CamelBak Alterra Lumbar Pack - .8L

I have been using it for running and really like that it doesn't flop around, is soft and padded so it doesn't chafe or build up heat. This past weekend I used it on a Competitve Trail Ride and it was perfect! Snug enough not to hit the back of the saddle, and does not throw you off balance like a backpack model, or interfere with rider vests. Pretty easy to refill at water stops, too.

No need to change a great thing, I've been using the CamelBak Alterra since 2006. It's my personal water buddy. Positives - Comfortable Convenient No flip flopping Side storage for gels or map Can put a t-shirt in the back straps Negatives - Only 28oz res It's hard to add more water on the fly

I hate getting dehydrated on longer runs and I hate carrying a water bottle. I tried a traditional hydration pack that goes over your shoulders and couldn't stand the bouncing. This is perfect. It doesn't bounce and it carries just the right amount of water to last me about 1-2 hours on the trail. If I try to wear this on my hips, then it does bounce a bit as it tries to migrate to the most slender part of my torso. I find it best to just place it a bit higher and then it stays put really well.

used on my short length runs, works perfect, very comfortable, holds just enough water for a less than 5 mile run, says .8L, you can (technically) throw almost 1.0L in it, it'll fit, barely, has pockets for my hammer gel and keys, little more capacity and it would be perfect, but extremely versitile and lightweight easy to maintain and comfortable

I've only had mine for a short time but I did not notice a plastic taste at all. Maybe they've fixed that since March of 2007. So far I LOVE it. And the weird buckle placement is so that it doesn't dig into your stomach. The front strap is nice and padded and with tiny little compartments for storage.

Great concept but not perfect. First of all, how do you get the awful flavor of the plastic out? I used it on a ski trip and the line froze, but keeping it inside my clothes took care of that. It doesn't hold that much volume. The storage pockets are very handy. Overall, it served its purpose of not puncturing my spleen during falls like a water bottle would and not raising my center of gravity.

I dig this. It's soft, comfy and was easy to size. The placement of the main buckle strikes me as strange (it's way over on the side), but there's probably some reason for it. If I were going to do this again, I think I'd get a larger reservoir. That said, this is a perfect size for a quick run, and I can wear it with my weightvest.

I purchased this lumbar hydration pack for active pursuits on the trail and have not been disappointed. I've used it on both trail hikes and during trail runs and have found it to be very stable and even during fast-paced runs it only moves a little bit. The clip on the belt holds the tube and valve nicely and the small pockets hold small extras well. Nicely done, Camelbak.

This is definitely my favorite camelback and I've used most of them. There is no buckle rubbing against you stomach. The bladder does not need to be removed at all to fill, making it great for races with aid stations. You can tuck away the bite valve if it's dusty or muddy. I definitely recommend this pack.