This is a hydration pouch that is designed for serious hiking. It has a 3-liter water bladder, hip belt, and plenty of pouches. This is designed for people that like to hike/bike from sunrise to dusk because it can hold a lot.

How it works.
You have a bladder in the back pouch that is filled with water. You also have a hose connected to the bladder that follows one of the two shoulder straps. This means you have easy access to your water source because the hose is hanging off of one of the shoulder straps (you can move it to either shoulder strap.). To drink you just need to bite down on the bite valve and suck. Since gravity is working for you it does not require much sucking to acquire the water (until it gets low that is.) There is also an on/off valve that needs to be turned on so the water can flow. I highly recommend that you use this on/off switch when transporting this pouch.
Some backpacks have a quick fill feature. This does not. You have to unzip the compartment and take it out (I think it’s easier to fill when out of the backpack.)
In addition this pack has several pouches for extra stuff. It is a great pack for a nice daylong hike.

Comfort level
The comfort level is pretty good. You have plenty of air circulation going across your back due to the design. The shoulder straps are fairly wide which spreads the force across a large part of your shoulders. But this hydration pack has a feature my other CamelBak’s don’t have, a very supportive waist belt. This allows you to put more of the weight of the backpack on you hips instead of your shoulders. Most Camelbaks have a waistband but that is only designed to keep the backpack from flopping around. So needless to say this is a nice feature and not very common on these types of pouches.
The problem with this pack, vs. my other hipbelt packs, is that this cannot carry a whole lot of weight. My father-in-law filled the bladder to it full state, had two full Lexan water containers, and lunch for two. While everything fit on the backpack became a bit too heavy for its design. It just did not support that much weight comfortably enough and he wasn’t too happy after his first hike. That is why for bigger loads I go with my Northface Terra 40 because it can handle quite a load. But once he got ride of those two large water bottles he found it to be quite comfortable.

Why should you get one?
I highly recommend a hydration system in general because it allows you to drink on the move. This helps a hiker stay hydrated better. Normally when I hike I usually don’t stop to drink until I am really thirsty. By that time the first signs of dehydration start to show and my performance suffers. But by having a hose near your mouth you are constantly reminded that you have water just waiting for you.

This pack in particular is good if you take long day hikes and are required to some extra things for the trip. For simple day hikes I would recommend my CamelBak Lobo instead or a similar smaller hydration backpack. But the problem with the Lobo is that it only has enough room for one snack and a sandwich, which is definitely not enough if you are a growing boy (or hungry adult.) But it is perfect for 3 hour hikes in the desert, 6 hours elsewhere.

How the harness system works.
It is a simple backpack design. You have two shoulder straps. On the shoulder strap you have a clip belt (sternum strap) that secures the two shoulder straps together. This is the typical style for backpacks and if you know how to adjust a hip belt style backpack then you know how to adjust this one.

Are the shoulder straps universal or gender specific.
Most packs are universal or designed for men. The Blowfish, the Lobo, Peak Bagger, and this pack fit that category. If you are the better looking of the two sexes then I recommend you take a look at the CamelBak that is specifically designed for women. There are a couple of CamelBak out there designed for the feminine gender and more are coming out every year.
But you really need to try on the backpack at the store before buying it. I recommended the female designed pack to my mother-in-law. After she tried it on at REI she did not like it. She felt that her shoulders were geared more towards the normal pack’s shoulder straps vs. the female style shoulder straps.

How to fill it.
The bladder fits snugly in the back pouch of the backpack. You unzip the back pouch to gain access. You simply unscrew the top of the bladder, hold the backpack/bladder underneath the water source, fill it up, and screw the cap back on the cap. The cap is almost 4 inches in diameter so it is easy to fill..
Unlike my Lobo, you do not have the easy fill feature. Here you have to unzip the bladder compartment and partially remove the bladder so it can be filled. I like the easy fill feature of my Lobo because it make filling a bit easier.

Straps
There is a strap up top that you can use to carry it around like a bag. Just be careful because you may drag stuff on the ground.

My opinion on the bite valve.
When comparing the bite valves I prefer the MSR bite valve over this one. I think the bite valve is comparable to my Platypus valve. Ultimately I do not have a problem with it, I just wish the flow rate were higher.

Does the on/off valve work?
It does. At first I thought it was just a gimmick. But on one trip I had a stack of papers I was reading that found their way underneath my Camelbak’s. I did not lock the bite valve unit and the weight of the back (and other gear) on the bit valve caused it to open up. All of my papers were soaked and ruined. So I highly recommend you use the on/off valve when you are transporting these packs.

