CamelBak HAWG Professional Hydration Pack Assessment

Backside Line

The CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 100 ouncesexcels in its compact, well-organized design, providing ample storage and hydration for day hikes, brief bike rides, and out of doors adventures. The 100 ounceshydration bladder is simple to fill and provides handy entry by the side-entry system, with a magnetic hose clip to maintain all the pieces 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 objects.

For these in search of a sensible, sturdy pack for brief day journeys or gentle gear, the HAWG Professional offers glorious worth. Though it will not be the only option for extremely gentle aims, it’s an amazing match for hikers and cyclists who prioritize group and hydration. For different light-weight choices, contemplate our record 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 objects 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 well-liked. Moreover, there’s no adjustable body or torso match, which made it harder to dimension to smaller physique shapes. Nevertheless, we nonetheless felt that the construction of the pack and base weight allowed for a comparatively snug match with out excellent sizing. The again panel is breathable and comfy, permitting the pack to take a seat barely off our our bodies, decreasing trapped warmth as we hiked below the solar. The pack was snug sufficient for our shorter check hike, however the lack of adjustable straps could also be a problem in the event you want a exact or carry heavy hundreds for prolonged durations.

Hydration System

The hydration system within the HAWG Professional 20 is user-friendly and sensible. The bladder was straightforward to fill because of its giant opening, and the pan deal with allowed for a safe grip after we refilled it. The deal with felt clunky and enormous for our small palms however served its goal. The pack is exclusive with its facet 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. Normally, we most well-liked high loading bladder compartments to this one. The magnet for attaching the hose is respectable. However in apply, it was annoying when it acquired knocked out one too many instances. The pack additionally lacks a bladder hook, however the side-entry system reduces the necessity for one. It’s a artistic system general -one that’s pretty straightforward to make use of regardless of a pair potential enhancements.

Compartments

With a 20L capability for hydration and kit, this pack provides loads of group. It encompasses a small high 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 slim objects (somewhat than cumbersome Nalgenes) and jackets. We have been thrilled with the a number of inner pockets—together with a software roll— which ensured that all the pieces 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 favored how the compartments might open up absolutely, making it straightforward to seek out all the pieces we packed for the day. 

When the bladder is full, the pack feels cramped, making it more durable to retailer bigger objects.  General, 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 putting it below a bathe faucet for 30 seconds. After that time period, we might see that the material itself is water resistant, offering good safety in opposition to gentle rain. Nevertheless, the zippers weren’t absolutely waterproof, and we discovered water seeping by the zipper seams. Whereas this pack is okay for the sunshine Washington rain, think about using a pack cowl for any hike involving heavier rainfall.

Sturdiness

Sturdiness is a standout function 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 in opposition to rocks on our 6-mile check hike. The zippers are easy to make use of and didn’t get caught on themselves. Though the primary cloth holds up nicely, the shoulder straps and hip belt weren’t as sturdy as a result of they’re product of 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 will probably endure prolonged use in quite a lot of situations.

Weight

The CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 strikes a great steadiness between weight and capability. Whereas it’s not the lightest possibility, 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 nicely 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 provides nice group, a useful hydration system, and stable sturdiness, making it a dependable selection for brief day hikes, biking journeys, or out of doors actions. Although it’s barely heavier than minimalist packs and lacks some options like adjustable straps, its consolation and organizational design make it splendid for these needing a compact but spacious pack. The hydration system is likely one of the strongest factors, although the magnet and hose dealing with might use enchancment. It’s a great worth for these searching for a day pack that provides substantial storage, organized compartments, and an easy-to-use hydration system. Nevertheless, it won’t be one of the best for these needing a pack for lengthy, heavy-duty hikes. In the event you’re after a dependable, well-organized hydration pack, the HAWG Professional 20 is a stable possibility for on a regular basis adventures.

What Different Hydration Packs Ought to You Think about?

If the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 just isn’t precisely what you’re searching for, listed below are some related 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 ouncesthat excels at carrying small hundreds whereas sustaining an in depth, snug match. With a dependable hydration system and quite a few easy-access compartments, it’s an amazing selection for brief to medium-day hikes.

Osprey Mira/Mantra 22/24 Assessment: The Osprey Mira/Mantra 22/24 provides superior consolation with its adjustable torso size and slim profile, making it an amazing selection for longer treks. It has extra quantity with the same 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 objects essential on your journey. It’s snug and extra adjustable than the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 100 oz..