Top 5 Best Camelbak Hydration Packs

If you plan on going on long hikes and backpacking expeditions, you need to have the best CamelBak hydration pack. Extremely convenient, hydration packs keep you on the move without the need to slow down or stop on long hikes for drink breaks. As the creator of the original design, CamelBak is the most prominent hydration pack company on the market. If you want to stay hydrated on your next hike, check out our CamelBak hydration pack reviews and ratings.

Top 5 Camelbak Hydration Pack Reviews

CamelBak offers numerous style and size choices of hydration packs. To find the best option among CamelBak hydration packs, you must consider key design features, overall construction quality, and style of the pack. However, this can be extremely time-consuming, so we sifted through CamelBak’s extensive library to find the best products. Keep reading for more information on the top five best CamelBak hydration packs.

* Ratings are determined using our specialized rating system.

Camelbak Ambush Mil Spec Antidote Hydration Backpack

The CamelBak Ambush Mil Spec Antidote Hydration Backpack was designed for both efficiency and performance. The hydration pack provides three liters of water storage and two roomy storage compartments for food or gear items. With a snug fit, the design is space-saving and ideal for those who need a hydration pack for day trips or endurance rides. A significant highlight of the design is the lightweight buckle system that reduces back stress. The shoulder buckles are also designed for quick release if you need to drop the bag in a hurry. A convenient latching system allows you to easily connect the hydration back to another gear backpack to expand your storage needs.

The CamelBak Ambush Mil Spec Antidote Hydration Backpack is from the company’s military line of hydration packs. Innovations included in the model are locking bite valves to prevent leakage and an insulating hose to control water temperature in all weather conditions.

CamelBak Women’s Sequoia 22 Hydration Pack

The CamelBak Women’s Sequoia 22 Hydration Pack provides easy access to more water on the go. The bag design is roomy, providing plenty of space for all of your hiking essentials. Storage pockets are oversized to fit food, rain gear, sunglasses, a wallet, and more for day trips. Smaller zippered cargo pockets are available to hold essentials such as pocketknives and small mobile phones. Since it does hold plenty of gear, the day pack can feel a little heavy when fully loaded despite the strapping system.

The hydration bladder holds three liters of water—a good size for a day pack when you need access to water for three or more hours. A hip belt is included in the design to reduce shoulder load and improve comfort. Another top design feature is a ventilation system that allows air to circulate through the back while being worn. The ventilated mesh materials keeps you during hot and humid conditions. The pack’s design is specifically designed for women to better accommodate their body types: the straps curve around the chest area and the length around the torso area is shorter.

CamelBak Mil-Tac HydroBak 1.5L or 50 oz Hydration Pack

The CamelBak Mil-Tac HydroBak 1.5L or 50 oz Hydration Pack is an affordable pick for those looking for a no-frills hydration pack with standard features. The low-profile design is ideal for people with smaller body frames. The quick–release straps make it easy to drop the bag immediately, and the water reservoir has a small capacity at 1.5 liters and will last about one and a half hours on the trail.

A single essentials pocket is perfect for small gear items such as keys and your wallet. The bag is not best for long hikes since it limits how much gear can be brought along, however. The durable reflective material used during construction improves visibility on the trails. This hydration pack is extremely lightweight and perfect for activities like mountain biking. The pack is also good for runners due to the ventilation system and lightweight feel. With a molded fit, the bag will not slow you down.

CamelBak Octane Dart 50oz Hydration Pack

Performance was key in choosing the design for the CamelBak Octane Dart 50oz Hydration Pack. With a reflective material for construction, the backpack is easily spotted at night and early morning hours during runs and rides. Using an ergonomic design for the handle, the hydration reservoir is easy to refill on the go. An extra lever is included to prevent leaks during high levels of activity. The tube trap holds water between sips and delivers about 20% more water per sip than comparable models.

The minimalist and low-profile design makes it easy to carry the pack for extended distances. Multiple storage pockets allow for plenty of gear storage including phones, keys, and a wallet. The stretchy pockets accommodate larger items. The hydration pack is very lightweight and ideal for competitions like endurance races. The reservoir will last for approximately one and a half hours since it has a 1.5-liter capacity. Although not appropriate for marathons, runners can use the hydration pack for training runs.

