The Hellion is a prime example of how Camelbak go to the top of the snowboard hydration market, and how they plan to stay there.

Camelbak’s Hellion backpack is everything you could possibly want zipped into one killer, comfortable, good looking backpack. The pack fits comfortably, thick padded shoulder straps help support all the junk you’re carrying around. There are straps aplenty, both for compression and for attaching accessories; a velcro strap on one side helps hold your shovel handle. The pockets are well designed for holding various backcountry tools, and one pouch has a soft inside for keeping your goggles scratch-free. The hydration bladder is top-quality; it sits in a separate pouch so it won’t get anything else wet when you’re filling it, the tube is insulated and zips into one of the straps, and the nozzle has an on/off valve.

Fully loaded, the pack sits on your back comfortably, it’s easy to balance, and after a few turns you won’t even notice it there. I had no trouble fitting a shovel and probe, my video and still cameras, an extra layer, and some lunch, all on top of the water reservoir. Black camo with a skull accent set it aside from all of the earth colors and blacks that dominate the snow-pack market. I’ve never gotten so many comments when wearing a backpack, but everyone wanted to see who made this one. At just under a hundred dollars this pack is pushing the price envelope, but if what you’re looking for is an all-in-one pack, then the Hellion is worth every penny.