CamelBak TransAlp

This is the largest hydration system day pack that CamelBak makes. As you might expect, it is essentially a rucksack wrapped around a CamelBak hydration system bladder. As such, I'd say it leads this ever-growing segment of the market.

It is very feature-rich. The pocket closest to your back houses the hydration bladder in an insulated compartment. The hose emerges out from the top of this compartment through a hole and then comes out and can be clipped to your shoulder straps. There is actually room for another full bladder to be stored in this pocket if you are a two-bladder-per-day person.

The middle pocket is the main cargo area. It is a simple, top-loading affair with enough room for rain gear, fleece, mittens and socks.

Next is a smaller (again top-loading) pocket for a (slim) first aid kit, headlamp, maps, compass, etc.

Finally, there is a smaller front-loading pocket only large enough for energy bars, car keys, etc.

Finally, finally, there is elasticized mesh on the outside rear and sides of the pack that might fit a cycling helmet - but I find most useful for a windshirt; or even better, as a place to stow smelly sweaty shirts that I change out of. In the exposed mesh it gives them a nice place to air out.

The construction and materials seem quite good. The suspension is pretty decent for a rucksack—no frame to speak of...

This is an excellent day-hiking pack when you need to bring a bit more along with you than you could fit in one of the small hydration packs.

CamelBak TransAlp was the best ever—no other product had these features. I would buy it immediately if I could. Unfortunately I used my CamelBak TransAlp so often over 10 years, that I had to buy a new one—but there are no packs which are similar to that prefect pack.

Hopefully CamelBak makes a revival TransAlp!!

The best backpack for all kinds of sports and in the mountains.

I literally have nine hydration packs. The TransAlp was my first. I've been adventure racing with this pack for almost 10 years. Despite all the others I have (GoLite, Salomon, Mole, Blackburn...I've tried them all) I keep coming back to this one. It's my favorite for all lengths of races. I love it!!!

I love the TransAlp. I have used it as a schoolbag and a tavel bag. It works for anything, and it can comfortably haul any load I can put in it. The rain cover is an added bonus.