This is an ultra efficient hydration pack. It’s a small and sleek pack perfect for a road cycling, mountain biking or even short hiking adventure. I had been itching to try out the new CamelBak Rogue Light 70 ounce since I saw it at Big Gear Show in early August. This past weekend I gear tested it on a 4.3-mile hike on Shrine Ridge Trail off of I-70 on Vail Pass, Colorado.

Pack Stats: $75, pack weighs 8 ounces, 2 liter (70 oz) hydration bladder, comes in 5 colors (mine is dragonfly teal/mineral blue), women’s and men’s versions

Right off the bat you feel the lightweight and durablability of the pack. I love the color I got and that the pack is women’s specific. There’s also a men’s version available. As it warmed up during my hike I noticed my back wasn’t as sweaty as it normally gets. That probably has to do with CamelBak’s Air Support™ Light Back Panel with body mapping technology. I really like being able to clip the drinking tube to shoulder strap. The adjustable sternum strap helps take some weight off shoulders. If you’re a biker you can attached a light where it says Rogue. You can also attach your helmet to the pack handle when off your bike. Really like how they added cycling specific gear needs without being obvious.

I love CamelBak’s CRUX design for their hydration reservoirs. The big mouth opening allows for easy filling, including ice, and easy cleaning. I filled mine with the reservoir still in the pack. It’s really easy to sip water through bite value and I really love the easy switch to open and close the valve. Inside the pack’s main compartment, there’s a loop to connect the reservoir to so it doesn’t bunch up as you drink water.

Even though the 70L reservoir takes up most of the room in this pack, I still felt like I had plenty of room. The front zippered pocket has a clip for keys. I used that pocket for hiking snacks and out my keys, ID and credit card in the zipper pocket inside the main compartment. Guess I wanted the zipper pocket inside another zipper pocket. The stretch overflow pocket is great to stash your rain jacket or if you need to shed a layer.

If you’re looking to be a minimalist on the trail this is a great pack for you. I had switched to a waist belt with water bottles for hikes less than 5 miles. This pack made me a fan again of a backpack for short hikes. Plus it will be great for travel, especially road trips where I make stops to do multiple short hikes in a day. It gets a thumbs up from me!

Jennifer Broome is an avid hiker. She’s alway testing out gear and products for the outdoors and travel. Check out the Go Gear section for more. If you’re interested in the hike, read post on Shrine Ridge Trail hike.