Hydration Packs

Featured review by Doggymcnuggets

Really great daypack — durable, spacious, awesome hydration system.

The Cloudwalker is a great daypack. It features a row of gearloops on the front for clip-on storage or for holding a small-handled implement.  There is a smaller front storage compartment with an organizer pouch inside with small zippered storage space (think wallet) and room for smaller items such as maps, snacks, camera, gps, phone, etc.  The front compartment is accessed via a vertical zipper running along one side of the front. I prefer a horizontal zipper for top access to lessen the risk of something falling out and for better visual access, bit it's a minor gripe.  There is a mesh pocket on one side of the bag for quick-access storage.  The main compartment is roomy enough for a day's worth of stuff for most outdoor pursuits.

Read more: CamelBak Cloud Walker reviews (7)

Featured review by Hal Burrows

This bag is reliable and strong. It hasn't ever let me down in all conditions and environments. Being able to be tossed about and hold large weight in the field it's a good allrounder for day excursions and overnight adventures.

The bag overall is superb for any kind of 2/3 day excursion. It's a daysack that can hold a large amount of gear. I've used it for camping, hiking, and skiing and it's never let me down. Front pocket can hold a good amount of stuff (maps, pens, snacks) while the middle largest compartment can be used to store even more. I use a dry bag inside that is 15 litres. Back pocket can be used for a hydration bladder which saves space in the bag itself. it is great for heavy loads and lightweight loads as well.

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Featured review by Robert K

Good durable pack for single-day use. I've found this pack carries enough water and materials for up to one full day of hiking (no overnights) and can also be used for mountain biking without being too cumbersome. Offers enough space to pack light rain gear, emergency supplies, light, tools, tubes, camera etc.

After about 18mos with this pack everything is holding up well. The material seems to be impervious to thorns/prickers showing no obvious tears. The water bladder is well protected and has not leaked at all. The zippers have been durable and show no signs of giving in anytime soon. Like most Camelbak products, they might not always be cutting edge, but they work and deliver. Now that we've established it is durable, its uses; I use this pack for day hiking and mountain biking. Occasionally I will use it for my motorcycle as well, when I don't feel like putting my travel luggage on the bike itself for a short ride.

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Reviewed by Tam McTavish

Amazing fit, so many features, and it is variable allowing a lot of flexibility. You'll forget you're wearing it.

I definitely don't run much further than 30km at a time, so I was hesitant to pick up a pack designed more for long ultras. But with the variable conditions I run through this has ended up being a fantastic running vest/pack. Despite looking a little silly, I actually take it hiking too just because it is so comfortable. And when I need it just for holding a can of bear spray comfortably it works well as it packs down pretty small. The 3D fit system is amazing. The mesh is highly breathable thanks to having a bit of soft structure to encourage airflow.

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Reviewed by BigRed

A well thought out running vest for all-day mountain runs, bounce-free and with sufficient capacity for basic safety gear, an extra layer or two, plenty of water, and enough calories to get to the end of the trail. The trekking pole attachment system needs improvement.

  A piece of the Trollheimen Mountains in mid-Norway 15 years ago, I switched from mountain biking to trail running as my main summer fitness activity. I had various reasons for that, but the main one was that my daughter Molly challenged me to try to do the 60km (36 mile), 2500+ m (8200 ft) Trollheimen Triangle in a single day. The Triangle connects the three main full-service huts in the Trollheimen Mountains, a few hours’ drive from my home in Trondheim, Norway. The trails are mostly rocky, rooty, boggy, and either up or down, only rarely flat and smooth.

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Reviewed by Meaghen

Excellent for hiking and mountain biking—sits close to your body and high on your back which makes mounting and dismounting on a bike easy. Ample storage space and compartments for riding/ hiking essentials without being bulky. Smart, functional design features like helmet clip and roll out tool storage make it a worthy piece of equipment.

Excellent fit and adjustability, ample storage space and compartments. I use it mainly for mountain biking and commuting to work. When mountain biking it stores all the tools I need to replace a tube, and all of the snacks and hydration I need for a good 3-5 hour ride. For commuting to work I remove the bladder and am able to carry a full uniform (shirt/pants/undergarments/shoes) and another kit for the ride home (yeah, I sweat a lot and won't use the same kit twice). Versatile, comfortable, and convenient. It doesn't get much better than that. And thanks to the lifetime guarantee I don't feel uncomfortable putting those zippers to the test. 

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Featured review by Trish Allenson

Great pack for short day rides and hikes. Carries the basics. Super comfortable.

I am a woman, 5'8". I have the m/l and the fit is great for me. It's a perfect all around pack for short hikes and biking treks. Holds all the essentials. Lunch, snacks, first aid. A few extra pieces of clothing.Bike tubes whatever. Three liters of water and stretch pockets on the side for added fluids if needed. We just did a overnight trek to Half Dome and a friend used this pack while I used the Manta 25. She was able to fit almost as much gear as I had in my 25! The torso size was slightly big for her,so she will be getting it in the small/medium.

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Reviewed by Patman

The Orange Mud HydraQuiver is good for anyone wanting a simple, stable, hands-free hydration solution and small pack for trail running or any physical activity requiring only a few essential items while moving. This is a solid product and I’ve enjoyed using it.

About me: I’m an avid backpacker (see my profile and trip reports tab) but I have also been trail running for many years; I usually run between one and two hours at a time, covering anywhere between 6 and 12 miles (depending on terrain difficulty, elevation changes, etc. ). I’ve been carrying my ID cards, cell phone, keys and sometimes a water bottle in my hands while doing so. I’ve tried running with a traditional daypack with less than desirable results. So when I saw this item available to test for Trailspace I was quite intrigued.

Read more: Orange Mud HydraQuiver Single Barrel review (1)

Featured review by Sam P

The vest is very light, holds a lot of food, water and essentials, moves with you on the trail like a piece of clothing, much nicer than carrying a day pack.

I got this pack 8/2013 after doing a lot of research and talking with lots of people with different vests and packs. I made the right choice because the vest is very light, holds a lot of food, water and essentials, moves with you on the trail like a piece of clothing, much nicer than carrying a day pack.   I chose the M/L size for my 5' 11" ht. , 150 lb, 38" chest frame which affords expansion room for full loading. For a recent Half Dome trip took 5L H2O, 8 energy bars, 6 GU packs, bag of trail mix, all 10 essentials, MSR water filter. The hidden pockets for extra bottles are a real help for long dry trips. The large inner compartment will easily hold a 3 L bladder and there is a port for the tube.

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Reviewed by AndreaF

Really functional and tough little pack for day tripping or riding.

I just used the pack for a week in Hawaii. I can't begin to describe how impressed I am with the quality of the materials and the design. A lot of thought has gone in to this pack and I appreciated it more and more as the week went on. It's a small pack with a lowish profile that's perfect for day hikes. It has two separate zip compartments, one that holds a 3.0L bladder and the other with 9L of storage. There is also an external access sleeve pocket on the back and two open hip pockets on the belt, and there is a zippered mesh bag on the inside of the 9L compartment.

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