The minimalist for 2+ hours in the saddle.The Classic Hydration Pack from Camelbak offers hands-free hydration with everything you need to enjoy two or more hours in the saddle or on a run. With 70-ounce capacity, an essentials pocket that fits a multitool or wallet, a stash pocket, an elastic cord system for shedding layers, and reflective accents, the Classic has it all. The backpanel and harness is made of diamond mesh and lightweight mesh for comfort and breathability. Features and Specifica
$ 48.95
Nice product, wrong person!,
After a few years of fun-running, I finally decided to step up and train the Baltimore marathon in October. So I needed a hydration pack; everybody recommended this brand.
The price for this pack can’t be beat at Amazon, plus the free shipping, so that was great. The reflective strips, light weight, reservoir, and build quality are excellent. 70 ounces is sufficient for about 2 hours of hydration, give or take depending on the weather and the wearer. There are ample areas in the rigging to attach electronic devices. The rear webbing could probably hold a rolled-up shirt or light jacket. Design-wise, this is a great product. But, after a few weeks of testing, I realized that the Rogue has a few flaws. Nothing major, and maybe the problems are just due to my usage needs, but it’s enough that I’m exchanging it.
a) It’s just not well-suited for big tall guys with muscles. The sternum and shoulder straps slip loose when you are pouring summer sweat and need to be re-adjusted over and over again–this is a major pain. Cannot emphasize enough how annoying it is to have to constantly re-tighten when running. A few times would be fine, but when it’s 30 times in a 10-mile run there is something amiss. The shoulder straps will also chafe your pecs if you don’t apply anti-chafe cream.
b) Strap velcro to bundle the loose ends up? It is conspicuously absent here, meaning the loose strap ends either dangle and fly around or you bunch and twist them up somewhere in the rigging–which, if you need to constantly re-tighten and adjust, means you’re digging in the straps all the time. Adding a velcro strap management system like other Camelbak models have would be great.
b) This is a TRUE compact, minimalist pack. The compartment will hold your phone and a card or a few bills, *OR* a few gels and keys–nothing more. I found myself bagging things and stuffing them into the reservoir (which I would slightly underfill to leave space). So if you’re out running or biking for awhile, keep that in mind. The pack itself will end maybe a foot below your neck, so if you’re a tall guy with a lot of back space, and the muscle to carry a heavier pack, consider going larger.
I’m exchanging my Classic for a Rouge, which is what my girlfriend uses. When I borrow her pack, it has minimal strap slippage, as well as storage that will accommodate a phone, keys, and gels, which are essential for rural running. I’m not disappointed in the Classic as a whole, but for my needs, it fell well below expectations. If you’re thinking of this pack for distance running, definitely consider these factors. The Camelpak Rogue runs $10-15 higher, but it’s a lot of bang for those bucks.
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|Perfect if you are a light packer,
This is a true minimalist hydration pack. There is a small pocket that’s enough to carry a phone, a gel pack, and keys. The bungie will allow you to hold a jacket and gloves as well. That’s pretty much it.
That said, I don’t like to carry a lot with me. The 70 oz is enough for two hours on hot days and at least three hours most of the year. I’m running or biking so I want to pack light. Here’s why I love this pack:
-COMFORT-
I can barely tell I’m wearing it. I’ve used hydration belts and handheld bottles and they all have their own purposes. For long runs with no water stations, this is the way to go. Minimal sloshing and very light overall. There is also very little sweat build up based on the material.
-EASE OF USE-
Much easier to take a sip with this than using other hydration methods. Water does not leak and you only need a hand for a second to put the tip in your mouth.
-DURABILITY-
The pack is made of quality materials. This should last me over a decade of moderate to heavy use.
If you need to carry a little more, the Camelbak Rogue Hydration System , Color: Black 61526 has more pockets. Personally, I like the Classic hydration pack better since it’s as basic as it gets.
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|Great product,
As a triathlete and ulta-runner, this is the perfect size camelbak to wear during longer workouts. It fits nice and hold enough water for about three hours.
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