The TORO is part of CamelBak’s ‘Impact Protection’ series, which means it’s built around a CE-certified back protector, but it still weighs a reasonable 800g. It’s incredibly comfy too, and offers seemingly unshakable stability when the going gets rough.
The perforated shoulder straps, twin chest straps and waist belt offer loads of adjustment. CamelBak includes a compartment for its 3-litre ‘CRUX’ reservoir, but there isn’t one included.
With a full bladder, storage capacity is reduced from 8 litres to 5 litres, but I had no dramas fitting in everything I needed for all-day rides.
The front panel flaps down, which, along with the hi-vis internals, makes finding things a doddle, although they can fall out if they’re just crammed in rather than stored in the mesh organising pocket or anchored with the elasticated straps.
A smaller pocket up top has even more mesh sections. There’s none on the waist strap though. On the trail, it’s hard to knock the rock-solid stability on offer. The top of the pack sticks out a bit, even when not fully loaded, and did contact the back of my helmet occasionally on steeper trails, but the TORO stayed put and felt comfy even when worn for hours on end.
CamelBak TORO Protector 8 pack specifications
- Fabric: 210d HD Nylon Oxford plain weave / 420d Nylon Oxford plain weave
- Colours: Black/Burnt Olive; Racing Red/Pitch Blue; Deep Forest/Brilliant Blue; Red Orange/Charcoal
- Protection: Center Back CE Level II Protector
- Capacity: 8l (5l storage, 3l reservoir)
- Hydration: Compatible with 3L ‘CRUX’ reservoir