CamelBak Made in USA Lobo Hydration Pack 100 oz

The CamelBak Made in USA Lobo Hydration Pack 100 oz is the perfect basic day pack for mountain biking or hiking on the trails. With a three-liter reservoir, you’ll have enough water to keep you hydrated during a two to three-hour bike ride. The lever for the hydration pack has an intuitive design with an easy on and off switch. The mesh harness is extremely lightweight and won’t put any extra stress on the shoulders, and the mesh material construction also helps with improving ventilation.

Similar to other CamelBak hydration packs, the Lobo includes an ergonomic handle to make refilling simple. Another highlight is the fill is located externally as a way to top off the water supply without needing to unpack first. Three exterior pockets provide enough room to carry a few gear items such as keys, a wallet, and a small mobile phone. A waist strap and chest strap reduces the overall load of the hydration pack. The fit is very snug, so it won’t accommodate extra loads like an additional hydration reservoir.

History and Mission Statement of the Camelbak Brand

Early History of CamelBak

In 1989, an EMT by the name of Michael Eidson was competing in a 100-mile road race during the blistering heat of summer. To figure out a way to drink his water hands-free, he used an IV bag, tube sock, and clothespin for a makeshift reservoir. Eidson would later go on to design the first official CamelBak, called the ThermalBak, and began selling the packs at racing events.

Wartime Efforts

During the Gulf War, the CamelBak hydration pack grew in popularity and began to be used frequently by the military. Government contracts continue to make up about 40 percent of CamelBak’s annual revenue. Military-grade hydration packs are made without extra gear with water reservoirs solely. Other models are large sized rucksacks that can accommodate multiple military gear items.

Social Responsibility

In recent years, CamelBak has marketed its product line as being the socially responsible choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The company estimates that their hydration packs have prevented more than 10 million plastic water bottles from being thrown away. Besides the hydration packs, the company also makes reusable water bottles. On average, each person throws out approximately 18 water bottles each month. The reusable Chute from CamelBak stops this from occurring. The company is also involved with numerous charitable organizations, especially environmental organizations and conservation councils such as the National Park Foundation. Since CamelBak hydration packs are marketed to mountain bike riders, the company does donate to non-profits like People for Bikes.

Why Should You Buy a Camelbak Hydration Pack?

Since CamelBak originated the design of hydration packs, consumers can trust they are getting a high quality product. The packs cost a little more than other brands on the market, but these types don’t have the same standards as CamelBak. The government relies on CamelBak to outfit the military with hydration packs, which provides consumers with an extra layer of assurance.

Another reason to choose CamelBak is that the company’s Got Your Bak Lifetime Guarantee covers the hydration packs in case of defects. CamelBak will replace or repair any hydration packs that have failed due to poor material construction or workmanship.

The materials used to construct the hydration packs and water bottles are environmentally conscious. The company uses BPA-free plastics, and you won’t have to worry about lead-based paints, either. Hydration packs are easy to clean and should only be rinsed out with mild soap and warm water. To extend the lifetime of the hydration pack, never use harsh chemicals. Only use water in the reservoir, because other beverages could damage the construction materials.

Each hydration pack is carefully designed to improve athletic performance. Cyclists rely heavily on the hydration packs to avoid dehydration, but the one to three liter capacity reservoirs are also a good choice for day hikers and runners. Extra care goes into the fill and valve designs to make it easy to refill water without leaking. CamelBak hydration packs are never bulky and have a very low profile design. Outdoor enthusiasts should choose a CamelBak since all packs are easy to sip and provide extra water, usually 20% more per sip.

Conclusion

Of all these great hydration packs, we think that the CamelBak Ambush Mil Spec Antidote Hydration Backpack is the best CamelBak hydration pack. The military-grade backpack has the perfect blend of consumer and military features. With three liters of water, it can be used for three hours or more of outdoor activity. Although there’s plenty of gear room, the intuitive strapping system keeps the pack lightweight without ever feeling bulky. Also, if you need any extra supplies, there’s a connector to add another gear bag to the pack. This hydration pack has so many great features that we feel confident recommending it to anyone in the market for a new pack.

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