Designed to be stable and bounce-free thanks to a low profile, the Chase Adventure 8 hydration vest provides a significant amount of hydration carry with a minimal impact on your riding style. An iteration of the Camelbak hydration vests for long-distance runners, the Adventure 8 vest features carry slots in the front to carry items like gels, snacks, keys, and a phone, as well as soft water bottles, with the back offering storage for clothing, gear, and water.
As it sucks to run with stuff bouncing on your back, the running no-bounce vest concept took off, with an expanded range of offerings of various capacities. Starting with minimal soft flash carry plus a jacket to an expanded hydration bladder slot, Camelbak offers a range of options with models optimized for both running and cycling. As multi-sport athletes, we’ve acquired a wide range of waist packs and backpacks for our favorite pursuits, which range from running and hiking to stand-up paddle board racing to cross-country skiing to cycling.
Features
- Includes Cruz 2L Reservoir (BPA free)
- 16.14 x 9.84 x 4.33 in / 41 x 25 x 11 cm
- Overflow pocket
- 6L gear capacity
- Integrated tool organization slots
- Dual sternum straps
- Impact protection compatible
- Elastic pump loop
On the trail
We’re big fans of no-bounce packs, as they’re a great way to stay hydrated hands-free. Hydration packs and carrying capacity have blown up over the years from the original Camelbak bladder to big packs. The downside of a large pack is adding weight to all the gear in addition to water, which already can feel heavy on one’s back. I was pleased with how the Chase Pack carried its weight.
I was pleasantly surprised at how well the pack stayed put without a waist belt. The dual straps on the front are elastic and it has a similar feel to the USWE models of various sizes we’ve tested. Used for technical trail riding, XC skiing, and stand-up paddle boarding these packs set the bar for our expectations of a minimal hydration pack. It’s a balancing act when it comes to packing our gear – the more you carry, the more it affects the riding experience. So how’d the Camelbak compare? In a word, very well. The most surprising aspect of the Chase Vest was how much gear I could carry in what is otherwise a minimal carry pack. There’s a pocket with mesh organizers for tools and trail essentials and a compartment with a zipper pocket for longer items. The outside pocket doesn’t have a closure and is open to the top, but its elastic sides would work well for stuffing a jacket in. It also held a small camera securely on my rides.
I also really liked the dual zipper pockets in the front, which are easily accessed, and well-sized for snacks like bars and gels.
For a longer ride in Wilderness, the Chase was a good solution for carrying the additional hydration needed. However, I was close to full capacity; if you carry additional items like a first aid kit and layers you’d need a larger pack. However, it was a good pick for a fast-paced ride on a hot day.
The Camelbak Chase Adventure 8 Hydration vest retails for $130.00. Check it out at Camelbak.com or support the site by using our affiliate links to shop for Camelbak Hydration Packs at JensonUSA or Amazon.com.