Rich H

I recently purchased a CamelBak Alpine Explorer for use as a general purpose daypack. I looked at all of the major brands but kept coming back to the CamelBak. The pack is about 1800cu inches and includes a separate bladder pouch that does not interfere by taking up room in the main pack. The bladder zips into its own space that makes taking it in and out a breeze. The main pocket is quite large and there is ample room for all of your daily hiking needs. You can easily fit in a lightweight jacket and pants, as well as nearly any amount of food plus another bladder. There is an outside mesh pocket that is situated between the main pocket and a smaller, exterior pocket. This can be used for maps, guide books or your rain shell. The exterior pocket is large enough for a first aid kit, medium sized books and trail snacks. Near the top of the main pocket there is also a small zippered pocket that can be used to hold sunglasses, an MP3 or what I used it for, holding my digital camera. There are two cinch adjusters on each side as well as exterior bottle pockets. The back is channeled for good airflow and also features an internal, frame sheet. The waist belt does what it should, but can not be stored out of the way. This is a great pack that can and should be used for anything you do. I have so far used it to day hike Mt. Rainier, carry three kids' lunches during a field trip to the zoo for my son's class and use it as an airplane carry on for a short trip.

I recently purchased a CamelBak Alpine Explorer for use as a general purpose daypack. I looked at all of the major brands but kept coming back to the CamelBak. The pack is about 1800cu inches and includes a separate bladder pouch that does not interfere by taking up room in the main pack. The bladder zips into its own space that makes taking it in and out a breeze. The main pocket is quite large and there is ample room for all of your daily hiking needs. You can easily fit in a lightweight jacket and pants, as well as nearly any amount of food plus another bladder. There is an outside mesh pocket that is situated between the main pocket and a smaller, exterior pocket. This can be used for maps, guide books or your rain shell. The exterior pocket is large enough for a first aid kit, medium sized books and trail snacks. Near the top of the main pocket there is also a small zippered pocket that can be used to hold sunglasses, an MP3 or what I used it for, holding my digital camera. There are two cinch adjusters on each side as well as exterior bottle pockets. The back is channeled for good airflow and also features an internal, frame sheet. The waist belt does what it should, but can not be stored out of the way. This is a great pack that can and should be used for anything you do. I have so far used it to day hike Mt. Rainier, carry three kids' lunches during a field trip to the zoo for my son's class and use it as an airplane carry on for a short trip.