CamelBak Chase Bike Vest hydration pack review
Storage and hydration is an excellent package
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I was a massive fan of CamelBak’s previous Chase Bike Vest, but like the latest one even more.
The size and shape remain largely unchanged, as do the broad shoulder straps, which have handy quick-reach pockets that are great for stashing your phone, map or snacks.
These shoulder straps are braced by two adjustable sternum straps, which help to keep the pack properly secure on your back.
The 1.5l Crux reservoir will hold enough water for a good few hours on the bike, is quick and easy to fill, and comes with my favourite, lockable CamelBak mouthpiece.
Where the new Chase Vest differs from the old one is how its remaining 2.5l of storage capacity (4l in total) has been organised.
The bladder is still zipped away in its own compartment (with a popper tap to help keep the zip closed) but you now get two zipped pockets to stow your kit in, plus an elasticated overflow pocket that’ll easily house a lightweight waterproof jacket.
I’ve been carrying an inner tube, tyre levers, multi-tool and CO2 inflator in the front pocket, with room to spare, while using the second pocket to carry a phone, wallet and snacks.
I love the minimal size of the Chase Vest and the fact that I can still comfortably fit in all my essentials without overloading it. Add to that just how incredibly stable it is on your back, even when bouncing through the roughest terrain, and it’s clear why it remains one of my favourite packs.
Authors
Rob Weaver is BikeRadar's technical editor-in-chief. Rob manages all of the testing here at BikeRadar and across our magazines, Mountain Biking UK and Cycling Plus. Rob first graced the pages of MBUK back in 2001 when working as a freelance writer and went on to start testing bikes for the title in 2007. In 2010 he joined the team full-time and has been keeping a close eye on all things test-related ever since. Rob’s expansive knowledge of bikes comes courtesy of his passion for racing. He cut his teeth racing cross-country mountain bikes in the early 90s before finding his feet in downhill. After many years competing on the UK national circuit (including a year attempting to race UCI DH World Cups), Rob realised his know-how and passion for bike setup, tech and writing clearly outweighed his racing ability. A degree in sports technology and decades of riding experience all help to give Rob a thorough understanding of what’s needed to create a great bike or product. While Rob’s a mountain biker at heart and never happier than when he’s sliding down a Welsh hillside, he’s more than happy to put the miles in on the road or gravel bike, too.
