Ladies: Why You’ll Love the CamelBak L.U.X.E.
August 1, 2008
It was painful to watch my M.U.L.E. die. We’d spent six years together—biking, hiking, skiing—and the M.U.L.E. schlepped it all, from spare tubes to arm warmers to cans of PBR. But when the last zipper broke and no amount of washing could erase its stench, I knew it was over. Still, I hoped safety pins might keep it intact for a few more rides…
My fiancé had been watching my pathetic display of loyalty to this stinky, disintegrating day pack and decided to take action. For my birthday, he surprised me with a new CamelBak: the L.U.X.E. “It’s the women’s-specific version of the M.U.L.E.,” he said, grinning. He could tell from the way my face lit up that he’d done well.
After only one ride, I understood why the L.U.X.E. is dubbed “the women’s mountain bike pack by which all others are judged.” Here are five reasons why you’ll love it:
- Curved, narrow shoulder straps. I have a smaller torso than most guys, so I appreciate the LUXE’s close-set shoulder straps. Even better, the straps are designed to follow the contours of a woman’s body (i.e.: they don’t squash your chest).
- Higher sternum strap for greater stability, with a woman’s body in mind.
- MP3 player pocket located just behind the neck for easy access. The fleece-lined pouch is also perfect for a digital camera, and is protected from the elements by a weatherproof zipper.
- Cargo Space. Like the M.U.L.E., the L.U.X.E. has a 100-ounce bladder and 500 cubic inches of cargo room. With two zippered pouches for dry storage and two open compartments for easy access, I have space to carry all I need for a full day’s ride in any climate.
- Cool color scheme. The black/beetroot is just plain sexy (also comes in blue/silver and brindle/silver). CamelBak added reflective piping on the outer pack for greater visibility at night.
CamelBak Asymetrix 30 Hydration Pack - 3L
October 27, 2007
CamelBak Asymetrix 30 Hydration Pack - 3L
Price: 109.95
Buy Now
The Arc’Teryx Needle 65 Backpack is a lightweight weapon for fast alpine ascents. It has all the extras you need without extra weight. Beginning with the frame, heavy loads are stabilized through the V-frame suspension and strong frame-to-belt integration. To make sure you’re comfortable throughout your climb, Arc’Teryx designed the Needle 65 with a Thermoformed back panel and shoulder straps. The lid pocket will fit plenty of small items, while the accordion-style front pocket accommodates larger items. The Needle 65 is hydration compatible, and features an easy access Rolltop and Drybag lid closure. Functional gear loops and quick-release clips ensure you have easy access to everything you need. *Available for US shipment only.
Great Pack… a few suggestions.
For awhile I’ve been looking for a happy median between a lightweight pack and something that provides adequate support. The Needle 65 (or the 55) does that pretty well for the right price. I have a tall and thin build, so I struggled with many lightweight backs not offering enough padding on the shoulders and hips. The Needle provides the support and padding, and has a taller and slimmer construction to fit my body well. The back support is simple (making it lighter than most), yet tranfers the weight to my lower body well. The bag also cinches down well, giving it good versatility depending on how much stuff you bring. I’m a little confused by the inside back pocket on the bag… it would seem to be a pocket for your water bladder, but it’s an extremely tight fit. There is a hole for your hose to go out the bag. There’s also a side access zipper to the main bag and a front pocket with side access zipper. The latter is roomy but you have to uncinch the bag to get to it. The top pocket more functional, although I wish Arc’teryx would have implemented its cool roll-down top design as on the Needle 45. Great pack for price if you are tall and thin and looking effectively transfer more weight to your lower body.
Simple, light, comfortable, what more can you ask for
I’ve had this pack for a little over a year now and I have nothing but good to say about it. I’ve had up to about 35lbs in it and the frame and suspension did a great job of transferring weight, keeping me comfy. The fabric is very tough, and even though I managed to make a small hole it as soon as I got it (not the fault of the pack, the hole was totally my fault), it has not gotten any bigger in a year of use. I have used it for backpacking on and off trail, snowshoeing trips, and traveling, and it has taken everything I’ve thrown at it. The shoulder straps, hip belt, and lumbar pad are firm, simple, and comfortable. Aside from the light weight and comfort, my favorite thing about the pack is its simplicity. There are no extra pockets, no sleeping bag compartment, and no weird straps hanging off, I love it! There are a couple things that may be of concern. The lumbar pad, hip belt, and shoulder straps are pre-curved and comfy, but they are not the thick, soft pads found on some packs. I prefer this packs setup, but some may not. Also, the lid is shaped a little strange. I cant really describe it other than that it looks flat and sort of scrunched. This seems to have absolutely no bearing on the usefulness of the lid, but it looks a little weird. All in all this is great pack for everything from backpacking to alpine climbing to traveling. It’s not only the lightest pack I own, it’s also the most comfortable and durable. I think the only thing that I would change is the shape of lid, but that is purely an aesthetic change. Thanks Arc’ for a great pack and thanks BC.com for a great price.
A Great Pack
This pack fits very well. I have a trim build and often feel like my pack is wider than I am, no problem with the Needle. It is also very comfortable. The padding is a good medium, not too squishy so there isn’t enough support but not too firm so it feels like being strapped to some 2×4’s. It is super durable and very water resistant. I can load it up for a week and feel comfortable carrying it. All in all a great pack.
CamelBak Havoc Hydration Pack
October 18, 2007
PRODUCT REVIEW: CamelBak : CamelBak Havoc Hydration Pack
Buy Now: $109.95
Product Reviews
If your idea of a relaxing day is blasting down the single track on your mountain bike and hucking the occasional ladder drop, the CamelBak Havoc Hydration Pack is the perfect match for you. Built with burly 1680D ballistic nylon to stand up to high-speed crashes, the Havoc easily carries your full-face helmet and shin guards. When you re filming your trail sesh, the padded media pocket lets your carry your camera without risk of breaking it. The CamelBak Havoc Hydration Pack keeps the water coming with a 100oz bladder, so you can keep the ride going.
CamelBak Ruck Rocks!
The Havoc ruck from CamelBak is simply the best investment I’ve made for a very long time. As a commuter I ride about 20 miles (36km) every day and the CamelBak is always stuffed with extra gear and of course, my precious water supply. The heavy payload on the back while bike riding, has gotten a lot easier to endure, since the unique design of the Havoc gives maximum comfort, no matter how much equipment I carry along. In addition, I ride the trails in weekends and this is where it really comes to show what it is made of. You can put it through anything and it is just begging for more. Even when the zippers is covered in mud they open and close perfectly. The Havoc is my first Camel Bak and I’m pretty convinced it will be my last, since the durable design seems to last a lifetime no matter how much punishment it receives. Per Nielsen, Denmark
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