Product: Camelbak Raza 28
Uses: Weekend camping trips to expedition length races
Rating: 4 out of 5
Features: Drawstring main compartment with clip lock hatch cover. Top pocket. Side and back mesh pockets. Tow hooks and hiking pole straps. Wide hip pockets for quick access items. 3 litre Bladder. Separate bladder pocket.
Pros: It's the big brother of the Rally 18. It fits in an extra 10 litres of gear and has all the good bits of it's smaller sibling. This is a light weight expedition pack that is well thought out and easy to access on the go. For 04' the pack comes in Cordura and the mesh pockets have been reshaped to store lots of extras. I'm only a little bloke (5'6") but this pack fits my back whilst not pulling up short on our tallest team-mate (6'3"). If you have a pack horse on the team, you can load this baby until they squirm.
Cons: It's easy to get carried away and overfill it, just like any 30 litre pack. The 03' model is a frustratingly close attempt at a great pack, the 04' model is the real deal.
Feedback: Don't get the 03' model. Make sure you get the new Cordura version with the velcro tab on the separate bladder pouch. The old model has a pain in the back zipper that rubs on your right shoulder and will irritate the daylights out of you after about 3 seconds! If you do get the 03' model, cut the cord off the zipper on the bladder pouch.
