CamelBak - Hydration Pack

Written by Super Member: Leon Roode


If you are asked if you know the CamelBak insulated Hydration Pack models, maybe you'll say, "those are winter type Hydration Packs, aren’t they?" Yes, you are right, but they work just as good in non-summer months and I wouldn’t go anywhere in summer without mine.

Taking this type of Hydration Pack has more than one advantage. As a matter of fact, taking any Hydration Pack (water pack) has more advantages over a water bottle.

• You can carry more water.
• You don’t have keep topping up your bottle.
• You can drink as you hike, reducing stoppage time.
• You don’t have to take off your pack to get your bottle (for those you who keep the bottle on the side or in the pack).
• Taking a hydration pack will save you time and make life easier on the trails.

Why take an insulated Hydration Pack?

• It will keep your water cooler especially if you add ice cubes or ice cold water from a stream.
• It adds extra protection from getting holes in it (with my StoAway, I am very rough with it and just don’t have to worry about it while in pack or on the side of it or in my tent).
• In winter, it keeps my water from freezing, but that’s another story.

There are a couple of insulated CamelBak models such as the CamelBak unbottled 70oz which you can get at the ABC-of-Hiking Shop online. They also have the 100oz model.

CamelBak can easily fit into any hydration pocket in most packs. It also comes with four D-rings attached to the sides of it which can come in handy if you can or don’t want put it inside your pack. With the D-rings, you can strap your Hydration Pack on the side of or away from your pack.

I, for one, have found a disadvantage in keeping my Hydration Pack in the hydration pocket of my Hiking Backpack. I have found, especially on long treks like a week or two-week trek, when you have to carry a lot of gear and food that when my pack is full, it is very difficult to get my Hydration Pack. I drink a lot of water and if I am putting in 8 to 12 hours a day of trekking with a heavy pack, I need to refill my Hydration Pack at least once (this is why I carry a water pump filter, get water on the go) and having my Hydration Pack on the side makes this very easy and quick to do. With the insulated body, I really have no worries.

Another good idea with the tube is...
If your pack has a D-ring on the shoulder strap, you can attach a carabiner to it and then attach your Hydration Pack tube to it. This will keep your tube and mouthpiece in front of you and very handy. A problem you have with your tube sometimes is it tends to slip behind your shoulders and can be difficult to get at; using a carabiner on the D-ring on your shoulder strap takes care of this problem.


I hope this helps you out and makes life easier for you on the trails. Take care and happy trails.

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This Article was contributed by a Super Member:

Hi! My name is Leon Roode aka The Bush Pig. I am a New Zealander who has been living and running guided treks on the big northern island of Hokkaido, Japan for over 10 years. I have well over 25 years guiding and outdoor experience which I am more than happy to share with you here. Take care and happy trails.

Cheers,
Leon