Backpack choices and uses

Backpack choices and uses

I thought I would expand on my breakdowns of backpacks. There are, as we all know, a gazillion choices, so how to make the right one? Back to basics, choose the pack for the territory you intend to use it. Whether that be a hydration style pack for stand up board paddling, to carrying your laptop and books, climbing a mountain, days long "pack trips" or just a light day pack. This next series is going to start with hydration packs and move to school style to trail style, etc, so let's get going. Fist up?  The Camelbak series backpacks.

CamelBak Baja LR Hydration Backpack

I start with this, because if you ever wanted the 'GoTo' pack, when windsurfing (like on the Columbia River), or paddle boarding your favorite river? This is a great choice. You can see from it's mesh design, you'll hardly know it's there. The hydration pack alone, carries a full 2 L of liquid, and if you look, the pack is down on your hips, and off of your shoulders. That makes sense, because it doesn't inhibit your freedom of movement. The bladder itself features the patented  HydroGuard™ anti-microbial technology, coupled with a patented PureFlow™ taste-free tube and the patented Big Bite™ valve. All of them, easy to use and easy to clean. Instructions are included.

This backpack, with it's custom fit harness, ( using hook-and-loop adjustments ), the dual Slider Sternum Straps, the open mesh back design, well, they just ensure the Baja has a good fit. Toss in some of the 'extra' features, like a paddle holster, a couple of cargo pockets, including a safety whistle? Well, it allows you to keep essentials within easy reach. Including a waterproof electronics case. You even have room to carry one of your own personal, inflatable, flotation devices as well as sunscreen and a light jacket if you wanted. A versatile choice for a light pack with hydration capabilities and waterproof storage.

Oh one last thing....would you like to know how they started? As the story goes, Michael Eidson, an emergency medical technician, was competing in a bike race in Texas. He knew that there were few places with water in this grueling 100 mile race. His solution? He filled an IV bag with water, slipped it inside a tube sock. He then stuffed it in the back of his jersey, throwing the hose over his shoulder and clamping it to his shirt with a clothespin. The rest is history and remember:  "The CamelBak Got Your Bak™ Lifetime Guarantee" is from a Petaluma, California Company.

That's it for today, more CamelBak in my next post. Thanks for reading and I'll see you on the trail. - Campingman