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EUROBIKE 2015 | CamelBak release Skyline and Solstice packs

08.09.2015
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CamelBak is a name that has become synonymous with hydration packs, so it’s no surprise to see them pushing the development further. Their new Skyline and Solstice packs use CamelBak’s new ‘Low Rider’ harness system to lower the centre of gravity for more stability on fast and aggressive rides. We like more stability so went to check them out.

The Skyline packs feature straps on the bottom for carrying soft armour or jackets
The new Skyline and Soltice packs use the new Low Rider harness to take the weight lower on the riders back.

CamelBak have already introduced lumbar based reservoir packs, and have now taken that same design to a new level. The new Low Rider harness keeps the water weight lower and more securely around the rider’s hips, and also moves the cargo capacity lower. A lower centre of gravity is always a good thing, and helps keep the pack and rider stable when you are cracking on! A second advantage is that by taking the cargo off the top of the back, the upper portion around the shoulders can move more freely for aggressive riding in technical terrain.

The upper part of the back allows more of the riders back to breathe, increasing freedom on technical terrain
The upper part of the back allows more of the riders back to breathe, increasing freedom on technical terrain
You can clearly see the lower position of the packs
You can clearly see the lower position of the packs
The pack holds a 1.5L bladder around the lumbar region
The pack holds a 3.0L bladder around the lumbar region

“We knew we could take our Lumbar Reservoir-based designs to a new level “ said Jon Austen, Senior Director of Product Management at CamelBak. “Mountain bikers are continuing to see the benefit of a lower center of gravity by repositioning their weight low and around their hips. The Low Rider collection is specially designed to carry all of the gear and water riders need in a lower and more stable way.”

CamelBak are offering two packs, the unisex Skyline 10LR and the women’s specific Solstice 10LR. Both packs feature a 3L Antidote Lumbar Reservoir with quick link, and feature 7 litres of cargo space. We were impressed with the Magnetic Tube Trap which makes it easy to deploy and stash the tube in seconds. Both packs feature plenty of compression webbing to keep the load under control and for attaching armour to the pack, and also feature dual waistband pockets and helmet hooks.

The Low Rider packs come equipped with a magnetic tube trap, making hose stowage easy
The Low Rider packs come equipped with a magnetic tube trap, making hose stowage easy
The Solstice 10LR has the same features as the Skyline 10LR but is designed for women, with an s-curved harness and soft fleece lining
The Solstice 10LR has the same features as the Skyline 10LR but is designed for women, with an s-curved harness and soft fleece lining

CamelBak will also be offering a women’s specific Solstice 10LR with the same features as the Skyline, but designed specifically for women with an S-curved harness and soft-touch fleece lined straps for comfortable riding in tank tops.

The new harness takes the weight lower, focusing more around the riders hips
The new harness takes the weight lower, focusing more around the riders hips
The Women's Skyline pack features softer hem fabrics
The Women’s Skyline pack features softer hem fabrics
The Skyline 10LR comes with a 3L Antidote Lumbar Reservoir with a quick link and an additional 7 litres of storage space
The Skyline 10LR comes with a 3L Antidote Lumbar Reservoir with a quick link and an additional 7 litres of storage space
The harness has a lumbar compression webbing for maximum stability
The harness has a lumbar compression webbing for maximum stability
A tool roll is now included with the new packs
A tool roll is now included with the new packs

Both the Skyline and Solaris packs will retail for €129.95. Anything that improves the comfort of carrying cargo and water is a great idea in our book, and on paper the new Low Rider harness system makes a lot of sense. We look forward to getting some packs on test so we can put them through their paces on some challenging terrain.

Words and photos: Trev Worsey

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