CamelBak Rim Runner 22 Review

Of the fully "structured" daypacks, the Rim Runner scores below the others. It roughly ties with the Best Buy REI Co-op Trail 25 but is nearly twice the cost of the REI model.

Performance Comparison

Lead test editor and IFMGA Mountain Guide Jed Porter hiking in his home Catskill Mountains of New York, with the Rim Runner.

Comfort

Comfort is king. The packs we tested deliver a wide range of comforts. Comfort, especially under load, is a function of padding, weight distribution, sweat and heat management, and fit. Padding in the CamelBak is a fairly typical mesh covered foam style. Weight is distributed by a back panel that is less stiff than the other packs in this weight class and borne by a waist belt that has a strangely narrow and relatively unstable attachment. The waist belt, additionally, while wide, is also quite soft. To truly spread the load to your hips, a more rigid belt would be more effective. Finally, the quilted, mesh covered foam offers minor venting channels, but the back panel is fairly sweaty, as compared to some of the others.

A loaded down Rim Runner on our 5'10" lead test editor.

The closest comparison in this test is the Editors' Choice-winning Osprey Talon 22. These contenders are engineered similarly. They both feature, for instance, wide, padded waist belts and structured back panels. Among these three, the CamelBak is the least comfortable. Both others have stiffer waist belts that transfer more weight and have back panels that are more breathable. As compared to the REI Co-op Flash 22, the CamelBak is more structured and, as a result, significantly more comfortable.

Weight

"As is", the Rim Runner 22 is the heaviest pack we tested, weighing in at 32 ounces. However, it is the only bag that came with an included hydration reservoir. Remove that reservoir for weighing in, and the weight of the CamelBak comes down into the same realm as the other close competitors. In any event, this pack and those like it are certainly not in the "ultralight" category. We have reviewed bags in our Mountaineering Pack Review that have three times the capacity and weigh the same. With the CamelBak, you get features and pay with weight.

You make the same trade-off for the other fully featured and structured packs we tested. Correcting for the included hydration reservoir, the CamelBak is the same weight as the Editors' Choice Talon 22. The Top Pick Marmot Kompressor 18, so awarded for its ultralight status and backpacking versatility, is one third the weight of the CamelBak.

For a company building its reputation on hosed hydration systems, it is refreshing that they also built in side pockets that fit a typical bottle from their competitor.

Versatility

A daypack is versatile if it is suitable for different sorts of day trip activities. Size is the main criteria that determine a pack's versatility. On the large end of the spectrum, daypacks are more suited to occasional forays into colder conditions, more technical pursuits, and for travel and day-to-day use. In this way, just looking at size, the CamelBak is interesting. CamelBak claims 22-liter capacity. Our objective measurement found the actual capacity to be 18 liters. This is right in the same class as the Editors Choice and Best Buy award winners. However, others are noticeably larger. Other things that make a daypack versatile are the pockets and organizational features. In this way, the CamelBak does well, with a total of six pockets in addition to the main compartment.

Only the Editors Choice Osprey Talon has more pockets than the CamelBak Rim Runner. The Talon also has more usable volume. The Top Pick Marmot Kompressor 18 also exceed the actual capacity of the CamelBak.

The stuff able, back pouch of the Rim Runner with a rather bulky ski shell jacket inside.

Ease of Use

The zippers, straps, and buckles of the CamelBak are all smooth and relatively large. Even with gloves on, all can be operated easily. The straps that tighten the rear "stuffable" pouch cover the zipper of the main compartment, which can slow access to that main compartment. The stretchy side pockets are medium sized; just big enough to hold a one-liter bottle without additional strapped security. The waist belt pockets, because of the attachment point of the waist belt, are tricky to get into because the shoulder straps cover the opening. The name "CamelBak" has become synonymous with "hydration system". They've been in that business a long time, and their hydration reservoir and hose system show this. The included reservoir and hose is excellent, leading the field.

The best and worst part of the hydration system is its proprietary attachment into the backpack. In a cleverly simple solution, the bladder hangs by a rigid hook from a built-in strap system inside the hydration sleeve. This is simultaneously secure, keeping your bladder from bunching up in the bottom of the pack, and quick to insert and remove. However, there is not a way, without modification, to hang your own bladder, should you prefer that of a different brand. Why one would use a different bladder, we don't know. But it is worth noting. Other online reviewers have noted the same thing with some consternation.

As you can see here, the side compression straps cross the zippers of both the main pouch and the hydration compartment. This is inconvenient, but not a deal breaker.

Durability

We found very little to note about the CamelBak's durability. The straps, zippers, and seams remained intact through moderate use. Our experience with other CamelBak products, over longer-term testing, suggests that their build quality is good. The fabrics they chose for the Rim Runner are certainly sturdy enough to last for years and years.

Best Applications

This is a great choice for your typical day hiking agendas. Provided you don't load it down with technical or winter gear, the suspension system will support normal loads. The included hydration system is great for those that want that anyway. As an integrated system, the hydration reservoir is the best in its class.

The proprietary CamelBak reservoir in its dedicated, zip-closed, externally accessed pouch. Predictably, given how this company leads this field, this is the best solution in the test.

Value

The Rim Runner isn't inexpensive. For the price, a price that is almost the same as the higher performing Editors Choice, you also get a hydration bladder, which increases the value. You could say that, among the three fully structured and padded packs we tested, the CamelBak is the best value. All are about the same price, but only the CamelBak includes a hydration bladder.

Conclusion

We always review excellent products. The CamelBak Rim Runner is excellent, in a field of excellence. Other packs edge ahead in overall performance or value, but you can't go wrong with this one, especially if you want their excellent hydration system included.