TFS Review: Camelbak Octane 8+ Hydration Pack
Posted September 27th, 2007 at 7:45 PM by Paul Petersen
Section: Gear & Apparel, Miscellaneous, Nutrition, Hydration, Product Reviews, Special Features, TFS Reviews
It seems that in the world of hydration systems, there is always give-and-take and compromise. The small, light packs may not carry enough water. The bottle-based belt systems require use of hands and often make you stop in your activity during use. The hands-free, bladder-based systems tend to bounce around too much and cause discomfort.
Personally, I tend to gravitate toward the bladder-based hydration systems, such as those made by Camelbak or Ultimate Direction, because I can use them in full stride during my runs. I hate having to stop, pull out a bottle, and then put it back before resuming my run. However, all of the bladder-based hydration systems I had used in the past tended to have a heavy weight, poor center of gravity, and a tendency bounce around. Over the duration of a long road or trail run, this not only proves to be annoying, but can also cause chaffing, discomfort, and alteration of my stride.
This past month I have had the pleasure of testing the Camelbak Octane 8+ hydration pack. The Octane 8 is specially designed for fast-paced outdoor endurance activities, such as speed hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Its 70 oz (2.1-liter) bladder holds enough liquid for 2-4 hours of rigorous activity. In addition to this large water storage, the pack can also hold 781 cubic inches (12.8 liters) of extra cargo - food, clothing, emergency gear, etc. This roomy main cargo compartment is complemented by two waist belt pockets, an outer stretch mesh pocket, a small outside zip stash pocket, and a lashing system. Wow!
There was no question that the Octane 8 has plenty of water and cargo storage capacity for even my most punishing trail runs. However, what I wanted to know was: is it comfortable? Is this storage an asset or a burden?
I tested the pack for several extended sessions:
- A 16-mile trail run (2 hrs, 30 minutes)
- A 17-mile trail run (2 hrs, 45 minutes)
- A 185-mile overnight team relay race (19 hrs, non-continuous)
- A 27-mile ultra trail race (5 hrs, 30 minutes)
I was immediately pleased with how compact and evenly-distributed the Octane 8 felt when I put it on. My fears of the pack bouncing and sloshing were immediately abated during my first trail run. The waist and sternum belts kept the pack securely and comfortably strapped to my body. Rather than jiggling all over the place, the Octane 8 felt like it was part of my own body. I barely noticed that I was carrying over 4 lbs of water (plus the weight of the pack itself), and my stride was not affected at all.
The mesh shoulder straps were not only easily adjustable (including the option to choose which shoulder to feed the reservoir tube through), but was also extraordinarily comfortable. I experienced no chaffing, even during my 5+ hour trail ultra race.
I found the rear access to the water reservoir to be very easy to access, and to be a much better design than the older Camelbaks I had used over the years. The tube itself delivered plenty of water, thanks to the Big Bite valve. The valve spots a HydroLock feature to shut off water flow and eliminate dripping.
I enjoyed using the Octane 8 for running…but it can serve for much more. During my overnight team relay race, I used it in the van simply to store my water and clothing during the long driving segments. I was impressed by how much clothing and food I could fit into the large main compartment. The side compartments were perfect places to store my wallet, keys, phone, and/or camera for easy access. And I always had enough water available to rehydrate after my relay legs!
The “grand finale” of testing came during a 27-mile trail race. With the late-June temperatures soaring into the lower 90s by the end of the race, and with total elevation gain/loss of over 7000ft, it was essential for me to be able to carry plenty water but not be burdened by extra bulk.
The Octane 8 did great in this situation, allowing me to drink as much as I wanted while remain on the move, and I had to stop and fill up at an aid station only once. Again, the pack caused no chaffing or discomfort, despite over 5 hours of continuous use. I loved having the belt pockets: I stored Gu in one pocket, and my camera in the other. I had convenient, fast access to both.
The Camelbak Octane 8 provides big storage and big comfort…at a big price: $80. However, if you engage in long trail runs, hikes, or other outdoor adventures, I believe it to be worth the money. It is now my pack of choice for 2hr+ trail runs.
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: adventure racing, camelbak, camelbak octane 8, hiking, hydration, hydration pack, octane 8, product review, review, TFS review, trail running
Like what you see? Subscribe to our feed!
The Final Sprint
[…] Read the full review at The Final Sprint! […]
September 21st, 2007 at 5:27 pm[…] It seems that in the world of hydration systems, there is always give-and-take and compromise. The small, light packs may not carry enough water. The bottle-based belt systems require use … . This roomy main cargo compartment is complemented by two waist belt pockets, an outer stretch mesh source: TFS Review: Camelbak Octane 8 Hydration Pack, The Final Sprint (TFS) | The Internets Premier R… […]
October 15th, 2007 at 10:29 pm