CamelBak HAWG Professional Hydration Pack Assessment

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 out of doors adventures. The 100 ozhydration bladder is simple to fill and gives 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 absolutely waterproof, and the highest pocket is considerably shallow for cumbersome gadgets.

For these in search of a sensible, sturdy pack for brief day journeys or mild gear, the HAWG Professional gives glorious worth. Though it might not be your best option for extremely mild aims, 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 greatest 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 mountaineering.

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 harder to measurement 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 cozy, 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 when you want a exact or carry heavy hundreds for prolonged intervals.

Hydration System

The hydration system within the HAWG Professional 20 is user-friendly and sensible. The bladder was simple to fill because of its giant opening, and the pan deal with allowed for a safe grip once we refilled it. The deal with felt clunky and enormous 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 harder to get the bladder itself into the pack. Typically, we most popular prime loading bladder compartments to this one. The magnet for attaching the hose is respectable. However in observe, 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 simple to make use of regardless of a pair potential enhancements.

Compartments

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

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

Waterproofing

The HAWG Professional 20 carried out decently by way of waterproofing. We subjected it to a simulated rainstorm by inserting it underneath a bathe faucet for 30 seconds. After that time frame, we may see that the material itself is waterproof, offering good safety towards mild rain. Nevertheless, the zippers weren’t absolutely 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 situations, together with publicity to the weather. The material of the pack didn’t snag towards rocks on our 6-mile take a look at hike. The zippers are clean to make use of and didn’t get caught on themselves. Though the primary cloth holds up effectively, the shoulder straps and hip belt weren’t as sturdy as a result of they’re fabricated from mesh materials. We will envision the mesh straps might not maintain up so long as the primary pack materials  over prolonged time and utilization. Nonetheless, the general construct is stable, and it may well endure prolonged use in quite a lot of situations.

Weight

The CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 strikes a very good stability 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 load effectively 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 healthier suited for many 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 gives nice group, a practical hydration system, and stable sturdiness, making it a dependable selection for brief day hikes, biking journeys, or out of doors actions. Though it’s barely heavier than minimalist packs and lacks some options like adjustable straps, its consolation and organizational design make it ideally suited for these needing a compact but spacious pack. The hydration system is without doubt one of the strongest factors, although the magnet and hose dealing with may use enchancment. It’s a very good worth for these searching for a day pack that gives substantial storage, organized compartments, and an easy-to-use hydration system. Nevertheless, it may not be one of the best for these needing a pack for lengthy, heavy-duty hikes. When 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 Contemplate?

If the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 just isn’t precisely what you’re searching for, listed here are some comparable choices amongst our greatest hydration packs:

CamelBak M.U.L.E.® 12 Assessment: 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 an in depth, 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 Assessment: The Osprey Mira/Mantra 22/24 gives superior consolation with its adjustable torso size and slim profile, making it an ideal selection for longer treks. It has extra quantity with an identical quantity of group because the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 100 oz.

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