We appreciate when brands go the extra mile in creating environmentally conscious products, and the good news is that sustainability is a growing focus in the outdoor gear and apparel spaces. Finally, environmentally conscious shoppers can consider buying from a Climate Neutral Certified brand like REI that has worked extensively to reduce and ultimately offset their carbon emissions. This hydration compatible backpack has a connection for a water bladder built in to the design. It also includes loops to hang your trekking poles when not in use. I carried this daypack back n forth on a trail to the shower while camping. The bag stayed in place on my back using the sternum strap.
As we’ve come to expect from CamelBak, the pack is also well built with good padding along the backpanel and plenty of mesh along the shoulder straps to keep you cool when working hard. Quick-Disconnect TubingWhen it comes to hydration reservoirs, one of the features we can’t live without is a quick-disconnect coupling on the tube. This allows for easy filling or cleaning of the reservoir without a long tube in the way, and eliminates the headache of rerouting the tube through the backpack port and shoulder harness. CapacitiesMost hydration reservoirs range in capacity from 1.5 to 3 liters, including 2- and 2.5-liter options. It doesn’t hurt to err on the side of more capacity than less—the weight difference between a 1.5 and 3-liter reservoir is negligible, and you can always fill it halfway.
It’s light enough that I don’t mind putting it in my backpack and it takes up almost no space at all. For day hikes this is just as good as (and lighter than) my Osprey Daylite that retails for almost ozark trail canopy four times more. Size is perfect for day trips, smaller individuals, and teens. Great for hiking in warm weather, thanks to the breathable construction, mesh straps, and hydration bladder hook up.
It’s easy to get caught up in brand perception and often times very difficult to break away from what you think you know about a brand. I used the word “think” intentionally, because what I thought I knew about Ozark Trail was not correct. Ozark Trail is proving to be a really solid competitor for outdoor products. This cooler has a number of features that you would find on more expensive coolers and a few that you won’t find. We made it back, in one piece, with no tipping and mostly dry gear. I’d highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for a reasonably easy adventure.
It’s a working document that I update from time to time. I must interject a note about coffee here as I consider it essential! I sometimes use Mount Hagen instant, but you end up with a small wrapper to carry out. My tastiest morning brew involves using espresso grind coffee and leaves no trash to carry out.
There are a vast array of hydration packs to choose from for a variety of activities—including biking, running, snow sports, and more—but here we focus on designs specifically built for hiking. Below we break down the category, including the various backpack features, hydration reservoirs and compatibility, and more. Smaller-capacity hydration packs often correlate with barebones builds, as seen in designs like the Gregory Nano above. But Gregory’s Salvo (and women’s Sula) offers a different take for hikers who want all the bells and whistles without the added storage space. With just 16 liters of capacity (the pack is also available in an 8L version), the Salvo accommodates only the essentials, but with the same levels of ventilation, support, and organization we see in much larger packs. A suspended mesh backpanel and 3-liter reservoir headline the long list of features, making the Salvo a great choice for staying breezy and hydrated in hot conditions.
My only knock on it would be the lack of a small water bottle pocket. Aside from the main pack bag, there is a small zippered compartment on the front, that, depending on how much you have stuffed inside, is pretty tight. I managed to fit my headlamp, lighter, map, compass, and some tp in the pocket. I’ll be totally honest, I was not expecting this cooler to be as nice as it was.