CamelBak Ante Ski/Snowboard Hydration Pack - 100 fl.oz. (For Women)

I'll use it more for hiking bit I like the larger reservoir and the amount of pockets and space.

This is my first hydration backpack and I looked at many before settling for this one based on its great features (ski/snowboard carry & insulated reservoir pocket and strap). I was amazed at the great sale price at STP. I am only paying a bit more for both the reservoir and the multi-use backpack than if I just got the Camelbak reservoir alone!

UNIQUE COLOR & FABRIC
The picture shows a hint of burgandy but the actual color is more brown. It is unisex enough that a man can also use this pack. The fabric feels more like more cotten/cordura than the typical nylon pack cloth and it has a textured and heathered look with tonal threads. This gives the bag a unique and retro look which I love. I do not like the 'pleather' on the daisy chain in the front, however. It cheapens the overall look of the bag. Regular lashing would suffice.

GREAT FIT FOR SMALLER TORSO
The specs indicate that it would fit torso lengths from 16" to 21". I have a 15.5" length torso and this women-specific pack fits me like a glove.

INSULATED RESERVOIR & TUBING
I really like the insulated pocket as well as the insulated tubing (black neoprene around the tube) and zippered therminator on the right shoulder to keep the water from freezing during your winter excursions. (It's like having a sweater and a jacket for the tubing!) This set-up would also work well during the summer to keep your water cool. The zippered therminator keeps the bitevalve safely protected from snow and mud as well!

SKI & SNOWBOARD/SKATEBOARD CARRY
Besides its hydration backpack functionality, it can also carry a pair of skis diagonally or a snowboard vertically with the built-in straps.

POCKETS
There is a fleece-lined side pocket for your goggles or electronic devices. I am not sure why the zipper opens from the bottom as it may be prone to be opened accidentally. A top opening 1/2 way down the pocket would be better. The other side pocket (non-fleece lined) is for holding an avalanche probe. It has a pass-through to the main compartment of the pack so it's a good place for long items (umbrella, etc.) They are too shallow for 1L Nalgene bottles though.

WEIRD STRAPS
My least favorite feature are the weird straps. Whereas you pull down to tighten the shoulder straps on typical backpacks, you must pull UP to tighten these due to the reverse location of the buckle. It feels awkward working against gravity and does not seem to serve any useful purpose. There are velcro ends to allow you to fold up the unused dangling straps but once again, it seems useless. Same with the elastic strap holders on the hipbelt.

BUY THIS MULTI-USE BACKPACK!
This is a well-made backpack that can be used for snow sports, hiking and daily use. It has many useful features not found in the typical hydration pack. You also cannot beat the awesome STP price when it is on sale! So, I highly recommend this backpack to everyone!

This backpack is great for winter or summer sports. I use it for early morning hikes. It fits the extra layers of clothes great.