Camelbak Hawg 20 with Recco Technology
Getting set for adventures
Tested and reviewed by Teo Sabina
With over 33 years of working in dynamic environments, being a Critical Incident Commander in policing, and a former climbing instructor, I have a rounded experience of unfortunate events in the mountains. Nobody plans for an issue to happen when you head for the hills. However, the nature of the unexpected is that you should always expect the unexpected – and plan for this. Safety is paramount and can easily become a faded concept, when nature and the elements are against you.
Camelbak and the new Hawg 20 backpack with Recco tech
That’s why we were really excited when our friends at Vitamina C in Turin asked us if we’d like to test out the new Camelbak mountain pack, which comes fitted with exciting new technologies. Yes. CamelBak’s New H.A.W.G. 20 offers outdoor adventure seekers, the World’s First MTB Pack with RECCO® Technology; the same tech used by mountain rescue teams to locate people who are either lost or injured – or both – in the mountains. From my experience, commanding serious mountain incidents, every second is vital; and so it was an obvious choice to ask our own mountain expert, Teo, if she would take on the challenge of testing the new Camelbak Hawg in the wild and remote Carpathian Mountains of Romania. WE wanted to see if this exciting new backpack for bikers and hikers, really could help to locate you in times of trouble… it’s over to Teo, then!
What is Recco tech
Recco Motto: RECCO® Technology makes you searchable by rescue professionals worldwide.
When you’re out there in the wild, enjoying the majestic beauty of the mountains, there’s always that little thought in the back of your mind about “what if?” What if an unexpected avalanche rolls through? Or while enjoying a fantastic hike in the mountains, a thick, swirling fog descends. One minute you can see the path clearly, the next, it’s like someone’s pulled a grey blanket over everything? Or what if you just get lost in a really tricky spot? That’s where RECCO technology steps in, like a quiet guardian angel.
Think of it this way: RECCO is like having a tiny, super-dependable friend stitched right into your jacket or gear. This little friend doesn’t need batteries or anything fancy; it just patiently waits. Then, if something goes wrong and rescuers are searching for you, they have this special device that sends out a signal. And guess what? Your little friend, that RECCO reflector, is designed to instantly bounce that signal right back to them. It’s like a silent “here I am!” shout, helping those amazing rescuers pinpoint exactly where you are, even when every second counts. It’s truly a brilliant bit of ingenuity that brings a lot of peace of mind to outdoor adventures.
What’s the new Hawg 20 like
The “new” CamelBak HAWG 20 (often specifically the HAWG Pro 20) is designed to be a workhorse for long days on the trails, especially for mountain biking, but it’s also very suitable for hiking and other outdoor activities where you need ample hydration and gear storage. It’s gotten some significant updates, focusing on comfort, organization, and durability.
One key feature that makes it stand out is the Air Support™ Pro Back Panel. It’s designed with “body mapping technology” to strategically ventilate the areas of your back that generate the most heat. It often features a curved, rigid plate with a mesh overlay that creates an air gap between your back and the pack, promoting airflow and reducing sweatiness, which makes it great especially during summer days! The shoulder straps are also made with a lightweight and breathable mesh, contributing to overall comfort and preventing hot spots.
The Camelbak HAWG 20 has comes with an ample storage and organization, with a 20L Capacity. There are also multiple compartments and pockets for organized storage.
Another great feature is its durable construction: Made with robust materials, often including recycled Cordura RE/COR fabric, for long-lasting performance in rugged conditions. It usually has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, though a separate rain cover might be recommended for heavy downpours.
There is also a variety of specific use features, such as Helmet Carry, Impact Protection Ready, E-Bike Battery Sleeve, RECCO® Technology. The new CamelBak HAWG 20 is a highly capable and well-thought-out hydration pack designed for adventurers who need substantial water capacity, organized gear storage, and high levels of comfort and breathability, especially for activities like mountain biking and day hiking. The addition of RECCO technology is a significant safety upgrade.
