Over the years I've owned a number of Camelbak hydration packs, and a few off-brand ones as well. My estimation on these is, you get what you pay for. Camelbak gear is more expensive than others, but then the quality of the gear is better too. I purchased this one because I needed better gear management than my current solution. This Octane 25 delivers with some very welcome innovation in the pockets inside. They allow me to place the small quick-use items in the stretch-mesh pockets and I am now way more efficient at getting what I want. While this is not designed for lashing heavier equipment, I have been able to easily attach my travel tripod where they show trekking poles should go.

My family has several scheduled hikes this year and I am really looking forward to using this bag for. I have taken it out once so far and was very happy with the fit and the distribution of the weight.

I have only used it on one hike so far, about 12 miles with 3,100 feet of elevation gain/ loss in cool weather with an approximate 15 pound load out. I really like the organization, pockets and overall great use of space on the shoulder straps and the hip belt pockets. It spreads so much of your pack load up front where it is easily accessible without removing your pack. It also helps to balance the load more evenly around your torso and waist instead of just on your back. I kept my phone, snacks and other items I wanted close at hand in the strap and waist pockets. The straps and hip pockets are well-designed and provide ample space for a variety of items. I noticed my body was warmer under items stowed in the shoulder strap pockets. I don't believe this will be a problem in warm weather due to the open and breathable construction of the straps and pockets. I like the mesh side and front pockets on the main pack and used them for an extra water bottle, a headlamp once it was light outside, jacket, gloves and stocking cap as it warmed up and they were no longer needed. Toward the end of the hike, I used the shock cord and loop to strap on my hiking poles and they worked effectively and stayed stowed away from the body with minimal sway. The main pack compartment access is excellent with full length zippers allowing any items in the pack to be easily retrieved. I like the mesh and elastic, and zippered pockets within the main compartment which provide plenty of spots for stowing gear and keeping it in place and easy to find. Full disclosure: I did not use the 2.5 liter bladder that came with the pack- I will, but happened to have another one filled and all ready to go for this hike. Its a 3 liter rectangular shaped bladder with a built-in woven nylon insulation tube. It fit easily in the bladder compartment and the clips on the right front strap for holding the bladder tube, easily held the insulated tube on the other bladder. This is one of the best tube holding designs I've used on any of my multitude of packs. This is an excellent design, super lightweight, well constructed with quality materials and stitching. This is definitely one of the most functional packs I own and suspect it will be the one I use the most. I did not run with the pack on this hike, but walked briskly for the duration, so cannot give an honest opinion for use as a running pack at this point. However, if you're into carrying a moderate load, hiking briskly with few stops, and want as much gear/ food, hydration accessible without having to remove your pack, I can safely recommend the Octane 25, 70 oz. with the highest level of confidence.

I bought a few bags to test at home before deciding on keeping this one for my Grand Canyon R2R2R. I don't think it's gotten the proper attention it deserves with REI not selling Camelbak until Spring 2021 when their parent company Vista agreed to sell off Savage Arms. Anyway, the bag is super comfortable even though it only comes in one size. It has multiple strap adjustment points and plenty of pockets on the front vest that held an iPhone X and 2 waste belt pockets. The pack holds a 2L bladder which is included and has a separate zippered main compartment with several stretch pockets to hold gear in place with a zippered pocket for valuables. The outside has a stretch overflow pocket that held my raincoat and two water bottle pockets along with a loop and bungee cord to attach hiking poles. I actually carried too much extra food given all the pockets up front. I have 2 smaller Osprey vests for quick and mid distance hikes. This will be my go to bag for long day hikes. I really liked it.

The pack is super light and rode well even when fully loaded with my day mountain gear. The water system is improved over previous CamelBak packs I have had over the years.