My 25″ MSRs stowed in the H.A.W.G.’s compression straps.
The CamelBak Mil Tac H.A.W.G. is the newest model from the Maximum Gear Military & Tactical line of products. That means the pack is going to be a little heavier and a bit more expensive than the comparable model from the company’s civilian line of products. Why should you consider going with more weight and higher price? Because of the durability. The 500 denier Cordura fabric used in the construction of the pack will stand up to crampons and ice that would do a slimmer, less costly pack in.
Side view, w/ hydration hose run from bottom left port.
As most users will be wearing it with body armor, the H.A.W.G. is light on suspension. But the foam sewn into the hydration compartment for insulation does provide structure when the pack is worn in combination with a filled reservoir. The included 100-ounce Antidote bladder includes an internal baffle designed to lessen sagging and sloshing. The hydration tube is covered with a generous neoprene sleeve and the mouthpiece is protected by a plastic cover. These features do a great service to the cold weather user. You would still be advised to “blow back” the contents of the tube in frigid temps, but the insulation will at least provide you with the opportunity to do so! In addition, the mouthpiece cover is a sanitary feature that all reservoir systems should employ, in my opinion (RN’s son speaking here!).
Internal compartment with hang loops.
The internal compartment is undifferentiated, but offers the potential of suspending multiple pockets or pouches via the inclusion of three loops.
H.A.W.G. admin set-up.
In front of the internal compartment is another deep compartment backed by several organizational pockets. A fob is included for your keys, pens and pencils are accommodated, and a hook-and-loop secured shock cord loop keeps your GPS unit in place should you end up taking an inadvertent (or intentional!) tumble.
Front pocket.
A simple half-length pocket is accessed from the front of the pack. The inclusion of a couple of items in this pocket eases the opening of the clamshell pocket behind it.
Grommets and bottom loops.
The hydration pocket as well as both clamshell gear compartments are all drained via the inclusion of a grommet. This feature will be much appreciated by everyone who has ended up carrying a few extra pounds for the rest of the day after having their pack soaked. The four bottom loops provide lashing points for items such as a puffy layer or ground pad. I would recommend staying light with underneath cargo, however, given the limited structure of the pack.
PALS webbing.
The front of the H.A.W.G. includes a loop segment to marry with a hook-backed patch should the user so choose, and is covered with the webbing system known as PALS. The webbing allows for the extension of the pack’s 25L capacity via the attachment of a variety of accessory pouches and panels.
The H.A.W.G. makes for a nice winter daypack for winter snowshoe outings. Let me emphasize that it is definitely a daypack; while it can fit a stove, food, puffy layer, etc. to hunker down for an unintended night out, those venturing into the Presidentials or planning an overnight should start their trek with a larger pack.
But with that caveat in mind, let me say that I find this a nice pack, indeed. The 500 denier Cordura is tough without being as heavy or unyielding as 1000 denier Cordura. The dimensions of the H.A.W.G. are also to my liking. The pack is not designed to ride higher, per se, but the 16.5-inch length works for my stubby torso, and the foam segment sewn into the bottom back snugs nicely into my deep lumbar curve. The pack includes an easy to remove webbing belt meant for stability more than for pulling weight into the wearer’s hips.
The Mil Tac H.A.W.G. is priced at $172.50 on the CamelBak website, but a little patience and shopping around should turn up one at a lower price.
