The CamelBak Spark 10 LR is a women’s specific version of the men’s Charge hydration pack, but apart from a 0.5L smaller capacity they’re identical in features and performance.
Using the slimline shaping from older Octane racing pack designs to keep the pack between the shoulder blades, CamelBak have developed a lateral lumbar bladder to keep the weight of the water low and on your hips. This reduces the pack’s desire to sway from side to side when you’re riding hard.
It’s one of most comfortable and stable packs we’ve used. It’s sized to be female specific but works for blokes just as well, especially if you need a narrower fitting strap. The outside is free of clutter, so snagging on branches is less likely. Wings help wrap weight around the waist to further stabilise it.
The latest Antidote bladder is a benchmark item. A lockable bite valve, and simple filling and cleaning, make it state of the art for drinking on the move.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.