Camelbak HydroBak
MSRP: $30
Reservoir capacity: 50oz (1.5 L)
Available Colors: Bamboo Green, Garnet/ Cool Grey, Black/Cool Grey, Abyss Blue/Gunmetal
Camelbak website: http://www.camelbak.com/rec/products.cfm


----- Introduction -----

Camelbak hydration systems are commonplace in many sports, with both competitive athletes and casual enthusiasts enjoying the benefits of easy water access. The last few years Camelbak has greatly increased the variety of packs they offer, and not counting different color combinations you can choose between 41 different models. Many of their models are similar in design, but offer different cargo capacities. You can choose from many sizes of water reservoirs, from the diminutive 35oz models to the super-size 3 liter 100oz packs. The many color combinations ensure you’ll find a look that matches your clothing. There are several other companies selling hydration packs, but in my opinion Camelbak still looks the best and works the simplest. Hey, there’s something to be said for sticking with the originator of the whole idea! No matter what sport or trip you are going to take, there is definitely a Camelbak for you.

----- The HydroBak -----

Starting near the bottom of the Camelbak line is the HydroBak. Very similar in concept to the current Camelbak Classic, the HydroBak is a smaller and lighter version for short outdoor excursions. The HydroBak model is a 50oz unit, which is noticeably smaller than other 70oz packs. The biggest noticeable difference once you are wearing the pack is how light the HydroBak is. Fully loaded with water it weighs in at just a touch over 4lbs. For normal exercise most people should drink 1 liter per hour. This gives you roughly 2 hours of hiking, biking, or any other activity. For longer excursions you can always take and extra water bottle or two.

The HydroBak fits me very well, and rides quite high on my back. The shorter and wider design places the pack right over my shoulder blades and in the best position for comfortable movement. Both my Camelbak M.U.L.E. and Rim Runner packs are more uncomfortable due to their large size and lower weight distribution. The load-bearing shoulder straps on the HydroBak are quite wide, and made of a light mesh for better airflow. They lack the extra padding that larger packs are equipped with, but since the maximum weight you will carry is 4lbs this isn’t a problem. The HydroBak also includes a chest strap for lateral stability and to prevent “sloshing” of the pack from side to side. Obviously the small size of the HydroBak eliminates it as a cargo hauler, although it does have a 5-point bungee cord area for securing a rain parka or light jacket. This is more for novelty value since I’ve had my long sleeve jersey fall out of the bungee cords on several occasions. If you need cargo capacity look at one of the larger packs with built in storage. The pocket that holds the water reservoir is well insulated, and will keep water cool, for 3 or more hours in average 75 degree temps. It doesn’t do as well at keeping liquids warm, but in 20 degree temps it will keep hot water warm for 1 to 1.5 hours. Personal note: The water becomes very cold and will freeze in your drinking tube if you use the HydroBak in below freezing temps. The pack insulates the reservoir from the cold, but not the tube. Either keep the whole unit under your coat or buy the Camelbak insulated sleeve for the water tube.

As I mentioned in my review of the Camelbak Classic, the only drawback to hydration packs is the plastic taste that permeates the water after 30 minutes or so. Camelbak has worked hard to eliminate the taste problems, and with their newest Omega reservoir they have really improved the water quality over a long ride or hike. The Omega also has a very large mouth, which is a godsend for loading ice cubes or cleaning the reservoir. Cleaning is now as simple as inserting your hand in the reservoir and wiping the sides with a light sponge and a light duty anti-bacterial soap. Rinse very well several times and then let it air-dry. The other bonus to the Omega reservoir is you can actually use other liquids in your Camelbak and clean it out sufficiently. Gatorade, hot chocolate, Cytomax, and many other drinks can be used without spending 45 minutes trying to clean your reservoir through the tiny mouth. The Camelbak cleaning brushes work quite well for scrubbing the nether regions of the bladder and water tube.

The ubiquitous bite-valve has also matured and evolved into a more user friendly design. It’s now called the HydroLock Big Bite valve, and is rotated 90 degrees for easier access to your mouth. You’ll notice the hose doesn’t try to pull the bite valve out of your mouth like it used to, and there is also a built in shut-off at the bite-valve for transportation. I was quite thankful for this, since I’ve had my Camelbak drain all over my truck seat due to something pressing on the bite-valve and allowing water to leak.

----- Bottom Line -----

Since I just purchased my HydroBak last fall, I’ve only used it ten or twelve times so far. I'll be using it a lot next summer for hikes and shorter mountain bike rides. What has amazed me is how many places I’ll use this model that I wouldn’t think about taking my other Camelbaks. Let me list a few of them for you, and maybe you’ll think of a few yourself. I wore it to a late-autumn county fair, under my jacket while motorcycling, under my coat while snowmobiling, and on a 2.5 hour endurance bike ride in November (hence the cold weather testing). Aside from sports and exercise, other places you could use this pack are at amusement parks, at the beach, the mall, flea market, or anywhere else you’d like to have a drink of water handy. In the winter you can fill the reservoir with coffee, spiced cider, hot chocolate, or anything else you need to keep warm. Thanks to the easy-to-clean Omega you can get messy and still clean up without too much trouble.

The HydroBak’s versatility is unsurpassed, and for $30 (actual street price is usually about $25) you can’t beat the price. It’s great to add as a second pack if you already own a larger model, and it’s also a good first-time hydration pack for newcomers to Camelbak. The durability of all 3 of my Camelbaks has been excellent, and any of their current models should last for a long time. Thanks to the advances in water quality with the Omega reservoir and the compact design of the HydroBak, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone needing a compact, portable, and stylish hydration solution.

Related links:


Camelbak H.A.W.G. (2006)
Camelbak Rim Runner
Camelbak Classic
Camelbak Reservoir Dryer

Thanks for reading, and feel free to comment!
Openroad


Recommended: Yes