I have been testing the Fourteener™ 32 Hydration Hiking Pack 32L with 3L Reservoir. I went on a 10-day backpacking trip on the Camino de Santiago from Portugal up through Spain with this pack. It included hiking everyday – along the coast and in the interior, heat and rain, city navigation and the occasional train travel. Through it all I had the CamelBak Fourteener on my back.
I probably don’t need to give a background into the CamelBak brand, but I have been using CamelBak kit since 2002 when I bought my first hydration pack. They keep innovating and seeking to provide quality kit for those who want to push farther off the beaten path. Every single day I use one piece or another with the CamelBak name. Every single day! That is saying something.
Features of the Fourteener 32
- Air Support™ Max Back Panel – high tension suspension mesh means lower weight, increased airflow and a comfortable fit
- Ventilated Hip Belt with Cargo
- Adjustable Sternum Strap
- Trekking Pole Attachment
- Stretch Overflow Pocket
- Command Center Harness – mesh pocket on the shoulder strap
- Side Stretch Pocket
- Reflectivity
- Essentials Pocket
- BPA/BPS/BPF Free
- Material: Robic® recycled nylon 210D ripstop
- Weight: 1190g
- Dimensions: 55 x 32 x 26 cm
- Belt Fit Range: 28” – 46″
- Torso Fit Range: 17” – 21″
- Gear Capacity: 29L
- Hydration Capacity: 3 litres
- Price: Around £180 on Amazon
Pros: What’s good about the Fourteener 32?
What are the pros about this backpack which should merit a look for someone interested? First, the relief from a sweaty back. The mesh back allowed plenty of air to flow between the pack and my back. This was the most noticeable and appreciated benefit of this backpack.
Camelback’s use of mesh in other areas made a huge difference as well. For example, the spacious water bottle holders on each side are great to keep a bottle, mug, or snacks. The mesh overflow pocket means my rain jacket could get dumped in there after a downpour and not get everything else wet.
The size is great for the Camino, or someone going out for a few days of hiking. I am typically an ultralight hiker, so I had extra room to play with here.
However, for someone who is backpacking with a large sleeping bag, or sleeping pad, you might find this tight. You can get creative with the extra loops on the bottom to attach extras, but if you want everything inside, it would be a stretch.
The weight is great. You can find all manner of ultralight packs, but for a bag with a frame, hip belt and other straps and buckles, this pack is light.
CamelBak is known for hydration. The option to have bottles or bladder is great. Personally I nearly always go for bottles, but you have the option. Using the bladder dedicated pocket frees up space in the side pockets.
The pack also has loops and ties for adding in trekking poles, bits of kit and tucking in drying laundry.
Cons: What’s not so good about the Fourteener 32?
If I could add to the design, here is what I would ask for:
- Give me another internal divider. I like to keep some things separated for quick access.
- The hip pockets could be bigger as well as the command centre strap pocket on both straps instead of one. This a great place to stuff sunglasses, chapstick, earbuds, etc. Why not do both sides?
- Built in rain fly. It is going to rain, let’s be honest. Sew that into the bottom and everyone will be happy.
Conclusion
I used this pack on the Camino and it was a great size. I personally like to hike ultralight and so I had extra space to fill up with this pack. It held up well. It was comfortable. I would recommend it to someone who is looking for a light pack with good airflow, good hydration options, and customisable fit.
*I received this pack free of charge in exchange for an honest review.