CamelBak Vantage 40L Hydration Pack - Large

Just used this on a hiking trip to Scotland. It fit well, held everything I needed for long day hikes, I hardly knew I was wearing a pack, and kept me well hydrated.

I have not used this pack much yet, but some preliminary comments might be helpful to prospective buyers: The main compartment is large and has a waterproof liner (at least a tag on the pack claims it's waterproof). The liner hangs loosely in the pack and is attached only at the top. The top opening of the liner closes with a roll-top, velcro type closure system, which is a bit awkward to use compared to a simple zipper opening, but it does allow the bag to extend upward for extra capacity. A hydration system comes with the pack (the bladder holds only about 72-74 oz. of water, not 100 oz. as claimed) and this fits snugly into its own compartment. However, when the bladder is full it takes up a lot of space in the main compartment. The waterproof liner does not stretch or otherwise compensate for the bladder's volume, so with a full bladder I can't carry nearly as much in the main compartment. Fortunately, the front pocket on this pack is fairly large and of course the expandable shovel pocket provides extra carrying capacity. The pack has a nice color scheme of medium gray and yellow (not black and yellow as I expected from the photo). There are lots of long straps which contributes to the pack's heavy weight (not a problem for me, but it's noticeable), but the suspension system seems well designed and fits a large person comfortably. The pack's materials appear to be high quality, but it needs further testing to see if it is truly waterproof and for durability carrying heavy loads. This pack is an unusual design compared to others I have but its overall quality and construction seem very good. Considering all the features, including a hydration system and a waterproof liner (rare in backpacks of any size) this pack was a bargain at the low price I paid through STP.

Day Hiking

This Camelbak, like the others I own, seems well designed and well made. However, the bladder is not the 100oz. as advertised (closer to 75oz.) nor is there a waterproof rain cover as advertised (does have some waterproof compartments). These two features we're among the reasons I purchased this product. Customer service is working on a solution for me. I'm not sure I'd keep this pack unless it has these features as I already have Camelbaks with 70oz. capacity. Bottom line; great product if you don't need 100oz. or rain cover.

I use this pack as a work/day pack 4-6 days a week. Carrying 25-35 lbs, it's pretty comfy. Big enough to overnight if you are a minimalist, but shoulder and waist padding is pretty minimal so if you weight it down you better be tough. I really like the H2O-proof main compartment. Straps, pockets and compartments are much more functional and user friendly than I thought at first. It's a little heavy for a daypack, but I'm totally satisfied and would recomend.