3.3 Litres storage / Omega II 3-Litre reservoir / Lockable Bite Valve / Black, orange or coyote/ Contact: Zyro 01845 521700 www.zyro.co.uk

Redesigned for 2007, the new Lobo features a three-litre reservoir and an extra litre of storage. It also gets a new slider sternum strap, which works in a similar way to a zip-bag. It’s much easier to adjust than the old system and cleaner looking. Underneath the upper flap is the reservoir pocket making refills quick and hassle free. Dual-sided hose routing means you can dress to the left or right. The hose also comes fitted with an excellent Bite Valve and closable Ergo HydroLock as standard.
Like most Camelbaks, the Lobo has an Air Director back panel with six raised cells to keep air circulating but the problem is when the reservoir is fully loaded it doesn’t stay flat and becomes an uncomfortable concave shape. The Lobo is also a narrow pack and while some riders prefer this — it’s cooler and lower profile — we feel a wider pack distributes the load evenly and is more stable.
For generally trail riding we’d opt for one of Camelbak’s bigger packs but the Lobo is a great pack for short rides, when you don’t need to carry a range of tools and spares, or longer enduro events where you’re trying to travel light. All the features add £5 to the price but the Lobo is still a good value hydration system.

MBR rating: 8/10