accessory kit if you think you'll be using your H.A.W.G. in very hot or cold conditions. For a mouthpiece you'll get the latest Big Bite™ valve with the 90 degree ergo angle and HydroLock™ fluid shut-off valve included.

----- Bottom Line -----

Using this pack while riding or walking is a pleasure thanks to the comfortable, wide, and well-padded shoulder straps and weight bearing back panel. Like most packs of this cargo capacity the H.A.W.G. has both sternum and waist straps for extra load stability. The sternum strap slides up or down 8" on little sliding tracks for easy fit adjustments. You can either use the waist strap, leave it open and hanging, or easily remove it entirely using the quick-release velcro at each end of the strap. Returning for duty on the 2006 H.A.W.G. are the handy velcro strap retainers which keep the excess lengths of shoulder strap from hanging down and flapping around. On the rear of the H.A.W.G. are two straps located about mid-pack and near the bottom which can be tightened to hold your cargo from jostling around.

The included Easy-Access MP3 pocket is located on top of pack right behind your shoulders. This pocket is lined with a soft felt-type material to keep your iPod clean and scratch free. The zipper located on top is weather resistant and has a rubber "gasket" which helps keep moisture and grit out. To the right of the zipper is a little slot for your headphone cord to slip through when the zipper is closed all the way. This system works very well and it's great to have your tunes with you while riding and not worry about your MP3 player getting damaged.

Speaking of water and mud the exterior of the H.A.W.G. is finished in a "Splash Guard" material which resists water and moisture quite well. I've gotten caught in a rather heavy downpour while wearing my pack and my iPod, change of clothes, and snacks inside all stayed totally dry after a 30 minute rain shower. If you do get your pack muddy it should wash off very easily with a sponge and warm water.

Overall the CamelBak H.A.W.G. is a great purchase for everyone from college students to bikers and hikers. The combination of 916 cu. in. of easy-access storage, water bladder for drinking, and comfortable straps makes this daypack one you'll look forward to wearing for all occasions.

Related links:


•Camelbak HydroBak
•Camelbak Rim Runner
•Camelbak Classic
•Camelbak Reservoir Dryer


Thanks for reading and feel free to comment!

© Openroad 2006

Recommended: Yes