Great things are coming from EuroBike 2015. The following is a review from Enduro Mountain Bike Magazine by Trev Worsey.
CamelBak is a name that has become synonymous with hydration packs, so it’s no surprise to see them pushing the development further. Their new Skyline and Solstice packs use CamelBak’s new ‘Low Rider’ harness system to lower the centre of gravity for more stability on fast and aggressive rides. We like more stability so went to check them out.
CamelBak have already introduced lumbar based reservoir packs, and have now taken that same design to a new level. The new Low Rider harness keeps the water weight lower and more securely around the rider’s hips, and also moves the cargo capacity lower. A lower centre of gravity is always a good thing, and helps keep the pack and rider stable when you are cracking on! A second advantage is that by taking the cargo off the top of the back, the upper portion around the shoulders can move more freely for aggressive riding in technical terrain.
“We knew we could take our Lumbar Reservoir-based designs to a new level “ said Jon Austen, Senior Director of Product Management at CamelBak. “Mountain bikers are continuing to see the benefit of a lower center of gravity by repositioning their weight low and around their hips. The Low Rider collection is specially designed to carry all of the gear and water riders need in a lower and more stable way.”
CamelBak are offering two packs, the unisex Skyline 10LR and the women’s specific Solstice 10LR. Both packs feature a 3L Antidote Lumbar Reservoir with quick link, and feature 7 litres of cargo space. We were impressed with the Magnetic Tube Trap which makes it easy to deploy and stash the tube in seconds. Both packs feature plenty of compression webbing to keep the load under control and for attaching armor to the pack, and also feature dual waistband pockets and helmet hooks.
CamelBak will also be offering a women’s specific Solstice 10LR with the same features as the Skyline, but designed specifically for women with an S-curved harness and soft-touch fleece lined straps for comfortable riding in tank tops.
Both the Skyline and Solstice packs will retail for [$130 USD]. Anything that improves the comfort of carrying cargo and water is a great idea in our book, and on paper the new Low Rider harness system makes a lot of sense. We look forward to getting some packs on test so we can put them through their paces on some challenging terrain.
Words and photos: Trev Worsey
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