TESTED: Camelbak Kudu 12L

Integrating spine protection into a hydration pack is nothing new (POC and Evoc already offer such a product), but the Kudu represents Camelbak’s first foray into the world of body armour. Rather than just slip some padding into an existing backpack though, the Kudu was designed from the ground-up to take on the rigours of enduro racing in technical alpine environments.

The back protection sits away neatly – when not being pulled out for a photo.

The Kudu is built around the lightweight and flexible Impact Protector, which is certified to motorcycle safety standards. The dual-density plate is removable, and it slots into a sleeve just behind the hydration pocket. The Kudu is also available in an 18L size for $349.95.

Snug & Stable

The Kudu is a snug pack to wear. In a good way. The harness features broad wings that help to stabilise loads over your hips, while a double sternum strap keeps the pack close to your body. Along with the big waist buckle, the Kudu immediately feels safe and secure.

Even when it’s loaded up to the hilt, the Kudu avoids slinging around on your back. Most backpacks have a tendency to flop from side to side during out-of-the-saddle efforts, but the Kudu showed no such sign of sloppiness.

8 individual foam ‘pods’ make up the back padding, which are positioned to create multiple ventilation channels between your skin and the harness. The perforated shoulder harness also assists with breathability.

The back system is well-padded, stable – and comfortable.

Despite only having 12 litres of storage space on paper, the Kudu 12 is quite the Tardis. Two external straps at the base of the pack will help you carry a pair of kneepads or a riding jacket, while the expandable helmet sleeve at the front of the pack can also be used as an overflow pocket. If you’ve got a long and hot fire road ascent into the mountains before reaching your singletrack destination, being able to remove and easily porter your armour can make a big difference to climbing comfort.

There’s also a soft pocket for your phone, and the main compartment features a super-wide opening for easy access. Inside you’ll find a neat tool roll with its own dedicated pouch, which is a godsend for organising small tools and spares to stop them from flying around the inside of the pack.

The tool roll is an excellent feature – a great way to keep all your tools together for trail-side repairs.

Integrated Protection

And what about that back protector? Well thankfully I’ve only had to make use of it on the one occasion, where a rock strike on the pedals caused an OTB excursion on a relatively mundane trail. Despite slapping my back on the hard sunbaked trail (and breaking my shock pump in the process), the Kudu was able to cushion the fall without any of my tools digging into my back. Given its dual-density construction and high-level certification, I have no doubt that the Impact Protector is capable of shielding me from much harder impacts. The best part though is that it offers this protection without detracting from the pack’s flexibility.

My primary beef with the Kudu is its 1490-gram weight, which you do begin to notice on 3+ hour rides. You can drop that weight by 280 grams by removing the Impact Protector, but for me the assurance is well worth it when hitting up steep and rocky trails where the penalty for crashing isn’t just a grazed elbow.

My other beef is that the Kudu doesn’t come with a bladder included. That’ll set you back another $79 for a 3L Antidote reservoir, unless you’ve already got one to swap in.

Big Mountain Ready

That being said, the Kudu is still a damn good investment, especially when you compare it to the price of other dedicated spine protectors on the market. Factor in that this protection comes in a comfortable and highly adjustable backpack that’s loaded with features, and you’ll easily see where the value is. For high-speed shredders who are exploring all day long, the Kudu is sure to be an absolute winner.

Hits

• Lots of features
• Very stable
• Functional protective gear

Misses

• Doesn’t come with a bladder
• Weighty

RRP: $249.95

From: jetblackproducts.com.au