The CamelBak Chase Protector Hydration Pack occupies a rare niche in the world of mountain biking gear: it’s a hybrid between a minimalist hydration pack and a protective spine guard. Designed for aggressive trail riding, enduro racing, and high-speed technical routes, this pack isn’t just about carrying water—it’s about riding harder with confidence.
CamelBak’s legacy in hydration is well-established, but the Chase Protector adds safety and load management into the mix. We tested its fit, function, protection capabilities, hydration efficiency, and real-world usability across multiple trail types to see if it lives up to its hybrid promise.
Design and Build Quality
At its core, the Chase Protector is built around a CE Level 2 back protector, the SAS-TEC insert, designed to absorb impact from high-energy crashes. The protector is integrated into the pack chassis, forming both the backbone and structure of the unit.
It features:
- Lightweight 330g pack weight without reservoir
- CamelBak 2L Crux reservoir, optimised for high-flow delivery
- 6L total storage volume, smartly organised around the spine guard
- Breathable 3D vent mesh harness and back panel
- Dual sternum straps and adjustable torso fit
Despite being protection-focused, it avoids the bulk typically associated with safety gear, delivering a profile slim enough for race-day efficiency and technical singletrack navigation.
Fit and Comfort
CamelBak designed the Chase Protector with a close-to-body fit that minimises bounce and sway during aggressive movement. Unlike standard hydration packs, its integration of back protection requires a tighter chassis—making harness comfort and stability essential.
The mesh harness system uses wide straps and wraparound contouring to distribute weight. The dual sternum straps ensure vertical alignment while descending and eliminate side-to-side motion common in single-strap packs.
Back ventilation is decent. Although the protector insert limits airflow, the use of foam cutouts and mesh lining mitigates heat buildup on moderate rides. On long climbs, ventilation suffers slightly, but never becomes intolerable.
Torso adjustment is effective for riders between S/M and M/L sizes, although extremely tall users may find the back panel a touch short if they’re also wearing upper body armour.
Hydration System Performance
Hydration is handled by CamelBak’s Crux reservoir, offering:
- 2L fluid capacity
- High-flow bite valve with on/off lever
- Quicklink hose disconnect for easy refills
- Wide-fill reservoir opening
The Crux is one of CamelBak’s most refined reservoirs, offering 20% more water flow than previous models. Its bite valve delivers fluid efficiently even at low suction effort—a plus during anaerobic trail climbs.
Reservoir stowage is neatly concealed behind the protector and harness system, with routing channels designed to reduce snags and maintain hose position over rough terrain. Refill access is adequate, though the reservoir must be removed to access the full opening, which can interrupt fast transitions mid-race.
Storage and Organisation
The Chase Protector’s 6L capacity is compact, but intelligently distributed:
- Secure front tool pocket with mesh compartments and zip stash
- Side stretch pockets for snacks or mini-pump
- Rear cargo panel for layers or gloves
- Integrated helmet carry with elastic loop system
- Quick-access phone sleeve
Everything is designed around accessibility and low bounce. You won’t fit an extra jacket and camera gear, but you will carry:
- A multi-tool, CO2 kit, tube
- First aid essentials
- Light snacks or gels
- A wind vest or arm warmers
This pack excels as a race-day or fast-lap setup. For bikepackers or all-day adventurers, the storage might feel tight, but for short to mid-length rides with technical exposure, it’s spot-on.
Safety and Crash Protection
Where the CamelBak Chase Protector Hydration Pack really differentiates itself is in its impact protection. The integrated SAS-TEC back panel meets CE EN 1621-2 Level 2 certification, meaning it can absorb serious impacts at MTB speeds.
Compared to add-on spine guards or hard-shell armour, it offers:
- Flexibility and comfort during riding
- Impact absorption rated for enduro crashes
- Integration that doesn’t interfere with hydration or fit
Multiple rider testimonials—especially from enduro events like Enduro World Series qualifiers—report the protector maintaining shape and alignment post-crash. While not a substitute for full-body armour in downhill disciplines, it offers enough coverage for serious trail riding.
Trail Performance and Usability
Over varied trail conditions including forest singletrack, rocky descents, and enduro-style liaisons, the Chase Protector performed flawlessly. Key takeaways:
- Minimal bounce, even on root-littered terrain
- Steady hydration flow, bite valve stayed accessible
- Back panel remained snug, with no shifting during jumps or drops
- Storage layout stayed organised, tools and snacks were easy to grab
Users praised its ability to remain invisible while moving, a testament to its ergonomic harness and integrated protector. On longer rides, back heat can build up—but careful layering mitigates most issues.
Durability and Long-Term Value
Constructed with high-grade nylon and reinforced seams, the pack shows minimal wear after regular use. The protector insert is removable for cleaning or replacement, and the pack body is washable with gentle soap and water.
The hydration system—valve, hose, reservoir—is proven in long-term testing. No leaks were reported even after multiple trail sessions, and the Quicklink system maintained a reliable seal under pressure.
Priced between £130–£150, the Chase Protector sits slightly above standard hydration packs, but offers two-in-one functionality: protection and hydration, making it an excellent value proposition for riders who would otherwise purchase separate gear.
Comparison Chart: CamelBak vs Evoc, Osprey, USWE
| Feature | CamelBak Chase Protector | Evoc Stage 6L + Protector | Osprey Syncro 12 | USWE MTB Hydro 8L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydration Capacity | 2L Crux Reservoir | 2L Hydrapak | 2.5L Hydraulics | 2L Elite Bladder |
| Back Protection | CE Level 2 SAS-TEC insert | Liteshield Level 1 | None | None |
| Total Storage Volume | 6L | 6L | 12L | 8L |
| Weight | ~850g (with reservoir) | ~1050g | ~790g | ~670g |
| Fit System | Dual sternum, mesh harness | Air Flow Contact System | AirSpeed back panel | USWE Bounce-Free |
| Best For | Enduro, technical trail | Trail + protection | Long mixed rides | Fast rides, racing |
| Helmet Carry | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price Range | £130–£150 | £150–£180 | £110–£130 | £100–£120 |
Final Verdict
The CamelBak Chase Protector Hydration Pack is a high-performance solution for riders pushing limits in technical terrain. It bridges the gap between fluid carriage and spinal protection, offering an efficient chassis for enduro athletes and mountain bikers who demand compact coverage.
From its CE-certified spine guard and fast-flow hydration to its snug trail-tested fit, it’s engineered for speed, safety, and control. If you’re tired of juggling separate protector plates and hydration packs, the Chase Protector delivers convergence—and makes no compromises doing it.
