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Bend, Oregon
CamelBak Arete 18 Hydration Pack
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Big enough to hold what you need for short solo hikes and small enough to stuff away for storage in another bag, the ultralight CamelBak Arete 18 hydration pack keeps you ready to get up and go.
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- Made with 200-denier recycled ripstop nylon; a C0 durable water repellent (DWR) finish helps moisture bead up on the surface; C0 DWR is a water-based, PFC-free formulation
- Included 1.5-liter reservoir gives you enough hydration for shorter trail excursions; you can also remove the reservoir for extra storage capacity to pack around town
- Tube trap keeps the reservoir drinking tube right where it should be
- Zip pocket on top lid gives you a secure spot to stash small valuables
- Includes an essentials organization pocket
- Made with lightweight and durable materials
- Breathable air-mesh back panel and straps help keep you cool and dry
- Includes an adjustable sternum strap
- Sized to hold a 15 in. laptop
Imported.
View all CamelBak Daypacks| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Frameless |
| Gear Capacity (L) | 17.9 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 1,090 cubic inches |
| Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
| Reservoir Included | Yes |
| Bottle(s) Included | None |
| Liquid Capacity (L) | 1.5 liters |
| Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 50 fluid ounces |
| Weight | 1 lb. 8 oz. |
| Fits Torso Length (in.) | 15-21 inches |
| Material(s) | 200-denier recycled ripstop nylon 3 mm SD |
| BPA Free | Yes |
| Pack Access | Top |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 3 + main compartment |
| Bite Valve Shut-off Switch | Yes |
| Raincover Included | No |
| Dimensions | 18 x 8.6 x 2 inches |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Great Lightweight Day Pack!
Noah2 years ago
Received free productThis is a great lightweight day pack that's perfect for smaller excursions where you're only looking to bring a few items like snacks, an extra layer, and some water. The hydration bladder is a great size (1.5L), and filling this up adds some necessary structure to the pack. When I used the pack without the hydration bladder, it did lack structure and was not as comfortable on the back. Adding a heavier item like a separate water bottle to the pack made this worse, so I've opted to use it primarily with the water bladder filled and installed. I've used this pack for many day hikes in and around the front range in Colorado. I was also curious how it would hold up during a longer and higher intensity activity, so I wore it during the annual 15 mile Leadville Burro Race. The pack worked great during the race, but I would not consider it running-specific by any means as it did bounce around a good bit. The construction of the pack is high quality, and I believe it will last for many years of casual use if it's not overloaded. Due to the thinner material, I could see this pack having issues (and being uncomfortable) if it's consistently used to haul heavier gear. All around, I love this pack and it's easily found its way into my regular activities.
NoahReceived free product
Cascade, CO
13 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Disappointed
Makena3 years ago
I was planning on using this as a day pack just for water a few snacks and my dogs toys (balls water and a frisbee). This pack folds in half when you put in on. I put my water bottle in the middle pocket and that helps give it some structure, but still not great. For the price I don’t think it’s worth it. I (5’3 woman) and my dad (5’8 man) both tried it on and both had the same slouching issue. I will be returning this pack.
Makena
Fresno CA
12 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Drive Hike Repeat
Received free product
Athens, GA
Solid Bag, Not Our Style
3 years ago
I was sent this bag to give an honest review of it. It has been almost a decade since I’ve used a Camelbak. After some trouble keeping it clean, I had switched to water bottles. I wanted to try the Camelbak again to give it another shot. My wife and I took this on three hikes—around our local park, a day hike on the Appalachian Trail, and hike-the-city across town to pick up some local bread for lunch. The bag is a good size for a single person but for sharing it with my spouse, we had to pack extra water in the side pockets (which are awesome). While I like the improvements that have been made to the bladders over the years (new bite valve, handle on the hole for filling), we still found it a bit more tedious to use than water bottles. We also found that we weren’t sure how much water we had remaining mid-hike. For this pack, the bladder felt a bit small (1.5 liters) and so when it was full with water and the bag was mostly empty, there was just this random bulge of water weight up top so it never felt like it laid quite flat against my back. I’m also used to much larger day packs and backpacks so if you’re already used to a small bag like this it might be up your alley. We’ll probably keep using it for short hikes in town but not for medium or longer day hikes. All in all it is a fine bag but not the right fit for our style of hiking.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
Noah
Received free product
Cascade, CO
Great Lightweight Day Pack!
2 years ago
This is a great lightweight day pack that's perfect for smaller excursions where you're only looking to bring a few items like snacks, an extra layer, and some water. The hydration bladder is a great size (1.5L), and filling this up adds some necessary structure to the pack. When I used the pack without the hydration bladder, it did lack structure and was not as comfortable on the back. Adding a heavier item like a separate water bottle to the pack made this worse, so I've opted to use it primarily with the water bladder filled and installed. I've used this pack for many day hikes in and around the front range in Colorado. I was also curious how it would hold up during a longer and higher intensity activity, so I wore it during the annual 15 mile Leadville Burro Race. The pack worked great during the race, but I would not consider it running-specific by any means as it did bounce around a good bit. The construction of the pack is high quality, and I believe it will last for many years of casual use if it's not overloaded. Due to the thinner material, I could see this pack having issues (and being uncomfortable) if it's consistently used to haul heavier gear. All around, I love this pack and it's easily found its way into my regular activities.
