camelbak

powderhound and snoblast

THESE HYDRATION DAYPACKS FROM CAMELBAK WERE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED WITH WINTER WEATHER IN MIND

Winter wilderness outings are some of the best fun you and the family can have, but a winter adventure comes with its specific challenges and the need for additional planning and preparation, too. Beyond the obvious need for proper apparel that will keep everyone warm and dry and the basics like a first aid kit, water, and plenty of snacks, your gear needs change during winter hikes, ski trips, mountain treks, and more.

We’ll not dive deep into the crampons and ice axes and snowshoes and avalanche probes of it all right now, but what we are going to go deep on is a piece of gear that’s essential for any outing: the pack on your back. Because while you always need good backpack for any sort of outdoor adventure that will last more than an hour or so and that will bring you anywhere beyond the immediate reach of help, having the right backpack for a winter weather expedition means more than just having a pack that can hold water and some supplies — it means having a pack suited to the more trying conditions of the season.

And the new Powderhound and SnoBlast hydration packs from CamelBak are very much suited to wintery conditions. Why so? Because they were literally made to be.

powderhound

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There are a lot of similarities between CamelBak’s Powderhound and SnoBlast packs, so first let’s cover the few differences. The Powderhound offers 12 liters of storage capacity, while the SnoBlast has 20 liters of space. So the former is ideal for multi-hour hikes, snowshoe treks, and ski or snowboard afternoons, while the latter could serve for an all-day or adventures or even as an overnight pack, provided your lodging and bedding were otherwise accounted for. And while the Powderhound’s main compartment can only be accessed by one zipper (albeit a zipper offering lots of access), the larger SnoBlast allows for top access or to fully unzip the main storage area.

Snoblast

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Right. Now, let’s talk about the characteristics these winter-ready packs have in common. 


Both of CamelBak’s new packs accommodate an included two-liter water bladder, and that reservoir is stored separately from the rest of your gear in an insulated pocket that helps prevent your water from freezing. The drinking tube itself is also insulated, which is a clever touch. Both packs feature a proprietary Snow Shield™ technology that helps repel snow, sleet, or rain. Both can have a pair of skis slung on the back. The Powderhound has a single side pouch for easy access to smaller pieces of gear (or snacks) while the SnoBlast has two smaller compartments including one at the top of the pack. 

And of course both packs have straps that are easily adjusted for a snug but comfortable fit, a must as you trek, snowshoe, ski, or do whatever else it is you love doing out there in the winter.

Photos c/o camelbak