Hydration Packs > CamelBak Hydration Packs

Advantages: Easy to clean an maintain
Disadvantages: Lacks extra storage

I wanted to try Hydrapak so I gambled on the AS Trail. I am very glad that I did. The bladder doesn't have a screw-on lid like most other systems but rather a roll-top with velcro. I know that sounds bad and I was skeptical, but it really does hold water well. I filled it up and squeezed and couldn't get it to leak. Additionally, the bladder is easily pulled inside-out so that makes drying and cleaning a breeze. Oh yeah, the hose disconnects from ...
...snaking the hose through the system - the connection is also excellent, no leaks. The construction of the pack is perfect. Nothing is coming apart, no loose threads. The straps stay tight. I did find that the chest strap (I didn't even try to use to waist strap) kept pulling my jersey up exposing my lower back to mud - a problem made worse, I suspect, by the air channel pads. But when I disconnected that strap everything was fine. The pack has a ... Read review

Advantages: size of reservoir, pack size. comfort
Disadvantages: makes you need to pee lots!

I got a camelbak M.U.L.E. from hubby for going hillwalking locally (we live in aberdeenshire so fantastic hills round us) and needed something a little larger than just a hydration pack as I tend to take 2 dogs and all the bits and bobs they need (poop bags, dog treats, leads etc) as well as some waterproofs for me! I suffer from asthma and find that regualr sipping on cool water helps avoid attacks, and means I use less of my inhalers, and can ...
...is well made, and fits nicely. Hubby finds it comfy too, so its not just built for us ladies! I find the reservoir easy to clean (I have the cleaning brushes for it, and use effervescene cleaning tablets too) and then tend to store it dry in the cupboard. I also tend to fill it the day before a walk, and freeze it until that evening, then leave out to thaw overnight so its refreshing and cool for the next walk. I love the valve - so easy to use, ... Read review

Advantages: Hygene, Price, easy to use
Disadvantages: fragile

I owned an original camelbak water system way back, around 15 years ago. For those who may not know what that is, its basically a flexible water bottle that slips into a pouch which you wear like a rucksack for running or cycling. The problem in those days was as it is now, mould would grow inside the water pack no matter how much you tried to keep it clean. So you had to spend some extra pennies to get the sterilizing tablets, else risk getting ...
...shop and came across a Camelbak Reservoir Dryer. I paid £9.99 for mine but happened to see them again in Halfords for £8.99. This looks like a short sot of hanger. You cut it to size and squeeze it through the water pouch's filler cap and let it expand again inside. The idea is that it keeps the sides from touching thus letting air get into the main area of the pouch. There is a handy coathanger type plastic hook on the end so that you can hang ... Read review

Advantages: Weight, Construction, Water Capacity
Disadvantages: Storage Space, Cost

...for, which is probably where Camelbak got their name from. You see Camelbak specialise in the creation of "Hydration Systems". Simply stated, a hydration system is a rucksack with a water bladder and drinking hose built in. But Camelbak have managed to make it so much more and the M.U.L.E. is just one of an ever-expanding range of "systems" (currently numbering close to 50!), each of which tends to be tailored to the specific needs of a fitness niche. ...
...new version also prints the Camelbak logo in reflective material - all useful stuff especially if you ride at night. Finally then, we get to the "other" component of a hydration system - the bladder. Camelbak have long prided themselves on their bladders - big, blue and with a huge opening they used to be made of an extremely durable silicon rubber type material. My old bladder was one of the first with their "Omega" opening, which is big enough ... Read review

Advantages: enormous carrying capacity, great design...
Disadvantages: none...

As a fan of Camelbak and its range of products I currently have three different bags, the Classic, MULE and HAWG. I've used most of them for years and have never been disappointed by their performance... The HAWG is great if you need to Hold A lot of Water and Gear, hence the name! For long day rides or in bad conditions this is definitely my favourite and the one which I would choose to use both for riding and days out in the countryside or anywhere ...
...so the use of the Camelbak is still really worthwhile and very useful when riding or doing any other outdoor activity for that matter. The HAWG’s storage space and consists of a couple of large pockets, one with a tool organiser and a couple of bungee and netting pockets on the outside, plenty to take some food, tools, phone, wallet and waterproof comfortably and this is why this is the pack I would use for a days ride in any weather conditions. ... Read review