CamelBak  Lobo Hydration Pack

II’ve been using the Lobo for just under three months for mountain biking and hiking, rides and hikes up to three hours or so. I live in Phoenix and use the Lobo, on average this time of year (summer) three times a week. I know what you might be thinking - I’m crazy, or I’m fibbing but with lights on bike and a headlamp for hiking, night rides and early am hikes are not only possible but a whole lot of fun - The reason I went to this length to clarify my usage is to give credence to my review. First it’s hot here and I drink a lot of water so I need to refill or at least top-off the reservoir before each time it’s used. Camelback couldn’t design a more user unfriendly design even if they tried. The reservoir doesn’t slide into or out of the pouch, rather you must force stuff it in and yank it out. Fill it with the reservoir in place, getting it in a position to accomplish this simple task, it helps to have an extra set of hands. This seems unforgivable design for a “hydration pack”. Ease of reservoir access, should be high on the list (see photo) Maybe Having the zipper go down further, opening up the reservoir area would certainly help. Second -The bite valve magnet, a small thing but, on my pack the magnet doesn’t hold the valve and tube in place, it constantly pops off at the lighest movement - not Ideal when riding trails. Finally - the mesh pocket inside the front pocket. Really? - it’s divided into three extra small pockets, I think this considered for ”tools” I don’t know what kind of “tools” might fit in these pockets but I’d say good luck. (see photo). Things I like? It’s small, light, and comfortable to wear. Mesh pockets sewn to the reservoir pouch (see photo again) I’ve extra co2 cartridges and a tire lever. The little zippered upper outside pocket with key fob - (it could be a bit larger) then in the lower zippered outside pocket - I mentioned the tiny tiny mesh pockets - the single seam dividing the pocket into three sections has no other reason to exist other than to make one good pocket into three useless pockets - with a little care and a sharp instrument pocket bingo! (see photo) FYI by doing this modification I’ve likely voided the pack’s warranty. Other things in my pack - small first-aid kit, small pump, gel/chews, crank bros multitool, small Leatherman folding pliers, minimal tire plug, and ultra-light 29” tube.

This pack looks nice but there are some flaws. The mouthpiece slides off, the pack sits low, and the material feels thin and cheap. I’ve used it on two long single track rides. When I put a lot of gear in, it was pinching the water tube and I tried several times to adjust it but it did not work adequately. The worst thing is that the strap that connects in the front pulls off the (slide) side (not the magnetic side). I ride challenging trails and I need the pack to be tight and the small connector strap pulls right off of the strap and disconnects the front (while riding). To be fair, the pack was full of water and gear but I got so frustrated that I was just going to walk into REI and give it back to them for free. I decided to keep it for hikes. If it disconnects on a hike, I will give it away. Come on Camelbak, you can do better.

Nice for regular rides, not too big. I wish the magnetic holder for the tube could be moved as my arms knock it out. The only thing I find difficult is putting the bladder inside the lack, as it’s a little tight but it’s a great value for the price.

This is the 2nd Lobo I've owned, and it is MUCH improved. It carries PLENTY of water for my Summer rides, AND has well designed cargo space for tools and a spare change of clothes.

The rubber gasket easily comes off the round closure on the bladder. Other than that it works great for my needs.

Carry’s well on mountain bike on trails, will handle a 100 oz bladder, pretty good storage