I recently had the chance to pick up a new CamelBak LOBO, a quality hydration pack made for mountain bikers. I will be looking at some of the key features of this product, and give my personal thoughts on it as well. Let’s begin with some of the product specifications. It is able to hold up to 3L of water, which is good for people who are looking for quick access to water without the burden of filling it up every hour, depending on how fast you drink. It has a main zipper which stores the “bladder,” the item that stores the water. It has two additional zippers which are designed to hold essential gear for long rides, such as sunscreen, bike tools, phones, and keys. It has two buckles that you can clip on to keep the pack extra safe and secure. The back side is made of a cushiony material, and some “netting” on the top. There is also a helmet strap, which can be used to strap on a single helmet. Now, lets explore each part in depth.
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For looks, I would give the LOBO a 4.5/5. The pack comes in a variety of fitting colours. The bag is small, compact, and lightweight, and looks “professional” when riding.
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For the bladder, I would be looking at 4/5. It is durable, and the water seldom leaks out. The opening of the bladder assures the water doesn’t leak out and drip into the bag. It is easy to close and open, which makes filling it up a very quick process. When putting the bladder in the bag after filling it with water, I find it somewhat difficult to fit it in all the way in. I would recommend clearing the extra pockets first, and then putting the filled bladder in the bag. The tube attached to the bladder is connected to the bottom, and comes up through a hole in the bag and out into the open. The water flow is very smooth, which makes the drinking process quite enjoyable. I did notice however that when it is warm outside, the water tends to get warm. It would be nice if CamelBak installed some type of device that would help preserve the water throughout the day, so you aren’t stuck with warm water. Yuck! The cleaning process is also quite simple. The bladder is able to dry out on its own with its “dryer arms,” and the tube and mouthpiece can be easily washed.
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In regards to the “feel” I would be looking at a 5/5. The LOBO is excellent when it comes to this. It is very light, even with a full 3L bladder with both extra pockets full. The back of the LOBO is composed of soft cushion like items, so you don’t feel whatever’s inside your bag when you’re riding. The straps are ultra thin and light, and are made of a breathable material. The bag straps on very easily, and comes with extra buckles that ensure it stays on your back throughout the day.
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For storage, I would be giving the LOBO a 3.5/5. Although it has two additional pockets for essential items, I would have liked to see an additional pocket that could fit an extra rain jacket or sweater, just incase. Overall, I would say the storage space is moderate, but could use a few improvements.
The CamelBak LOBO is an excellent item. Although a bit pricey, its durable, lightweight, has moderate storage, and is ideal for the average biker. So next time you’re looking for a simple hydration pack for biking, try the CamelBak LOBO!