Camelbak: How to choose your hydration backpack?
Camelbak's history
The CamelBak brand was born in 1989 in the United States thanks to a cyclist, Michael Eidson, participating in an extreme cycling race where water is essential to cross the finish line.
Therefore, he had the idea of filling an infusion bag with water and slip it into his shirt so that it can be stored without getting in the way.
He added a flexible tube over his shoulder and jams it onto the straps of his helmet: this is the birth of the hands-free hydration kit.
The word CamelBak comes from the English words « back » and « camel » which refers to a camel that can hold enough water to guarantee a high degree of resistance and endurance.
CamelBack designs hydration backpacks for running, hiking and cycling.
What makes CamelBak hydration backpacks so special?
The advantage of CamelBack is its practicality: it allows to carry a large (or small depending on your needs) amount of water (compared to a bottle and other objects) wherever you want without it being too complicated. Simply put your hydration pack on your back with the water reservoir inside and go on your adventure. It also serves as a back protection in case of a fall thanks to the padding, especially on a bicycle where the risk is greater than on foot.
Practicality
Protection
Water reservoir volume
Who is the Camelbak hydration backpack for?
The Camelbak backpack is primarily intended for runners, hikers and cyclists, but this does not restrict its use to other activities. The Camelbak backpack makes life easier for athletes as it is not only a hydration backpack but also a storage backpack for all the items needed on a cycling trip for example (repair kit, energy bars, pump etc).
The Camelbak running collection
Camelbak Pro Running
The camelbak running pro collection is perfect for long distance training and racing. It can hold up to 1.5L of water and has two small pockets on the front to store water flasks. These backpacks are designed not to hinder the runner during the run.
Camelbak Octane
With a capacity of 2 litres, you won't have any trouble carrying the 1.5 litre water backpack to meet your hydration needs on long rides. Furthermore, its very light weight allows you to fully enjoy your sessions.
Camelbak Zephyr
Designed for long distance runners, ultra-long distance runners and hikers. It is lightweight and optimised with safety features. There is a secure mobile phone pocket, an integrated safety whistle and an attachment point for your hiking poles. 2 Quick Stow bottles on the front of your waistcoat for easy access.
Running hydration backpacks comparison
| Camelbak Ultra Pro Vest | Camelbak Circuit Vest | Camelbak Zephyr | Camelbak Octane Dart | Camelbak Nano Vest | Camelbak Octane XCT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 180g | 180g | 200g | 200g | 140g | 310g |
| Volume | 6L | 3.5L | 10L | 2L | 3L | 7L |
| Rod holder | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Safety whistle | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Water reservoir volume | 1.5L | 1.5L | 1.5L + x2 500ml flasks | 1.5L | x2 500ml flasks | 2L |
The Camelbak bike collection
Camelbak Light
These hydration backpacks offer the bare minimum in terms of water reservoir (between 1.5L and 2L) and storage (between 1L and 5L). They can also be used for running, thanks to reflective elements for safe running.
Multipurpose Camelbak
This collection is Camelbak's most minimalist and efficient. They allow you to carry the bare essentials with its 4 litre volume and 1.5 litre water pouch. If you don't want to carry a heavy backpack then one of the models is for you.
Camelbak large volume hydration
This collection includes between 7L and 17L of useful storage space and 3L of water. These backpacks volumes will allow you to carry out outings from 2 hours to a whole day and even bivouac expeditions in comfort. You won't have to worry about what to put in your backpack.
Bike hydration backpacks comparison
| Camelbak Octane XCT | Camelbak M.U.L.E | Camelbak H.A.W.G | Camelbak Octane 10 | Camelbak Chase Bike Vest | Camelbak Rogue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 310g | 845g | 1kg | 370g | 330g | 260g |
| Volume | 7L | 14L | 20L | 8L | 4L | 7L |
| Helmet holder | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Safety whistle | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Water reservoir volume | 2L | 3L | 3L | 2L | 1.5L | 2L |
| Camelbak Lobo | Camelbak Skyline | Camelbak Solstice | Camelbak Chase Protector Vest | Camelbak Classic | Camelbak Hydrobak | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 697g | 650g | 650g | 780g | 330g | 260g |
| Volume | 9L | 7L | 7L | 7L | 4L | 2.5L |
| Helmet holder | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sifflet sécurité | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Water reservoir volume | 2L | 3L | 3L | Up to 6L (not included) | 2L | 1.5L |
The Camelbak hiking collection
Camelbak small volume hiking
Camelbak's small volume hydration backpacks have been designed to be sleek and compact without having to sacrifice storage capacity. You have the ability to take the bare essentials with you on your ride. It also has plenty of storage pockets to keep essentials safe and easily accessible.
Camelbak medium volume hiking
Camelbak's medium volume hydration backpacks offer a clean look and have a storage capacity of approximately 16 litres. The advantage of these bags is that they have a few handy storage pockets to better distribute the weight of the bag. With these hydration packs, you will have plenty of room for a day's worth of gear.
Camelbak large volume hiking
The Camelbak large volume hiking collection has enough room to carry all the gear you need for a one or two day hike. Ranging from 20 to 32 litres, it allows you to store your gear easily. In addition, there are pole attachments, ideal for when you're not using them. If you're worried about running out of space on your hike, then this collection is for you.
Hiking hydration backpacks comparison
| Camelbak Helena 20 | Camelbak Rim Runner 22 | Camelbak Sequoia 24 | Camelbak Cloud Walker 18 | Camelbak Fourteener 24 | Camelbak Octane 25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 680g | 730g | 500g | 650g | 1.1kg | 410g |
| Volume | 17.5L | 19.5L | 21L | 15.5L | 21L | 25L |
| Rod holder | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Safety Whistle | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Water reservoir volume | 2.5L | 2.5L | 3L | 2.5L | 3L | 2L |
| Camelbak Arete 8 | Camelbak Arete 14 | Camelbak Octane 9 | Camelbak Octane 10 | Camelbak Palisade 32 | Camelbak Octane 18 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 250g | 320g | 340g | 370g | 600g | 410g |
| Volume | 8L | 14L | 7L | 8L | 32L | 16L |
| Rod holder | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Safety whistle | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water reservoir volume | 1.5L | 1.5L | 2L | 2L | 3L | 2L |
