Camelbak’s cycling-specific lumbar packs — led by the Charge model for 2012 — have proven hugely popular. For 2013, Camelbak will have an all-day, three-liter option called Volt.
In addition to Volt, the hydration pack maker offer new NV models and bolster their women’s line and features.
NV ‘envious ventilation’ line
At the heart of the new NV line is the new NV ventilation system: four big foam pods sit between a rider’s back and the pack to allow air to move between the two. The almost suction cup shaped, open molded foam pads move with a rider’s back and provide more ventilation than the previous model.
The packs come with Camelbak’s dynamic suspension system, which automatically adjusts for wide or narrow shoulders. Other line-wide features include the Antidote reservoirs with quick link drink tube attachment, and waist pockets for gels or a multi tool. “Anything with a ‘NV’ gets you the back panel, a rain cover, and the waist belt pockets,” said Seth Biden, Camelbak’s marketing manager.
Camelbak call out the 12-liter Mule NV as the most versatile of the line. The pack comes with a new half-shell helmet carry system, packable rain cover, and a 3-liter reservoir. The pack has a large main pocket, external jacket or pad pocket, organized tool pocket, fleece lined phone or media pocket, and additional front pocket for a map, food or other small items. The Mule NV costs $135 and should be set for sale late summer.
This is what the new NV back panel looks like; lots of space for air to move through there
New Lumbar packs: the all-day Volt, and women’s Spark
Camelbak’s Charge is one of the manufacturers most popular new bike packs. It’s one of Camelbak’s lumbar models, which use a unique low mounted reservoir, which center the water weight, low, over a rider’s hips. The model was adapted from Camelbak’s adventure/trekking line to include bike features last year and now its popularity has given way to the new Volt, which adds both cargo and water capacity to garner an all-day designation.
We spent three days in Camelbak’s new Volt pack at PressCamp. While we were far from fully loading it, the pack proved very comfortable and secure. We’re looking forward to packing it up and spending a full day out with it when we get back
The Volt sports a 3-liter reservoir paired with 14 liters of cargo capacity. During development, Camelbak found that the extra liter of capacity required a wholesale redesign of the Antidote bladder to best distribute the weight. The new pack also gets a rear access pocket for the bladder, which makes for easier access, but also more front cargo capacity. Volt costs $125.
Camelbak 2013 women’s collection: new Spark and LUXE NV
Camelbak have been through their women’s line for 2013, too, adding a lumbar pack called Spark, and adding the NV ventilation system to the LUXE model.
The women’s packs sport many of the same features as the men’s models, but with a women’s fit.
Comfort is bolstered too. Camelbak line the insides of the shoulder straps with fleece, and move the straps’ cinch hardware from the strap to the pack itself.
The women’s line moves the cinch buckles from the straps to the pack