Camelbak Octane LR Hydration Pack

The Camelbak Octane LR is the most comfortable and practical hydration gear I have ever used. For more than a year, this pack has been my go-to kit for runs of 13-22 miles. It is too heavy for under 13 miles, and too small for over 22, at least for us copious sweaters, or unless you have a way to refill. But if you regularly pound out runs in that 13-22 mile sweet spot, this pack deserves a place in your gear bin.

First, this pack is simply amazingly comfortable. The lumbar bladder sits low and wraps somewhat around your waist, keeping most of the the weight off your back and shoulders. It's very snug and there is very little excess motion -it moves with you, not against you. The wide shoulder straps spread the load across a larger area while being soft enough to avoid chaffing. The shoulder and waist straps are easily adjustable and while there is occasional slippage, they are generally don't require much readjusting while on in motion.

Second, this pack has usefulness to match the comfort. The waist straps have mesh pockets that can hold several gels or other small necessities. On either side of your spine sit the two main pockets that are big enough to hold a light windbreaker, towel, phone, and other larger items. An exterior mesh pocket is great for quickly stowing things like sunglasses, a hat, etc. There are several convenient places to clip a iPod shuffle or nano. I opted for the lime-green color, which hopefully makes me easier to see along the rural roads I frequent.

I also have the CamelBak Octane 18x, a larger 100oz pack. While the larger capacity is nice, it is much less comfortable for running than the Octane LR. Unless you need something to sustain you for distances longer than a marathon, the Octane LR is the obvious choice. I also pick the Octane LR over dual-bottle waist packs, which I find are tough to position comfortably and almost always experience serious strap slippage.

A wholehearted recommendation.

I've had a lot of Camelbak products over the years and it seems as though they have improved along the way. This design intrigued me, so when my Lobo model finally gave out, I decided to give this one a shot.

First, its flimsy. Not at all the same level of construction as previous packs. I thought maybe it was just lighter materials, so I hit the mountain bike trails to test it out.

My first ride was a 50 degree morning with no humidity and my back was immediately hot and sweaty. This pack has absolutely no breathability like their previous packs do. Nothing to channel air between your body and the pack. Last night I rode in 90 degree heat and its the last time I will be able to wear this pack.

Why they would revert back to earlier days and forget about simple things like breathability is confusing. I can't focus on any of the positives because I want people to understand just how bad this pack will be. If you are the kind that doesn't care for a hot and sweaty lower back, pass on this one and look elsewhere.

Maybe next year they will fix this. Now I have to go find a new pack... looks like its time for my first non-Camelbak brand.

Those that "love this pack" probably have no idea what is really available out there and think this is normal.

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holds just the right amount of water for long runs and very comfortable the way it rests low on hips.

used on several long trail runs where i usually run low on water and had plenty to spare.

i would reccommend to anyone doing 50k trail runs or longer.

Very satisfied with the hydration pack.

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As my runs get longer and take me further away from my house I've been finding I want to carry a little more than my water belt allows.

The generous storage compartments on the back easily hold my cellphone and extra food with room to spare, the side pockets are easy to get to and are perfect for quick to reach eats. Oddly, though, the clip for your keys are in one of the side pockets where it would be better off moved to one of the main compartments on the back.

Initially, I tried running with the Camelbak I use for moutain biking and found that having the water situated right on my back made the pack swing as I ran putting my off balance and made the straps dig into my shoulders. The Octane LR doesn't suffer from this problem as it hugs close and low on the back and with the water sitting on your hips helps keep the sloshing down as well as help you maintain your center of gravity.

Drinking from it is a simple affair and the flow rate is good and doesn't require much effort. The on-off toggle for the mouthpiece is a nice touch so that you don't have water dripping all over you while running. The complaints about getting the last drops out of the bladder are valid, for the most part you can drink it nearly dry but for those last couple of mouthfuls of moisture might take some work and contortions.

Overall, I'm very happy with the pack and certainly see getting plenty of use out of it on my long runs.

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I use this pack for long runs. Keeps a light extra layer and other small items nicely.mi love the pockets in the hip belt and the gel pocket on the shoulder strap. I used this for the Tough Mudder and it was perfect, held enough water, gel packs, and a small water bottle with a work out supplement in it. Not to big but big enough for my needs.