Backpacks » Camelbak HAWG
CamelBak’s most technical cycling pack offers both secure and overflow storage stabilized via two-level compression, plus hydration for 3-hour rides.
* Air Director™ ventilated back panel with Air Mesh shoulder harness enhances cooling airflow
* Padded shoulder straps provide a comfortable fit over the long haul; Dynamic Suspension™ harness keeps the pack stable as you move
* Slider SternumStrap™ lets you adjust the location of the strap up and down for a customized fit
* Removable waistbelt offers the option to use it for added stability or stash it away
* Cargo pocket with internal organizer can hold tools and keys
* MP3 pocket with weather-resistant zipper is conveniently located at the top of the pack
* External mesh pocket keeps essentials or jacket handy, featuring a cinch system that secures its contents and entire pack down tight
* OMEGA™ HydroTanium™ wide-mouth reservoir is built with a rugged polyurethane film with super-strong tensile strength and burst resistance
* HydroGuard™ technology embeds an FDA-approved silver ion compound into reservoir film and delivery tubes to inhibit bacterial growth
* Big Bite™ valve is ergonomically positioned for easy drinking; handly HydroLock™ securely shuts off water flow
* Full-zip panel access makes it easy to load a full reservoir into the pack
* Durable splash guard protects pack from mud and abrasion
Product webiste: http://camelbak.com
Please rate this product: (no login required)
I used a HAWG for a few bikepacking trips, and it worked OK. It’s big enough for a lightweight trip, but my biggest beef is that the pack itself weighs quite a bit. Seems like most of the camelbak models go this route — well made, but heavy.
The women’s specific ones are an exception. For the same capacity they often weight a lot less.
I bought this pack b/c it held a 100 oz bladder and appeared to have lots of nifty pockets and expandability. I use it for day mtn-biking trips and commuting to work on the road. There arre plenty of side pockets, inner compartments and mesh pockets inside. There is alos an expandable outside section which I have not found a great use for so far (I do squeeze my coffee mug in there on rides to work). The air director back panel is probably better than nothing but is not all that great at arresting sweaty back syndrome (SBS). Also, when carrying 100 oz of water the available volume for gear is substantially limited. Cramming a bunch of extra stuff in there forces the bladder to bilk outwards into your back which doesn’t feel right. I use the waist and chest strap and I have to keep adjusting the pack as I shift position on a ride.
Overall the pack seems well built and looks good but if I were to re-buy I think I would try out some of the Osprey packs instead which are around the same price but do not come with a bladder (as far as I know).
I agree with Joe Dirt. It’s a decent pack, but the air director is worthless, and with 100oz of fluid, packing in gear is next-to-impossible. It’s decent for long rides and maybe even full-day trips. I’m going to look at what Ergon Osprey have dreamt up.
I third the opinions above. It is fine for an all day epic and I have used it for bikepacking; however, it is heavy at 52 oz. If I every have any extra cash I will try the Osprey route. The Talon is almost a pound lighter for greater capacity.
I too have a Camelback H.A.W.G. It is well built, and has optimal storage for a day out & back in my opinion. As stated with the 100 oz. bladder you really can’t fit much else in the pack aside from some snack food and bike tools/tubes. I like the pack, but I’ve never been a big fan of the Camelback bladders. They mold too easily, and are a pain to clean. I prefer the Osprey bladders, and tossed the bladder that came with this pack, and replaced it with an Osprey.