

Camelbak T.O.R.O. Protector 14
Sports and Fitness June 28, 2020

Camelbak was created in 1989 by bicycle enthusiast Michael Eidson when he competed in the “Hotter’N Hell 100” 100-mile road race in the heat of Texas. An emergency medical technician by trade, Michael filled an IV bag with water put into a tube sock and stuffed it into the back of his bike jersey with a thin hose attached over his shoulder and clamped it there with a clothes pin.
Although the theory remains the same the construction has evolved over the 30years and thankfully there is not a tube sock in sight. The T.O.R.O Protector 14 has been created specifically for mountain bikers allowing them to remain safely hydrated without compromising performance, it is available in Black/Burnt Olive, Burnt Olive/Lime Punch and Deep Forest/Brilliant Blue.
This hydration pack is full of thought-out features including the Center Back CE Level II Protector, this clever bit of gear helps to absorb impact in the event of a crash and protects the back against minor injuries. The T.O.R.O offers 11 litres of cargo space, it weighs 840g and measures up at 48 x 26 x 24cm, there is an Integrated Tool Organization compartment to store CO2 cartridges and patch kits so you can locate them quickly.
The Helmet and Armor Carry Stow provides a place to secure a full-face helmet and knee and elbow pads, whilst the Fixed Stability Belt and Cargo Compression allows the pack to be secured tightly and keeps the bag close to your back for better stability, the Dual Sternum Chest Straps also ensure the impact protector is kept snugly against your back where you need it. With a torso fit of 43-55 cm the T.O.R.O has three exterior pockets for other essentials you might need on the trail, the straps are comfortable and breathable whilst the bright inner lining makes it easy to locate your belongings at the bottom of the bag.
If you regularly ride rugged trails with armoured protection the T.O.R.O could be a worthwhile addition to your gear profile, the weight feels like it is set a little high but the additional straps and compression maintain a stable ride. RRP £149.99
- Integrated Centre Back CE Level II Protector
- Tool Organization
- Comfortable fit
- Helmet and Armor Carry
- Fixed Stability Belt with Cargo Compression
- Dual Sternum Straps
- Weight sits a little high up the back