CamelBak Rim Runner

Summary

Great day pack, just a few little things make it uncomfortable.

First off, my pack is NOT the one pictured. But it is a Rim Runner according to the tag. 
This is the model I have. I believe it's a 2007 model.

I have used and abused this pack and it has stood the test of hard time. 

I love the compression straps, the back padding, the shock cord on the front of the pack and the little loops right above. 

This pack has went just about everywhere with me and has taken some abuse. It has bounced off rocks and taken loads it was never meant to haul to secret campsites. 

Now days it goes with me on at least 2 hikes a week that are 3-8 miles in length. 

This is however a review so its time for some +/- 

When I went for a Camelbak I was going for a small daypack and I got more than I thought. I can pack for an overnight in this pack if I get just a little creative. Panel load makes it easy to fill and sort, and the second pocket has a nice little organizer where I keep important things like a pencil, some toilet paper, small first aid, small fire kit, esbit stove. its all kept safe by a waterproof zipper. It will haul it all.

The shoulder straps are nicely sized, and I love the pivots where they connect to the top of the pack. I also love the velcro that keeps the extra strap rolled up. The sternum strap has elastic band to let you move and it really won me over on sternum straps (which I previously didn't like much for this type of pack) 

The issues I have with the pack are all related to comfort. It happens at any weight. Full bladder and rain gear seem to weigh it down sometimes. 

Let's start with the 'hip belt'. In my opinion a pack this size should have more than a strap. This particular strap is removable. It attaches to plastic rings that are supposed to be padded. However when you attach the straps and attempt to let the pack ride your hips the plastic rings end up below the padded wings and right in your hip bones. Constant adjusting is required. I could honestly deal with the strap if the little wings were a bit thicker. 

Gripe number 2 has to do with the frame sheet. While it is an amazing feature in such a small pack from 2007, it is sewn in.... improperly or poorly. I don't know exactly what is causing the problem but it is placed in a weird way and the bottom corners curl in and poke you in the back. 

Camelbak literature claimed that I could attach hiking poles easily.. I haven't figured hat out yet. I just shove them in one of the water bottle pockets and clip the top compression strap around the handles.

The gear loop at the bottom of the pack hasn't really been used for anything but hanging my pack to dry. 

Things that would help this pack.. Load lifters.. I know there isn't really anywhere to lift to but strapping it down gets uncomfortable. I plan to add some vertical compression straps across the bottom as well. With the compression straps the way they are everything just kind of wads up in the bottom of the pack and gets really uncomfortable. 

In the long run, I would suggest this pack to anyone. It's versatile and tough. Carries everything you need for a whole day or even a light overnight. 

Summary

A fantastic day hike backpack with an integrated hydration system. Plenty of storage in three zippered compartments and side pouches for bottles. Chest and waist straps.

I went through a number of backpacks before finding the Rim Runner and settling on it as my all-purpose backpack. The hydration system stores 100 oz of water and works very well. It doesn't come with instructions so you have to figure out how to assemble it, clean it, etc. I recommended getting the separate cleaning kit for the hydration system with brushes and hangers.

There is plenty of storage space for packing what you need on full day hikes. Small webbed pouches are in the front zippered area and it can hold a water bottle on each side. The back area distributes the load evenly and is comfortable.

It comes with adjustable chest and waist straps. I don't use the waist strap and have removed it.

The pack is light weight and rugged nylon. I have been very happy with it for more than a year and have taken it on multiple 10 hour excursions.

Summary

Have a couple of year old model, very pleased with it — well made, great hydration, comfortable

First off, worth noting that Camelbak updates their packs every year. The newest Rim Runner looks somewhat different from the model I have from a couple of years ago, so some features may have changed...

That said, the Rim Runner is a great daypack. It offers a good amount of storage, 3 liters of hydration, ample pockets and loops for a day's worth of gear, and great construction. Mine has a smaller front storage area with an organizer pouch, a larger main compartment, a small fleece-lined pockets for electronics, sunglasses, or other delicate items, and two external elasticized mesh pockets. 

I can use the Rimrunner for a very light overnight trek with my small tent (w/rain fly and poles), a light fleece sleeping bag, small backpacking stove and fuel, food, etc.  The hydration bladder is bomber and trouble-free, the whole hydration system works like a charm. 

Construction quality is good, pack is comfortable to wear, and it's definitely an easy pack to recommend.

This has been updated since the photo shown.

I recently purchased this bag for both school and 1-2 night camping trips/vacations. I have not been disappointed!!! Strong, sturdy! It's skinny too which is nice. Very light, huge water source! Easy set up and take down! Holds everything I need for both my uses! I bought the burnt orange, which I highly recommend! It is the prettiest color for sure! Hasn't failed me yet! I highly recommend this bag though!!!! Bigger than my Camelbak Rogue which I use for short day hikes and biking, but smaller than my Jansport Big Bear! Really it's perfect! Even my girl-friend is jealous!

I usually have 2 binders (3 section) and my macbook. Holds all of it perfectly!

When camping my marmot bag gets lashed to the outside, thermarest pro-lite plus, inside, mess kit, food, tent, extra shirt and jacket...Really! It's the best bag I've ever owned (5th backpack i've had) and definitely my favorite!

Owned a Mule first and used it on lots of day hikes, changed to the Rim Runner in 2009 and what a great move that was, lots of room and very good fit, even used to hike the Virgin river in water, no problems with water in pack or poor fitting.

Bought this for extended day hikes with the better half and kids. I have not been disappointed. The pack rides wonderfully and half the time I forget I even have it on. It has lots of pockets making it easy to compartmentalize the entire thing, which in turn makes it very easy to find what I want when I want it.

Hiking with the better half and two young girls, you find yourself carry lots of "extras" that you just never know when you might need (Hairbrush??). Yet is all rides comfortably. As the extra layers come off the kids, I have plenty of room to stuff them in the pack, and never notice the extra weight due to the great harness set up. The outside rigging makes a great place for muddy or wet items.

I would highly recommend this pack for anyone looking for a comfortable and easy to use day pack.

Simply put, an excellent day pack. Plenty of room (1500 cubic inches) for gear and extra clothing if needed. The 100 ounce bladder comes in handy on those long, hot days (I day hike anywhere from 8-15 miles). Fits comfortably even on a big boy like myself.

Perfect size for most day hikes. It carries 100 ounces in the bladder, and water bottles filled with gatorade will fit in the side mesh pockets. I use the large main pocket for clothing and food, and store the little items of the "10 essentials" in the smaller front pouch. The smaller front pocket has a mesh pocket inside and small open pockets for odds and ends.

I bought this pack in 2001 as a daypack. Soon discovered that it was way more. I have used it for overnighters, day hikes, and it has been great since I have gone back to school. I have used this pack every day for 6 years and it is still going strong.

Excellent quality pack. My only complaint is that it does not hold much. It works all right for a moderate length day hike.