Comments about Camelbak Hoss Pack:

I can not tell you how many times I have been wading in chest deep water with this pack still on my back because I know it would never get my internal things wet. This is an awesome pack. Used it more than 100 times in 100+ temps. Had mine for serval years and plan to have it several more.

Comments about Camelbak Hoss Pack:

This pack is awesome. I mainly use it for daily use (going to school/work) and skiing. The bladder holds a ton of water, I have never actually had it run out on me during a hike or day on the slopes, even without filling it all the way up. It has a sleek design but can hold a lot, whenever I take it skiing or hiking I can easily pack gloves, mask, snacks and a lunch, sunscreen, extra jackets, with room to spare for my ski jacket or anything else. It's extremely comfortable as well-the ventilation system is great and it also feels like you're carrying a fraction of the weight in the pack.

Comments about Camelbak Hoss Pack:

A little larger than I expected, but the cooling system makes it well worth it.

Comments about Camelbak Hoss Pack:

Great dimension and bags distribution, Poor weight. Extremely heavy and that limits the extension of the hike/ride

Comments about Camelbak Hoss Pack:

I bought this to do a 27 km ride to a fishing spot were I was staying overnight for two nights.
The back ventilation is not a gimmick, it actually works. There is a decent amount of room in this pack and the side straps allow you to strap some extras to the pack if you don't have enough room in it. The front pocket has some nice little pockets and straps inside of it for pumps, tools, etc... The main pocket is more or less water proof which is a nice bonus (I had the pleasure of testing this as a result of a river crossing mishap).

The main pocket has a "roll-down" type closure which only opens the top of the pack. While it does it's job it is kind of annoying to open an close if you need to to on a regular basis through out the trip. This is certainly not a deal breaker though.

I also find the hose to the water bag to be a little on the short side. Also not a deal breaker .

Comments about Camelbak Hoss Pack:

After considering a smaller pack, I decided to go with the H.O.S.S, and I'm glad I did. It can handle everything I need for a long or short ride, with room for more. The 3L bladder is great, and the insulated compartment keeps water cold for a long time. I use this pack daily, and have no complaints whatsoever.

Perhaps an underutilized bonus of this pack: not just for hydration, but intoxication too...Just add your favorite adult beverage, strap on the Camelbak, and no need to worry about where you left your drink. Sure beats the beer can helmet.

Comments about Camelbak Hoss Pack:

I just used this thing to hike Mt. Whitney in one day. It was perfect. I packed a full bladder, 3 liter bottles of water, a gallon ziplock with warm clothes, a windbreaker, camera, phone, batteries, minor's light, enough food for two people, and a small bottle of JD to celebrate at the summit. Worked better than I expected.

Comments about Camelbak Hoss Pack:

Got this on sale and thought it was a good deal. It was until I started hitting the technical trails with it. Within a half dozen rides two clips and one zipper tab were broken. It fits the back good and has some good features, but not rugged enough for anyone riding anything too technical or that riskes overhanging tree branches etc. This pack is not very rugged. Best suited for day rides on easy wide trails and so on.

Comments about Camelbak Hoss Pack:

This thing is great. I use it for long day trips riding and walking. The back sweat reducer is pretty intense. It spaces the hole bag off from your back by an inch using mesh. This bag is large you can't strap as much to the outside of it as you can with the smaller packs though.

Comments about Camelbak Hoss Pack:

Bought this pack for day long rides. For carrying a jacket, lunch, tools etc and it will definitely do that. Excellent build quality and it rides on your back like a much smaller pack with good ventilation.
Few minor complaints. Be nice if the pack opened up all the way like some competitors and a detachable bladder would be handy. On that topic, the opening at the top for the bladder is a bit small.
A pump specific pocket etc would have been a nice bonus too. Otherwise a good utility pack for both mtb and hiking.