Camelbak Octane 18X Multi-Sport hydration pack

About 2 years ago when I was looking to replace my aging Camelbak M.U.L.E hydration pack, I looked at the models available from Camelbak to see what would take its place as a daily/after work/under 2 hour ride pack.  Nothing really caught my eye on the website in the Bike Section.  So, I broadened my search a bit to see what was up in the Outdoor and Multi-Sport section.  Sitting on the Multi-Sport section, the Octane XC jumped out at me right away.  It was a minimal pack as far as the main compartment storage, but had these 'wings' that came around at the belt level and provided for item storage that could be accessed while wearing the pack.  I hate having to take of the pack just to get a snack or a cell phone, etc.

On top of that neat feature was a bungee cord crossing the body of the Octane XC that allowed for jackets and such to be strapped to the outside of the pack.  I bought it and it has become my favorite pack ever for shorter rides.  The Octane XC has been redesigned a bit now, but it proved to me that going outside the 'Bike' specific packs had some merit when choosing a hydration pack.

So when a product tester for The Cyclist was looking for a bigger pack for extended rides and self supported races, he was first drawn to the ubiquitous M.U.L.E.  What he ended up with was something outside the 'Bike Box' and, again, it has been a success overall.  First, some pics of the Octane18X.

Here are some thoughts on the Multi-Sport Octane 18X from Ed the Tall 

Product: 2010 Camelbak Octane 18x w/ 70oz bladder

Color: Dark Cheddar/Graphite

Claimed pack weight: 1lb 

First, a little background on me.  I’ve been a “serious” mountain biker in So Cal for nearly 10 years.  Summer heat and dry conditions pretty much requires a hydration pack, even for rides in the 2-3 hour range.  Through the years, I’ve worn many different packs, most made by Camelbak.  For the most part, all the packs I’ve worn have done the job intended, and they did it well.  When I wear a pack, I’ve narrowed it down through trial-and-error to the Camelbak Mule which, for good reason, is sort of the de-facto standard pack worn by many mountain bikers.  

As of late, however, I’m never quite as happy as when I don’t have a hydration pack on my back.  The main reason was my perceived notion that I always had to take my pack off to get to anything I normally keep inside; cell phone, keys, food, carbo gel packets, etc.  Then, many months ago, Grannygear showed up on one of our rides with the Octane XC, complete with accessible pockets on the wings of the pack.  Two little pockets caused me to re-think my decision of getting by most of the time with just two water bottles in cages on the bike.  You now know I’m a bit of a dinosaur....how many modern bikes actually give you the option of two water bottle cages located in the traditional places on the bike?  With the fancy suspension designs and hydroformed tubes and the like, not many.

The Octane line and the 18x aren’t specifically targeted at mountain bikers or cyclists as is the Mule.  Rather, the Camelbak website indicates the Octane 18x it is targeted at the “multi-sport” crowd.  There are a couple of notable features absent from this pack that are found on most, if not all hydration packs that are designed with mountain bikers in mind.  First, the 18x lacks for lots of little pockets in which to drop a multi-tool, a couple of CO2 cartridges, and a few spare links of chain.  All these little pockets allow a rider to more easily find these items while standing over the bike on the trail, sweat dripping off of you.  No problem here; I just took the seat bag off the bike and put the seat bag into the pack with lots of room to spare in the main pocket.  Second, the mesh-lined back of the pack has a minimalist feel and design, when compared to the Mule.  I describe it as “unstructured”, or in other words, it lacks the design and materials which Camelbak claims actually holds the Mule and similar bike-oriented packs off your back a bit to increase air flow.  

To date, the pack has been an absolute pleasure to use.  Rather than a hindrance, the pack design and fit have been superb.  The “unstructured” feel that I allude to earlier may actually lend itself to a pack that fits great.  Perhaps the pack conforms more to the back and mid-section of the rider?  To be fair and accurate in my reporting, we have had no hot days to get a feel for how well or poorly my back is ventilated.  Despite my efforts to load this pack up with lots of gear and clothing (easy to do with the cool, wet weather we’ve had in So Cal this winter), the pack feels better than any other pack I’ve had on my back and has room to spare.  Shock cord, similar to the stuff found inside tent poles, is used for the packs compression system.  The pack is notably lighter than the Mule, which makes sense given the lightweight, rip-stop nylon it is constructed of.  The pack materials, zippers and seams are not water or weather-resistant.  The seam stitching appears rugged and suited to the task at hand.  The pack lacks a specific pocket for an MP3 device, and you will be hard-pressed to strap your helmet to the pack while you pedal to the top of the mountain (NOT recommended!). 

What about those two pockets on the wings of the pack?  To this bike rider, they are a decided advantage over packs without.  While riding, it was relatively easy for me to access the pocket, pull out my gel flask, and get it back in and zipped up.  Another plus - I can still get to the two side pockets of my jersey, albeit with a bit of effort.  Accessing these wing pockets would seemingly be even easier if on a hike or run, and I may yet use the 18x as a “multi-sport” pack. 

The 70 oz. bladder is a great size for most riding conditions.  For the longer and hotter rides, you will definitely want a 100 oz. bladder.  I didn’t try to see whether a larger bladder would fit inside the zippered reservoir.  In typical Camelbak fashion, the bite valve never leaked and the bladder imparted no funky taste to the water.  The bladder reservoir is uninsulated, a bit of a disappointment given my summer riding conditions.

In summary, the racer in me loves the combination of light weight, great fit, the top-notch bladder, and last, but not least, those two little pockets on the wings of the pack.  I’ve got a long-distance mountain bike ride/race coming up shortly.  Short of triple digit temperatures (not likely), the Octane 18x will get the call that day.