CamelBak Zoid Hydration Pack - 2007 BCS

I had high hopes for this pack. It looked like it was going to be light weight and have minimal impact on the way I ski. The downer though is that there is only a chest strap, so it bounced around a lot while skiing. It also froze up all the time on me so i had to wear it under my jacket to keep it thawed. Then after about a year of use it started leaking. Wouldn't buy it again.

The Zoid is a fantastic pack. For this year's model, CamelBak made it a little bit bigger for your gear while still keeping the low profile. I'm able to keep it under my shell or outside, and it doesn't feel like I'm getting shoved off the lift.

The insulated tube and Therminator (yes, that's what they call it) Harness keep the pack from freezing the majority of the time, but on extra cold days be sure to throw a chemical hand warmer into the harness! There's a spot to handily stash the hand warmer, and you'll stay happy and very well hydrated.

Typically I like to load my pack with every possible item that my 'What if I get stranded' imagination can think of. This is not the pack such paranoia. ... There's very little room for much more than water, keys, ID, $, chapstick, a couple of power bars and maybe one or two other flat, durable items (no sandwiches unless you want them smashed). .... There aren't even any straps to lash an extra shirt/shell to. ... The good news is, your water won't freeze in the tube and you can wear the pack under your jacket because it is so low profile. ... Also, the bladder is removable, but it takes a minute to figure out how to get it out. It's not as straightforward as some of the other CamelBaks that simply have a pouch or a sleeve that the bladder slides into. ... I think I own the '07 model, and it came with a locking bite valve which I love and apparently need. Why just today, I rested a backpack on top of another one of my Camelbaks with a non-locking bite valve and drained about 80 oz of water onto my LR floor.