CamelBak Hellion Hydration Pack - 2008 BCS

I have used this pack all over, from skiing resorts to summer day trips in extremely hot weather. It does the job and then some. It has a perfect camera pocket on the waist-belt and carries skis diagonally. The only problem I have had is with the bite valve; it has a valve to shut the flow off at the bite bite valve and it comes out pretty easily creating a siphon that can get you all wet. It is just a small piece, and to lose it would be terrible in the backcountry.

Just got back from a trip out to Lake Tahoe with this pack and it was great. I flew from NY to San Fran to Reno with the Hellion all packed up with my 13" MAC lap-top, D-SLR Nikon Camera & Bag, 3 seperate electronic chargers, a CD book of 20 DVD's, hard-cover book, PSP, watches, chap stick, 4 pairs of ear plugs, and Sunglasses & case. It was quite impressive fitting all of that in there. On days I skied it carried my camera, 100 oz. of water, fleece, extra pair of gloves, and goggles/sunglasses - backpack gets an A+ from me...

I got this pack for snowshoeing and it works perfect. When under dense foliage I often take my snow shoes off and I no longer have to awkwardly carry them under my arm (trust me they are the most awkward things to carry). The straps hold them perfectly. The hydration system really helps me hydrated, I drink more when I don't have to stop, and fish around in my pack for a water bottle, holds plenty of water for a day trip.

I have also ended up using this for downhill skiing. I was worried it would be too thick to stay on my back on the lift, but this is not a problem as long as I limit what I put in the pack. Again I stay much better hydrated.Some of my favorite features is the nice fatty hip strap. The MP3 pocket (just right for my GPS). The incredible number of buckles and straps which are surprisingly useful.

Although I love the hydration system its impossible to clean and tastes slightly off. I also find the mouth piece leaks a bit if you have it zipped away. As a woman I find the chest strap poorly placed, I wish it could slide an inch or two higher.

I've had it about 2 months now and its holding up great so far.

so i needed a pack that i could confidently take into the backcountry and also be able to rock as my daily pack. This pack exceeded every expectation i had. I've had the pack for about 2 weeks, and im currently on a 8 day ski trip that involves whole day adventures into crazy deep pow and requires a lot of hiking. this pack has everything! i find new things about this pack every day that seriously puts a smile on my face. there are more loops and attachments than i know what to do with, random hidden support like an emergency whistle built into one of the buckles. durable construction that makes me feel very secure, can carry both ski's and board's. all of the zippers and handles are super strong so you can rip open pockets with your gloves. ppl seemed to complain about the mouth piece coming off and soaking them, ya i didn't have that problem but they're talking about the yellow flow valve which you can buy replacements if needed, but i didn't have a prob with that. Bottom line i honestly didn't think i would ever be this stoked about a pack, wrong! I absolutey love it and if i had to would buy again, i def suggest this pack to anyone who is seeking a pack for the same or similar reasons i purchased it. two thumbs up!! not to mention the size of the bladder, which is absolutely delicious! thank you camelbak

This pack is perfect for long backcountry trecks. Holds all my gear perfectly.