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When going on an outdoor adventure, you must always bring enough water with you. Carrying multiple water bottles isn’t particularly convenient, which is why hydration packs are slowly taking over the market. While many different hydration backpacks are available, one name stands out above all others – CamelBak.
CamelBak specializes in hydration on the go – their products are safe, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. As a bonus, they are also very durable and easy to maintain so you can count on using them for many years. In this article, we’ll discuss the features that you need to consider when buying a hydro pack and present the best CamelBak backpacks for different activities.
CamelBak M.U.L.E. Backpack
- What Makes This Camelbak Hydration Backpack Stand Out
- Lightweight 210D nylon shell with additional DWR water protection
- 3-liter Crux reservoir holds enough water for a whole-day adventure
- HydroGuard coating in the bladder prevents bacteria and mold
- External attachment points for hanging helmets and other gear
- Separate zippered pocket for keeping your phone and wallet
- Removable chest and waist belts improve the backpack stability
- Make it easy to keep you hydrated
Best For: Everyday Use
Material: 210D Nylon with DWR
Bladder Size: 3 liters
Insulated Tube: No
Chest Strap: Yes
Waist Belt: Yes
Storage Volume: 9 liters
Dimensions: 17.9 x 8.7 x 8.9 inches
Weight: 1.37 pounds
CamelBak Rogue Backpack
- What Makes This Camelbak Hydration Backpack Stand Out
- Breathable mesh back panel and straps feel great in the summer
- Magnetic tube trap ensures that the tube stays in place
- Stretch overflow main compartment with a 2.5-liter capacity
- Quick-release flap gives you easy access to the bladder
- Hooks on the outside for hanging and securing a bike helmet
- Antimicrobial coating on the Crux water reservoirkeeps the water safe
- High storage capacity and comfortable fit
Best For: Warm-Weather Hiking
Material: 200D Polyester
Bladder Size: 2.5 liters
Insulated Tube: No
Chest Strap: Yes
Waist Belt: No
Storage Volume: 2.5 liters
Dimensions: 17.2 x 8.31 x 1.81 inches
Weight: 2.4 pounds
CamelBak HydroBak Backpack
- What Makes This Camelbak Hydration Backpack Stand Out
- Lightweight and low-bulk design is perfect for cycling
- Reflective accents make you more visible on the road
- Crux reservoir and tube system provide a great water flow
- Quick and easy refilling without removing the water reservoir
- Ventilated harness for improved comfort in warm weather
- Chest strap provides better stability and weight distribution
Best For: Cycling
Material: 200D Polyester
Bladder Size: 1.5 liters
Insulated Tube: No
Chest Strap: Yes
Waist Belt: No
Storage Volume: 1.5 liters
Dimensions: 12.6 x 8.5 x 3.9 inches
Weight: 5 ounces
CamelBak Mil-Tac Backpack
- What Makes This Camelbak Hydration Backpack Stand Out
- Antidote easy access port allows quick filling and adding ice to the bladder
- Excellent choice with leaner people with a smaller body frame
- Ergonomic back panel and shoulder straps provide top-level comfort
- Zippered pocket on the outside for separating your valuables
- High-quality 200D polyester fabric without any BPA or BPS
- Detachable mouthpiece makes using the hose more convenient
Best For: Ergonomic Comfort
Material: 200D Polyester
Bladder Size: 1.5 liters
Insulated Tube: No
Chest Strap: Yes
Waist Belt: No
Storage Volume: 1.5 liters
Dimensions: 12.6 x 8.5 x 3.9 inches
Weight: 5 ounces
CamelBak Zoid Ski Backpack
- What Makes This Camelbak Hydration Backpack Stand Out
- Tube and bladder insulation keeps the water from freezing inside
- Snowshed back panel prevents the snow from staying on the backpack
- Slim profile makes it perfectly suitable to wear when riding a ski lift
- Small pocket with a key clip for keeping valuables and essentials
- 1-liter gear capacity is more than enough for a daily supply of snacks
- Antidote-style Crux reservoir with Quick Link hose attachment
- High storage capacity and comfortable fit
Best For: Skiing
Material: 200D Polyester
Bladder Size: 2 liters
Insulated Tube: Yes
Chest Strap: Yes
Waist Belt: No
Storage Volume: 1 liter
Dimensions: 16.14 x 1.97 x 9.84 inches
Weight: 10 ounces
CamelBak Ambush Backpack
- What Makes This Camelbak Hydration Backpack Stand Out
- Easy to refill through the opening without taking the bladder out
- Tough 500D Ripstop Cordura fabric easily resists tears and damage
- Multiple tube ports allow you to perfectly adjust the tube position
- Straps with a side release for quickly and easily taking the backpack off
- External pockets on top and bottom for stashing smaller essentials and provide extra storage
