Best Camelbak for Running Reviews 2021

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We would like to present you the best camelbak for running. What is a camelbak? A Camelbak is a hands-free hydration pack or water bottle, that was invented by Michael Edison in 1989, when he was competing in the “Hotter ‘n Hell 100” bike race in Wichita Falls, Texas. 

The original Camelbak was made from an IV bag that Edison filled with water and then stuck it in a tube sock. He was then able to carry the hydration pack with him during the race, and it quickly became very popular among other cyclists and was then adopted by United States troops.

By 2006, the Camelbak was a huge success and ended up expanding into the industry of water bottles, and the Camelbak came in different size capacities that were ideal for cycling, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Importance of Remaining Hydrated

Remaining hydrated throughout the day is essential to your health and maintaining your body’s different functions including the heart, brain, and muscle functions. Water also helps the skin regulate its temperature and ensures proper circulation of all the nutrients within the body. 

Sometimes it may be hard to carry a water bottle with you during your various outdoor activities. The Camelbak offers a more convenient way to travel and remain hydrated without having to worry about where you will store all your water bottles.

Choosing the Best Hydration Pack

The first consideration to make when you are choosing a hydration pack is to determine what the use of the pack will be. Are you a runner? If so, how often and how far do you run? Are you a runner that just runs a few miles each day or are you a marathoner?

 Next, you will want to determine the proper size of your hydration pack. You will want to have about thirty-three ounces of water for every hour that you are planning to run. The four most common sizes of hydration packs are 34-ounce, 50-ounce, 68-ounce, and 102-ounce.

Sip tubes and bite valves are also essential elements of the hydration pack to consider. The tubes are typically made from a polyurethane material because of its durability. However, it may also give you a slight plastic taste when you initially begin to use the hydration pack.

The bite valves are most often made from a silicon material. They open by applying pressure with your teeth so that the valve will release the water.

Finally, you want to find a hydration vest that is comfortable to wear, especially if you will be using it over long distances. Hydration packs come in the form of a vest or a backpack. You will want to be sure that the pack will fit your body shape and ensure there is padding or mesh in the straps and harness.

The following is a list of the best Camelbak’s that are available for running:

Best Camelbak for Running

 

Camelbak 2016 Marathoner Hydration Vest

Weight 11 ounces
Dimensions 2 x 14 x 18 inches
Hydration Capacity 2 liters

The Camelbak Marathoner Vest is ideal for runners who don’t want to worry about storage and would rather experience a more low-profile solution for their hydration needs. The Marathoner features an adjustable harness with cargo pockets, an integrated reservoir compression, a sweat-proof phone pocket, and an external fill option.

Pros

  • Provides easy access to the water supply
  • Front stretch storage pockets that fit water bottles, bars, and a phone
  • Lightweight and low-profile reservoir
  • Locking bite valve to prevent leaks

Cons

  • May not suit a woman’s body type
  • Front pocket does not fit an iPhone 6

 

Camelbak Lobo Hydration Pack

Weight 1.1 pounds
Dimensions 2 x 9.5 x 19 inches
Hydration Capacity 100 ounces

The Camelbak Lobo Hydration Pack is ideal for a cyclist or runner who wants to carry less gear but have an external fill access for their water. The pack features an Antidote Reservoir design that has a Quick Link System with an easy to open and close cap, a lightweight fill port, dryer arms, center baffling, and a low-profile design.

Pros

  • Magnetic tube strap
  • External fill option
  • Dual compression
  • Storage pockets for phone, wallet, keys, and energy bars

Cons

  • One of the pockets has multitools, so it does not provide additional storage
  • Can be heavier than other hydration packs

 

Camelbak HydroBak Hydration Pack

The Camelbak HydroBak Hydration Pack is a hands-free hydration solution for every runner or hiker. It features an Antidote Reservoir that offers access to the water and also includes a pocket that is big enough to hold your wallet and keys. It is also reflective so that you maintain high visibility while on the road. It also features a patented big bite valve and an easy to clean wide mouth opening. The quick seal cap tightens with just a quarter of a turn.

Weight 0.63 pounds
Dimensions 3 x 10.5 x 13 inches
Hydration Capacity 50 ounces

 

Pros

  • Features a diamond mesh back panel
  • Has a lightweight mesh harness for comfort
  • External fill reservoir
  • Short pack profile
  • Pockets that can hold multi-tool, wallet, and keys
  • Reflectivity for added safety

Cons

  • The stitching isn’t smooth
  • Water tube is a bit long
  • Pocket is too small to fit a smartphone

 

Camelbak Dart Hydration Pack

The Camelbak Dart Hydration Pack is lightweight and has been redesigned with a more compact design, improved harness, and more compression which all make it a favorite among runners. It features an easy open and close cap, a lightweight fill port, low-profile design, and a big bite valve.

Weight 0.82 pounds
Dimensions 2.5 x 9 x 18 inches
Hydration Capacity 50 ounces

Pros

  • Minimalist design for maximum comfort
  • Stretch mesh pocket
  • Front and back reflectivity
  • Lightweight design and compact design

Cons

  • Have to pull the reservoir halfway out to fill

 

Camelbak Circuit Hydration Vest

The Camelbak Circuit Hydration Vest features 3D ventilated mesh that offers multi-directional air flow and improved cushioning to provide extra comfort and breathability for any runner. It also features a pocket for your cell phone that is conveniently located for quick access and also has a zippered closure for additional security. The sternum straps are also adjustable to increase stability and offers customization options.

Weight 0.62 pounds
Dimensions 3.15 x 9.06 x 13.39 inches
Hydration Capacity 50 ounces

Pros

 

  • Reflectivity on the front and back for increased safety
  • Front storage pockets
  • Secure and zippered front pocket
  • Two fully adjustable sternum straps

Cons

  • May be difficult to adjust

 

Final Thoughts

If you are a runner that runs for miles and you are looking for a Camelbak with a larger hydration capacity, then the Lobo Hydration Pack has the capacity to hold up to 100 ounces, while the other varieties hold up to 50 ounces. They are all designed with lightweight comfort and durability in mind and have additional pockets to help store those small items you will want to take with you.

If you run in the early morning or evening hours, then a hydration pack that includes reflectivity will offer you that additional safety and security you need while you are on the road. We hope that you like our review about the best camelbak for running.

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Meet the Author

'Mountain Man' John

'Mountain Man' John is a Survival and Preparedness enthusiast who loves everything outdoors. He has a passion for learning anything and everything to help sustain his and his families way of life post SHTF. He frequently shares his knowledge on a variety of topics from his hands on DIY projects, learning new skills such as hunting and trapping along with reviews on his Survival related purchases - Prepping has been in his family for generations, it's in his blood.