H.A.W.G. gets a makeover

Getting better with age...

The Camelbak H.A.W.G. load carrying hydration system has been around.
It went through several improvements and its latest incarnation is something that I would say -- is the best around.

Performance factor

Well, first of all, you don't get many Camelbak tactical hydration packs lying around and on the shelves.
The HAWG 500 is priced around RM300.
Built quality and materials used on this hydration pack is pretty decent.
If you can be satisfied with the Philippine-made quality, which is a notch higher than many packs that are made in Vietnam, I'd say that you will have something that you can use and abuse.
The typical service life of a tactical hydration pack is between 3 - 5 years depending on the level of wear and tear.

The Camelbak HAWG 500

It has a cargo volume of 26L and is enough to pack in some daily-carry stuff.
On the EDC (Every Day Carry) load, I would haul my work essentials including some edged tools with the pack.
What I like, are the separate compartments on the pack that allows me to organize my gear.
And as a daypack, its enough to haul a change of clothes for an overnight stay.

Enter the Miltac HAWG

New and improved: the Miltac HAWG

The latest design incorporates three more cubic litres of storage space for your cargo.
Its front pocket is now higher.
That is the noticeable difference between the HAWG 500 and the Miltac HAWG.
I see a lot of potential on this pack and for those who do not want to spend a bomb, the HAWG is the obvious choice..

Camelbak HAWG 500

Breaking-in the Camelbak HAWG 500

I picked up a Camelbak HAWG 500 from Keong of Outdoor Gear Malaysia last week and have been breaking-in the pack ever since.
This is a 'nice-sized' pack with 20 cubic litres of real estate space to store all my junk. In short, its a tactical school bag.
There were a few factors on why I wanted another hydration pack. 
First, its rotation carry.
My experience with the Camelbak Octane 24 pack convinced me about Camelbak's quality.
Their tactical hydration bladder: called the waterbeast, is second-to-none.
As a matter of fact, I've been eyeing this for a long time, just never got around getting it.
The bladder was actually for my Kifaru Scout.
So, quality-wise, how did the HAWG 500 fare? 

Overall built and construction
To sell this pack for active servicemen in the US, all suppliers are required to produce them in the USA. 
So, are we assured of the top-notched Uncle SAM's quality? 
I used my Kifaru Scout as a benchmark and compared side-by-side, the HAWG is nowhere near. Not even close to my S.O.Tech mission Go-Bag.
But, for the price-point, one cannot fault Camelbak's effort in making it affordable by 'assembling' it in the US with parts made in foreign countries.
The cargo space is adequate to pack some of my daily-carry stuff.
What I totally dislike: is the zip pulls.
Instead of the high-quality 550 paracord, Camelbak uses some cheap foliage green nylon cord. This can be easily rectified.
I find that the 'Hydrate or Die' slogan printed on the pack's padded back a bit cheesy.


Conclusion
The HAWG would make a good daypack if you are a light traveler.
Its actual purpose is to house small arms munition and light ordnance like a fragmentation grenade or smoke bomb.
Some of the compartments like a stationary field organizer is way below par compared to established tactical nylon makers in the US.
I have no grouse with the bladder as it is top-notched in terms of quality.
And this is certainly not my first tactical hydration bladder since I have owned and evaluated the MULE back in the years..

Camelbak Octane series hydration packs

The Camelback Octane Scudo

The Camelbak Octane series hydration packs are perhaps the best there is.
I scored an Octane 24 last year to haul my gear. 
In it, I am able to pack 3-litres of drinking water. 
Later, I retro-fitted the pack with an insulated hose and a flow meter.
With a cargo space of 27-litres, the Octane 24 can be used as a daypack.
I carry my first aid kit, bicycle tools, extra fuel bars and gels including my survival gear whenever I go for a ride with the pack.
When your life depends on it, you cannot stinge with a hydration pack.
I've met some people with 'high-powered' connection who also rode with me. 
Instead of getting the best money can buy, they prefer to use some cheap China-made crap.
I can't say much because its their prerogative. They spend their money whichever way they see fit.
Way I see it, spending top dollar on some crappy sleek road tires that bursts easily when hit by road debris, instead of investing on a good hydration pack, seems so wrong.
Even on lights, you can't depend on cheap stuff. 
Anyways, back on the Octane packs, the latest offering from Camelbak is the Octane Scudo. 
I doubt it very much that I would be able to see it here in Malaysia. But if there is a chance to check it out, it would be cool...

The big bite valve cover

Camelbak's big bit valve cover

I spent two agonising months in search of a Camelbak big bite valve cover for my Octane 24 hydration pack.
Went to nearly every bicycle shop in town including some outfitters in Singapore and came up empty-handed.
Then, something really unexpected happened.
I made a pit-stop at a bicycle shop in Putra Heights.
Noticed that they have a range of Camelbak stuff on sale and tried my luck by asking the counter person about the bite valve cover.
"Ah, yes, we have.. Like this one ah?," said the shop owner.
I was utterly speechless.
The discovery made my day. I grabbed the opportunity to snatch the valve cover as it was a vital component in my hydration pack.
Now, my quest is complete and I can rest easy till something else crops up.

Camelbak hydration packs



Camelbak's hydration bladder

When you are riding around the city, there's hardly time to pull over and sip a drink from your canteen.
This is where hydration packs with an internal bladder would come in handy.
I've been fascinated with Camelbak's range of Military-grade hydration bladders and found that they are small enough to be carried without obstructing your range of movement.
These packs are not cheap and most of the packs that are sold off the shelves are quite overpriced.
I saw a Camelbak MULE in safety orange which I am rather interested in for my future rides.
Another contender is Wingnut packs. They make some real kickass packs and are very rare around this region.