Comments about CamelBak Octane XC 70 Hydration Pack:

this is great for any tracuers or freerunners looking for a small, stable, lightweight bag for their stuff. I personally don't know how it fits taller people, but i am 5' 3" and it fits me great. i don't use the hydration part, i just coil the hose up in the main compartment. it keeps your back cool, and doesn't hold much, but has enough room and padding for 1 or 2 phones, wallets, mp3 players, keys, and MAYBE a water bottle. most importantly, it stays very tight and stable during and after a roll, while coushoning your back and your stuff. great pack for the price.

Comments about CamelBak Octane XC 70 Hydration Pack:

The pack is designed specifically for trail running. The pockets located on the waist belt are meant for easy access but i have noticed if you are not super skinny trying to reach them can be kind of difficult while running but doable. Both pockets can hold a considerable amount of stuff (at least 5 gels for instance). I am sure like most packs this one begins to bounce around an loosen up after a while. Another neat feature on this pack is the velcro straps that minimize the overhang on the shoulder straps and waist band so you don't have straps flailing everywhere.

Comments about CamelBak Octane XC 70 Hydration Pack:

This is good for long runs on or offroad. Breathes well.
Good for my first Stumpjump.
May be difficult to adjust for all torso types--it seems to want to ride high on the chest and the belly straps come around high on the waist

Comments about CamelBak Octane XC 70 Hydration Pack:

I love this pack. I bought it for long trail runs where I cannot refile a bottle. It is insulated, so it keeps my drink cold. The pack distributes the weight well, so you do not notice it. This pack does not bounce when I am running. I pull the shoulder straps tight, then pull the sternum strap snug, and lightly tighten the waist belt. If you pull the waist strap too tight it will restrict your breathing. As you drink the liquid, you will need to give the shoulder straps a tug to tighten them. The pocket on the top is great for my wallet and car key. The side pockets hold my cell phone and gels. The pockets are a little awkward to get to, but only after a few runs, I had no issues with reaching them. I am 5'10" and the waist belt is just above my belly button. That puts the storage pockets just above my love handles. The only complaint I have is more sweat on my back. I run in the southern heat and humidity, plus I sweat a lot. I have not notice my core temp being any hotter, so I think it is more of the sweat cannot evaporate from my back because of the pack, so the sweat runs down my back to my shorts. I believe that this would be true of anything that you wear on your back while running.

Comments about CamelBak Octane XC 70 Hydration Pack:

I purchased the XC for my first 50k trail race in January- Mtn Mist in Alabama. I don't like my fuel belt for longer runs and guessed I needed enough liquid for 5-6 hours. My 32oz camel back would be too small and more importantly, it moves around too much when running anything but smooth flat trail- no chest or waist strap. I've looked at the Octane8, but didn't need the cargo room. The XC was perfect. The chest strap and lower belt keep the pack secure and comfortable. The back is lightly padded and has air channels to breathe- works great. The side pockets held my gels and energy bars. I could easily reach them while running. As the race wore on, there was even enough room to stuff a layer inside the pack. It wasn't too heavy, I didn't run out of liquid and had a blast.

I've also had the XC out for two 3+ hr mtn bike rides and it's great. Same results as above and it carried my multi-tool, cell phone and an extra tube.

So if you're out for longer adventures, drink a lot, need some gear room but want to go as light as possible, the OctaneXC gets my vote. -Brian