The name “Camelbak” has become synonymous with hydration pack. Just do a simple search of the brand name on Amazon and you’ll see not only Camelbak products show up on your screen but all kinds of other hydration packs for hiking, cycling, climbing, walking, trail running, etc.
In other words, you really can’t consider buying a hydration pack without considering the leader-Camelbak. The chart below will show you what we think the best Camelbak products on the market are these days. Keep in mind that we didn’t concentrate on a certain fluid capacity or price range, we just tested and used the products (thanks to Camelbak!) and came back with our 5 favorites.
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5 Best Camelbaks on the Market Today
| The most economical hydration system that Camelbak produces. Capacity: 50 oz (1.5L) Colors: Assorted | ||
  | A basic 70 oz hydration capacity pack in multiple colors. Capacity: 70 oz (1.75L) Colors: Blue, Black, Lemon Green, Red, Spring Grass | |
  | 70 oz., mulitple color hydration pack with a long (34") should strap. Capacity: 70 oz (1.75L) Colors: Blue, Black, Lemon Green, Red, Spring Grass | |
  | The LOBO is a 100 oz capacity, monster of a pack. Keeps you hydrated for a long time. Capacity: 100 oz (3L) Colors: Electric Blue, Black , Blue Sulphur, Electric Blue/Charcoal, Exuberant Orange | |
  | The Mule Is the best mix of cargo hold and hydration pack that is on the market today. Capacity: 101.4 oz. (2L) Colors: Cherry, Charcoal, Toucan Green, Electric Blue, Parisian Orange |
Convenience of a Camelbak Hydration Pack
When it comes to health and safety, water plays a huge role. Most especially when carrying out any activities you are bound to get thirsty, and therefore ensure that you have enough water, so you don’t get dehydrated. Some of the activities you can engage in include hiking. Regardless you are walking in heated areas, cold or whatever temperatures water is very essential. You can always choose a hydration pack for carrying your water as there are varieties in the market.
Let’s look at the importance of having a hydration pack while hiking.
- It is convenient
The hydration pack is essential in hiking since all you have to do is ensure the sip tube is in the right position to be able to reach the water. Therefore you will not need to stop to take water you get hydrated as you continue your journey.
- You stay focused
It is easy to access water with a hydration pack while hiking and therefore your body remains hydrated throughout the process. This in return enables you to stay focused and active throughout the activity.
- It is easy to use
All you have to do is to connect the packing tube in a place where you can be able to reach it with ease .therefore this makes it easy to use while hiking because all you do is to sip the water as you continue your journey.
What should you consider when buying a hydration pack?
- The activity
It is important to ensure that you buy the right bottle for the activity you are about to undertake. This is important so you can ensure that you purchase the right size of a hydration pack that will supply you with enough water while hiking.
- Consider the size of the sip tube
When hiking, you will require a tube that is long enough to reach your mouth where you will be able to drink water as you move. Therefore when buying a pack hydration ensure it has a long tube.
5 Tips for Staying Hydrated During Hiking
Hiking is a great opportunity to sightsee attractions along the trail. Before starting the hike, it is important to be prepared. Some of the items hikers pack include mobile solar chargers, binoculars, maps, a satellite phone, extra boots, guide books, emergency contact information, protein bars and other extras. One important item experienced hikers never forget to carry is water. Today, hikers have the opportunity of storing water in hydration packs when hiking. Not only is the water stored at an optimum temperature but it is dispensed at the right quantity.
If you are new to outdoor adventures, staying hydrated during hiking is very important. You need to consume ½ a cup to 1 cup after every half hour to an hour to keep your body hydrated. Without staying hydrated during hiking, you risk acquiring acute mountain sickness, muscle cramps, major headache, fatigue, heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
- Use hydration packs
If you are used to carrying water in a plastic bottle when hiking, then you need to know you have been doing it the wrong way. Hydration packs refer to a system that is built either as a backpack or a waist pack. It is fitted with a reservoir made of rubber or flexible plastic. It is capped providing a means to fill the bladder while a hose enables the wearer to drink liquids hands free.
- Avoid coffee and alcohol
If you are planning to hike in the next few days, its best to give up your daily cup of Joe and alcoholic drinks. Unlike water which helps to hydrate the body cells, alcohol and coffee performs the opposite – dehydration. This makes you thirsty which is not good if you are hiking. You may end up suffering from muscular problems, fatigue and heat stroke. You don’t want this especially if you are hiking on your own deep in the woods or high up the mountains. Help may not be so close if you faint as a result of dehydration and heat. Before you start your journey, drink one or two cups of water, natural juice or home-made sports drink.
- Pack some sports drinks
Sports drinks are alternative hydrating liquids which are necessary if you are hiking. They contain a load of nutrients and minerals which are essential for the growth and development of the body. They also help to balance electrolytes in the body. Store bought sports drinks are manufactured with lots of artificial sugar, additives and preservatives. This is not good for your health as it may result in the occurrence of ailments. To promote healthy living, you need to make your own sports drinks at home. There are plenty of recipes online which promote healthy living and furthermore, you will use natural ingredients with no additives and preservatives.
- Monitor your hydration levels
It is important to know your hydration (or lack there of) status when hiking. There are natural ways of determining this. Some of them include:
- Rapid heart rate
- Excessive fatigue
- Dark concentrated urine
- Dizziness
- Weakness
Thanks to technology, you have smart gadgets that help you track your hydration status. Smart watches and smartphones with apps can help you track your hydration status too.
- Opt for other hydrating liquids
As said earlier, water plays the main role as the best choice for staying hydrated during hiking. There are other liquids rich in vitamins and nutrients which are beneficial to the body. Furthermore, they act as appetite suppressants by filling up your stomach. Examples include fortified skimmed milk and smoothies.
Hiking in a dehydrated status will affect your health negatively. There are several ways of packing liquids for your hike and the best is hydration packs. You don’t have to pack only one type of liquid. You can pack smoothies, fortified skimmed milk and homemade sports drinks.
If you are preparing to take a hike, chances are good that you are giving considerable thought to what you want to pack with you. As anyone with any experience will know, there are a lot of pluses and minuses when it comes to hiking hydration, especially when you consider what the best drinks are that you can carry as well as how you should carry them.
What to Drink
What you should drink when you are active is a debate that has raged for years. Not only that, but it will probably rage for many more years. Whole articles in magazines and entire chapters of books have been dedicated to the subject, and it continues to take up space and time. Plainly speaking, the best liquids for rehydrating, at least for the short run, is plain, ordinary tap water. If you plan on participating in an outdoor activity for more than one hour, plan on taking a fruit juice that has been diluted with water, or a sports drink, which will provide carbohydrates for energy as well as minerals to replace electrolytes you have lost during your activity.
One hitch in the hydration debate is how often you should drink. According to experts, you should try to drink at least 4-6 ounces every 15-20 minutes to maintain the hydration of your muscles. If you are planning an hour-long gym workout or a walk, you should have about 16 ounces (2 cups) to drink as you exercise.
How to Carry What You Drink
If you drink as you exercise, there is also the issue of taking it with you, which can be as easy or as complicated as you desire it to be. You can opt for a water bottle that you can keep linked to your body or kept in a pocket, or try your luck with one of the many options that are available in sporting goods shops. These range from belts that can carry bottles or hydration packs that can be strapped to your back directly or put in a carrier that can, in turn, be put on your back or around your waist.
Regardless, keep drinking.
