I have been using CamelBak hydration packs for about 15
years. My first one was orange and I
used it when cycling. I still have it
and other than the bladder looking pretty old, it still works great.
CamelBak started in 1989 when Michael Eidson,
who was an EMT by trade, took an IV bag filled with water and stuffed it in a
tube sock. Michael then put the
contraption in his bike jersey pocket, put the hose over his shoulder and
clamped it with a clothespin. He wanted
to have extra water during the “Hotter’N Hell 100.” That was the first CamelBak.
CamelBak feels strongly about “Giving Bak.” They
started a program called We Know Water.
It is designed to teach 4th and 5th graders the
benefits of using a reusable bottle. CamelBak also believes in being
environmentally responsible in their day to day operations. The CamelBak headquarters is located in Petaluma,
California.
Here is a video that talks about some
of the new items for 2017 (release date of October 2016).
Quick Stow Flasks
One of the newer products that
CamelBak came out with is a collapsible soft flask. It is available in both insulated and non-insulated
versions. Here are some of the features:
·
17
ounce capacity
·
Big
bite valve for rapid hydration
·
Large
mouth opening allows for easy filling
·
Insulated
version keeps cold twice as long
·
Empty
flasks collapses and folds, ultra-compact
·
BPA/BPS/BPF
free construction
·
Dishwasher
safe
·
Built
in dry hanger loop
The soft flasks are used with the Ultra
Handheld Chill as well as their new Ultra Pro Vest.
Upgrades to the Reservoir
CamelBak is using the new Crux
Reservoir. It’s improving upon an
already stellar hydration bladder. They
updated the bite valve to have a larger diameter that is now angled. CamelBak claims that you exert less energy
trying to suck water out of the new valve.
The wider hose slows how fast water in the hose heats up too. There is a new locking mechanism that is
easier than previous models. The lock valve
is way easier to use than trying to twist a small lever on the previous
versions.
The opening used to fill up the
reservoir has a larger diameter opening (easier to fill), a new cap that is
easy to screw on, and there is an ergonomic handle that makes holding the
reservoir while filling it up easier.
Several of the Crux reservoirs have the quick link system that makes
removing the hose a snap (although the Circuit does come with the quick link
system).
Ultra Pro Vest
The Ultra
Pro Vest is an awesome vest for any distance. It features CamelBak’s new 3D ventilated mesh
that has bigger holes to allow more airflow and cushioning. I have tested vests from other brands and
this is more comfortable in my opinion.
Here are some of the features:
·
Two 17 ounce lightweight
Quick Stow flasks
·
3D ventilated mesh
offers multidirectional airflow and cushioning to maximize comfort and
breathability
·
Conveniently located
cellphone pocket with zipper closure for security (can fit Galaxy S7 and iPhone
7).
·
Dual adjustable
sternum straps increases stability and offer a range of adjustments
·
Stretch overflow
pocket lets you store extra gear or can be used for a hydration bladder
·
Harness storage
offers organization for fuel and gear, and includes Quick Stow flask pockets
·
Reflectivity on front
and back for early morning or evening runs
·
Whistle built into
the vest for safety
·
Sizes are based on
chest circumference: Small = 28 - 34 in.; Medium = 32 - 40 in.; Large = 38 - 46
in.
This is my favorite one of the new
CamelBak products that they just released.
It fits great, offering a snug fit that won’t move around on you. The bottles are easy to take in and out of
the pockets and there is plenty of storage.
I personally love the black vest.
It looks super sharp! There are a
total of 8 pockets in addition to the large storage pocket in back. The weight without the bottles is a miniscule
6 ounces. You can pre-order this pack at
REI and word on the street is that they will start
selling them at REI in October (before being released to other
retailers).
Circuit Hydration Vest
CamelBak updated one of its more popular
packs, last year’s model of the Circuit.
The Circuit is a versatile, light weight, and low-profile pack that can
be described as minimal. While it holds
a 1.5 liter (50 ounces) water bladder, it cuts down on some of the extra features
of its other packs so keep the weight down.
The Circuit offers the following features:
·
1.5 liter (50
ounces) reservoir
·
2 storage pockets
for storing extra water bottles or gels in front
·
Sweatproof pocket
to hold your phone, keys and an additional smaller pocket for gels or snacks
·
Dual sternum
straps provide a snug, adjustable fit.
