The bright blue Camelbak Charge LR is just a great ultra-lite pack—love it. What makes it so amazing? The reservoir is a lumbar design, so it’s low on your body and center of gravity. The weight of the water is low, around your hips, not high on your back, and this makes all the difference in the world to me.
The Charge LR isn’t too large and so is a bit lighter than some of the bigger bags and reservoirs. Its main compartment isn’t very big—just enough for the bare essentials. If you have a very small shell, you can stuff it in there, but mostly you’re talking some trail goodies or mountain biking essentials.
The exoskeleton back panel gives good ventilation, although around your hips it can get a little clammy during the summer. I especially like the waist belt pockets, which are perfect for those items you want to get at easily like your phone or an energy gel.
Camelbak says the Charge LR is good for about two hours of hydration—depending on how thirsty you are, of course. Honestly, that sounds about right, and for most rides, it’s more than enough. You’ve got to love Camelbak’s Got Your Back Guarantee, which adds some piece of mind to a $100 Charge LR purchase on Camelbak’s website. If you’re looking for a hydration pack that’s a great size and shape for mountain bike adventures, the Charge LR is a great option.
