The following is a review from Iwan Kemp at The Hub sa.
CamelBak’s Charge was one of the manufacturers most popular bike packs when first introduced. It featured a unique low mounted reservoir, which centered the water weight over a rider’s hips. The Charge was adapted from CamelBak’s adventure/trekking line to include bike features, but was fairly compact with a 2L reservoir and 8L cargo space. Its popularity prompted CamelBak to design the Volt LR, which adds both extra cargo and water capacity making it all-day friendly.
I have been looking to get a bigger hydration pack in order to comfortably carry more gear on rides and at the same time have enough water for longer rides. When out reviewing a bike I usually take a shock pump, a GoPro with different mounts, adapters, spare batteries and fittings, and a camera to take some pics. All of this over and above the usual multi-tool, car keys, and something to snack on. My current CamelBak Charge LR was getting a bit small for “review” rides, but I’ve really grown to love the lumbar mounted reservoir. I looked around at what’s currently available and decided to get a Volt LR. It adds some much needed cargo space and an extra liter of water, but keeps the lumbar reservoir and all the practicality and durability we’ve come to expect from CamelBak.
The 3L lumbar reservoir is designed to place water weight low on your hips, thereby taking the load off your shoulders and upper back. By placing it lower, the water is more stable and doesn’t throw you off balance as you race down the trail. The 3L reservoir is taller and less triangular than before, but a central baffle still keeps the contents from sloshing around.
To further stabilize the reservoir, CambelBak has added compression straps. All you have to do is pull the contrast colored webbing that is tunneled behind the waist belt pocket to compress the reservoir and keep it tight and secure. To loosen it, lift up on the tension lock and fine tune to your liking. In addition, the bladder’s lid has a hard plastic extension that hooks into a special pocket that adds extra security.
Verdict
Looking at the Volt LR with all it’s built-in features, I cannot help but think it’s a design study in finding solutions to issues mountain bikers have. The lumbar reservoir is a genuine plus out on the trail and a heavily loaded backpack has never felt this comfortable and secure, allowing the rider to get on with riding.
With it’s sorted design, years of experience designing class leading hydration packs, extreme comfort on the trails all backed up by CamelBak’s Got Your Bak Guarantee the Volt LR is hard to beat.
For the rest of the review check it out HERE.
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