Camelbak HAWG Military

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kscarter1825

Joined
Nov 28, 2006
Messages
68
I purchased this pack from Optics Planet about a month ago and it just came in the mail on Monday. I don't think I will be ordering from there again. But anyway, I made two quick videos about the pack's features because I couldn't find any vids online that let me see the whole pack, especially the military version. I'm going turkey hunting this weekend, so I'll get to use it soon, and I'll let you all know how it goes. Please excuse the crappy camera and the lack of production, I did both vids in one take.

Part 1

[video=youtube;8z-3WLgr71M]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z-3WLgr71M&feature=player_profilepage[/video]

Part 2

[video=youtube;JpjRUbxcSLY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpjRUbxcSLY&feature=player_profilepage[/video]

Hope you enjoy.
 
I have a HAWG from around 2004 or so. It is still in perfect working condition. I think you made a good choice. Now if only mine will finally break I can get a new one ;)
I have also had great customer service with Camelbak also for what it's worth.
 
Not to be a thread necromancer, but I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to do this. I was having the same troubles finding any kind of videos or pics of the inside organizers or any decent reviews at all.

Ordered one this morning.
 
Thanks for the review. I think I'm going to take the plunge and get a Camelbak. I already have gone through three hydration packs. On two, the hydration bladder leaked. On the third, a High Sierra, it was good for a couple of years, but the last trip I took water would not stop dripping out of the bite valve. REI has a sale going on this month on Camelbaks.
 
I'm glad you all have gotten some use out of the vids. I have used the pack since recording the videos and I have been impressed to say the least. The fit and finish is great and there are many well thought out features. I particular like the attached Velcro straps to the maintain the access webbing. I also like it's narrow design in the pack itself and the shoulder straps. When I have it on my back there is no obstruction with arm movement. The material it's made of feels bomb proof and it cleans very easily.

One thing I would like to do down the road is to get a stiff piece of plastic and cut it to the shape of the water bladder pocket and place it in the pocket right up against my back. I think this would improve the circulation features of the back pad and minimize bulging from the water bladder and main compartments.
 
I have one of these Hawgs, and I agree that it's a great bag. The only thing that keeps it from being the perfect EDC bag for me is the drain hole at the bottom of the main pouch. I guess I understand the reason for it, but having that opening in the bottom bothers me from the standpoint that it will allow water in as well as allowing drainage. I won't carry it for any sort of outdoor activities as a result, since I don't feel comfortable putting it down on the ground for fear of getting things inside wet.
 
street soldier said:
I have one of these Hawgs, and I agree that it's a great bag. The only thing that keeps it from being the perfect EDC bag for me is the drain hole at the bottom of the main pouch. I guess I understand the reason for it, but having that opening in the bottom bothers me from the standpoint that it will allow water in as well as allowing drainage. I won't carry it for any sort of outdoor activities as a result, since I don't feel comfortable putting it down on the ground for fear of getting things inside wet.
Click to expand...

Duct tape!

Bruceter
 
One of my favorite packs :thumbup: It really is a well made one, and I'll be picking up another soon to replace the one I sold off. I'm looking forward to trying out the HAWG 500 with the 500D.
 
I have a camelbak rebel, one of the smaller packs, would use it when I'd work outside in the summer sun. The bladder started to leak from the opening after about 2 years. I called and asked customer service for a replacement O ring and cap. They sent me a new bladder, hose, mouth piece cover, teh works. No charge. Why I love about Camelbak.
 
kscarter1825 said:
One thing I would like to do down the road is to get a stiff piece of plastic and cut it to the shape of the water bladder pocket and place it in the pocket right up against my back. I think this would improve the circulation features of the back pad and minimize bulging from the water bladder and main compartments.
Click to expand...
The 511 Rush packs already have that in place, as well as more features overall.
 
Awesome Review! :)

Thank you! I was looking for input on this particular bag since I didn't find much about it.
I currently use a BFM 500 and wanted a smaller pack for EDC. Currently contemplating on this, a linchpin, or an urban assault :)
 
I ordered mine from USCav... the only online dealer linked from the Camelbak site for the military gear.

Not the best communication... infact there has been none. No email confirming the order, no shipping notification, and no way to check order status on the website unless you registered an account when you checked out.

I called today to verify that the order went through. I had to sit on hold for probably 5 minutes before someone picked up, but they said it shipped on Monday and should be here Wednesday (tomorrow) based on the tracking info. Not bad since I purchased it on Sunday.
 
Showed up Wednesday as promised.

Got it all loaded up and organized for its first use next weekend. This is my first bladder packer... I have to say that this is extremely comfortable. Having all of that water weight centered on my spine definitely feels better than having it strapped to the sides of the pack or rolling around in the bottom.

Plenty of room for all of my dayhike gear and extra room for whatever food and clothes I want to stuff in the main compartment. The only thing I could wish for would be a few pockets/slots for organizing in the top and main compartments. I'm a little spoiled by Maxpedition, maybe, and their way of putting pockets/slots everywhere they can squeeze one in.

That's a small issue, though. Otherwise I like everything about this more than my Pygmy Falcon, so far. Wont know for sure until after it gets some use.
 
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