CamelBak Vantage 40L Hydration Pack - Large

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.

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.

Day Hiking

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.

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 own a multitude of packs (camelbak,black diamond, gregory,etc..) and I have always come back to my camelbak's for a comfortable pack to use on day hikes. This one is by far the largest (definately able to handle a long single-day/2 season overnight..) with a multitude of adjustments and pockets. Saying that, I did find it to be OVER strapped and heavy for my taste....when I took out the plastic back frame and aluminum stay, MUCH better for me. The roll-top main pocket is HUGE and was able to store more stuff than my supposedly bigger Black Diamond bags. Still like being able to unzip the main compartments and front pocket of the BD, but when I have had to haul a large day hike volume, WOW, much easier and way more comfortable in the Camel...note: I have the 08 model, want to take a closer look at the newer style to really compare.

Right now I am using this pack to train for a late summer backpack trip. It carries 25-30 lbs quite comfortably; I've not tried heavier loads. Construction is solid. Back ventilates well. I've found that the shouder straps do seem to slip and need regular retigntening. The roll-top is not the easiest system to access. But I preferred this model over the new top-loader version because this model has an excellent shove-it pocket on the front in which I can put extras like a jacket or tent and sleeping pad. The pack has lots of volume and this pocket gives it ven much more. Overall, I'm very pleased with this pack.

I have used this pack on several outings now and love it. I also use it for world travel. I am getting ready to go to Israel and Palestine for two weeks and this will be the only bag I take with me. It works great as a day or weekend pack climbing Mt. Elbert (14,443 feet, with lots of room for gear (best as a day pack, not extended climbs). After two of my other climbing friends saw this pack, they both got one to replace their day packs. Also, if you like to travel the world with a pack, the front access is great when you need to get to something quick. Another thing, it's size is perfect as a carry on.

Hiked the Great Range with this pack. Loved it.

You can't beat this pack for day trips. It's just the right size, light, comfortable, highly adjustable and has an ample number of pockets, flaps, clips, straps, etc... for all the little what-nots you take along