CamelBak® Vantage 30™

Best Hydration Pack

After two weeks of dayhikes and scrambles in Alaska and Utah, our Southwest-based tester did not want to part with this pack. It combines the standard-setting 100-ounce Omega Hydrotanium reservoir (included) with a packbag made for drinking and hiking. A separate zippered bladder compartment simplifies loading and allows easy refilling on the trail. And a semi-rigid backpanel—made of deeply-ribbed, closed-cell foam covered by soft mesh—is breathable and supportive.

“My back never sweated out on a hot, 3,000-foot climb on the Harding Icefield Trail,” he says. “And it proved exceptionally comfortable even when carrying 20 pounds of camera and cold-weather gear.” Later, during a week of guiding in Zion Canyon, our tester stuffed the simple, top-loading packbag with first-aid kits, group lunches, and emergency water. Thick shoulder straps anchored to the pack by C-shaped fittings allow the straps to cant snugly to a variety of body shapes, giving a custom-fit feel to multiple testers.

Quibbles: The top pocket is too small for lunches or bulky layers, and testers would have liked a second hipbelt pocket. $150; 2,440 cu. in.; 2 lbs. 12 oz.PERFECT FOR LIGHT OVERNIGHTS IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

The Vantage 30™ is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for the technical features, hydration and cargo for backcountry trips ranging from a full day to a weekend. Incorporates the D.V.I.S.™ Back Panel Technology: a dynamic, self-adjusting, ventilated panel that moves the pack away from your back. Designed to carry a heavy load, the Vantage 30™ comes in two torso sizes – medium and large.

•Carries: Layers, Food, Head Lamp, Stove, Maps, Compass, Knife, Poles, Tools & Bivy
•Comes in two torso sizes – medium fits 18”-20” torso, large fits 20”-22” torso

Features:

•100 oz / 3 L OMEGA™ HydroTanium™ Reservoir with Lifetime Warranty
•CamelBak® D.V.I.S.™ Back Panel offers ventilation with a dynamic, self-adjusting fit
•Ergo HydroLock™ w/ Big Bite™ Valve
•Taste-free PureFlow™ Tube
•Integrated reservoir compartment offers convenient access to water and a stable center
of gravity
•Dynamic Suspension™ harness with Air Mesh
•Dual-density EVA foam on harness and waist belt; stiff exterior foam provides structure,
soft interior foam for comfort
•Vented, load-bearing waist belt for added stability
•Main compartment with weather-resistant zipper keeps contents dry
•Easy-to-access MP3 pocket with weather-resistant zipper
•External zip pocket with key clip and organizer for essentials
•Stash pocket on waist belt for access to snacks and essentials on the move
•Slider SternumStrap™
•Two side pockets large enough to hold water bottles
•Stowable tool loops on front of pack
•Overflow storage behind front compression panel

SPECS –

MEDIUM:
Reservoir:100 oz (3 L) OMEGA™ HydroTanium™ Reservoir, 37” PureFlow™ Tube, Big Bite™ Valve, Ergo HydroLock™
Dimensions: 20.9 in x 13 in x 12.4 in (530 mm x 330 mm x 315 mm)
Volume: Cargo Volume – 1830 cu in (30 L);
Total Volume – 2015 cu in (33 L)
Weight: Empty Reservoir – 3.56 lbs (1.62 kg);
Filled Reservoir – 10 lbs (4.54 kg)
LARGE:
Reservoir:100 oz (3 L) OMEGA™ HydroTanium™ Reservoir, 37” PureFlow™ Tube, Big Bite™ Valve, Ergo HydroLock™
Dimensions: 23.9 in x 13 in x 12.4 in (607 mm x 330 mm x 315 mm)
Volume: Cargo Volume – 2135 cu in (35 L)
Total Volume – 2320 cu in (38 L)
Weight: Empty Reservoir – 3.68 lbs (1.67 kg)
Filled Reservoir – 10.12 lbs (4.59 kg)
Materials:420d Nylon main panel > 420d Nylon accent panel > 600d Poly boot > Air Mesh back panel w/420d Nylon