Light makes right. At first glance, it was obvious to me "XLP" stands for extra light pack. I found it fills a niche as a performance bag that is aero, comfortable, yet still has room for all your essentials. In addition, the 72 ounce bladder meets all your hydration needs.

The weight of 0.64 pounds comes from the use of light weight materials and minimalistic hardware. The rip stop nylon is just like my tent.  It is super strong, rip resistant, easy to clean, plus very light.  The XLP doesn't have the usual bulky padding on back of the bag and shoulder straps.  You don't need it because the loads you carry aren't heavy. All body contact points are made of a breathable mesh that is soft, flexible, and padded for comfort. The Air Director back panel has "roadways" for air to circulate. My back stayed dry nor did I experience sore spots from chaffing, pinching or rubbing.

Camelbak's practicality always shines through. I liked the minimized buckles which are light and durable. They never came loose and didn't break when I accidentally stepped on one. The zipper pulls are the cleverest I've ever seen.  They are short parachute cord-like material with rubber cast over the ends. This makes the handles light, quiet and easy to grip even when wet. The straps themselves seem thinner and there wasn't any fraying or tearing after 3 months of use.  All of the straps have a wide range of adjustability. The waist strap is easily removed if you didn't want to use it. I quickly did hassle free trailside size adjustments among 7 people ranging from a 4 year old to an adult. At one point, I had four grandkids going around in circles each tugging on the XLP trying to get it from each other. This bag is tough!

There are just enough pockets to store what you need for a century ride, training with a buddy, or an all out race. The zippered pouch has a variety of efficient pockets and an external spandex pouch is deep enough to hold a mini pump.  Even with the large pocket full, the pack still remains compact. It keeps its aero form from its small size.  Routing of the drink tube through shoulder strap tunnels makes for a clean look. An added benefit to the shorter length is it doesn't interfere with accessing your jersey pockets! The pack doesn't get in its own way when filling the bladder.

This pack is very deceptive.  As small as it is, it carries all of your essentials and never seems to get bigger.  It maintains its comfort and literally conforms to your body which makes it easy to forget you have it on.

Quick, fast, and light is how I would describe the Camelbak XLP (and not myself).  I only wish both were true but I'm happy to say the XLP is a performance pack without having to leave your essentials behind during a ride or race.

Check out CamelBak online at www.camelbak.com