Which camelbak is best

And the main compartment on the Mira and the Manta is big—so big, in fact, that our testers found it easy to overpack. These upgraded Ospreys are decked out with trekking-pole attachments, zipper pulls, and an integrated rain cover.

They also have side pockets, with the same back-facing slits as on the Skarab and Skimmer these slits risk dumping small items but make it easier to grab bigger ones.

The Mira and Manta have the same great HydraPak water bladder as the Skimmer and Skarab, but with the added element of a detachable hose. As on the Skimmer and Skarab, the hose emerges from the top of the pack, and the mouthpiece snaps into a magnetic snap across your chest; the new daisy-chain-style chest strap is sometimes tough to wiggle apart with one hand.

Although the zipper-style setup of the hydration bladder is tough to figure out at first, we ultimately found it to be the easiest to clean, the quickest to dry, and the least apt to leak. Osprey sells replacement reservoirs , should yours spring a leak. If something does happen to your pack, Osprey offers an All Mighty Guarantee. Aside from the reservoir which is covered for only a year , the company promises to repair or replace the pack for any reason—forever.

When we first saw the CamelBak Arete 18 , we questioned whether its lightweight design could go the distance as a hydration pack. Once you get to your destination, it makes a fine daypack for knocking around town and taking on moderate hikes.

The Arete comes with the 1. The Arete is a dry-bag-style, unconstructed pack, just like the Osprey Skimmer and Skarab, but with even fewer features. It has two outside pockets, no hip belt which means all the weight is on your shoulders , and no articulated backing. We found that our shoulders held up just fine because the pack was too small to overfill, making the load blessedly light. But our backs did get sweaty throughout a half-day hike. The Arete was the lightest pack, in terms of weight, of any of our picks.

Like Osprey, CamelBak also sells replacement reservoirs. They do not cover issues caused by regular wear and tear. Gregory Citro 24 and Juno 24 : These Gregory bags were comparable to the Osprey Mira and Manta packs in terms of size and features, but they were less high-end. The mesh backing felt a bit itchy, and the hydration bladder which you need to buy separately had a small fill hole which meant a lot of spilling.

That small air hole also meant it took more than two days for the bladder to dry out even after being held open by a whisk , and this made us worry about the development of mildew.

CamelBak Fourteener 26 : Although our 6-foot-tall testers found this liter pack to be comfortable, our shorter testers did not; it was simply too tall. The waist belt is comfortable and has nice, zippered storage for a phone or keys. But the belt is also very substantial and stiff, and we found that it loosened over and over again, so we had to keep adjusting it. We like that the CamelBak bladders all have panhandles, which also promote easy filling—but we did find that they were slow to dry.

The mouthpiece was also tough at first, and it took a few hikes for it to soften up. Overall, this is also just too much bag for a day hike. However, the shoulder straps are made only of mesh, and this minimalist design meant that the pack dug into our shoulders when packed full. This pack does have some high-end elements: that padded hip belt, a detachable hose, and more storage than our CamelBak pick. But the mouthpiece is stiff, and it clips down on the right shoulder strap and can be tough to remove from the clip.

The hose was insulated, but that made it inflexible; this made it tough to drink water during the hike which is the whole point of buying a hydration pack! We also found the 3-liter hydration bladder to be poorly made, with a circular seal that leaked a bit.

There are holes on the top of the bladder that are meant to accommodate Velcro loops which hold the bladder up in the pack. But those holes are simply punched through the plastic and prone to ripping. Need we say more? There are better options for the price. Camden Gear Hydration Pack : This hydration pack is one of the top sellers on Amazon, so we tested it as part of our quest for a budget pack during the first iteration of this guide.

The Camden Gear pack is large enough for a 2-liter bladder, but it has a little space for additional items. It also has a small bungee configuration on the outside of the pack that can hold extra garments. This taste faded somewhat after several cycles of cleaning and use, but it remained noticeable. Here, too, serious problems with water flavor persisted even after cleaning. The popular Platypus Duthie A. Some of us are quick to spot-clean any smudge of dirt or mud. Others wear those marks proudly as testaments to a pack well used.

