CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack, 50oz

4.0 out of 5 stars

By Patrick - Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2018

Leaked horribly at first... then I figured out you gotta twist the cap tight. Really tight.

So I bought this to help with hydration while training for my first marathon. I have a Nathan water belt that couldn't carry enough water for the increasingly long training runs. Plus I didn't like how much it moved when I ran when I filled the bottles to the max. Felt heavy. During my first run with this pack, I was preparing the 1-star review in my mind. Right away the dribble of water down my back. Had to refill it twice during a 15-miler, and my socks were soaked by the end with that constant stream. Not fun. Convinced the reservoir was a pin-cushion, I started experimenting at the kitchen sink. No leaks until the water was high enough to come thru the seal around the screw-on cap. So then I tried to screw the cap on tight. The "so tight you have to muscle it a bit to get it open" type of tight. And then, no more leaks. I just hope the seal will last. With that behind me, I can now rate it objectively. The pros: - The 1.5L capacity is plenty of water for my long runs, once I stopped the leaking. I'm not a big guy but I sweat something fierce on hot days and it's gotten me thru an 18-miler with some to spare. - I LOVE the bite valve. Great for small regular sips and snaps into the holder easily. I never want to go back to a water bottle again. - Enough space for Gu packets or whatever on the mesh harness pocket. It will stretch enough to fit an iPhone, but there's no way a Plus would fit. Phone goes in the back anyway, now that I've got wireless headphones. - Pockets in the back for aforementioned phone and little extras. Don't plan on anything big, but keys, extra fuel, phone, etc. are fine. - Much less expensive than many other water packs. I had to take a small breath when hitting the purchase button, not a "I really shouldn't spend this money" breath. - Harness is comfortable for me. And they don't increase chafing, a big plus. - Very light, you know it's there but it feels much better than carrying weight on a belt.. General benefit of a backpack. The cons, all minor: - That stupid harness strap buckle keeps loosening up as others have mentioned. It doesn't really bother me as it's easy to find by feel and pull it tight, but for something this mundane not to work flawlessly? Come on. - Along the same lines, the fit changes as as the reservoir empties and the pack volume decreases. Again, a minor issue as it's easy to adjust, but I notice I end up hitching the pack higher on my back later in the run. - You will hear water sloshing around - I don't know how it wouldn't. But it doesn't bother me or affect my stride at all. Overall: Almost perfect as a "my first hydration backpack" for runners who have outgrown their water bottle capacity. I wish the reservoir cap would seal with less effort - o-ring longevity concern? - and that harness buckle that won't stay tight is just ridiculous. Minor flaws that keep it from earning 5 stars, but I would still buy it again if given the choice.

5.0 out of 5 stars

By lily rose black - Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2018

... am a petite woman and "running" backpacks usually look like giant turtle shells on me

I am a petite woman and "running" backpacks usually look like giant turtle shells on me. This one fits my tiny frame and stays on while I run without bouncing around too much. The straps are pretty wide and comfortable and the bag in general is lightweight. Love it!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars

By mh1975 - Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2019

Great for Mid- to Long-Runs

Took this out on my first long run (11 mi) and filled up about halfway. The pack fit well, and I was able to snug it easily as I was running. Three great pluses to this pack: lots of storage for energy. Soft and comfortable fit -- did not rub at all. By the end of my run (2 hours) I didn't even feel it. Finally, I did not have to worry about running out of water. Filled completely, it weighs about 7 pounds. Totally worth it, in my opinion, if I don't want to worry about running out. Definitely a plus! You have to be willing to run with a little extra weight, but for me, at least it's not sloshing around on my waist. When the water was completely used up, I didn't even pay any mind to the pack itself. Would recommend. One question I would have: I am a woman, and my chest measures 34B. Not sure how this would fit on someone with a bigger chest.

5.0 out of 5 stars

By Amazon Customer - Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2017

Spartan Beast

Wore this on a 13 mile Spartan Beast run and forgot I had it on. It tightens up well and hold more than enough water, especially when water points are every 2 miles. The pocket is big enough to put some energy packets in and maybe a protein bar. The water flow is good. Getting the bladder out can be a small pain but I'm sure its just something I need to do more to figure out.

5.0 out of 5 stars

By clay selvia - Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2018

then flip it over suck all the air out through the hose it doesn't ...

I bought this to run long distance and biking. I found that if I fill the bladder up all the way, it's too much sloshing going on but if I fill it up halfway, then flip it over suck all the air out through the hose it doesn't annoy me, I would buy it again I got a good deal on this one through Amazon warehouse deals.

4.0 out of 5 stars

By Sara - Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2019

Lightweight, stays in place

Used this for running, its lightweight, doesn’t bounce around and fits more on my shoulder blades/ upper back as opposed to my mid/lower back like others I have tried

5.0 out of 5 stars

By AmznLvr - Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2017

Great hydration pack!!!

I run a half marathon once a month. But usually my long runs are 8-11 miles once a week. Had a Nathan power shot which I held on the runs. Never enjoyed holding anything during the runs. This pack is perfect for me. It's small and you don't really notice it on your back. Holds plenty of water. Very comfortable. And about half the price of any other hydration pack I looked at buying. Big thumbs up.

5.0 out of 5 stars

By ashlyb - Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2018

Great for. So comfortable

I love it. It’s lightweight no matter how much water I put in. If you have a ton of stuff to carry, it might be a little small. In my opinion this is for running and not hiking. I can fit my phone, some gu, car key and a couple other small things. The bite on the hose is great. I have braces and had a hard time biting down on my last valve in my bigger Nathan pack. This one is very soft and flexible and you can get a ton of water out of it. There’s only one small pocket in front. It fits a gu or two.