User Review: CamelBak Cloud Walker

For its uses, no pack can dominate the Camelbak Cloud Walker. I'm a search and rescue operative and this pack is perfect for holding enough gear for 24 hours of comfort and possibly much longer in terms of survival.

The bladder is in a separate compartment with easy access in front (so you don't have to pull everything out to refill it) and that compartment has enough room for a second, unfilled bladder (which I keep in case the first brakes. With about 1200 cu. in. of space in the main compartment, you have room for extra layers, survival and first aid gear.

I have fit a large down jacket, a waterproof shell, a survival kit (matches, goggles, flashlight, compass, pens, notebook, maps, 2 ponchos, space blanket, 2 glowsticks, multitool) first aid kit (lots of blood sponges, an assortment of typical ointments and pills, an epi pen) as well as an extra liter of water in this pack.

The straps on the outside do an excellent job of compressing, and also offer some lashability for trekking poles, etc. The straps are perfect, strong, comfortable, broad and lightweight. The material is excellent, water and dirt-resistant, rip-stop nylon I think.

My favorite part about this pack is the rain cover. It is part of the new models and is attatched to a zippered compartment on the bottom of the pack, allowing for easy application and storage without ever having to worry about losing the damn thing or getting other gear wet with it.

Oh and lastly, the zippers have not jammed or failed on me once.

I do a lot of hiking, biking, kayaking and jeeping with this pack. It's my go-to pack for everything from gym clothes, airline carry-on or any other activity. For its capacity, no pack is better for 24 hours outdoors in any activity.