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
rebelwithoutacar
Received free product
Greenville, SC
excellent bag!
2 years ago
Absolutely love this day pack - the pockets are well thought out and practical, the straps are comfortable, and the interior is roomy enough for all the day hike essentials. I used it as a carryon bag as well and it was convenient to fill up the internal bladder once I was through airport security. The bladder isn't as large as others, but could be easily switched out if you prefer more capacity. The external pockets can easily hold the size water bottles that fit in a bike water bottle cage, so that flexibility is nice to have as well. I liked being able to keep my wallet and phone secure in the top flap zipper pocket. I would highly recommend this bag!
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
Makena
Fresno CA
Disappointed
3 years ago
I was planning on using this as a day pack just for water a few snacks and my dogs toys (balls water and a frisbee). This pack folds in half when you put in on. I put my water bottle in the middle pocket and that helps give it some structure, but still not great. For the price I don’t think it’s worth it. I (5’3 woman) and my dad (5’8 man) both tried it on and both had the same slouching issue. I will be returning this pack.
Age:18–24
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'3"
No, I do not recommend this product
Quino
Received free product
Lake Tahoe
Bang for Buck
3 years ago
I wanted to take it out a couple times before writing my review. So here it is. The Arete 18 is extremely light and versatile making it even a better buy love the material you can tell it will hold up to some abuse obviously within reason so for I have used on a mountain bike expedition and a short hike through the sierra’s it definitely exceeded my expectations. I wish there was a little more padding on the shoulder straps but I get trying to save weight overall great bang for buck you can throw a shell and some lunch along with a bladder and not even fill the bag weight. All in all I would recommend.
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product
Matt B
Received free product
Melbourne, Fl.
Great Camelbak for Day Hiking
3 years ago
I logged over 100+ miles thru the Smokies and Appalachian Trail with this pack in the last 2 weeks. I filled the reservoir, packed lunch and snacks each day with it. Plus fit my compass, map and Garmin inReach inside it. The bite valve worked flawlessly. It got rained on multiple times and dried out quickly in the hot sun. The pack is super light and I hardly new I had it on. Even though the should straps are thin, there is plenty of padding on the shoulder straps for what weight you will be carrying with it. It would be nice to have maybe some side mesh pockets on each side at the bottom.
Age:35–44
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Cordo
Received free product
Denver, CO
Great Day Hike Pack
3 years ago
I was able to use this CamelBak pack while visiting Yellowstone National Park. It was a great choice for my excursions to the sites as well as a few longer hikes. The pack is light weight and the right size for most adventures that don't require a ton of gear. It fit lunch, rain shell, hydration pack, and a few other items no problem. The side pockets were great for stashing items... I used mine for easy access to my bear spray. I can see myself using this on more day hikes and quick 14ner trips here in CO. I would like a little more structure if no using the bladder, I would recommend a small piece of foam in the sleeve to make it a little more rigid. All in all a great light weight package to get out on the trail or other active pursuits that don't require much gear hauling.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Yes , I recommend this product
KJMaui40
Kentfield, CA
Bought a second one for my wife.
1 year ago
Small pack, big appetite. I have used one for over 3 years hiking and biking. My wife tried several other brands, sizes, but always defaulted to mine. Had a bright idea: get one for her! They’re super versatile, especially after removing the hydration bladder (sorry CB) We pack them in our travel luggage. In 2023 I used mine for hiking and shopping while exploring cities & trails, biking, Canyon rafting, and kayaking. Held all these in one load: rain jacket, a nanopuff hoodie, gloves, a super-light spare fabric shoulder bag, sun screen, sunglasses, wallet, GoPro, Buff, 20 oz aluminum water bottle.
Age:65–74
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Anonymous
Alpharetta Georgia
bad design
2 years ago
Bought this for my nine year old and the whole bag folds up underneath itself. Terrible design when I thought it was just because of her size my wife tried it on and we did a side-by-side comparison to my sons new Osprey pack night and day difference. Will definitely return.
Age:Under 18
No, I do not recommend this product
CameronB
Received free product
Portland, OR
A simple and great lightweight hydration day bag
3 years ago
I feel that an 18L pack is the perfect size for a day bag – it allows you to bring just enough gear without getting too heavy: a snack, jacket and bike lock, perhaps. And the CamelBak Arete is a wonderfully simple 18L pack, with just the one main gear area (and a small phone/keys pocket in the lid) – all you need to carry your essentials, with just the right amount of padding on the back of the pack to give it some form and stability – this isn't just a shapeless sack with some shoulder straps! The two side pockets can stretch enough to hold 32oz nalgene bottles if you need extra hydration over the 1.5L reservoir that is included with the pack. The loop hanging method for the reservoir is one of the best I've seen – much better than velcro loops, which never hold up under the weight of a full reservoir. The hose for the reservoir is held neatly by a hook next to the sternum strap, and the bite valve has an intuitive and easy-to-use lock system. I've used this bag on long bike rides, day hikes and for carrying gear to the rock gym and it's done a great job each time. Highly recommended!
Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
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