CamelBak Fourteener Hydration Pack - 1851cu in - 2009 BCS

Son of a bitch! This thing is bad ass! Just got it in the mail today, but I'm super impressed with it already. Absolutely loaded with thoughtful features everywhere. It has features coming out of features, literally. The 3D frame sheet along with the back padding look like they will create excellent ventilation for your back. Well placed compression straps will allow this thing to hold a lot of stuff, or slim it down if you're mostly just using it for hydration and a few smaller items. I've been impressed with the quality of CamelBak packs before, and this looks like it raises the bar even further. I would definitely dip my balls in this. Can't wait for a chance to take it on a long hike.

Just the right size to hold a few extra layers and some day hike essentials in the colder weather, or a weekend pack for the fast and light people around. Room for a hammock, pot, pocket rocket, fuel and a bit of food.

Love the way the extra strap secures to the pack for the hip and shoulder belt. The sunglass pocket and misclaeous rear pocket is awesome. External pocket is big enough for a bicycle helmet or other similarly sized item, and 2 water bottle / trekking pole pockets.

Everything cinches down nice and tight when the space isn't needed. NVIS back panel keeps your back nice and dry overall love it.

Only complaint the color choices, I really wish they'd have kept making earth tones like coyote brown and olive drab options. I hate bright colored outdoor gear.

This pack replaced my TNF Hammerhead, which had served me well, including a light-and-fast blitzkrieg dayhike of Mount Whitney.

The CamelBak hydration system is superior to the Nalgene system in the North face pack for several reasons. The CamelBak bite valve is more comfortable, flows better, and is more reliable (I was replacing the Nalgene valves on a regular basis, after they inevitably started to crack and drip). The CamelBak bladder is easier to fill, and does not leak at the bladder-to-hose connection the way the Nalgene did.

I also prefer the more comfortable shoulder straps on the Fourteener, both in terms of their padding and the D-ring swivel attachment to the shoulder strap that lets them and the pack find their most comfortable angle.

Finally, the extra storage capacity of the Fourteener is quite convenient for the longer dayhikes I typically do. This is just a great pack for dayhiking...

I purchased this pack after reading the editors choice review in Backpacker. It is without a doubt the best daypack I have ever owned. It holds all the gear I need for a full day on the trail without being bulky or too big. The hydration is excellent, just can't say enough about this pack! I have retired my other daypacks for good. The folks at Backpacker know what they are talking about. If you need a good daypack, buy this one now!

Most comfortable hydration pack I have owned. Swallows loads of gear, so it can easily handle bulky winter items for day treks. Have comfortably carried two 100 oz. bladders for day long desert trips, as well as carrying equipment for biological field surveys for work. I have done away with all other bags that I have because I finally found the one that seems to be able to handle whatever I throw at it.

The Fourteener has just the right amount of space for a long or medium hike. I've carried 2 hydration paks, snacks and additional clothes for temperature changes at varying elevations. I also have the M.U.L.E., but this one just does not have enough room for the longer, higher hikes. The Fourteener, with all it's room and compartments is terrific for me!