- Closed-cell PE foam padding on the back increases the comfort level
- High quality hydration system, perfect to keep you hydrated
Best For: Quick Refilling
Material: 500D Ripstop Cordura
Bladder Size: 3 liters
Insulated Tube: No
Chest Strap: Yes
Waist Belt: No
Storage Volume: 3.28 liters
Dimensions: 16 x 6 x 10 inches
Weight: 1.6 pounds
CamelBak ThermoBak Backpack
- What Makes This Camelbak Hydration Backpack Stand Out
- Foam-insulated tube and bladder (water won’t freeze inside)
- Six D-ring attachments for hanging gear on the backpack
- Quick-link system for easily attaching and detaching the hose
- Fantastic choice for keeping water cool in high temperatures
- Built-in hook-and-loop for adding unit badges and name tags
- Fold-down flap cover allows you to easily access the bladder
- Enough room for all your essentials
Best For: Cold Weather
Material: 500D Corduroy Nylon
Bladder Size: 3 liters
Insulated Tube: Yes
Chest Strap: Yes
Waist Belt: No
Storage Volume: 3 liters
Dimensions: 18 x 8 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds
CamelBak Lobo Backpack
- What Makes This Camelbak Hydration Backpack Stand Out
- Magnetic tube clip allows you to quickly take a sip
- Hooks on the sides for securing and carrying a helmet
- Stretch overflow main compartment for packing extra gear
- Reflective panels make you more visible in low-light conditions
- Ergonomic bladder handle makes refilling simple and convenient
- Separate secure phone pocket allows you to keep it close to hand
- Comfortable fit
- Perfect to keep you hydrated
Best For: Breathability and Ventilation
Material: 100D Nylon
Bladder Size: 3 liters
Insulated Tube: No
Chest Strap: Yes
Waist Belt: Yes
Storage Volume: 6 liters
Dimensions: 17.91 x 8.27 x 7.48 inches
Weight: 1 pound
CamelBak H.A.W.G Backpack
- What Makes This Camelbak Hydration Backpack Stand Out
- Excellent storage capacity for longer multi-day trips
- MOLLE webbing on the front for securing additional gear
- Air Director back panel provides incredible breathability
- Side-release buckles on shoulder straps for easy removal
- Two full-size main compartments for storing bulky gear
- Rugged 500D nylon shell withstands any outdoor challenge
Best For: Tactical Use
Material: 500D Nylon
Bladder Size: 3 liters
Insulated Tube: No
Chest Strap: Yes
Waist Belt: Yes
Storage Volume: 23 liters
Dimensions: 18 x 8 x 4 inches
Weight: 2.75 pounds
CamelBak Cloud Walker Backpack
- What Makes This Camelbak Hydration Backpack Stand Out
- Breathable back significantly improves comfort while wearing
- Several attachment points on the sides for carrying small items
- Compression straps on the sides to reduce the bulk of the backpack
- Zippered pocket keeps valuables secure and within hand’s reach
- Hip belt helps with weight distribution when the pack is loaded
- Organizer pockets inside make it easier to pack your gear properly
- Enough room for all your essentials
Best For: Lightweight Hiking
Material: Sustainable Synthetics
Bladder Size: 2.5 liters
Insulated Tube: No
Chest Strap: Yes
Waist Belt: No
Storage Volume: 15.5 liters
Dimensions: 20.08 x 10.43 x 9.84 inches
Weight: 1.43 pounds
How To Choose A CamelBak Backpack – Buying Guide
Compared to other hydration methods, a CamelBak hydration backpack offers several significant upsides. This being said, there is a large number of different models available and choosing the right one comes down to what type of activity you’ll be using it for.
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Type
Regardless of what you need, CamelBak has you covered – products in our reviews can be used for hiking, running, cycling, mountain biking, or snow sports (among other things). Their hiking daypacks are comfortable and lightweight, cycling packs use a low-profile design, while snow backpacks feature hose and bladder insulation. As long as you know what you’re looking for, you really shouldn’t have a hard time finding the best CamelBak backpack.
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Removable Bladder
One of the upsides of getting a CamelBak is how easy it is to get it refilled. All products come with removable bladders, which is a big plus not just for filling, but for cleaning too. In addition to this, some backpacks have convenient flaps that allow you to pour water into the bladder without taking the reservoir out.
Capacity
This is probably the most important thing when shopping for hydration backpacks. Depending on the model, bladders in CamelBak products vary from 1 to 3 liters (30oz to 100oz) in capacity. A 30oz bladder will hold enough water to keep you hydrated for a couple of hours but, if you plan to out all day, you should probably get a 2 or 3-liter model.
