Review - CamelBak Arete 18 Hydration Pack
CamelBak Arete 18 Hydration Pack Specs:
- Volume: 18 liters
- Weight: 1.1 lbs (0.5 kg)
- Material: 70D nylon
- Hydration Capacity: 2.5 liters
- Crux reservoir with ergonomic handle for easier refilling
- Convertible design: can be used as a reservoir sleeve or a daypack
- External zip pocket and additional storage compartments
- Lightweight and compressible materials
- Adjustable sternum strap for stability
- Overflow storage with dual compression straps
Before we jump into the review - If you want to read our Best Daypacks for Hiking comparison article, you are welcome.
Review:
The CamelBak Arete 18 Hydration Pack is a step up in terms of storage capacity from its predecessor, the Arete 14. With an 18-liter volume, I found it spacious enough to carry my essentials for a full day's hike without feeling bulky. The Crux reservoir, consistent with CamelBak's reputation, ensured that I remained hydrated throughout my hikes. The ergonomic handle made refilling a swift process, and the bite valve provided a consistent flow of water.
Versatility is a strong suit of the Arete 18. Its convertible design, allowing it to function both as a reservoir sleeve and a full-fledged daypack, was particularly useful. Depending on the hike's duration and intensity, I could easily switch between the two modes. The external zip pocket, combined with additional storage compartments, ensured that my gear remained organized and easily accessible.
Despite its increased storage capacity, the Arete 18 remains impressively lightweight. The use of 70D nylon ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight. The adjustable sternum strap was a welcome addition, providing stability, especially during more rigorous hikes. The overflow storage, complemented by dual compression straps, allowed me to secure additional items externally, maximizing the pack's utility.
In my time with the CamelBak Arete 18 Hydration Pack, it has proven to be an indispensable hiking companion. Its blend of hydration efficiency, storage capacity, and ergonomic design makes it a standout choice for day hikers seeking both functionality and comfort.
Diving into the Technical: A Review of the CamelBak Arete 18 Hydration Pack
Key Features: The CamelBak Arete 18 Hydration Pack is designed for those who prioritize hydration on the go. One of its standout features is the Crux reservoir, which holds up to 2.5 liters of water. This reservoir is equipped with a leak-proof on/off valve and a Big Bite Valve that ensures a faster flow of water. The pack also boasts a dual-purpose design, allowing it to be reversed and used as an insulated reservoir sleeve.
Material: Crafted from high-quality nylon, the Arete 18 is both lightweight and sturdy. The material feels robust to the touch, and its ripstop quality ensures that minor snags won't easily turn into major tears. The nylon also offers a degree of water resistance, which is crucial for those unexpected rain showers.
Fit and Comfort: The pack sits snugly against the back, ensuring minimal movement while hiking. Its streamlined design means there's no excess bulk, making it ideal for shorter hikes or when you're looking to travel light. The back panel is padded, providing a cushioned barrier between the contents of the pack and the wearer's back.
Capacity and Size: With an 18-liter capacity, the Arete 18 offers ample space for essentials without being overly bulky. It's spacious enough to carry food, a light jacket, and other necessities, in addition to the 2.5-liter water reservoir. Its compact size makes it ideal for day hikes or quick trips.
Shoulder Straps: The shoulder straps on the Arete 18 are adjustable and padded, ensuring a comfortable fit regardless of body type. They distribute the weight evenly across the shoulders, reducing the risk of strain during longer hikes.
Hip Belt: While the Arete 18 does come with a hip belt, it's relatively minimalistic. It serves the purpose of keeping the pack close to the body, especially during more active movements. However, it lacks the padding found in larger hiking packs.
Ventilation: The back panel of the Arete 18 is designed with ventilation in mind. The padding is structured in a way that allows for airflow, reducing the buildup of sweat and ensuring the wearer remains relatively cool during hikes.
Durability: Having taken the Arete 18 on several hikes, it's evident that durability was a priority in its design. The nylon material, combined with the ripstop quality, ensures that this pack can withstand the usual wear and tear of hiking without showing signs of distress.
Water Resistance: While the Arete 18 is not fully waterproof, its nylon material offers a commendable level of water resistance. Light showers are unlikely to penetrate the pack, but it's advisable to use a rain cover or pack a waterproof bag in case of heavier downpours.
Organization and Access: The main compartment of the Arete 18 is spacious and easy to access, with a wide opening that allows for quick packing and unpacking. Inside, there's a dedicated sleeve for the hydration reservoir, ensuring it stays in place during hikes. The pack also features a few smaller pockets for items like keys, wallets, or snacks.
External Pockets: On the exterior, the Arete 18 features stretch mesh pockets on both sides, perfect for storing water bottles or other quick-access items. The front of the pack also has a stash pocket, ideal for items you might need to grab on the go.
Overall, the CamelBak Arete 18 Hydration Pack is a reliable companion for day hikes. Its focus on hydration, combined with its durable design and comfortable fit, makes it a worthy choice for those looking to stay hydrated and carry essentials without the bulk of a larger backpack.
CamelBak Arete 18 Hydration Backpack for Hiking, 50oz, Charcoal/Koi ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
- Functionality: The CamelBak Arete 18 is designed for hiking and offers a 50oz hydration bladder. Users have found it to be lightweight and perfect for carrying essentials during hikes.
- Comfort: Some users mentioned that the back of the backpack could benefit from breathable material to prevent sweating. However, others found it very comfortable and even forgot they were wearing it during hikes.
- Water Bladder: There have been mixed reviews regarding the water bladder. Some users experienced leakage, especially when filled beyond 1L, while others had no issues. It's recommended not to overtighten the cap to prevent leakage.
- Storage: The backpack offers additional pockets for storage. One user mentioned that it's useful to also carry water bottles in the backpack for easier access to water.
- Satisfaction: Overall, users are happy with the backpack, praising its design, functionality, and comfort. However, some users expressed concerns about the bladder's size and potential leakage issues.
Bottom Line: The CamelBak Arete 18 Hydration Backpack is a popular choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. While it offers great functionality and comfort, potential buyers should be aware of the mixed feedback regarding the water bladder. If you're looking for a lightweight and functional hydration backpack, this product is worth considering, but it might be beneficial to also explore bladder alternatives.
