CamelBak HAWG Pro Hydration Pack Review

Bottom Line

The CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 100 oz excels in its compact, well-organized design, offering ample storage and hydration for day hikes, short bike rides, and outdoor adventures. The 100 oz hydration bladder is easy to fill and offers convenient access through the side-entry system, with a magnetic hose clip to keep everything in place. The pack’s durable fabric and breathable back panel ensure comfort and resilience during your activities. However, it lacks an adjustable frame and has minimal shoulder strap padding, which can affect comfort with heavier loads. Additionally, the zippers aren’t fully waterproof, and the top pocket is somewhat shallow for bulky items.

For those seeking a practical, durable pack for short day trips or light gear, the HAWG Pro provides excellent value. Although it may not be the best choice for ultra light objectives, it’s a great fit for hikers and cyclists who prioritize organization and hydration. For other lightweight options, consider our list of the best hydration packs.

How We Tested

We took the pack out on a winter hike by Mount Rainier to test for comfort and fit for all the essentials. We tested ease of use for the hydration system and used artificial rain to evaluate waterproofness. We also assessed the effectiveness of the pack itself for carrying snacks, gear, and other items for hiking.

Comfort & Fit

Comfort-wise, the HAWG Pro 20 is well-suited for moderate day trips. The padded hip belt helped distribute weight, but we found the shoulder straps weren’t as supportive as we preferred. Additionally, there’s no adjustable frame or torso fit, which made it more difficult to size to smaller body shapes. However, we still felt that the structure of the pack and base weight allowed for a relatively comfortable fit without perfect sizing. The back panel is breathable and comfortable, allowing the pack to sit slightly off our bodies, reducing trapped heat as we hiked under the sun. The pack was comfortable enough for our shorter test hike, but the lack of adjustable straps may be an issue if you need a precise or carry heavy loads for extended periods.

Hydration System

The hydration system in the HAWG Pro 20 is user-friendly and practical. The bladder was easy to fill thanks to its large opening, and the pan handle allowed for a secure grip when we refilled it. The handle felt clunky and large for our small hands but served its purpose. The pack is unique with its side entry bladder compartment, so the hose is already positioned over the shoulder once zipped up. However, the side-entry was more difficult to get the bladder itself into the pack. In general, we preferred top loading bladder compartments to this one. The magnet for attaching the hose is decent. But in practice, it was annoying when it got knocked out one too many times. The pack also lacks a bladder hook, but the side-entry system reduces the need for one. It’s a creative system overall -one that’s fairly easy to use despite a couple potential improvements.

Compartments

With a 20L capacity for hydration and gear, this pack offers plenty of organization. It features a small top pocket for quick access to essentials. It’s not very deep but great for snacks. The main compartment is very roomy and deep – great for narrow items (rather than bulky Nalgenes) and jackets. We were thrilled with the multiple internal pockets—along with a tool roll— which ensured that everything has its place. The hip pockets are excellent for storing snacks and our phone. The key hook is hidden in an internal mesh pocket, which makes it very secure. There are plenty of organized pockets, and we liked how the compartments could open up fully, making it easy to find everything we packed for the day. 

When the bladder is full, the pack feels cramped, making it harder to store larger items.  Overall, though, the CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 100oz is a great pack for day trips.

Waterproofing

The HAWG Pro 20 performed decently in terms of waterproofing. We subjected it to a simulated rainstorm by placing it under a shower faucet for 30 seconds. After that period of time, we could see that the fabric itself is water-resistant, providing good protection against light rain. However, the zippers weren’t fully waterproof, and we found water seeping through the zipper seams. While this pack is fine for the light Washington rain, consider using a pack cover for any hike involving heavier rainfall.

Durability

Durability is a standout feature of the HAWG Pro 20. The materials felt like they were designed to withstand harsh conditions, including exposure to the elements. The fabric of the pack did not snag against rocks on our 6-mile test hike. The zippers are smooth to use and didn’t get caught on themselves. Although the main fabric holds up well, the shoulder straps and hip belt were not as durable because they’re made of mesh material. We can envision the mesh straps may not hold up as long as the main pack material  over extended time and usage. Still, the overall build is solid, and it can endure extended use in a variety of conditions.

Weight

The CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 strikes a good balance between weight and capacity. While it is not the lightest option, it remains fairly slim and compact for a 17L pack. It weighs heavier than our favorite Gregory packs but lighter than the Osprey Mira/Mantra. When loaded for our day hike, the pack distributed the weight well across our body, which made the base weight of the pack feel more manageable. However, it’s still a bit heavier than minimalist packs with its many organization pockets. The HAWG is better suited for those who need a more substantial carrying capacity for their adventures.

Should You Buy the CamelBak HAWG 20 Hydration Pack?

The CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 Hydration Pack offers great organization, a functional hydration system, and solid durability, making it a reliable choice for short day hikes, biking trips, or outdoor activities. Even though it’s slightly heavier than minimalist packs and lacks some features like adjustable straps, its comfort and organizational design make it ideal for those needing a compact yet spacious pack. The hydration system is one of the strongest points, though the magnet and hose handling could use improvement. It’s a good value for those looking for a day pack that offers substantial storage, organized compartments, and an easy-to-use hydration system. However, it might not be the best for those needing a pack for long, heavy-duty hikes. If you’re after a reliable, well-organized hydration pack, the HAWG Pro 20 is a solid option for everyday adventures.

What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?

If the CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 is not exactly what you’re looking for, here are some similar options amongst our best hydration packs:

CamelBak M.U.L.E.® 12 Review: The M.U.L.E.® 12 is a more compact, lightweight version of the CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 100 oz that excels at carrying small loads while maintaining a close, comfortable fit. With a reliable hydration system and numerous easy-access compartments, it’s a great choice for short to medium-day hikes.

Osprey Mira/Mantra 22/24 Review: The Osprey Mira/Mantra 22/24 offers superior comfort with its adjustable torso length and slim profile, making it a great choice for longer treks. It has more volume with a similar amount of organization as the CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 100 oz.

Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O Review: The Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O is an all around great pack for long day hikes with just enough internal organization and plenty of space to stow away any items necessary for your adventure. It is comfortable and more adjustable than the CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 100 oz..