• Easy fill, easy clean via the OMEGA™ Reservoir
• Both Independent Suspension and waist harness stabilize load as you move
• Molded back panel ventilates and cools
• External mesh pocket keeps essentials handy
Also available in Black

Specifications

Capacity: 100 oz (3 l)
Dimensions: 9 in x 7 in x 19 in (229 mm x 178 mm x 483 mm)
Volume: Cargo - 1020 cu in (16.7 l) • Total - 1203 cu in (19.7 l)
Weight: Empty Reservoir - 1.9 lbs (0.9 kg) Filled Reservoir - 8.2 lbs (3.7 kg)

Review:

Packaging and Shipping:    I purchased this product from an outfitter on sale, so I didn't pay the full retail price or shipping. 

Product Setup:    The water reservoir comes in a plastic bag with the hydration hose in a heatshrink plastic wrapper.  The bite valve is NOT pre-opened.  It must be unwrapped, and manipulated to open the slit which allows water into your mouth.  I would also recommend washing the bag, hose, and bite valve in mild soap prior to first use to eliminate the odor and taste associated with new latex.

Review:    This is a daypack with a cargo capacity of 1020 Cubic Inches, and a liquid reservoir which holds 100 oz. (3 liters).  $100.00 is rather excessive for a day pack in my opinion, even one which has a jazzy little compartment for it's own water.  If you can find it on sale, it's a little easier to deal with.

That said, this is a good multi-use pack.  I've used it on school field trips where I loaded three lunches, three sets of rain gear, sunscreen, cell phone, keys, and 3 liters of water into the pack.  With that volume of water, it gets a bit heavy, but the pack has a removable waist belt to help distribute the load.  I've also used it on many day hikes with first aid kit, binoculars, snacks, raingear,  and of course lots of water.

The pack body consists of two gear pockets inside, and a mesh pocket outside with two compression straps around the body and a bungee compression cord at the bottom rear of the pack.  The water bladder fits into it's own insulated pocket between the back panel and the gear pockets.  The hose attaches to the shoulder strap and the bite valve on the hose has an on/off switch to prevent dripping.

The bite valve is extremely easy to use.  It is not spring loaded like others I've seen and the flexibility of the hose makes it comfortable to have close to your face.  The mechanics of the bladder and hose allow for a good amount of water to pass into your mouth with each suck on the valve.  This, in my opinion, is THE MOST important aspect of any hydration system. 

I would caution solo hikers away from this particular model of camelbak daypack based solely on the size of the bladder.  I use the largest size they carry because I usually carry water for my kids.  If you are hiking alone, you probably won't need this much water.  Camelback also makes 72 oz., 70 oz., 50 oz., 45 oz. and 35 oz. bladders which might be more appropriate. 

In very cold weather (I'd say below zero, but I haven't tested the range) the hose will freeze if left out.  I have found that if you tuck the hose under your collar and inside your coat, you can virtually eliminate the freeze.  Frequent sips from the hose help also.