3.3 litres storage/Omega II 3l reservoir/Lockable Bite Valve/Black, orange or coyote
Contact: Zyro 01845 521700 or 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 it’s 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 lockable Bite Valve and closeable 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 general 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