Camelbak has seriously expanded their product line in recent years, releasing a pack for just about every outdoor pursuit. From backcountry ski packs to backpacking haulers, Camelbak has a hydration pack for pretty much everything. New this year is the Vantage 35, a 2400 cubic inch pack made for long day hikes or overnight trips.
Since I got the Vantage 35 over the winter, I wasn’t able to test it for what it’s built for – backpacking. But I did take it out backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Overall, it’s a backpack and it carried my stuff… of course it works great for that. But what sets the Vantage 35 apart is the fact that it’s so comfortable. The back of the pack is curved like a spine, giving it an ergonomic shape. There are also huge, spongy pads on the back for added comfort, as well as a mesh outer-layer. Combined with the curve, the mesh kept my back from getting sweaty since the extra space allowed breathing room. This feature was especially nice when skinning up steep slopes on cold days.
Access is another cool aspect of the Vantage 35. There are many different ways to get inside the pack to grab stuff without having to dig around from the top, thanks to a large side-zipper that also opens the main compartment.
For storage, the pack has a top lid with an organizer pocket, the main storage area, and another zippered pocket on the very front. I also like the hip belt pocket, good for a small camera or energy bar. The Vantage 35 even keeps the 3-liter water reservoir in its own zippered pocket for easy refills and less chance of getting gear wet. Two flexible side pockets also keep watter bottles snug and secure.
The Vantage 35 also has some technical features appropriate for ice climbing and mountaineering with straps for carrying ice axes and trekking poles. Side straps can also carry skis, A-frame style.
If I had only one complaint about the Camelbak Vantage 35, it’s that when everything is cinched down and the pack is being worn, there seems to be an inordinate amount of extra strap. This can get pretty annoying when hiking around and extra straps are slapping you left and right. Of course stowing the straps is easy using velcro loops and tucking them under neighboring straps, but it just seems like all the straps are too long, more so then other packs.
Although it isn’t roomy enough for multi-day backpacking excursions, CamelBak says the Vantage 35 will hold a tent, sleeping bag, extra layers and enough food of an overnighter. For backcountry skiing, I was able to fit all my gear, including an SLR camera. I also was able to carry all my climbing gear (rope, harness, shoes, rack) as everything fit easily with room to spare.
Basically, the Camelbak Vantage 35 can do day trips with ease, no matter what the outdoor activity.
To purchase the Camelbak Vantage 35, or any other Camelbak pack, try Backcountry.com
excellent user pics with the review and good points about the expanding line of CamelBak gear.
Thinking, about buying one thanks for the great review.