Comfort
Since you’ll be wearing your backpack for many hours at a time, it should feel nice on your back. Besides high adjustability which is typical for CamelBak products, they also pay attention to the design. Most of their products are padded in the right places, with a good weight distribution which is also important when the backpack is full and heavy.Â
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Fit
After size, the fit of your backpack is the most important consideration. The bag you choose needs to be adjustable so it can sit well on your back without causing discomfort. Torso diameter is the most important factor here, and you need to measure it properly so you can see if a certain backpack model fits. Luckily, CamelBaks are highly-adjustable and fit most adults of both genders really well.
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Bite Valve Switch (Lever)
The bite valve switch is a small lever located underneath the bite valve which you control with a flip of your finger. It’s an incredibly useful feature that blocks the water from running through the hose even when the valve is open. This, in turn, prevents accidental leaks.
Tube Clip
Many people who use hydration backpacks find it annoying if the hose just hangs and bounces around when not in use. Because of this, CamelBak products come with a type of clip of some kind to solve this problem. It’s usually a classic clip, but some of the high-end models feature a magnetic one that is easier to use.
Quick-Release Tube
This handy system allows you to quickly detach and attach the tube to the bladder. It’s a very convenient solution for refilling and cleaning the bladder. The link is very secure when connected (no leaks), but it also allows you to quickly remove the reservoir from the backpack without taking the tube out too.Â
Insulation
To prevent the water from freezing, you want to make sure that you get a CamelBak with added insulation. This layer of synthetic insulation around the drinking tube and bladder maintains the temperature inside regardless of the outdoor conditions. Besides winter, this can also be useful in the summer because it keeps the water cool.
Waterproofing
Even though CamelBaks are made from high-quality materials, none of them are fully waterproof. They usually feature a water-repellent coating on the surface that makes them water-resistant to a degree. While they’ll be able to protect the gear inside in light rain, they won’t keep water out if it starts to pour.
Ventilation
Sweating is inevitable when we take part in physical activity, so the backpack must be breathable. Because of this, all CamelBak models use a lot of mesh on back panels and straps to allow air circulation. Additionally, some products have special grooves on the back panel to further boost air circulation and create a nicer feeling.
Pockets and Compartments
Having external pockets is a big plus because it allows you to keep your wallet, keys, phone, and GPS within hand’s reach. While CamelBaks are usually very basic and can accommodate only the bladder without much else, there is a smaller number of models (like the H.A.W.G) that offer plenty of additional gear space.
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Materials and Safety
CamelBak backpacks are usually made from either strong nylon or polyester, two materials that guarantee durability. However, it’s even more important that the hydration bladder is made from safe materials. For this reason, CamelBak uses only tested materials that don’t contain BPA, BPS, or any other harmful substances. In addition, the insides of the reservoir and tube feature an antimicrobial layer that prevents the growth of bacteria and mold.
FAQs
Q: Why Chose A CamelBak Hydration Pack Over Other Hydration Packs?
You should choose CamelBak hydration backpacks because they are better than the competition in terms of quality, performance, and durability. They constantly improve the design based on user experiences, so you can expect great functionality too.
Q: How To Clean A CamelBak Backpack?
When talking about the shell, it’s usually enough to just wipe it down with a damp cloth and leave it out to dry. However, the bladder is a whole different story and requires more attention. When it’s time to clean, fill it with warm water, add some baking soda or bleach, shake the bladder, let the solution through the hose, and leave everything to rest for about half an hour. Afterward, drain it and rinse everything properly and leave it to dry before packing.
An alternative is to get CamelBak tablets and their cleaning kit. Tablets work very similarly to the bleach/baking soda option, but it takes only five minutes for them to work. The cleaning kit is specially made for their products and allows you to reach all the difficult spots without effort.
Related Post: How To Wash A Backpack
Q: What Can I Use My CamelBak Backpack For?
You can use your CamelBak backpack for any type of outdoor activity (hiking, cycling, trekking, skiing, etc). You can also use it while working around the yard for example, when you don’t want to constantly stop to take a drink. Of course, you can use just the backpack itself without the bladder when you need extra storage.
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Getting a CamelBak backpack is an excellent way to stay hydrated and avoid carrying a water bottle. In addition to carrying water, the best CamelBak backpack also offers quick and easy gear organization. We guarantee that it’s worth the investment, and you’ll be more than happy if you give one a try.
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Have you tried a CamelBak backpack that made it to our list? Which model did you get? Are you satisfied with the bladder capacity? Which additional features did you find useful? Please share your experience with us in the comment section below.