In preparation for our family cruise to the Mediterranean, I picked up a Camelbak HAWG MG backpack. The thought process was that I could provide water to my pregnant wife, hold my camera + lenses, and keep a sweater available. It certainly lived up to expectations.

In addition, I picked up a Domke Camera Insert to hold my DSLR and two lenses.  The size fits perfectly in the backpack. But be forewarned that the bottom of the insert is not padded. I left a shirt at the bottom of the backpack to remedy the little shortcoming.

The additional storage compartments are good too. Enough to hold a flashgun, a Giattos cleaner, keys, and some other miscellaneous items that Mary wanted me to carry for her. I also used the MOLLE straps to hold two additional sacks. It’s definitely an expandable backpack for those gear intensive travels.

With all this gear in/attached to it, the HAWG MG was actually quite comfortable to wear. It sit’s high on your back and feels like it’s a part of you. You can feel the coolness of the reservoir on your back a bit, which is great on a hot summer day. And you sweat is wicked away from the special back material.

All in all, I’d say it’s the perfect backpack for traveling and having 4 liters of water strapped to your back (or 5 with the better bottle filled up).