The H.A.W.G. Pro 20 from CamelBak is a hydration backpack designed for long days in the mountains, with a 20-litre capacity and a 3-litre bladder.
CamelBak claims to have focused on maximising storage and comfort in the design of this backpack.
The Air Support back panel and mesh harness are intended to improve ventilation and reduce heat build-up, enhancing comfort during extended wear.
Multiple compartments and pockets, including dedicated spaces for a spare ebike battery, back protector and removable tool roll, offer organisational options for gear storage.
The backpack weighs 1,290g without the included bladder and costs £170 / $170 / €174.99.
CamelBak H.A.W.G. Pro 20 spec details
A rear side zip gives you access to the bladder and the back protector sleeve, which is separate from the main compartment.
The straps are made from a lightweight mesh designed to be breathable for all-day comfort, and the shoulder straps, hip belt and sternum strap offer a range of adjustments for a custom fit.
Additionally, side straps enable users to cinch down the bag, reducing its footprint.
The H.A.W.G. Pro 20 also boasts compatibility with CamelBak's Impact Protection panel, offering an additional safety feature for users engaging with gnarly terrain.
Reflective details and a light loop enhance visibility in low-light conditions, contributing to overall safety.
CamelBak H.A.W.G. Pro 20 performance
The CamelBak H.A.W.G. Pro 20 performed better than many of the hydration packs I tested it alongside, thanks to the combination of comfort, usability and style.
Its design ensures excellent airflow, which kept my back cool and comfortable even during the most demanding rides.
The adjustable mesh straps provide a custom fit, ensuring the backpack stays in place securely over rough terrain.
Plus, with weight evenly distributed and focused on the hips rather than the shoulders, I found it comfortable no matter how full the backpack was.
Inside, the organisation is top-notch. Every pocket is placed strategically for easy access, with a removable tool roll that proves handy even when you're not using the bag.
The separate compartments for the bladder and back protector add an extra layer of convenience, enabling quick refills of the bladder without the hassle of unpacking everything.
However, while the bladder hose can be positioned on either shoulder for versatility, the magnetic chest strap falls short in keeping it in place during rough descents – I often had to tuck it under a strap to prevent interference.
The soft-lined zip pocket, intended for glasses or mountain bike goggles, is a great addition, but its small opening can prove challenging when accessing larger eyewear.
I struggled to fit a pair of goggles in through the opening, however the pocket was deep enough to accommodate them.
While the inclusion of a bladder is welcome considering the price, the absence of a rain cover is frustrating – especially in the UK. If you want a back protector, it will come at an additional cost of £50 / €49.99, although this is not something I feel the need for.
Hydration packs | How we tested
It's important on long rides that a backpack is comfortable and practical, no matter what terrain you're tackling.
We reviewed a selection of hydration backpacks with a larger capacity (20-35 litres) for big days on the mountain or long trail days when you need to take a bit more gear with you.
To test these hydration backpacks, we took them on all-day rides in a variety of locations, including the Tweed Valley in Scotland, England's Lake District and trails in South Wales, both fully packed and half-empty, to see how they fare with different loads.
Where possible, we packed the same equipment into each bag to give a true comparison.
Hydration packs on test
- Alpkit Presta 25 litre
- CamelBak H.A.W.G. Pro 20 Hydration Pack with 3L Reservoir
- Evoc FR Trail Blackline 20
- Osprey Escapist 30
- Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22 Pack
- Vaude Bike Alpin 30 + 5
CamelBak H.A.W.G. Pro 20 bottom line
The H.A.W.G. Pro 20 is an excellent choice for long single days in the mountains, with the capacity to carry everything you need in a logical and organised way.
Its ergonomic design not only ensures comfort, but also promotes exceptional airflow through the back panel, while the adjustable straps guarantee a secure and evenly distributed load, regardless of the ruggedness of the trails or the weightiness of your gear.
While there are minor drawbacks, such as occasional inefficiencies with the hose holder and the somewhat compact entrance to the glasses/goggle pocket, these are overshadowed by its overall quality.
Product
| Brand | camelbak |
| Price | 175.00 EUR,170.00 GBP,170.00 USD |
| Weight | 1290.0000, GRAM (20l) - |
Features
| br_bagCapacity | 20.0000 |
| br_bagCapacity | LITER |
| br_bladderCapacity | 3.0000 |
| br_bladderCapacity | LITER |
| Features | Bladder: 3l bladder included |
