Camelbak's Lumbar hydration packs rushed the trails in 2016, but the geniuses of hydration found ways to improve the system, with a newly designed CRUX reservoir design. Otherwise the Skyline 10 LR is largely unchanged with a few sizing modifications and a reduced empty weight. There are many riders who love Camelbak's high quality hydration packs with their excellent features and perfect drinking system. But more than a few over the years have asked for designs that shift water weight to the hips, off the center of the back for better distribution, less shoulder fatigue and a lower center of gravity. This last aspect has been particularly true for aggressive trail mountain bikers. While Camelbak has always had defensible rationale for their standard design, the company has listened, and designed their LR series (lumbar) packs to best work with their new Lumbar Crux reservoir system. This completely new, integrated concept has been welcomed with excitement by many trail riders, not just the most aggressive types.

Carrying 3 liters of water, as the Skyline 10 LR does means carrying 6.5lbs of weight when full. The CRUX LUMBAR Reservoir with Quicklink™ System distributes that water low and wide onto the hips, with a shape that still ensures you can drain the contents solely from drinking during activity. With a faster and more easily drawn flow than the Antidote system. You still get many of the great features of the Antidote: HydroGuard™ antibacterial coating, 1/4 turn large opening, internal baffles, Pure Flow™ tubing, Quick-Link system, the Big Bite valve, just with a reconfigured new shape.

As the hydration system changes, so must the shape and emphasis of the pack and storage structures. Instead of a vertical emphasis, a horizontal hip-to-hip emphasis is employed, with a longer shoulder and upper back yoke keeping the overall stability and control you'd expect while riding. The compartments are shaped differently following the design of the lumbar reservoir. The Skyline™ is a full-featured pack optimized for mountain biking, designed to keep your gear stable and organized, with external helmet hooks, a central compression zone with webbing for storing soft armor or a jacket, and the excellent XV back panel to keep your back cool and ventilated. A tool roll is included- which is a well conceived feature. As usual, there is a fleece lined pocket for securing items like glasses or a phone, and tab for rear facing clip on light. You can also drink and refill on the fly though the zippered trapdoor that gives you instant access to your reservoir. When your load is light, cinch the low mount compression straps.

Of course the shoulder straps , back and hip system all had to change as well. The longer shoulder yoke has a more supportive, less restrictive feel, with an elastic bridge at the upper back. It feels great under load. All of the materials have the AirMesh system for breathability and comfort. The lumbar focused redesign of the NV system perfectly matches the distribution of weight, whether the Antidote is full or empty. The new hip belt wings are more supportive, with thin padding and new shape, and both feature zippered pockets for small item storage. The waist belt itself is now 1.5", as it is more crucial to load management, but the webbing is supple enough that you don't feel excess abdominal pressure. The shoulder straps have a tapered, anatomic fit, and feature a helpful magnetic tube trap that stows your drinking tube so you never have to feel around for it, or have it bounce off your chin.

For riders looking for more comfort and a lower center of gravity while maneuvering on the trail and carrying up to 3 liters of water, the Skyline 10 LR is a dream come true. This is a purpose-built pack system that was developed with strong rider feedback and considerable testing. We applaud Camelbak's decision to apply their genius and technology to this great lumbar design, and once you ride it, you will too.