CamelBak H.A.W.G. LR 20 Hydration Pack

I use this pack 3-4 times weekly on my MTB rides. Initially felt a bit stiff on my upper back, actually gave me a sore spot on my vertebrae. I assumed it would either break in or I would. Seems both must have happened as now it feels great and no backbone soreness. The straps are comfortable top and bottom. I can keep my flip phone, keys and an energy gel in the lower strap compartments. A little cumbersome having to remove the bladder completely to fill due to the hip hugging design, the benefit is the lower center of gravity and better weight distribution. I can now carry tools, extra tubes, first aid kit, spare socks, spare gloves, headlamp, energy bars, gels and trailmix, cleaning wipes, poison oaks treatments, all in reusable quart bags to keep order. I fill it full each time and on a two hour ride seems about the right amount of hydration. No bonk. Weighs around 11lbs loaded but I feel more confident with the additional water and supplies. It is substantial, but not heavy. The construction is top notch with excellent air circulation. Just be sure to check the cap for a solid close after filling. Twice I have tightened it in a hurry and water gushed out when fitting the bladder back in, my fault, not the cap. I like the color, feels very visible, good to be seen on a bike. It is easily superior to all my packs before it. No drips ever from the nipple. No question, I would exactly repurchase it. Other than the initial cost no suggestions to improve it.

I couldn't ask for a more perfect pack. I finally had to retire my trusty old, late-1990's Camelbak MULE, and checked out a bunch of replacements. In terms of quality, capacity, appearance and value, the HAWG LR won on every level.I had it down to this, and the Camelbak Fourteener. I bought both, but returned the Fourteener because it wasn't quite as well-executed. For one thing, I'll be using my pack for both hiking and biking. The HAWG can do both admirably, but the Fourteener is really more suited for hiking alone, and would be too tall and floppy for biking. The HAWG can hold almost as much, but does it in a much more efficient package. The only feature from the Fourteener I miss are the hiking-pole/accessory holders, but that lack on the HAWG was easily solved with a $7 set of Web Dominators added to the side straps.The black/orange color combo looks great. Just the right amount of color. Last year's black model was a little too stealthed-out, even for someone who loves black.One of the best changes to previous models is that the extension pocket has finally been moved to the outermost position. What this means is that when the pack is relatively empty, the extension pocket cover can be used to cleanly cinch down the entire pack tightly. The problem with so many other packs is that they look great in the stock photos while completely filled, but when even partially empty are just a mess of wrinkled, extra fabric. The HAWG LR eliminates this problem, and not only looks better, but solves the problem of flapping fabric while biking or hiking. In fact, the HAWG LR does such a good job of compressing down neatly, that even if you're considering the smaller MULE, you might be able to step up to this model without feeling like you got too much bag.The included tool roll is not revolutionary, but is a wonderful touch and feels solidly constructed. It'll get a lot of use, and will help organize small items in a manageable roll that can be transferred to other bags when needed.The previous reviewer who had a seam rip open was, I'm sure, disappointed, but I think that was a fluke, and not representative of quality in general. The construction of the one I got is stellar, and I believe it will last a long time.If I had to find one thing to criticize, it's that the bladder pocket could have been thought out better. As claimed, there's enough room to place two of the 100oz LR bladders in the pocket, one above the other. But, only the lower bladder area has the small pocket into which you can insert the plastic extension under the cap opening. This keeps the bladder in place, and minimizes shifting. You can fit another bladder on top of the included one, but it would have no extra support from the bag, able to easily shift around, with the entire weight on the lower badder. This is not a huge deal, but an extra support pocket for a second bladder would have been a great finishing touch. I may just add one myself if I find myself wanting to use a second bladder.But really, I had to think hard to find something to criticize about this bag. If I had to custom design my own Camelbak, I'd end up with something remarkably close to the HAWG LR. I'm very happy I bought it, and you should not hesitate to do the same.

I bought the HAWG in order to carry a 30lb ruckplate on my way walking to and from work (~ 6mi round trip). So, this review is mostly for that use - the HAWG would get five stars from me as a hiking daypack or for bicycling. The one downside for ruckplates is that the shoulder straps are a little narrow - I would have liked a little bit more padding there. Other than that:* Cinches down nice and tight. You can keep the weight on your back and hips, nice and stable.* Hip belt is actually useful on a pack this small. Pockets on hip belt are too small for my smartphone. May be big enough for your snack?* Well thought out storage. The hydration system has its own pocket which is right next to your back and that provides additional padding and cooling. There's a second, very large pocket which is where I put the 30lb ruckplate. I've put my laptop in there as well (yes, with the ruckplate) - if it weren't for the shoulder straps, I'd consider a 10lb ruckplate in that pocket as well. There are two additional pockets and the strap system would let you store stuff externally - there's a ton of room if you need it.* All the zippers go all the way to the bottom of the pockets. You don't have to go hunting for your stuff. You can unzip each pocket fully.* Lots of doodads if you want them. It comes with a raincover (haven't tried it out yet) and a removable net pocket for money and credit cards.* Has reflective strips on back - that could be a lifesaver this winter, walking in the dark on roads.I have had it about a month, so can't fully report on its durability. It looks like it's built to withstand the misuse I'm giving it and if not, there's the lifetime warranty.