You want to make sure that your hydration reservoir aka bladder can provide you with clean water on every outing. Here are some tips:. Never use your bladder for any fluid except water.

It is difficult to fully rinse sports drinks and juices from these narrow containers, and any residual sugar will encourage bacterial growth. If you must use a sports drink in your hydration pack, consider buying a second bladder just for that purpose—and be extra-vigilant about cleaning it. Let the inside of the bladder dry thoroughly after each use. This requires finding some way to hold the bladder open so air can circulate. Some bladder manufacturers sell drying racks configured for their products, such as this one for the CamelBak Crux reservoir or the one that comes with this cleaning kit from Osprey.

For years, however, James and Jennifer the first writers of this guide managed to make do with a wire hanger bent in a zigzag shape at one end to hold the sides of the bladder apart and at the other end to hang the bladder upside down, so residual water can drain. You could also insert the cardboard tube from a used roll of paper towels to hold the bladder open, or you could use a whisk or paper towel holder.

Gear expert Scott Yorko recommends twisting a sheet of paper towel into a wick and inserting that into the bladder to help it dry. Store your bladder by hanging it in a dry place, rather than stuffed in a pack where mildew might develop. Proper storage will allow the system to stay fresh for longer periods between cleanings.

Occasionally, you may want to deep-clean your reservoir. There are several approaches. A gentler approach is to mix a couple of tablespoons of baking soda with hot water, let it cool slightly, then pour it into the bladder, drinking tube, and bite valve.

Let the mixture sit for an hour, and then drain and rinse. If you do decide to do a deep-clean with bleach to kill lingering bacteria , make sure to use a very mild solution one teaspoon of bleach for three liters of water. Pour that through all the components. Bite valves can also be removed and washed separately. Then wash the bladder with a few drops of mild soap and plenty of hot water. Note that Osprey advises against using bleach in its gear, and CamelBak recommends a mild bleach solution.

The CDC does recommend using mild bleach solutions to kill bacteria and viruses. If possible, reach into the bladder itself and scrub lightly with a cloth. Therefore, it is always best to go for a backpack which has great breathability. Virtually all CamelBak backpacks are more than adequate when it comes to breathability and ventilation, therefore you are unlikely to have any issues. It would still be in your best interests to actually check before purchasing.

The climate in which you intend to use your backpack could also be an important factor. If it is cold all the time then you may be better off staying away from a backpack which has a lot of mesh. This is not as important as the criteria mentioned before this, but it is still worth mentioning. Every CamelBak backpack is designed keeping a specific activity in mind. It could be running, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, etc.

While the crux of the hydration pack is by and large the same, there are subtle changes in design and features depending on the type of activity that it is produced for.

Therefore, make sure to check what the CamelBak that you intend to buy has primarily been designed for and make sure that you are buying it for the same purpose. Another way to verify if the CamelBak backpack is the one for you and is best fitted to the activity you intend to use it for is to check the customer reviews. By checking the customer reviews you are able to get a first-hand look at how the backpack performed for other customers who decided to go with the hydration backpack.

This way you know if the backpack will hold up and excel you forward on your next adventure. It is an ideal mix of quality, aesthetic appeal, and class. The best part is that it will not burn a hole in your pocket. While its primary use is intended for mountain biking, you could just as well use it for virtually any other outdoor activity including hiking, jogging, etc.

Fit This backpack fits great and as always with a CamelBak backpack, the straps are adjustable to ensure you can get the perfect fit. Breathability The various air channels in the back panel offer tremendous breathability. This ensures that your back is kept well ventilated and cool at all times. Use It is a decent price to way for a backpack as good as this with a CamelBak tag. Moreover, there are cheaper ones that are available in other colors.

