The Camelbak Magic - Large Hydration Packs for Women

When it comes to hydration packs designed specifically for women, most of the models available on the market are smaller and meant for shorter duration activities. However, as mountain biking in particular has grown in popularity, it has done so with women as well, resulting in the need for a larger hydration pack – two litres or more

When it comes to hydration packs designed specifically for women, most of the models available on the market are smaller and meant for shorter duration activities. However, as mountain biking in particular has grown in popularity, it has done so with women as well, resulting in the need for a larger hydration pack – two litres or more – that also includes many of the unique modifications that are designed to work better with the size and shape of a woman’s body. Camelbak, as the industry leader in hydration packs, has addressed this need with the Camlebak Magic™ pack.

The Camelbak Magic™ integrates the popular features of its other women-specific packs with those designed specifically for mountain bikers, to present the ultimate large hydration pack for women mountain bikers. Not only does the Camelback Magic™ carry 2.1 litres of water, it also includes 3.3 litres of cargo space, making it one of the largest women-specific hydration packs on the market. The pack is easily large enough to carry most of the equipment needed for serious mountain biking: food, patch kit, pump, spare tube, tools, and other essential gear and equipment.

The women-specific elements of the pack largely relate to the moulded foam shape and the position of the straps. For example, the sternum strap on the Magic™ is located considerable higher than would be appropriate on a pack for men, in order to take into account the significant differences in men’s and women’s chests. The vertical length of the pack is shorter and the foot print (the portion of the pack in direct contact with the back) is also smaller, taking into account generally smaller torso sizes. The basic harness is also designed to both narrower and curved in a way that works better with a woman’s shape than a man’s. One aspect of the woman-specific system that has come in for a little criticism is the addition of Velvetex lining to the harness and straps, which is designed to prevent chafing for softer skin. However, it has been pointed out that plenty of men have sensitive skin as well, and quite a few women have pretty tough skin, so this has been criticised as a “woman specific” addition.

The hydration system itself is the same basic OMEGA™ HydroTanium™ Reservoir and related hose and bite valve that is standard with most Camelbak liquid packs. In respect to the hydration, there are no significant differences and no real need to modify the system to make it female-specific. As Camelbak already has a number of other women’s packs that have been on the market longer, it is generally safe to say that most women – like men – have been happy with the basic Camelbak hydration system. The Magic™ also includes Camelbak’s popular insulated reservoir pocket which helps to keep liquid cool for considerably longer than would otherwise be the case.

While mountain biking remains a sport dominated by men, more and more women are getting involved all the time and this pack was designed specifically for those women out for serious trail riding. Camelbak, as always, has seen a market and addressed it much faster than the competition and most female mountain bikers will probably love the Magic™. To date, all the published reviews of the pack have been excellent and there is no reason to believe this will change.