CamelBak SquadBak Tactical Hydration System with 25L MG Omega WaterBeast Reservoir, Coyote

This pack is exactly as advertised: a squad hydration pack. Keep in mind that high volume equals high weight, this pack holds 6.6 gallons (not 12.5), so please be sure you can carry at least 55 lbs. of sloshy weight, plus whatever else is on your person. I typically carry around 35-40 pounds in my ruck, so this pack if full, means I'm now carrying 85-90 pounds. There are no hip belts or hip belt attachments, so this would be perfect for overlanding. Walking with that weight is completely different than just lifting it off the ground. The outter shell on the bladder is made of a rough material, so have no fear of tearing or ripping the fabric, or exposing the bladder. There is a zipper on the back to remove the camel hump sized bladder for cleaning purposes, just remember that the fill hose is attached to the bladder, though you shouldn't worry about accidentally pulling the hose off, the clamp securing the hose to the bladder is strong. The shell material is slightly hydrophobic, so in order to soak it (for cooling purposes) rub the water into the threading and it'll retain it quite well as long as it's placed in the shade. The fill hose on the front of the pack features a shut off valve, and a threaded attachment for a typical residential water outlet. (Like, for garden hoses dude.) The source refill outlets on the bottom of the pack (Two, black little nubs with close-off valves) are zipped away to avoid dirt contaminates and can fit regular camelbak drinking hoses, but it takes a little ingenuity and critical thinking to get them set up correctly. As you can see in the pictures, there are more than a couple carrying handles and/or mounting points for a vehicle rack. Showering under this thing is a definite possibility, just add pressure (more than you would think, the bladder can probably handle more than your lungs) and open the hose shut off valve. Cleaning this item would be a pain if you allow mold to grow within the system, so keep it clean and dry when not in use. I use a small amount of baking soda to freshen the taste. (let sit for 8 hours, drain and rinse and you're set.) This pack is no joke, you can fill 8, 3L hydration packs with it. I have used this extensively, and waited to write this purpose built review for anyone looking to purchase this pack. A brilliant item for the intended use. (See pictures for Quality Of Life features).

For the last year or so, I've been using a 7gal water can to transport water from a natural spring to the house a couple hundred yards away. The Squadbak is a dramatic improvement for this purpose. I just full it up, throw it on my back and make the short hike to the house instead of trying to lug a cube of weather against my leg and wearing out my arms. It's great. I get it home, hang it up, fill my EDC camelbaks from the two fill spouts made to do that and fill the cubed water container with the big spout. I haven't taken it out on a camping excursion yet but I think it'll make a pretty good camp shower as well!

I wasn't sure how big it was until I got it out S.U.P.E.R WOW!!!!

This thing is a beast. Although it is a little awkward when fully loaded with water, I still give it a 5-star rating. This has simplified my water hauling on hunting trips.

The pack is built solid and holds 12.5 gallons of water.

never gonna run outta water now see you later i'm heading up the mountains