I needed a lightweight running backpack for long runs and an upcoming marathon, and as an owner of several CamelBak products, I planned to buy the CamelBak HydroBak for the purpose. However, I came across this backpack as I did my search and was intrigued by several features that I feel like are missing in the lighter weight CamelBak products.
I hesitated before buying, especially because there is no weight given (please add this to the description!), and I didn’t know if it would be lightweight enough. But with the less expensive price point and several awesome features, I decided to make the plunge.
Here are the things I love:
I love how the bite valve opens and closes. I actually prefer the pull up to open/push down to close over the open/close flip piece on the CamelBak hydration packs. And the hydration pack was so easy to close after filling (similar to the newest model hydration pack CamelBak just put out which was a huge step up from the old ones).
I LOVE the front pockets on the shoulder straps. One is big enough to fit my iPhone 7, and the other had a mesh pocket that holds all my gu packets with easy access and without spilling out. I love that! It is such a pain to try to access the gu packets from the back of a lightweight running pack while trying to keep pace.
The next feature I was so excited about and absolutely LOVE is the hooks on both sides that keep the tubing from flapping around as I run. This has always annoyed me to death on the CamelBak.
The backpack seems lightweight. I haven’t weighed it, but it hasn’t been cumbersome in any way. I was also worried that the shoulder straps would chafe along my arms as I ran, but it surprised me how little I noticed it there.
I also love the buckles across my chest (which was a must for me and not all the lightweight CamelBaks have) and across the stomach.
Now, for the only thing that is a drawback and the reason I had to knock off a star. When I got the backpack I was headed on a hiking trip with my family. I decided to use this hydration pack only (not the backpack) inside our Deuter child carrier hiking backpack. As we hiked my two year old on my back shared the water reservoir with me. He bit the mouthpiece completely off!! My little kids have done that with many a CamelBak mouthpiece, so I wasn’t too concerned. Until I later realized that I cannot find a replacement piece that fits since the valve is larger than most. And the company website has no replacement parts and no contact info to find out how to get one. I realize it is a new company and the website is a “soft launch,” but there is absolutely no way to get in touch with them, and I can’t find a replacement mouthpiece by other distributors. I feel like this is a huge oversight as the valve is basically useless without the mouthpiece and it leaks everywhere and is very difficult to drink from while running. I’m super frustrated about this as I was hoping to use it for a half marathon this weekend.
So as long as you never ruin the mouthpiece, you’ll be fine! Otherwise, wait until the company establishes itself a little better.
***The company got in touch with me and sent replacement valves. Their customer service was great! Many many thanks. I really do love this backpack.
| Capacity | 2 Liters |
|---|---|
| Pocket Description | Utility Pocket |
| Number Of Pockets | 4 |
| Tank Volume | 2 Liters |
| Manufacturer | Water Buffalo |
| UPC | 680168953280 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 18.1 x 7.7 x 3.2 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.52 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8 x 3 x 15 inches |
| Brand Name | Water Buffalo |
| Part Number | 1 |
