Camelbak Highwire 25

Full Review of the Camelbak Highwire 25

If you have any experience with CamelBak you will probably be expecting the CamelBak Highwire 25 hydration pack to be a top quality product, and you would be right. CamelBak is a brand that has become synonymous with bike riding hydration packs over the past few years, but has since expanded into other markets including skiing and snowboarding, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The Highwire 25 is a large pack perfect for all day use on long hikes and trekking adventures.

Technical Details

• Best use: hiking
• Liquid capacity (L): 3
• Gear capacity (L): 25
• Weight (kg): 0.82
• Fits torso: up to 23 inches
• Fits waist/hips: up to 48 inches
• Number of exterior pockets: 4 + main compartment
• Pack loading: top
• Hipbelt: yes
• Bite valve shut-off switch: yes
• Quick disconnect tubing: yes
• Wide-mouth opening: yes
• Frame type: internal
• Frame material: polypropylene
• Material(s): Polyurethane-coated ripstop nylon/nylon taffeta
• Dimensions: 23 x 11 x 10 inches
• Gender: men’s

Features

The great thing about one of the larger packs such as the CamelBak Highwire 25 hydration pack is that it is crammed with features that you wouldn’t find on the smaller ones. The Highwire is perfect for carrying cargo as it has 25 litres of space just waiting to be filled; there are also two ice axe loops, elasticated side pockets, two internal zippered pockets for essential tools and keys, and two pockets on the waist belt for a camera and mobile phone.

Obviously the CamelBak Highwire 25 wouldn’t be much of a hydration pack without the Antidote bladder with QuickLink system. When refilling the bladder you can easily disconnect the hose so you don’t have to remove all the tubing from the pack. This little adjustment makes the world of difference, as does the new large opening cap which opens with a simple quarter turn.

Usability

Sometimes the larger range of packs can end up being quite uncomfortable but the CamelBak Highwire 25 hydration pack actually manages quite well. The back is 19 inches long with the rear panel is designed to follow your spine for low impact and maximum comfort. The adjustable harness system is simple to use and will help position the pack perfectly. This pack has a very low profile so you don’t have to worry about the top of the pack hitting your neck or helmet on tough terrain.

Unfortunately, when the Highwire 25 is packed pretty tight and the reservoir is full with three litres of water, the back does bulge a little and can dig into your back a little. However, after taking a few big gulps of water, the pack will soon decrease back down to its normal size.

Disadvantages

The only real negative thing I have to say about the Highwire 25 is the fact that the back can dig into your body when completely full. It is pretty easy to get around though, either take less with you or just take a couple of big swigs of water before setting off on your adventure. There really are no other complaints – this is the ideal companion on day trips.

Advantages

The CamelBak Highwire 25 hydration pack has plenty of space for a full day of hiking or cycling, and it also offers additional strapping to store trekking poles. The new Antidote style bladder is definitely a bonus as it brings with it new technology such as the QuickLink system. CamelBak has worked hard to create a more refined and user-friendly hydration pack and have definitely succeeded. Two thumbs up from me!

The best price I can find it for is £0.00 from Amazon.

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