2012 Camelbak Octane 18X 3.0L Hydration Pack
Along with the smaller Octane XCT backpack, the 18X forms part of Camelbaks multi-sport range, designed as a lightweight alternative to the more heavy-duty mountain bike packs. The first brand to pioneer hands-free hydration, the Camelbak bladder revolutionized mountain biking, allowing riders to take the tubes, pumps, tools and water bottle off their bikes and stow it in a comfortable and durable backpack. With class-leading hydration technologies and field-tested pack designs, there is no other brand with a reputation anywhere near Cammelbak, and with a range of different styles and sizes available, there is a hydration solution for every rider out there.
 
Compared to the similarly sized Camelbak H.A.W.G, the Octane 18X backpack is almost half the weight due to its use of Camelbak's "Ultra-Light Material" range that includes the lightweight 70D RipStop Nylon, as well as the use of elastic bungy rip cords for securing the pack instead of heavy buckles. While the HAWG and Mule get whizz-bang harnesses and back panels, the Octane series substitutes a rather basic Air Mesh back panel that emphasises flexibility and soft padding that shapes to the contours of your back. The shoulder harness is similarly lightweight with a soft feel and breathable mesh design that encourages ventilation on hot 'n' sweaty rides, though the lighter pack weight goes a long way to decreasing rider fatigue and sweat build up. Showing it's multi-sport roots, the Octane 18X uses wider profile waist straps that provide additional support around your hips to take more of the weight off your back and give you a more snug fit, keeping the backpack secure while you bounce around on rough terrain. The overall effect of the lightweight shoulder and waist harness combined with the soft-padded back panel is a pack that conforms itself around you and fits closely to your body - a bit different to most MTB-specific packs, but very comfortable for long rides.
With one large main compartment and one small zippered pocket, the Octane 18X is a simple setup, though due to the additional pockets on each side of the waist straps and the expandable section on the front, it holds a lot more gear than you may think. The centre expansion zip opens up to provide additional internal volume, though cleverly closes to keep everything snug without need for heavy compression buckles. Each waist band gets a zippered mesh pocket that is perfect for stowing gels and bars that you can access whilst riding, all without having to take your pack off. While the heavier duty MTB packs from Camelbak may be more suitable for crash-prone riders and heavy loads, those riders looking to use a hydration pack that is snug, flexible and above all, lightweight, then this is your option for multi-day riding.

Camelbak Antidote Bladder
A key reason why Camelbak packs stand out from the rest, the latest hydration bladder is incredibly durable for it's weight, uses a taste-free lining and is even leak proof too. In fact, Cammelback have so much confidence in their Antidote reservoir that they give them a lifetime warranty. The lining of the bladder is treated with HydroGuard™ in order to inhibit the growth of bacteria, keeping the water you drink safe and taste-free. With a huge opening on the Antidote reservoir, it is easy to get inside to clean out the reservoir, which is made even easier with the Camelbak cleaning kit. And when you're done filling up the bladder, the 1/4 turn Quick-snap cap makes everything safe, secure and leak proof. Compared to previous models that required many more turns to close off the filler cap, the latest Antidote model is almost impossible to over-tighten and is much more user-friendly. The quality doesn't stop there though, as the Camelbak Big Bite Valve provides easy hands-free drinking, with a small shut off valve for drip-free riding. One of the big improvements with the latest reservoir is it's quick release detachable drinking tube that can be removed from the bladder with a simple lever, allowing for separate cleaning as necessary.
 

The Camelbak Octane 18X Hydration Pack features:

• "This expandable pack with compression is perfect for 3+ hours of nonstop action"
• 18 litres of Storage Space
• 3.0 litre Antidote Hydration Bladder
• Big Bite™ Valve with PureFlow™ taste-free tube
• HydroGuard™ antimicrobial bladder lining
• Back Panel: Air Mesh
• Harness: Ultra-Light 3D Mesh Independent Suspension™
• Adjustable-length Shoulder Straps, Sternum Buckle and Hip Belt
• 3 x Zippered Compartments
• Torso Length: 41cm
• Shell Material: 70D Diamond Box Rip
• Weight: 507 grams
• Colour: Skydiver/Egret

 For mountain biking, Camelbak hydration packs give you long-lasting quality for years to come!