My guest reviewer Seth G has been testing a new pack by Camelbak. It’s aimed at people looking for a lightweight daypack with hydration capabilities and durable, recycled materials.
Features include:
- Dimensions: 45cm x 25cm x 19cm
- Material: Cordura Nylon 75 Denier
- Pack weight: 650g
- Hydration type Included: Fusion 2L reservoir with Quicklink System
- Torso fit range: 84-119 cm
- Gear capacity: 14L
- Hydration capacity: 2L
- Price: From £90 on Amazon.
Pros: What’s good about the Octane 16?
Versatility: This is a nice size of backpack for a short trip, if you are going for a weekend, or if you are hiking for several days and you like to pack lightly.
Pockets: There are a variety of options for your needs, including side pockets for carrying a water bottle; a small pocket for keeping keys and other easy to lose items safe; and a mesh pocket in the back for
shoving in last-minute needs like, buffs, gloves or a rain jacket.
The side zipper allows you to grab something from the bottom of your pack and you don’t want to pull everything out.
Comfort: It is a comfortable pack to wear with the venting (see below), adjustable straps and good construction.
Fabric: The pack is made from Cordura Nylon 75 Denier ripstop fabric. On top of this there is a coating and finish to help the pack hold up better under the everyday stress. The side pockets are mesh and are more prone to snag on thorns if you are out hiking in the forest, but for most situations this is fine.
Venting: The back is equipped with 3D Vent Mesh, helping to funnel air over the potentially sweaty areas of your back. This was especially helpful on the hot days this past summer when I was hiking.
Top load access: The way you load your pack is through the roll-top closure access. But instead of having to unfold and unbuckle the pack every time you need something, there is a full length zipper to give you easy access to your pack, even the very bottom.
Hydration: Camelbak is at the forefront of the hydration game. This reservoir is no different. If you want the ability to mix a day pack and your full day of hydration needs, this works. The new Fusion reservoir has a universal hanger, easier to clean construction, and has a bigger bite valve.
Who shouldn’t consider Octane 16?
In my experience, the roll-top closure took some getting used to. There are definite positives, but getting used to the side zipper, or unbuckling the top, caught me off guard when I needed to quickly grab something.
The size was good for a day pack, but if you want to stretch it out to a couple days, I found the Cloudwalker 18 to give me the extra space needed.
Conclusion:
This is a great day pack. If you like the roll-top design, and you need a good hydration option (whether a reservoir or water bottle options), this is a great option. Sturdy fabric, good pockets and lightweight – the Octane 16 is worth checking out and taking it for a hike.
- * Seth received the pack free of charge in exchange for an honest review. See his website.