CamelBak Octane XC Hydration Pack - 2L

I got this with the intentions of road running. The main draw was the capacity, which will allow me to run up to 20 miles without refilling. The 2 biggest drawbacks are: 1) pretty loud sloshing noise while running, but you get used to it; 2) when filled to capacity, the bladder doesn't sit flush against my back. Otherwise this is a good option for holding my phone, gels, and keys when I run.

This is my third, and easily my favorite, CamelBak. First, it should be noted that I use my CamelBak while snowboarding, so to buy one of their products which wasn't winter specific was a little counter-intuitive, but it's PERFECT! My first CamelBak was too large. I couldn't lean back on the chairlift comfortably. My second CamelBak was too small. It was comfortable, but it didn't hold anything except liquid. This bag, on the other hand, is absolutely what I've always wanted. Putting the storage pockets on the side allows me to put snacks and stuff in there without adding any distance between my back and the chair. It's exactly as comfortable as my smaller bag, but far more useful. As for the lack of insulation, I wear it underneath my outer-most layer, and have never had a problem with freeze up. In fact, doing it this way even allows me to thread the waist strap through my pants' belt loops for an extra snug fit which doesn't move at all.

I had high hopes for this pack -- Camelbak seems to tout it as a 'minimalist pack designed for adventure racers.' Well gee, that sounds nice -- I run marathon+ distance (primarily trails) and am notorious for carrying along little more than a hand bottle for hydration. Perhaps this will be the solution yo my dilemma. Well upon taking it for a test run today, it would NOT sit still. Even at a very conservative pace it was bouncing all over the place. I tried almost every combination of cinched up straps, loosening them, dumping water, etc. The bottom line is the webbing is too flimsy and the buckles don't like to hold. It through my pace off and I had a frustrating run. It MAY work for some people who run extremely slow or don't mind a constrictive bag of water bouncing up and down on their shoulders... but as for me, I will be returning it and sticking to waist-level bottle-holders by amphipod or some other brand instead.

Went on my first run with this pack this morning. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive as I've never run with anything like this before, but I was really surprised and impressed with its functionality. The shoulder straps keep the pack high up on your mid/upper back and the chest and waist buckles help lock the pack down and not bouncing around all over the place messing up your stride. The side pockets weren't as difficult to get to as I thought they would be while running, though I don't think any pocket is big enough to store a rain jacket in (unless it's a REALLY thin jacket)... but they are big enough to store a change of UnderArmour-thin underwear/shirt and socks. The back panel has chambers that help air circulate and keep you cool. The bladder was full, yet the pack didn't feel heavy to me. Overall, this pack will definitely help with my 4+ mile runs... I'm very happy I got it. Now, if Backcountry.com will honor my 50% off coupon that I got in my email two after I ordered the pack, I'll be in Camelbak bliss!

I use this for running and I find the belts do exactly as you want them during the run. The container has enough room for ice for those long runs during the summer heat. It has enough space to keep a few fuel gels or bar, money, etc... I am very happy.