The M. E is available in myriad colors. Each color is impressive in its own way and you will have a pleasant headache trying to choose between them! This impressive cycling hydration backpack is aimed primarily at those who are looking for slightly cheaper options. The CamelBak quality is ever present so you need not worry about there being a compromise between quality and price. There is a version of this, but this one is considerably better. Remember to double check when you buy; the model that comes later is not always an upgrade or better.

Capacity 3. Not the highest storage capacity you will find, but given the price range, it is quite decent. Fit This backpack is one of the more sleeker and smaller on the list. With proper adjustments using the adjustable straps, it will fit great and be comfortable for any activity. Breathability This backpack has a breathable back and straps to ensure proper air flow is provided. Use It is very affordable and for its quality, it is great value for money.

It is available in 4 colors namely, black, lemon green, pure blue, and racing red. If you seek a top-notch CamelBak hydration backpack for mountain biking and external filling is one of your top priorities then the Lobo should be among your top choices.

This is also a good option if you are not looking to carry around a lot of gear. Capacity At 3 liters the capacity is alright. You could argue that the capacity could be slightly better given the price, but overall it is still quite reasonable.

Fit This backpack fits great as it has adjustable straps and the shape of it works well with your back arch ensuring a comfortable fit. Breathability The back panel has incredible ventilation which allows for a high level of breathability. Use The Lobo is available in 6 different colors. There is an additional storage compartment for anything you may want to dump. The reflective accents account for good visibility and ensure your safety even in a bad light.

This is a CamelBak classic in more ways than just the name. It has been designed for both men and women and is primarily aimed at cyclists. Its compactness makes it an ideal companion for short distance rides. Capacity At 2 liters it is slightly on the lower side, but given the price and given the fact that its compactness is one of its plus points, it is ideal for people intending to use it for short distances.

Fit Like many other CamelBak backpacks, this backpack comes equipped with breathable pockets along the back of the backpack and on the straps. Breathability The air mesh is extremely well ventilated.

This gives the hydration pack great breathability which is so essential for backpacks. Use It is as good as it gets for a CamelBak classic. Admittedly it is not the biggest hydration pack in terms of capacity, but it is still worth the money. As with the earlier models discussed, the price varies slightly depending on the color chosen. It is available in four colors namely, black, lemon green, pure blue, and racing red. Choose the one which most catches your fancy. The Cloud Walker 18 always tends to make the favorite hydration backpack lists of hikers.

We also tested the packs for breathability as this affects your comfort quite a bit think sweat-saturated back on a chilly and windy day. This high level of breathability is accomplished by keeping the pack body away from your back, providing superior airflow. The Gregory Endo 15 also provides proper ventilation with comfortable back panels separated from the backpack's body.

Shoulder strap construction is another important consideration when it comes to comfort. A good portion of the pack's weight rides on your shoulders, especially for models with no hip belt or a skinny webbing belt. Shoulder straps with a more anatomic cut are more comfortable.

Not surprisingly, the higher-priced packs in our lineup tend to have this feature and are more comfortable. Some hydration pack users prefer a more substantial hip belt like the Thule Vital 6 , while others have no hip belt and instead use a dual sternum strap design such as found on the Camelbak Octane Others use a slightly wider, larger webbing design like the Evoc Ride 12 , while others have a thin hip belt such as the Osprey Syncro 12 and Gregory Nano 18 H2O.

What type of belt you prefer is very subjective, and only you can decide which style you like. Generally speaking, the more substantial the hip belt, the better the pack will carry heavier loads. A pack's comfort is a cocktail of individual ingredients, while storage space is a bit more straightforward. Are you only carrying water? Do you regularly carry extras in your pack, like snacks, first aid, and an extra layer? How about carrying the kitchen sink? Depending on your typical day out and what you tend to bring with you, it's relatively easy to figure out how much space you need.

Once you've decided on a size, you can begin narrowing down how you want your storage space organized. Do you prefer one or two simple compartments? Alternatively, do you like lots of individual compartments where your equipment and food can be more organized?

