Julia McDonald Testing CamelBak L.U.X.E Hydration Backpack | Photo Mountain Weekly News
CamelBak LUXE LR 14 Review
The CamelBak LUXE LR 14 is packed with features to keep you comfortable on the ride. The Lumbar Reservoir offers 20% more water per sip to storage space for all of your gear, this pack has you covered on and off the trail.
CamelBak LUXE LR 14 Size
The women’s specific design on the CamelBak LUXE LR 14 makes this pack a bit shorter for a close fit. With the positioning of the reservoir on your lower back, it keeps the weight off your upper body, making you feel stable and anchored. This was especially noticeable on the steep terrain where balance is key.
The Airfoil back makes a significant difference in relieving pressure and allowing full ventilation. The adjustable load-bearing hip belts add to the comfort, taking the weight off your shoulders. They also have zipper pockets on each hip belt to hold keys and quick snacks.
CamelBak LUXE Storage
I took the LUXE Hydration Pack out on a cool, rainy day and was amazed by the storage capacity of the pack. I was able to bring and store all my extra layers and gear.
There are 3 zippered compartments: the largest, that holds the reservoir at the bottom with extra space to spare, the middle pocket, with a zippered mesh compartment and tool roll, and the front microfleece-lined pocket that fits an iPhone 7 or sunglasses. The two larger compartments unzip the whole length of the pack, making it extremely easy to load and unload your gear.
MagneticTubeTrap was helpful, but not completely necessary for the pack. This feature allows you to “clip” your tube back down to the strap. It was helpful during the bumpy downhill, but I did not notice a difference of my tube having much movement on the uphill.
The pack also comes with a compact rain cover for unexpected rain showers. Additionally, there is a stretch front compartment for throwing in a pair of sandals or a shell. I often find that these daypacks don’t have enough small object storage, and this pack is the outlier.
CamelBak LUXE LR 14 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 20% more water per sip
- Adjustable load-bearing hip belts
- Compact rain cover included
Cons:
- May not have enough small object storage
- Magnetic TubeTrap feature is not essential
Overall Impression
The CamelBak LUXE Women’s Mountain Biking Pack pack has raised the bar for reservoir day-packs. With the excess of storage space and comfortable design, this will certainly be my pack of choice for not only mountain biking but also a hiking daypack.
RELATED TETON TESTED Running Vest & Hydration
Great review! I’ve been considering the CamelBak LUXE for my upcoming hikes, and your insights on its features and comfort really helped clarify things for me. Appreciate the detailed analysis!
Alan,
Agreed one of the better all around mtb hydration solutions.
-Mike
Great review! I’ve been looking for a reliable hydration pack for my hikes, and the CamelBak LUXE seems like a perfect fit. Your insights on the comfort and storage capacity are super helpful. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Allan,
Thanks for the comment, yeah the LUXE line from CamelBak have been some of our favorite packs for years. The fit, especially for women is spot on!
-Mike