CamelBak HAWG Professional Hydration Pack Evaluation

Backside Line

The CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 100 ozexcels in its compact, well-organized design, providing ample storage and hydration for day hikes, brief bike rides, and outside adventures. The 100 ozhydration bladder is straightforward to fill and presents handy entry via the side-entry system, with a magnetic hose clip to maintain the whole lot 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 masses. Moreover, the zippers aren’t absolutely waterproof, and the highest pocket is considerably shallow for cumbersome gadgets.

For these in search of a sensible, sturdy pack for brief day journeys or mild gear, the HAWG Professional supplies wonderful worth. Though it might not be the only option for extremely mild targets, it’s a fantastic match for hikers and cyclists who prioritize group and hydration. For different light-weight choices, think about our listing 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 gadgets for climbing.

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 good sizing. The again panel is breathable and comfy, permitting the pack to sit down barely off our our bodies, decreasing trapped warmth as we hiked underneath the solar. The pack was snug sufficient for our shorter check hike, however the lack of adjustable straps could also be a difficulty should you want a exact or carry heavy masses 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 massive opening, and the pan deal with allowed for a safe grip once we refilled it. The deal with felt clunky and huge for our small palms however served its goal. The pack is exclusive with its aspect 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. On the whole, we most well-liked high loading bladder compartments to this one. The magnet for attaching the hose is respectable. However in observe, it was annoying when it obtained knocked out one too many occasions. The pack additionally lacks a bladder hook, however the side-entry system reduces the necessity for one. It’s a inventive 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 equipment, this pack presents loads of group. It contains a small high pocket for fast entry to necessities. It’s not very deep however nice for snacks. The principle compartment may be very roomy and deep – nice for slim gadgets (slightly than cumbersome Nalgenes) and jackets. We had been thrilled with the a number of inside pockets—together with a software roll— which ensured that the whole lot has its place. The hip pockets are wonderful for storing snacks and our cellphone. The important thing hook is hidden in an inside mesh pocket, which makes it very safe. There are many organized pockets, and we favored how the compartments may open up absolutely, making it straightforward to search out the whole lot we packed for the day. 

When the bladder is full, the pack feels cramped, making it tougher to retailer bigger gadgets.  General, although, the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 100oz is a good pack for day journeys.

Waterproofing

The HAWG Professional 20 carried out decently when it comes to waterproofing. We subjected it to a simulated rainstorm by putting it underneath a bathe faucet for 30 seconds. After that time frame, we may see that the material itself is waterproof, offering good safety in opposition to mild rain. Nevertheless, the zippers weren’t absolutely waterproof, and we discovered water seeping via the zipper seams. Whereas this pack is ok for the sunshine Washington rain, think about using a pack cowl for any hike involving heavier rainfall.

Sturdiness

Sturdiness is a standout characteristic of the HAWG Professional 20. The supplies felt like they had been designed to face up to harsh circumstances, 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 effectively, 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 strong, and it will possibly endure prolonged use in quite a lot of circumstances.

Weight

The CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 strikes an excellent 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 burden effectively 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 best suited for individuals 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 presents nice group, a purposeful hydration system, and strong sturdiness, making it a dependable alternative for brief day hikes, biking journeys, or outside actions. Despite the fact that it’s barely heavier than minimalist packs and lacks some options like adjustable straps, its consolation and organizational design make it ideally suited 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 may use enchancment. It’s an excellent worth for these in search of a day pack that gives substantial storage, organized compartments, and an easy-to-use hydration system. Nevertheless, it may not be one of the best for these needing a pack for lengthy, heavy-duty hikes. Should you’re after a dependable, well-organized hydration pack, the HAWG Professional 20 is a strong 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 in search of, listed below are some comparable choices amongst our greatest hydration packs:

CamelBak M.U.L.E.® 12 Evaluation: The M.U.L.E.® 12 is a extra compact, light-weight model of the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 100 ozthat excels at carrying small masses whereas sustaining a detailed, snug match. With a dependable hydration system and quite a few easy-access compartments, it’s a fantastic alternative for brief to medium-day hikes.

Osprey Mira/Mantra 22/24 Evaluation: The Osprey Mira/Mantra 22/24 presents superior consolation with its adjustable torso size and slim profile, making it a fantastic alternative 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 Evaluation: The Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O is an throughout nice pack for lengthy day hikes with simply sufficient inside group and loads of area to stow away any gadgets obligatory on your journey. It’s snug and extra adjustable than the CamelBak HAWG Professional 20 100 oz..