10 Best CamelBak Backpacks In 2020

How To Choose A CamelBak Backpack – Buying Guide

As we mentioned, a hydration backpack has some obvious upsides compared to other hydration methods. When it’s time to choose your CamelBak, you have to consider a few things. These come with different capacities, so you need to think whether you need the largest one or would you be more content with a smaller pack. Next, they come with some added features such as insulation, extra pockets, clips and many others which can be very handy. Finally, they are backpacks after all, and while some offer very little extra space, others will allow you to pack up all the gear you have on your hiking checklist. Take a look.

Type

Depending on what you need, CamelBak has you covered. Products we reviewed can be used for hiking, running, cycling or snow sports, among other things. Their hiking daypacks are comfortable, lightweight and usually come with a few extra pockets so you can pack some necessities. If you need one for cycling, they have backpacks with a low profile, increased breathability and reflective pieces so you are comfortable and safe on the road. As a plus, many come with helmet attachments.

Some products are designed to keep your water from freezing, thanks to thick insulation. This allows you to use them for skiing, snowboarding and cold weather hiking. Finally, some are designed for tactical use and come with high compatibility with other equipment. You really shouldn’t have a hard time finding the best CamelBak backpack as long as you know what you’re looking for.

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. While bladders are usually in separate compartments, you can take them out and use the backpack without them if you need some extra space. You can also often replace the reservoir with a differently-sized one, if that suits you better. In addition to this, some backpacks have convenient flaps which you lift and then unscrew the lid. This allows you to pour water into the bladder without taking the reservoir out (if you’re in a hurry), so the choice is up to you.

Capacity

This is probably the most important thing when looking for hydration backpacks in general. Bladders in CamelBak products vary from 30oz to 100oz in capacity. A 30oz bladder will hold enough water for an activity that lasts a couple of hours, but if you plan to be hiking throughout the day, you should probably get something bigger (even if you have a water source available on your route). In addition, if you plan on refilling in nature, don’t forget to take some water filters with you.

Regarding capacity, you shouldn’t forget that a larger bladder will weigh more when it’s full, which may cause discomfort if the pack becomes to heavy. Of course, you don’t have to fill it to the top if you don’t need to, which is an easy solution to the weight problem because the bladder and backpack usually don’t weigh that much on their own. If you’re wondering how much water you’re going to need, be sure to read our hydration guide for hiking.

Comfort

Since you’ll be wearing your backpack for many hours at a time, it shouldn’t cause any discomfort. Besides high adjustability which is typical for CamelBak products, they also pay attention to the design. Their products are padded in the right places, with a good weight distribution which is also important when the backpack is full and heavy. The straps won’t chafe you or cut into your skin, and they will sit nicely against your body. However, it’s best if you have a chance to try on the backpack before buying it. If not, be sure to take some time and read about the experiences of others, so you know what you can expect.

Fit

We just mentioned adjustability, and when we say this we’re talking about straps. CamelBaks come with strong straps which can be easily adjusted to your body frame so it fits both larger and smaller people well, while giving the product good stability. For every backpack the manufacturer specifies strap length, torso diameter and other measurements, so you can check whether it fits you well or not.

To further improve this, some products have additional chest and weight straps, which are put there to help keep the backpack in place when you’re active and also distribute the weight more evenly. Most backpacks from this manufacturer are universal, but you’ll stumble upon a few specially designed for women too. These are better at conforming to a female body, making them more comfortable for women (compared to regular products).

Related Review: Women’s Hiking Backpack

Bite Valve Switch (Lever)

As you had the chance to see, most products we talked about have this. It’s a small lever located underneath the bite valve which you control with a flip of your finger. It blocks the water from running through the hose even when the valve is open, subsequently preventing accidental leaks. It’s very convenient and certainly a plus if you get a backpack which has this feature.

Tube Clip

Many people who use hydration backpacks find it annoying if the hose just hangs and bounces around when not in use. Sure, a part of it is pulled through the strap, but there is still that last bit which is hangs free. Most CamelBak products come with a clip of some kind to solve this problem. It can be regular or magnetic, and a couple of products we listed have these magnetic clips. Magnet pieces are located on the strap as well as on the hose itself, so it stays put when not in use, and you can quickly detach and use it when you’re thirsty.

Quick-release Tube

This is a very handy system which can be found on many CamelBak bladders. It allows you to quickly detach and attach the tube to the bladder. It’s very secure when connected, so there will be no leaks in the pack. On the other hand, you can quickly remove the reservoir from the backpack without having to take the tube out too. This is handy for refilling and cleaning the bladder.

Insulation

Outside conditions can impact the water inside the bladder, especially if it’s very cold. If you want to prevent it from freezing, you should get a CamelBak with added insulation. The tube is usually insulated, and sometimes has it’s own compartment in the strap for added protection. Of course, the body of the backpack should be insulated too. This insulation can be handy during the summer too, for example if it’s very hot outside and you fill the bladder with cold water and ice, allowing you to have a cold and refreshing drink throughout the day.

Waterproofing

Even though CamelBaks are made from high quality materials, they are not fully waterproof. They are water-resistant, thanks to the structure as well as the special coating on the surface which repels water. This means it will endure light to moderate rain without your content inside getting wet. If you need additional protection, you can read more on how to waterproof a backpack, or simply buy a backpack rain cover.

Ventilation

Sweating is inevitable when we take part in a physical activity, so it’s important that our backpack is breathable so we stay dry without having the backpack stuck to out backs. CamelBak uses a lot of mesh on back panels and straps to allow air circulation. Some products have special grooves on the back panel to allow air movement even when the backpack is fully against your back, creating a really nice feeling.

Pockets and Compartments

Depending on the model you choose, you’ll get a different number of pockets and compartments. Having external pockets within quick reach is certainly a plus, for keeping smaller items such as your wallet, keys, mobile phone or hiking GPS. Also, consider the size of the compartments, how you can organize things inside, and whether or not that is going to be enough for you. Some CamelBaks are very basic and can accommodate only the bladder without much else, while others offer a substantial amount of space to pack your backpacking food and everything else needed for a longer hike.

Materials and Safety

We mentioned that the backpack itself is made of high-quality materials, usually very strong nylon. But what’s more important is that the hydration bladder is made from safe materials. CamelBak uses only tested materials which don’t contain BPA, BPS or any other harmful substances. In addition, the inside of the reservoir as well as the tube has an antimicrobial layer which significantly decreases the number of bacteria and reduces chances of mold forming. Finally, the water doesn’t taste like plastic so it’s very pleasant to drink from it.

FAQs

Globo Surf Overview

Getting a CamelBak backpack is an excellent way to keep yourself hydrated. Because many types are available, you can get a flexible product which will seem like it was made for you personally. It’s not just about carrying water – we’re talking about quick and easy organization of your gear and the comfortable feeling on your back. On top of this, their products aren’t overly expensive either, especially considering everything you get. We think these are absolutely worth it, 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.