FOG HORN
November 2019 Twobirds Flying Publications
CAMELBAK’s BFM™ 100OZ MIL SPEC CRUX
Copyright 2019, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
CAMELBAK’s BFM™ 100OZ MIL SPEC CRUX
2019
CAMELBAK’s BFM™ 100OZ MIL SPEC CRUX By: Sal Palma
One more backpack is never too many, especially when you’re talking about CAMELBAK’s BFM™ 100OZ MIL SPEC CRUX. This pack is so well conceived that it made it into my upcoming Holiday Shopping recommendations. I can’t say enough good things about it. Where do I start? I’ll start at the back from the hydration pocket. The CAMELBAK folks have extensive experience in load bearing applications and one of the things they’ve done in the CRUX is allowing the hydration bladder to sit lower in the pack, this is in addition to their usual reservoir stabilization techniques. That decision allows the weight of the three liter bladder to be evenly distributed at the hips. Does it make a difference? Gazillions!
Dealing with reservoir tubes can be a pain with less than professionally designed packs. CAMELBAK includes two drink tube exit ports located directly underneath the shoulder straps. That implementation allows a painless routing of the drink tube over the shoulder straps or under the arm. At the very top of the pack, CRUX includes dual antenna ports to complement an ASIPS Radio. I don’t pack a software definable radio but the antenna ports are a great convenience in routing cables for other devices or even smart devices headphones.
Copyright 2019, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
CAMELBAK’s BFM™ 100OZ MIL SPEC CRUX
Moving forward to the main compartment; I can only describe it as first class all the way around. It offers a whopping 50 L / 3053 cu in. of gear capacity. I really love the high quality of its main compartment, especially the tailored lining. You have a large amount of storage and CAMELBAK includes a four zipper scheme that creates multiple access points to the compartment regardless of
2019
CAMELBAK uses the Mystery Ranch Futura harness, which I’ll unwaveringly call the best harness I’ve come across. The Futura harness and back panel adjusts to fit long and short torsos. It’s comfortable, distributes the load across the back nicely and is very stable, in conjunction with the sternum and waist straps, this pack feels like an extension of your back rather than an object being humped around.
orientation. Continuing forward there is a full-zip clamshell opening pocket housing an “admin pouch” like pocket. There is plenty of room for pens, markers, small note pads or dope book. It’s a great compartment for things like a GPS receiver, lensatic compass and topographic map - easily accessible as well as secure.
There are several other noteworthy features like the low-profile Mountain™ MOLLE panel on the front side, and the Copyright 2019, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
CAMELBAK’s BFM™ 100OZ MIL SPEC CRUX upper and lower compression straps to keep things tight. CAMELBAK also includes a strap management system to keep things tidy and in an orderly military manner.
CAMELBAK’s BFM™ 100OZ MIL SPEC CRUX is one of the best packs I’ve had the opportunity to review in quite some time. It’s a military grade load bearing system that is innovative, flexible and durable. At an M.S.R.P. of $300, plus $40 to $50 for the reservoir, it’s not inexpensive, but you’ll be getting something that will serve your needs for years to come. Everything on this pack is top of the line, period end of sentence.
2019
Manufacturer Specifications:
COLLECTION: Hydration Plus Cargo
USER: Unisex
HYDRATION CAPACITY: 3L/100 oz.
HYDRATION TYPE: Mil Spec CRUX™ Reservoir with Quicklink™ System
BPA/BPS/BPF FREE: Yes
QUICK LINK DISCONNECT: Yes
GEAR CAPACITY: 50 L / 3053 cu in
PACK WEIGHT: 2.6 kg / 5.6 lb.
DIMENSIONS: 58 x 48 x 38 cm / 22.8 x 18.9 x 15 in
-SP
Copyright 2019, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved