Hydration pack specialist Camelbak has just released details of its 2016 collection. The most interesting addition to the line is a cleverly designed hip pack. Also new for 2016 is a low-riding hydration pack that replaces several packs in the company’s current line.
Palos 4 LR
It’s no secret that many mountain bikers have been gravitating toward hip packs. Hips packs are great for shorter, sub-two-hour rides, they allow you to carry the bare essentials, keep the weight low, and can be much more comfortable to ride with in hot weather.
The Palos 4 LR uses a 1.5l bladder (roughly equivalent to two large water bottles) and has enough cargo capacity for a multi-tool, tube, a small pump or C02 inflator, phone, keys and an energy bar. The hydration tube wraps around the front of the pack and is held in place with Camelbak’s magnetic Tube Trap. The tube can be routed from either the side to suit user preferences.
We’ve got one ride on a pre-production sample and this looks to be a very promising product.
The Palos 4 LR will retail for US$75 (UK and Australian pricing have yet to be announced) when it becomes available in January of 2016.
Skyline 10 LR and Solstice 10 LR
The unisex Skyline and women’s-specific Solstice 10 LR will replace the Charge, Spark and Volt hydration packs for 2016. Camelbak chose to consolidate its lumbar packs into a single pack to suit the needs of most riders.
To create the Skyline and Solstice the company took the 3l bladder from the Volt and merged it with the smaller cargo capacity of the Charge and women’s-specific Spark to create the Skyline and Solstice.
Like the packs they replace, the Skyline and Solstice sit low on the back and offer hip belts with storage compartments — the left pocket is zippered while the right hip pocket has an easy-access storage pouch, ideal for bars and gels.
Both models feature tool rolls, external synch straps for knee or elbow pads, Camelbak’s helmet carry system and a magnetic Tube Trap for the hose.
The Solstice 10 L is the women's version of the Skyline, the only difference being the curve of the shoulder straps and the use of fleece on the underside of the straps to make them more comfortable when riding in a sleeveless jersey
The Skyline 10 LR and Solstice 10 LR will retail for US$130 (UK and Australian pricing have yet to be announced) when they become available in January of 2016.
For more information, visit www.camelbak.com.