Testing time in the hills
Testing the CamelBak HAWG 20 in the Romanian hills gave me a fantastic real-world assessment of its capabilities.
Before getting to the hills, I filled it with what I’d actually carry on a typical day hike or mountain bike ride in the Romanian hills. Therefore, I made sure to full-fill the 3L Crux reservoir, take some snacks, extra layers (rain jacket, fleece), a first aid kit and navigation tools (fully charged phone).
Right at the start, I spent some time adjusting all the straps – shoulder straps, sternum strap, and especially the hip belt. The HAWG Pro 20 often has a very effective hip belt designed to take the majority of the weight. I ensured it sit comfortably over my iliac crests (hip bones). I also cinched the load lifters (straps connecting the top of the shoulder straps to the top of the pack) to bring the pack closer to my body, ideally forming a 45-degree angle.
As I started the climb, I paid close attention to the Air Support™ Pro Back Panel. It genuinely reduced sweat buildup on my back and I really felt the air circulating through the “body-mapped” channels. On steeper climbs, the pack stayed put and felt stable, with the weight distributed to my hips. Considering the hydration access, I could easily grab the bite valve, take a sip, and re-secure it with the magnetic tube trap without breaking my stride or looking down. On rocky, rootsy, or loose downhill sections common in the Romanian hills, the pack shift independently of my body. The hip belt and compression straps kept it securely in place, preventing it from throwing me off balance.
Also, I could easily access snacks from the hip belt pockets or a phone from a side pocket without having to stop and take the pack off. I took a moment to test the RECCO Reflector with a specialized detector, as it provides a background sense of security, especially if you’re in a more remote area of the Romanian hills where conditions can change rapidly, as Fagaras Mountains are. It went really well and quick, which is perfect for a search in the mountain hills.
Final thoughts
The CamelBak HAWG 20 sounds like a truly impressive backpack, especially for the active outdoor enthusiast in Romania. My final thoughts are overwhelmingly positive.
Overall, the CamelBak HAWG 20 appears to be a top-tier choice for serious mountain bikers and hikers. The focus on the Air Support™ Pro Back Panel and 3D Vent Mesh Harness suggests that CamelBak has prioritized long-haul comfort and breathability. This is incredibly important in the varied and often strenuous terrain of the Romanian hills, where ascents can lead to significant sweating. Good ventilation means less discomfort and a lower risk of chilling.
The thoughtful organization, including hip belt pockets, internal tool roll, and potentially an e-bike battery sleeve, shows it’s designed by people who understand the needs of outdoor users. The use of recycled Cordura RE/COR fabric signals a commitment to both robustness and sustainability, which is always a welcome combination..
The inclusion of RECCO technology on the CamelBak HAWG 20 is a significant and commendable step forward for outdoor safety, particularly for a mountain biking pack. The beauty of RECCO is its simplicity and reliability. It’s a passive reflector, meaning it requires no batteries, no charging, no activation, and no maintenance. You literally put on your backpack, and you’re immediately more “searchable” to professional rescue teams. This is a crucial advantage, especially if you’re injured, disoriented by fog (as discussed!), or in an emergency where traditional electronic devices might fail or be forgotten. Knowing that your backpack has this integrated technology provides an invaluable layer of peace of mind. While you hope to never need it, it’s a silent assurance that if the worst happens, professional rescuers have an enhanced tool to help locate you. This is especially pertinent for those venturing into more remote or challenging parts of the Romanian wilderness.
Therefore, the CamelBak HAWG 20 appears to be an exceptionally well-designed and feature-rich backpack for serious outdoor pursuits. Its core functionalities – comfort, hydration, and organization – are clearly well-executed. However, it’s the integration of the RECCO system that truly elevates this pack, offering a cutting-edge, passive safety measure that could genuinely make a difference in a critical situation. It’s a smart investment for anyone who values both performance and an enhanced safety margin in their outdoor adventures in Romania and beyond.
Image courtesy of www.bormio.eu/en