If you need specialized gear storage, such as bike pump keeper loops, helmet or pad carry straps, some of our midsize bike packs such as the Camelbak Mule Pro 14 , the Gregory Endo 15 , and the Osprey Syncro 12 might be great choices. We were especially impressed with the storage features on the Gregory Endo In addition to a solid liters of overall volume, the Endo has a multitude of storage compartments, zippered pockets, padded sleeves, and hip belt pockets.

We also liked the easy-to-use storage compartments in the Evoc Ride 12 , whose rectangular shape is easy to stuff with first aid and extra layers.

Easily accessible hip pockets allow quick access to snacks, a multitool or knife, and other small items. Here at GearLab, we measure an item's weight ourselves, as sometimes claimed weights aren't always accurate. Our lineup of hydration packs is no exception. We weighed each pack with its included hydration system. There was a surprising weight variance between the low and high ends of the spectrum in our lineup. The CamelBak Classic weighs With its simple, lightweight design, the CamelBak Classic scores well in this metric.

If you only need the bare necessities, this is an excellent option for those on a budget who are also concerned with weight. It's also an excellent choice for kids, keeping the pup hydrated, or occasional hydration pack users.

How much emphasis this metric has on your hydration pack decision-making is up to you. Some riders and runners want things as light as possible, where others don't mind an extra few ounces or even a pound if it means their pack is more organized and comfortable and has more bells and whistles. We know that most users may not clean their bladders as often as they probably should.

We're not pointing fingers or making judgments because we're guilty too. With today's hydration packs, though, it's easier than ever to do a quick and thorough cleaning of your hydration system to keep the petri-dish effect to a minimum. Overall, the quicker the access to the bladder itself, the easier the cleaning process is. Beyond that, the larger the bladder opening, the easier it is to clean.

We also found that the quicker and easier it is to clean our hydration system, the more likely we are to do it. If you can remove the bladder from the pack and open the entire end of it, insert your hand and scrub, then follow it up with a towel, it's pretty darn easy to keep things clean.

HydraPak bladders, which are found on Evoc and Osprey packs, are easy to flip inside out to clean. For those that are dishwasher safe, toss them inside out in the top rack and let the machine do the work. The narrower the opening, the more arduous cleaning becomes.

The packs quipped with CamelBak Crux bladders fill easily but are harder to thoroughly clean and dry than the models mentioned above. That's not to say they were that difficult to clean; they just required a bit more effort than the other wider opening models.

The 3D-Hydro system on the Gregory Nano 18 H20 and the Endo 15 also require a little more effort with their circular openings and require a brush, but we appreciate their convenient hanging hooks to help the bladder dry.

With a greater variety of hydration packs available today than ever before, we've narrowed down your search by researching and testing the best options available. We've made this review as comprehensive and detailed as possible to help aid in your decision-making.

Our gear testers rode, ran, skied, climbed, and hiked all over Arizona, California, Minnesota, and beyond to help you select the best hydration pack for your needs.

GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.

Best Hydration Pack of We tested hydration packs from Osprey, Gregory, CamelBak, Deuter, and others to find the best products to keep you hydrated on the trail. Photo: Tara Reddinger-Adams. Share this article:. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products.

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Top 11 Product Ratings. Displaying 1 - 5 of Osprey Syncro Evoc Ride 12L. CamelBak Octane Gregory Endo 15L. Deuter Compact EXP Show full specification details Hide full specification details. See all prices 3 found. Ease of Drinking 8. High-end quality and construction. Ease of Drinking 7.

Amazing volume to weight ratio. Ease of Drinking 9. See all prices 2 found. Several pockets and storage features. Ease of Drinking Innovative drinking hose attachment. Score Product Price Our Take Gregory Nano 18 H2O. Osprey Skarab CamelBak M. Pro Thule Vital 6L. CamelBak Classic. Who doesn't love a good value? The Gregory Nano 18 is one of the best values we've tested.