·
External-fill
design lets you refill your water without having to take out your reservoir.
·
Hydroguard
antimicrobial technology inhibits the growth of bacteria in the tube and
reservoir
New features for 2017’s version:
·
New bite valve
offers 20% more water with every sip and an easy open/close leak-proof locking
lever to prevent accidental leaking during transport.
·
The Crux reservoir
has an ergonomic handle that makes filling the reservoir easy.
·
Updated the
fabric to the 3D ventilated mesh,
which offers multidirectional airflow and cushioning to maximize comfort and
breathability
I really like the circuit, especially
for racing since its really light weight and the new 3D ventilated mesh keeps
you cool. The new bite valve is great
and improves upon CamelBak’s awesome bite valves from the past, which I feel
are the best in the industry. My biggest
complaint is that the phone pocket is a little too small for my Galaxy S7 and I
wish the hydration tube used the quick link system that is used on some of the
other CamelBak products. This is an
awesome pack/vest though and I am very pleased with the updates. I will probably use it in some of my upcoming
races.
Ultra 10 Vest
CamelBak updated another one
of its more popular packs, the Ultra 10 pack.
The Ultra 10 is CamelBak’s most technical running pack. It has been my running partner for all of my
18 and 20 mile marathon training runs recently for a few reasons. It holds tons of water, has plenty of
storage, and even with all the bells and whistles, it is still fairly light and
agile at only 10.7 ounces. Here are some
of the Ultra 10’s features:
·
Adjustable mesh
harness with two sternum straps
·
Integrated reservoir
with 2L with quick link system
·
Expandable cargo
compartment
·
Harness cargo pockets
·
Stretch overflow
storage
·
Sweat-proof phone
pocket
·
Trekking pole
attachment
·
Reflectivity
New features for 2017’s version:
·
New bite valve
offers 20% more water with every sip and an easy open/close leak-proof locking
lever to prevent accidental leaking during transport.
·
The Crux reservoir
has an ergonomic handle that makes filling the reservoir easy.
·
Updated the
fabric to the 3D ventilated mesh,
which offers multidirectional airflow and cushioning to maximize comfort and
breathability
Like I said earlier, this pack hugs
your body and really does an awesome job of storing everything exactly where
you need it. It would be suitable for
running an ultra, marathon, half, or even on your family hiking trips. The one thing that I noticed is that the
hydration tube tends to flop around quite a bit, but is not that big of an
issue. You can get magnet clips for very
little money or do some MacGyver action to fix the problem.
Ultra Handheld Chill
CamelBak came out with a handheld holster
for its quick stow flasks. It is a mesh
holder that utilizes its 3D ventilated mesh.
It keeps your hand from getting too cold when running with cold water
and dissipates sweat fairly well. There
are two pockets. The larger zippered
pocket can hold an iPhone 6, but not a Samsung Galaxy S7. The smaller pocket is great for credit cards,
gels, and keys.
There are several elastic straps that
really make this handheld easy to use.
You can customize how you want to wear it depending on the amount of
straps you use. The Ultra Handheld Chill
comes with an insulated quick stow flask that will keep your water cold for a
longer period of time. This is a great
product and is great for short to medium runs.
I found that this is one of the most comfortable handhelds that I have
tried and love the new trend of collapsible water bottles.
CamelBak’s Social Media Links:
CamelBak to make its products with the best materials
for a more durable product. They want to exceed your expectations. The Got Your Bak™ Lifetime Guarantee covers
all reservoirs, backpacks, bottles and accessories from manufacturing defects
in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product.
CamelBak will repair or replace (at its discretion)
any manufacturing defect at no cost to you. The Got Your Bak™ Lifetime Guarantee
does not cover normal wear and tear, if you lose your hydration gear, improper
care, or negligence. Product must be
purchased from an authorized CamelBak dealer and should be returned to CamelBak for evaluation. Click here for their full warranty policy.
Check out CamelBak’s new gear for 2017 The updates are amazing and I am sure you will
be as pleased as I am. Get yours today
and stay hydrated.
Note: I received this product
in exchange for a review. The review is my personal opinion of the
product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it. I am not a doctor, so please use all of the
products that I review at your own risk.
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