Review

CAMELBAK H.A.W.G. PRO 20 (2021 model) hydration pack review

CAMELBAK are regarded as the inventor of putting a water bladder inside a rucksack and as such, the newest model from the US brand, the CAMELBAK H.A.W.G. PRO 20, includes their proven 3 L drinking system. We tested the new rucksack, which will be available from March 2021, for four weeks.

CAMELBAK H.A.W.G. PRO 20 | € 169.95 (protector: € 49.95)
1,190 g including tool pouch, plus 210 g for protector | camelbak.co.uk

The CAMELBAK H.A.W.G. PRO 20 was tested by our editor and resident rucksack expert Manne, who doesn’t just have extensive experience with rucksacks but is also never seen on a bike without one. He immediately noticed the updated back panel, which, just looking at it, promises better ventilation than its predecessors. However, given the January and February climate in central Europe, concrete statements as to its effectiveness aren’t yet possible. Nonetheless, the ergonomics and comfort of the rucksack can be elucidated. We were lucky enough to be able to get in several sunny days of testing in the biker paradise of Massa Marittima in Tuscany and can give you a qualified description of how the rucksack handles. In brief: it fits! Even with a full water bladder and loaded up with a spare battery and essential tools, it fits like a glove.

2021 CAMELBAK rucksacks are equipped with a new back panel
that promises better ventilation.

Unfortunately, the CAMELBAK H.A.W.G. PRO 20’s ebike battery compartment is too short even for the relatively compact Bosch PowerTube. Indeed the rucksack itself is too small for the current crop of long 625 Wh batteries. There’s also no option to fix a battery in place and the compartment is attached to the outside face of the main compartment rather than the back panel. Nonetheless, due to the slim main compartment and the space taken up by the water bladder, fitting batteries can be secured adequately with the pack’s external compression straps.

The battery compartment isn’t attached to the back panel as is common, but to the outside of the main compartment with no additional options to secure the battery in place.
The water bladder and back protector are positioned between the main compartment and back panel of the rucksack.
Batteries can only be secured with the external compression straps of the CAMELBAK H.A.W.G. PRO 20.

To make sure it doesn’t pose an injury risk for your spine, you should be sure to purchase the new CAMELBAK Impact Protector Panel Mod.21 to go with the rucksack. It slides easily into position in its sleeve between the back piece and water bladder. Safety comes at a cost and CAMELBAK charge € 49.95 for their CE EN 1621-2 Level 2 certified, 210 g back protector.

The new CAMELBAK Impact Protector Panel Mod.21 back protector fulfils the usual CE EN 1621-2 Level 2 certification, is multi-impact capable and weighs 210 g. It is stored in a special insertion compartment. For the back protector, CAMELBAK charges a surcharge of around € 50.

By the way, Manne didn’t end up using the included tool pouch as it’s too small for his purposes. Alongside his multi-tool, tire levers, spare tube, tubeless repair kit and more, he always carries his 30 cm long Lezyne CNC Micro Floor Drive pump with him. Too much for the tool pouch but luckily a smaller front pocket with two zipped compartments is on hand. Everything fits there splendidly. Cereal bars and other small items find sufficient space in the two hip pockets.

The external compartment lets you store your tools either in the pack’s included tool pouch or in the two zipped pockets inside.
The CAMELBAK H.A.W.G. PRO 20 features two hip belt pockets.

The CAMELBAK H.A.W.G. PRO 20 is also equipped with an additional, externally accessible, padded glasses pocket and an open external panel for dirty bike clothes or to stash your helmet. The rucksack’s material is highly water-resistant, though a rain cover would be helpful for mucky trails. The chest strap was a little on the short side on our pre-production model, with just enough length for Manne to fit in. On the other hand, CAMELBAK’s proven magnetic bladder hose clip does its duties admirably.

The outside compartment can be used to store dirty clothes or a helmet.
The glasses pocket is easy to access and well padded.
Practical: the magnetic hose clip on the upper attachment.

Conclusion

The CAMELBAK H.A.W.G. PRO 20 looks good, is well finished and makes a high-quality impression. Typical for CAMELBAK, it scores highly with its Crux 3 L water bladder and combines good comfort with a bombproof fit. Due to its dimensions, the battery compartment is a letdown. For tourers and trail riders who can make do without a spare battery, the CAMELBAK is a good rucksack with just one issue: the missing rain cover.

Tops

  • secure fit and good comfort
  • appealing design and high-quality construction
  • water bladder with magnetic hose clip

Flops

  • no rain cover
  • ebike battery compartment too short

Tester Manne
Test duration 1 month
Weight 1,190 g including tool pouch, plus 210 g for protector
Volume 17 L + 3 L watter bladder
Size (H x W x D) 53 x 25 x 17 cm
Price € 169.95 (protector: € 49.95)
More information camelbak.co.uk


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Words: Manne Schmitt Photos: Nils Mai

About the author

Manne Schmitt

As the proud father of Robin and Max-Philip, Manne has been there from the start and is the wise elder of the editorial team. He won his first cycling race in elementary school at a school sports day. After less successful attempts at football, he found his passion for cycling via endurance racing in 1989! The world of racing still consumes him and no one in the team knows the EWS pros better than Manne. As a former head analyst of a state agency, he knows how to do proper research and finds exclusive news that no one else has. He supports his sons in day-to-day business dealings as the authorised signatory for 41 Publishing – viva la familia!