The Classic Hydration Pack from Camelbak offers hands-free hydration with everything you need to enjoy two or more hours in the saddle or on a run. With 70-ounce capacity, an essentials pocket that fits a multitool or wallet, a stash pocket, an elastic cord system for shedding layers, and reflective accents, the Classic has it all. The backpanel and harness is made of diamond mesh and lightweight mesh for comfort and breathability.
Features and Specifications: - Hydration Capacity: 70 ounces or 2 liters
- Cargo Capacity: N/A
- Torso length: 15 inches
- Pack weight: 6.7 ounces
- Essentials pocket big enough for multitool or wallet
- Stash pocket
- Reflective accents
- Elastic cord or bungee system for shedding layers
About Camelbak CamelBak is the originator and world leader in hands-free hydration systems. The first CamelBak products proved to be very popular among mountain bikers and motocross riders, because it allowed them to drink without taking their hands off of the handlebars in technical terrain. The product began to cross over into other sports when scientific studies showed athletes drank more fluids and performed better when they wore a CamelBak. Since then, athletes from an ever-growing list of sports and activities use CamelBak hydration systems for their convenience and performance benefits.
In addition to cycling, CamelBak has Hands-Free Hydration systems for hiking, running, snowboarding and skiing. CamelBak's state-of-the-art packs and hydration systems have benefited athletes, outdoorsmen, and soldiers around the world. While CamelBak has grown tremendously since the early days, one thing hasn't changed: CamelBak still believes in the performance advantage that proper hydration delivers for just about any activity. The privately-held company is headquartered in Petaluma, California.
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
After a few years of fun-running, I finally decided to step up and train the Baltimore marathon in October. So I needed a hydration pack; everybody recommended this brand.
The price for this pack can't be beat at Amazon, plus the free shipping, so that was great. The reflective strips, light weight, reservoir, and build quality are excellent. 70 ounces is sufficient for about 2 hours of hydration, give or take depending on the weather and the wearer. There are ample areas in the rigging to attach electronic devices. The rear webbing could probably hold a rolled-up shirt or light jacket. Design-wise, this is a great product. But, after a few weeks of testing, I realized that the Rogue has a few flaws. Nothing major, and maybe the problems are just due to my usage needs, but it's enough that I'm exchanging it.
a) It's just not well-suited for big tall guys with muscles. The sternum and shoulder straps slip loose when you are pouring summer sweat and need to be re-adjusted over and over again--this is a major pain. Cannot emphasize enough how annoying it is to have to constantly re-tighten when running. A few times would be fine, but when it's 30 times in a 10-mile run there is something amiss. The shoulder straps will also chafe your pecs if you don't apply anti-chafe cream.
b) Strap velcro to bundle the loose ends up? It is conspicuously absent here, meaning the loose strap ends either dangle and fly around or you bunch and twist them up somewhere in the rigging--which, if you need to constantly re-tighten and adjust, means you're digging in the straps all the time. Adding a velcro strap management system like other Camelbak models have would be great.
b) This is a TRUE compact, minimalist pack. The compartment will hold your phone and a card or a few bills, *OR* a few gels and keys--nothing more. I found myself bagging things and stuffing them into the reservoir (which I would slightly underfill to leave space). So if you're out running or biking for awhile, keep that in mind. The pack itself will end maybe a foot below your neck, so if you're a tall guy with a lot of back space, and the muscle to carry a heavier pack, consider going larger.
I'm exchanging my Classic for a Rouge, which is what my girlfriend uses. When I borrow her pack, it has minimal strap slippage, as well as storage that will accommodate a phone, keys, and gels, which are essential for rural running. I'm not disappointed in the Classic as a whole, but for my needs, it fell well below expectations. If you're thinking of this pack for distance running, definitely consider these factors. The Camelpak Rogue runs $10-15 higher, but it's a lot of bang for those bucks.
