CamelBak HAWG Professional Hydration Pack Evaluation

Backside Line

The CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 100 ozexcels in its compact, well-organized design, providing ample storage and hydration for day hikes, quick bike rides, and outside adventures. The 100 ozhydration bladder is straightforward to fill and presents handy entry by way of the side-entry system, with a magnetic hose clip to maintain every thing in place. The pack’s sturdy cloth and breathable again panel guarantee consolation and resilience throughout your actions. Nevertheless, it lacks an adjustable body and has minimal shoulder strap padding, which may have an effect on consolation with heavier hundreds. Moreover, the zippers aren’t totally waterproof, and the highest pocket is considerably shallow for cumbersome gadgets.

For these searching for a sensible, sturdy pack for brief day journeys or mild gear, the HAWG Professional offers glorious worth. Though it is probably not the only option for extremely mild goals, it’s an ideal match for hikers and cyclists who prioritize group and hydration. For different light-weight choices, take into account our checklist of the finest hydration packs.

How We Examined

We took the pack out on a winter hike by Mount Rainier to check for consolation and match for all of the necessities. We examined ease of use for the hydration system and used synthetic rain to judge waterproofness. We additionally assessed the effectiveness of the pack itself for carrying snacks, gear, and different gadgets for mountain climbing.

Consolation & Match

Consolation-wise, the HAWG Professional 20 is well-suited for average day journeys. The padded hip belt helped distribute weight, however we discovered the shoulder straps weren’t as supportive as we most popular. Moreover, there’s no adjustable body or torso match, which made it tougher to dimension to smaller physique shapes. Nevertheless, we nonetheless felt that the construction of the pack and base weight allowed for a comparatively comfy match with out excellent sizing. The again panel is breathable and comfy, permitting the pack to sit down barely off our our bodies, decreasing trapped warmth as we hiked underneath the solar. The pack was comfy sufficient for our shorter take a look at hike, however the lack of adjustable straps could also be a difficulty if you happen to want a exact or carry heavy hundreds for prolonged durations.

Hydration System

The hydration system within the HAWG Professional 20 is user-friendly and sensible. The bladder was straightforward to fill because of its massive opening, and the pan deal with allowed for a safe grip once we refilled it. The deal with felt clunky and huge for our small arms however served its goal. The pack is exclusive with its aspect entry bladder compartment, so the hose is already positioned over the shoulder as soon as zipped up. Nevertheless, the side-entry was tougher to get the bladder itself into the pack. Basically, we most popular prime loading bladder compartments to this one. The magnet for attaching the hose is respectable. However in follow, it was annoying when it bought knocked out one too many occasions. The pack additionally lacks a bladder hook, however the side-entry system reduces the necessity for one. It’s a inventive system general -one that’s pretty straightforward to make use of regardless of a pair potential enhancements.

Compartments

With a 20L capability for hydration and kit, this pack presents loads of group. It encompasses a small prime pocket for fast entry to necessities. It’s not very deep however nice for snacks. The principle compartment could be very roomy and deep – nice for slender gadgets (somewhat than cumbersome Nalgenes) and jackets. We have been thrilled with the a number of inner pockets—together with a device roll— which ensured that every thing has its place. The hip pockets are glorious for storing snacks and our cellphone. The important thing hook is hidden in an inner mesh pocket, which makes it very safe. There are many organized pockets, and we preferred how the compartments might open up totally, making it straightforward to search out every thing we packed for the day. 

When the bladder is full, the pack feels cramped, making it more durable to retailer bigger gadgets.  General, although, the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 100oz is a good pack for day journeys.

Waterproofing

The HAWG Professional 20 carried out decently when it comes to waterproofing. We subjected it to a simulated rainstorm by inserting it underneath a bathe faucet for 30 seconds. After that time frame, we might see that the material itself is waterproof, offering good safety in opposition to mild rain. Nevertheless, the zippers weren’t totally waterproof, and we discovered water seeping by way of the zipper seams. Whereas this pack is ok for the sunshine Washington rain, think about using a pack cowl for any hike involving heavier rainfall.

Sturdiness

Sturdiness is a standout characteristic of the HAWG Professional 20. The supplies felt like they have been designed to face up to harsh circumstances, together with publicity to the weather. The material of the pack didn’t snag in opposition to rocks on our 6-mile take a look at hike. The zippers are easy to make use of and didn’t get caught on themselves. Though the principle cloth holds up properly, the shoulder straps and hip belt weren’t as sturdy as a result of they’re made from mesh materials. We are able to envision the mesh straps could not maintain up so long as the principle pack materials  over prolonged time and utilization. Nonetheless, the general construct is stable, and it may endure prolonged use in quite a lot of circumstances.

Weight

The CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 strikes a superb steadiness between weight and capability. Whereas it isn’t the lightest choice, it stays pretty slim and compact for a 17L pack. It weighs heavier than our favourite Gregory packs however lighter than the Osprey Mira/Mantra. When loaded for our day hike, the pack distributed the burden properly throughout our physique, which made the bottom weight of the pack really feel extra manageable. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless a bit heavier than minimalist packs with its many group pockets. The HAWG is best suited for individuals who want a extra substantial carrying capability for his or her adventures.

Ought to You Purchase the CamelBak HAWG 20 Hydration Pack?

The CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 Hydration Pack presents nice group, a purposeful hydration system, and stable sturdiness, making it a dependable selection for brief day hikes, biking journeys, or outside actions. Despite the fact that it’s barely heavier than minimalist packs and lacks some options like adjustable straps, its consolation and organizational design make it best for these needing a compact but spacious pack. The hydration system is among the strongest factors, although the magnet and hose dealing with might use enchancment. It’s a superb worth for these on the lookout for a day pack that provides substantial storage, organized compartments, and an easy-to-use hydration system. Nevertheless, it may not be the perfect for these needing a pack for lengthy, heavy-duty hikes. Should you’re after a dependable, well-organized hydration pack, the HAWG Professional 20 is a stable choice for on a regular basis adventures.

What Different Hydration Packs Ought to You Take into account?

If the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 shouldn’t be precisely what you’re on the lookout for, listed here are some comparable choices amongst our finest hydration packs:

CamelBak M.U.L.E.® 12 Evaluation: The M.U.L.E.® 12 is a extra compact, light-weight model of the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 100 ozthat excels at carrying small hundreds whereas sustaining a detailed, comfy match. With a dependable hydration system and quite a few easy-access compartments, it’s an ideal selection for brief to medium-day hikes.

Osprey Mira/Mantra 22/24 (W/M Evaluation: The Osprey Mira/Mantra 22/24 presents superior consolation with its adjustable torso size and slim profile, making it an ideal selection for longer treks. It has extra quantity with the same quantity of group because the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 100 oz.

Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O Evaluation: The Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O is an throughout nice pack for lengthy day hikes with simply sufficient inner group and loads of area to stow away any gadgets essential to your journey. It’s comfy and extra adjustable than the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 100 oz..