CamelBak Franconia LR 24 Review – Excellent Hydration Pack

Need a hydration pack for the new season? Then start with this CamelBak Franconia LR 24 review, this is a really versatile daypack with an excellent suspension system and ventilation.

Key features & benefits

What is in the name

The CamelBak Franconia LR 24 is a men’s version of the packs that also include its women’s counterpart the Sundowner LR 22 Hydration Pack. These are really nicely designed packs with a great suspension system. The focus here is on its hydration features, so let me say a few words about this first.

The letters LR in the name mean Low Rider, which describes the fact that you have a Lumbar Reservoir here. If you are not familiar with this, this is about a new design with reservoirs that are shorter and wider, and they occupy the space on the bottom of the hydration compartment. See more about this system in this video:

So the idea is to have the heaviest part of the stuff in the pack (and this is the water of course) as close as possible to your body’s center of gravity.

Now, during the tour, the amount of water in the reservoir is supposed to change, you will be drinking it of course, so they have introduced special straps on the sides of the hip belt so that you can compress the reservoir. In this way, you stabilize the load on the go. A clever system indeed.

You can route the water hose on either side of the harness. There is a Magnetic Tube Trap system that keeps your tube secure and accessible when you need it. In addition, you also have the Quick Link system in place – this means that the hose remains in place when you take the bladder out to refill.

This is a 24 liters pack, which implies 21 plus 3 for the reservoir. See below how the reservoir fits in its own compartment:

Overview of features

Suspension system

The central part of the suspension here is its tensioned trampoline style mesh. It completely separates the pack from the body so you have a free airflow in all directions. This is the best system for smaller and mid-range packs, introduced by Deuter a few decades ago and used now by many brands.

The hip belt is with some padding, nothing much but enough for this size pack. It is wide and ventilated, really well done. Similar minimal padding is also on the shoulder straps, again enough in view of the fact that this is a pack with a metal frame that transfers the load to the hips. The lumbar padding is quite nicely done and appropriate for this pack. See this all in the picture below:

Note that you don’t have torso length adjustability. It would be better to have it, but this is frequently so in the packs of this size, and with such a suspension system in particular. You will see some similar examples in the comparison table below.

Storage elements & attachment points

There are many external pockets and compartments here. So to start with the hip belt where you have dual zippered pockets, and on the sides, you have dual stretch mesh pockets.

There is one great front zippered pocket with several internal organization pockets, and behind it, you have a stash pocket secured by side straps. There are also two zippered panel compartments for your gear and for the reservoir.

A few attachment loops are on the shoulders harness, and on the front, you have dual bungee cords plus loops for trekking poles. 

Specifications

• Type: hydration pack for men.
• Hydration reservoir: 3 L (100 fl oz).
• Reservoir type: CRUX LUMBAR Reservoir with Quicklink System.
• BPA/BPS/BPF free.
• Volume: 21 L (1250 cu in).
• Weight: 1.2 kg (2 lb 10 oz).
• Size: 53 x 29.5 x 31 cm (20.9 x 11.6 x 12.2 in).
• Torso fit: 43 – 53 cm (17-21 in).
• Waist fit: 76 – 127 cm (30 – 50 in).
• Air Suspension back panel.

CamelBak Franconia LR 24 vs competitors

Here I give the Franconia LR 24 side by side with two other hydration packs, all with reservoirs included, so see how they compare. To read more please follow the links.

Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons

CamelBak Franconia LR Crux Lumbar Reservoir Hydration Pack

8.7

Volume/Weight ratio

7.7/10

Features & Bonuses

9.2/10

Comfort

9.1/10

Pros

• Great quality.
• Bonus reservoir.
• Very comfortable.
• Great ventilation system.
• Lightweight.

Cons

• No rain cover.
• No torso length adjustability.

Check on Amazon

Check at REI

Check at Walmart

Thank you for reading. If this pack is not what you want, just check around in the packs below 35 liters, there are many great models reviewed. In particular, check this Gregory Inertia 25 with the reservoir included. See also my list with best hydration packs. In the case of questions or comments, please use the comment box below. Have a nice day.