CamelBak Powderhound 12 Snow Hydration Pack

Bought this for a week ski trip to Park City as there’s no free bag storage at base lodges and wanted to carry my lunch, snacks and water to avoid exorbitant prices in the lodges. Even with the weight of a liter of water in the bladder I barely noticed I was skiing with a pack. It’s slim enough that I didn’t need to swing it around my front for every lift ride (though if I had it would have been easy to do so thanks to the quick release shoulder strap). All external straps / buckles easily tuck away so there’s nothing to get snagged on a lift chair. Bonus for including a 2L reservoir (most or all similar priced packs don’t include it). The only issue I experienced a few times was water freezing in the bite value - even if you blow water back up the tube after drinking there will always be some that lingers and can freeze. Can’t hold that against Camelbak as it’s just physics. If the bite valve does freeze up. Don’t bite hard trying to break up the ice block as you may tear the bite valve - just take it inside to thaw. Highly recommend for snow sports and especially for chair lift rides. Learned my lesson on this couple years ago when wore my hiking / biking pack on a lift and one of the many external straps snagged while trying disembark. PS - Camelbak service is the best. They really stand by the “Got Your Bak” lifetime guarantee. I just replaced the chest strap on my nearly 15 year old HAWG pack for free!

Shoulder chest and stomach straps are all excellent and easy to use with gloves. Of course not a drop leaks as it’s a camelbak. Insulation water bladder and drink tube keep it nice and cold. Easy to fill and close too. Stash pocket is great for go pro batteries. Worth every dollar.

I purchased this item to stay better hydrated when I take long walks or hikes. I am really bad at remembering to bring water with me during my outings. I don't particularly want to carry a water bottle around with me. This solves that problem for me. The bag is convenient to use, no leaks from pouch, plenty of room to hold extra layers, snacks, a book, and electronic devices. The external side zipper compartment is convent for keys, wallet, etc. anything I want to keep handy. Inside zipper compartments holds more small items so they don't get lost in larger compartment area. It is described as being suited for snowy conditions which I haven't been able to test yet (purchased in the summer). I wanted a good all around versatile backpack and it has certainly done that for me. I wasn't fond of the color (blue mist) but I purchased it anyway because it was such a great deal. Although, now I have grown to like the color. I use this backpack every day and it has held up very well. I fill the pouch with half water and half ice cubes to the fill line. The water stays cool for a lengthy period of time. I even purchased another one for a loved one as a gift.

Perfect size for in bounds skiing and great quality for downhill skiing. Has just enough room if you need to store a lightweight coat or sweater if you need to adjust your layering or extra pair of gloves, etc. Skied in March, so it wasn't super cold but the frost protected tube worked great and very pleased. Good quality seems like it will last a while. Reservoir seems like just the right size for a day of skiing. Bite nozzle ensures no accidental leakage.

perfect for skiing with the insulated pipe

Likes: - low profile for chair lift - straps tuck away, but top strap is difficult - comes with water pouch - zipper pouch for tube and bite valve to prevent freezing - waist belt could be removed - inside top pocket for goggles or snacks Dislikes: - material and colors - felt a little tall/ long - quick stash pocket not really useful. Looking for the perfect ski lift daypack. This pack has a lot of great features! Just not sure I can personally get onboard with the odd pleather/ neoprene feel of the material. I would expect material more in line with ski jackets and pants for durability. Toss up between this and Gregory Verte 12. Tried Dakine Heli 12, but large miss for no water tube/bite valve protection. Overall camelbak was the best valve for features.

Finally got to use this on a recent ski trip & it was flawless. Lots of room to store extra layers, some clogs to change in to after my ski boots, snacks & more. Wish I got this sooner!

Perfect size (5’3” female), works well, looks great. Used while skiing and hiking, very comfortable

Got this for my son he uses it regularly! Works well when he goes skiing or hiking

Great quality. Ordered from Amazon because this product wasn’t available from the UK camelbak website. Good size, can tell it’s made from quality material, lots of straps and simplicity.

Really liked the fit and storage capabilities/capacity of this bag. Fits close to the body for skiing and sitting on a chairlift. Three (and a half) stars is for the fact the water hose/straw still froze on the bag when skiing in 2°C temperatures, despite insulation.

Great for the snow does the job holds a good amount of things for the day while not being too bulky

Great pack for skiing. Enough space for snacks, sunscreen, sunnies etc. Loops to quick release straps are great for lifts though lefties beware only the right hand release is “high vis” white. You’ll have to look for the black one. Camelback hydration system is very good and well implemented in this pack which dies sag under the weight of a full bladder. Not sure about the ski carrying system. Haven’t had occasion to use it.