With its unusual 2-litre lumbar reservoir that wraps around your lower back, the Charge LR feels more like a bumbag than a full-on hydration pack.
Because the bladder sits at the bottom, the main section is slender even when loaded. It’s crammed with compartments and straps, including a fleece lined phone pocket and a stretchy external pouch that’s ideal for stowing a jacket in.
The fit is excellent and the adjustable sternum strap is perfectly positioned. We’d prefer the waist strap to be a little wider, but the pack barely moves on your back. The stretchy weatherproof material means it can also hold a lot more than its 10-litre stated volume would lead you to believe too.
The hip pockets are the icing on the cake – they’re big enough to load with energy bars and tools, and are easy to access without removing the pack.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
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