Does this have an antibacterial bladder?
The new versions do. Just keep in mind that as of this writing, some stores are still selling the old bladder, stores like REI I think are completely converted by now. If you do not see a tag that says it is an antibacterial bladder than do not buy it.

Does the antibacterial bladder material really work?
I deliberately left water in two of my CamelBak’s for several weeks. My Lobo, without the antibacterial bladder, had an off taste to it. This would be a bacteria or fungus growth. My Blowfish with the antibacterial pouch did not have that off taste and the water (which is bottled) tasted just like it did when I went hiking several weeks ago. The antibacterial material works, which is why I highly recommend.

Which Camelbak is right for you?
I would recommend you go to http://www.camelbak.com/rec/products.cfm and use their program to select the pack you think you will want. This can help you narrow down your choices to a couple of models. But I still recommend that you go to a store and check it out for yourself.
Also Platypus has started putting out a backpack/bladder combo of their own. I have not taken a close look at these but it does provide you with another option.

Other features.
-a duel side mesh to support external water bottles.
-exterior mesh pocket.
-shovel/axe loop.
-mesh back side for added ventilation.

Who is this for?
This would be for someone that takes day hikes and likes to bring their lunch with them. There is plenty of room for other stuff but I would not put more than 25 pounds in this pack because it does not have a supportive hip belt. If you need to carry more gear then I recommend getting a backpack like the Northface Terra 40 There is also plenty of room for a camera or other gear one may need. Just not enough room for an overnight stay or a daylong hike in 100+ degree weather.

Features & Specifications
• Independent Suspension™ Harness with Air Mesh keeps load stable and you cool
• Ventilated Air Support™ back panel with 3-D Air Mesh pods
• 2 zippered compartments, dual mesh side pockets, and exterior overflow pocket
• Includes Bite Valve Garage™ on harness
• Full zip access to reservoir makes loading easy
• Articulated waistbelt keeps load stable as you move
(info taken from CamelBak.com, 10-2005)

Weight and dimensions
Capacity: 100 oz / 3 litres
Dimensions: 20 in x 8.5 in x 5.5 in (508 mm x 216 mm x 140 mm)
Cargo: 1587 cu in (26.00 L)
Weight: filled 9.00 lbs (4.08 kg) empty 2.40 lbs (1.09 kg)
Bladder capacity: 100 oz.
(info taken from CamelBak.com, 10-2005)

How to clean it
Since the bladder is (or should be) made from an antibacterial material, you should not have problems with off tasting water. But if somehow you do get an infection (which is very common with older bladders) then one trick is to make a low concentration of water and bleach. About a tablespoon per gallon of water for 15 minutes should do it. Bleach is inexpensive but can damage your bladder if you leave the bleach mixture in the pouch for a prolonged period of time or if the concentration level is too high. And if not properly washed out then you will have a bleach taste in your water.
If you feel uncomfortable using bleach then go to REI and get their special bladder cleaner and follow the directions. It will be more expensive but safer to use. Several manufactures make cleaning agents including CamelBak.

My biggest piece of advice in regards to cleanliness is that you should only get a pouch that is made of antibacterial material. If it does not clearly say it on a tag then do not buy that pouch. Your taste buds will thank you.

Accessories
Ice Tubes- This is a deep ice cube tray that makes long ice cubes.
Cleaning tablets- These are tables that will kill the bacteria that try to live on your plastic. If you do not want to use chlorine bleach then these tablets are a good alternative.
Cleaning kit- Comes with all the equipment you need to clean out your bladder.
Hanging rack- Helps your bladder dry out.
Clip- used to clip the bit valve to your strap or clothing.
Thermal control kit- Keeps the water in the hose from heating up or cooling down. It is actually something I will get.
Rain cover- Protect the pack from rain.
Filter-
Cell phone holster- Why would you bring your cell phone when you’re hiking?
Bite valve cover- Protect your bite valve from dirt, etc.
Ergo Angle- Angles the hose to make drinking easier.
Extender hose- Extends your hose.


Other outdoor products you might be interested in.
CamelBak Hydrolock
CamelBak Rim Runner
CamelBak Lobo
MSR hydration system
MSR dromedary bag
Camelbak Rim Runner 2010 version. Very much improved.

Recommended: Yes