When it comes to big game hunting, the importance of a quality backpack can’t be overstated. Long treks and changing terrain mean that your pack should be light and comfortable to carry. Changing temperatures and necessary gear mean that it should be spacious. The need for hydration on the move means that it is easier to have a water bladder than stopping to get out a bottle. Lastly, if it’s a hunting pack, it should probably be camo. Now, there can be a checkmark next to all of the above: Camelbak’s Trophy S backpack (along with two other styles of hunting packs) is sure to show up all the competition.
This is Camelbak’s first entrance into the hunting-specified market, and the Trophy S is definitely hunting specialized. Beginning with the outside, the open-forest camouflage pattern is sure to stay hidden in most areas. Another hunting specialized advancement is the Bow Carry system, allowing bow hunters to securely strap most compound bows into the back of the pack. As for a rifle, Camelbak has added a neat trick to let a rifle be clipped in without the hassle of the barrel sticking way up: Its “boot” fits around the butt of almost any rifle and lowers the height of it using adjustable straps. Furthermore, the Trophy S comes equipped with a detachable meat sleeve organizer for after a hunt. Overall, it is easy to see why its name is the Trophy S. With a durable and hunter-friendly pack like this, your odds of being successful can only go up.
On top of the hunting innovations, Camelbak has continued to modify the general backpack aspects in the Trophy S as well. First, the design of the bladder has changed from a tall slender pouch into a short, wider one—still capable of holding 3 liters. Additionally Camelbak has created a dual wing belt. The inner wings create a 360-degree compression around the person’s waist, while the outer wings pull the back of the pack closer to the person...there are also some easy access cargo zippers. The washboard foam in the shoulder straps adds to the comfort of the Trophy S, not to mention the smart placement of all adjustable straps so that they can be tightened or released while the pack is on.
These little tweaks make it easier to go out backpacking or hunting. Granted, every product has its flaws. The meat cover in the bottom is a little hard to get back inside the pouch, and, honestly, I would recommend simply carrying a rifle just over your shoulder so you have complete control over where it goes...what with delicate scopes and such. However, these flaws are minute when compared with the numerous beneficial advancements created in the Trophy S.
In the simplest terms, Camelbak entered the camo-loving community with a bang. Even with all the new add-ons and improvements, the Trophy S is only going to cost around $300. In testing this product, it became obvious to me that every dollar is worth the quality. The advancements with the Trophy S and Camelbak’s other new designs—from the durable yet light construction to the overall thoughtful and considerate placing of every strap and pouch—have only raised the bar as far as quality standards; meaning that once again, Camelbak shows how they are the best in the business.
