Review

The best MTB daypack you can buy

29.07.2016
by

CamelBak H.A.W.G NV

Rucksack-Backpack-Shootout-2016-END-CamelBak-H.A.W.G.-NV-1

The idea of carrying a bladder came from Michael Eidson’s spark of inspiration as he prepared for a 100-mile race across Texas. He went onto set up CamelBak, who essentially were the founding fathers of drinking bladder-equipped backpacks.

Accordingly, CamelBak have kept at the top of their game, producing the most stable bladders and mouthpieces. We’ve been testing the 17 litre H.A.W.G NV that comes with a pretty steep € 160 price tag. Stylish, robust and well designed, there’s 17 litres of storage plus a 3 litre volume for the bladder. Alongside the VAUDE, this CamelBak is one of the largest daypacks on test so it wasn’t a surprise to easily stow the kit without any trouble. Its name stands for ‘Holds Alotta Water and Gear’ so the main compartment is suitably large, plus there’s an insert pocket at the back and a small pocket on the top of the bag for essentials.

The little blue tube indicates the bladder pocket.
The little blue tube indicates the bladder pocket.
The bladder compartment has an additional insert pocket.
The bladder compartment has an additional insert pocket.
The main compartment is super roomy with a divider inside it.
The main compartment is super roomy with a divider inside it.
There’s a padded pocket nestled between the bladder and the main compartment for essentials.
There’s a padded pocket nestled between the bladder and the main compartment for essentials.

All the nooks and crannies for tools etc are present and located at the front like many other backpacks – but here it also functions as the helmet mount that can be tensioned with cinchers. There’s loads of room for a pump and first aid kit as well as other small items. The 4-point compression keeps the backpack close to your body. The hip belt has two pockets that should fit a generic mobile phone. The stock bladder comes with a super cool feature, namely the quick link between the hose and bladder that hugely simplifies the refilling process so you don’t have to unthread the hose as well. It’s also cool to note the magnetic hose clip on the shoulder strap, but we’d have also liked a small easy-to-reach pocket on the sides for other small items.

There are four of CamelBak’s NV panels on the back of the H.A.W.G. which keep a gap between your back and the backpack and are designed to move intuitively with your body as you ride.
There are four of CamelBak’s NV panels on the back of the H.A.W.G. which keep a gap between your back and the backpack and are designed to move intuitively with your body as you ride.
Nicely organized tool compartment.
Nicely organized tool compartment.
Rain cover included in a virtually failsafe colour to ensure better visibility in poor conditions.
Rain cover included in a virtually failsafe colour to ensure better visibility in poor conditions.

As a consequence of the seriously good ventilation on the CamelBak H.A.W.G., there are minimal contact points and the ones that do exist aren’t the most comfortable. However, perhaps it’s something you can get used to – if so, the H.A.W.G could be a great mountain biking mate with great compartments and really high quality production.

Weight: 880 g
Volume: 17 litre storage + 3 litre bladde
Price: € 159.95
More info: camelbak.com

+ Great drinking system
+ Great division
– Expensive
– Uncomfortable back panels

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Table of Contents
  1. Intro: The best MTB daypack you can buy
  2. So what denotes a good backpack?
  3. EVOC STAGE 18L: The best MTB daypack
  4. Deuter Compact EXP 16: The alternative
  5. Ergon BA3 Evo
  6. VAUDE Moab 20
  7. SCOTT Trail Rocket FR 18
  8. CamelBak H.A.W.G NV
  9. USWE AIRBONE 15
  10. Conclusion

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