CamelBak Sparta Hydration Pack with 100oz (3.0L) Mil-Spec Crux Reservoir

I’m a Camebak lifer, through and through. I’ve owned a milspec HAWG since 2013 which would easily survive a bomb. But I saw the Sparta and couldn’t resist the idea of a clamshell opening, and more organization pockets, as well as a slightly wider pack for more standard day to day use (I.e laptops). As amazing as the HAWG is, it’s weak points are certainly the things I mentioned which makes it slightly less than perfect for EDC as well as the size makes it slightly smaller than what’s needed for a daypack (this has not stopped me from using it for those things for 7 years).The Sparta fixes all of the problems of the HAWG without sacrificing anything major. The Sparta is slightly bigger (about 10 L) which makes it perfect for a day pack, and I can fit a full blown 15 inch laptop in the hydration sleeve, which makes this an incredibly versatile pack. Additionally, there is slightly better organization with extra zip pockets, and a full clamshell opening. While this is quite exciting, what this actually means is that I’ve found a pack that can combine the use of three of my previous packs:Camelbak HAWG which I used for EDC and short day hikesREI 40L hiking pack which I used for long day hikesSwiss gear 30L pack I used for work trips carrying 2 laptops.To test this, I packed all three kits above in to the Sparta and it handled it like a boss. My EDC kit is now way better organized in the Sparta, and the bag isn’t too much bigger. My short hiking kit (which isn’t much different from EDC) fits great. And even most amazing of all of this is that I can now fit my previous 40L long day hike kit in to a 30L is pack (without the use of any attachments). The main reason for this is the clamshell opening and just overall design allows for better packing.The best part about the Sparta beyond everything above is that it just sits so much better on my back than any of my other packs which great weight distribution.I couldn’t be happier, and again I love my HAWG, it will always have a place in my heart - but the Sparta just fixes so many inconveniences I had with it. I’m sure there’s someone out there who prefers the HAWGs slimmer and trimmer design, but overall I feel like this is just a better pack and way more versatile.PS I also own a BFM which is an amazing pack too, but it’s massive.

Having owned a Thermobak Milspec 3L for attending music festivals, days at the beach, etc, I knew I wanted my next main backpack to be designed for carrying a hydration pack of some sort. This pack hit the sweet spot on size, at 19.7" x 12.2" x 11" it's slightly larger than the 18" x 14" x 8" personal item size allowance for most major airlines, but it shouldn't be a problem to stow it under a seat if you don't over pack. I looked at the H.A.W.G, which is similar in size, but I preferred the full clamshell opening of this pack.What I liked:- Familiar Camelbak build quality & materials- Contoured foam to help the pack sit flat against your back even when bladder is full- Comes with new lumbar bladder to keep weight lower- Bladder compartment is massive and can likely store two bladders, lumbar or tall- Has hanging loop for compatibility with older bladders (I own two antidote bladders so this is great)- When not using the hydration capabilities, the hydration sleeve is big enough to hold a 15" laptop- Lots of pocketsThings I noticed that are neither good nor bad:- Waist belt is permanently sewn on, but you can stow it. It takes a little work, but there is space for both the clip & the strap to be stowed- There are drain holes in the two regular cargo compartments, so carefully pack anything really tinyOverall, it's a well thought out pack that hit every major checkbox I wanted in a new backpack

Buy this pack! I purchased a Camelbak HAWG MilSpec in 2011 and it immediately became my go to bag for everything. It’s been beaten down in outdoor weather, been on multiple family family trips, military exercises and everything in between. It was my favorite bag and still going strong to this day. Of course, it’s no surprise that the brand new Sparta instantly caught my eye. As great as the HAWG is, this Sparta pack picks up any little bit that the HAWG might’ve left behind. It’s more spacious without compromising the slim profile, has a little more organization to it, and has an upgraded hydration system. I am so far very impressed with this bag and look forward to putting it through the same tests as the HAWG.

Great feel on the back. Tough material, durable. Carries surprisingly a lot of stuff. Can use the back for supplies instead of water pack.

Excellent pack that nicely fits multiple uses. Great travel bag due to compression straps (allows to be squeezed down to allow airline compliance). EDC is covered with the right amount of storage. New Bladder is excellent and the pack is well made. The material, although quite lightweight, is robust (so far) and stitching is all good.

Ruggedness, organization and adjustability. Really like lumbar 3L reservoir. Wish MOLLE was cut on sides. Overall great pack!

Nice item, just not the one that I ordered. I ordered the Sparta not the HAWG

Great pack when it arrived, however just like another review mine had a small hole in bladder on first use. Contacted Camelbak multiple times over last week...still no response!

I've owned a H.A.W.G. for a few years now and love it; tough as nails, excellent layout, and a perfect size as a daypack. But after traveling with it over the years, it has proven to be just a tad too small for one-bag travel while flying. I'm a pretty devout minimalist but I struggle to get a week's worth of clothing plus shoes into it and often had to resort to bringing an additional personal item to make sure I had everything I needed. For reference, it's about 20 liters in size.Enter the Sparta: Same build, similar layout, new reservoir, and 10 more liters capacity. Looked like a winner on paper, so I had to give it a go. 10 liters doesn't sound like much, but it makes a huge difference. It easily swallows a week's worth of clothes, toiletries, shower shoes, a rain jacket, and the usual prerequisite tech and sundries. It could easily handle a quick overnighter with my ultralight camping kit. And it hauls groceries with ease.While it's comfortable, I wouldn't overload it as the included hip belt is unpadded and a little thin, otherwise it performs as it should, taking a little weight off your shoulders and keeping the pack from swaying around. It is permanently attached, but it stows away when not in use. The yoke and shoulder straps are a new design this year and I have no complaints so far. It lacks load lifers, but again I think that this pack isn't large enuff to haul such heavy loads that it requires a complicated suspension system.The zips are large #10 ykk with thin sewn in webbing pulls, I usually prefer paracord, but it's an easy swap. There are four pulls on the main compartment allowing for two points of access, making it easier to get into the pack when it's fully loaded. The main compartment has a full clamshell opening, as well, which aids in loading it up. There are loops inside for securing gear as well.The admin pocket is similar to the H.A.W.G. in that it's a dump pocket style with a few pen/marker pockets, a larger pocket that fits a phone or battery bank and a an even larger zipped pocket tucked in the back. I can fit a small first aid kit, some snacks, gloves, a notebook, pens, and a headlamp in there, probably with room for more.There are two thin stash pockets: one on the side that can fit some ear buds, maybe a camera battery, and on the front behind the PALS panel, which could fit a notebook, a map, a passport, or some such thing.The reservoir compartment (aside from the new crux reservoir) can accommodate my 12" laptop in is own sleeve, or potentially a 14" laptop without a sleeve. The zip pulls in the opposite direction from what I'm used to; i.e. it pulls from the bottom up. I imagine this is because the new lumbar reservoir is shorter and doesn't require a full open to get at it. It was somewhat frustrating at first, but I've adapted to it by now, almost a month later.Overall, if you're okay with the cash outlay, and it's not insignificant, I would recommend this pack. It's large enough to be a one-bag carry-on for a minimalist flyer like me, but it's not so bulky as to be too big to be a daypack or a commuter bag. It's built tough, it doesn't attract attention, and it's comfy, happy customer here.

Received my Sparta back pack and love the bag! I brought it on vacation with me which was the whole point of the purchase. I go to fill up the bladder with water and I find out the bladder is broken and has a hole in it there fore I can not use it for water