CamelBak Hydrobak Bike Hydration Pack

Curated from 88 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: October 27, 2024

CamelBak Hydrobak Bike Hydration Pack

Brand: CamelBak
Price: $47
Snoop Score:
4.2
Sentiment
6.1
Popularity
4.3
Technical
4.1

Snoop's Take

The CamelBak Hydrobak Bike Hydration Pack is a lightweight cycling backpack designed for short rides, featuring a 50 oz Crux reservoir to keep you hydrated without the bulk. Customers appreciate its comfortable fit and ease of use, with many noting that "it’s comfortable, fits well and doesn’t bounce around," making it a popular choice for cyclists who prefer drinking on the go. While the pack excels in hydration and convenience, some users have expressed concerns about its storage capacity and the bladder design, suggesting it may not suit everyone. Overall, this hydration pack is highly recommended for cyclists seeking a reliable and efficient way to stay hydrated during short rides.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Hydration Packs

It’s comfortable, fits well and doesn’t bounce around.

Positive Feedback

Make Hydration Packs Great Again! Remember those dark days when your hydration pack was just a single deep cavern and you could never find anything in there without unpacking the entire thing?

Negative Feedback
Product
4.2
CamelBak Hydrobak Bike Hydration Pack
Day Hiking
1 / 10
Trail Running
2 / 10
Cycling and Mountain Biking
3 / 10
Camping and Multi-Day Treks
4 / 10
See how this compares to all Hydration Packs

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Comfortable fit and does not bounce
It’s comfortable, fits well and doesn’t bounce around.
It's cool looking, but it doesn't even have anything to secure the hydration hose? just wildly flopping about?
the hydration tube runs across your shoulder and there is no magnet or attachment to secure it across your chest instead.
easily customized to your liking with a magnetic clip.
Hydration pack is convenient for short rides
It would be amazing to have a 70-100ml pak of water, Gatorade, Liquid IV, etc during the summer.
I am an all walking route. I use a hydration pack and I love it.
Some of the backpack rules were unclear in general.
Easier to drink from than bottles
It's easier to drink from, and carries more water.
I prefer a water bladder for anything more than a couple of miles.
Bladder for sure. It's so much easier to use that I can actually stay hydrated with it.
Increased hydration frequency
I find I drink more frequently, and even though it’s been hot doesn’t bother me too much.
Convenient for longer rides
If I go 20 miles or under may leave the backpack and take 2 bottles but anything longer and it’s nice to have the extra capacity
Lightweight and streamlined
They're a lot more streamlined than a standard backpack, plus I like the idea of just lifting my arm piece up to drink, rather than a bottle.
Improves recovery time in climbing
I felt like it made my resting time shorter if I did a take and my recovery time after each climb seemed better.
CamelBak pack includes back cushion for impact protection
Never had the privilege to wipe out like that but it's there in case anything happens haha
CamelBak packs are durable and long-lasting
I have seen that recommended, I was keen on camelbak due to how insanely tough they are, dad's had one for over 5 yrs of thrashing with no leaks no nothing.
CamelBak is a market leader in hydration packs
Market leader for a reason. I have 3 and will probably get the new mule 5 hip pack.
Good for carrying essentials during long rides
I love my mule. Tools, rain coat, water, food, I hardly ever ride under 10-15 mile rides.
Convenient for hydration during long runs
I'm loving the bladder set up, although obviously not enough storage space for other things
I had no idea how much better the bottles-in-the-front system could be! Lighter, better fit, almost no bounce, pockets for phone and snacks that I can access in an instant in full stride... wonderful product.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Poor design for storage
Make Hydration Packs Great Again! Remember those dark days when your hydration pack was just a single deep cavern and you could never find anything in there without unpacking the entire thing?
Bladder design is inadequate
The bladder design alone is enough to stay away from camelback.
Difficult bladder design with screw top
As an aid station volunteer, please don't get the Camelbak style bladders.
Poor storage options for food
the ultra pro is a nice vest, but the side pockets are hard to reach, and front ones are weird and small, so food storage is limited/pita unless they've changed it.
Pack can be bouncy when running
Too bouncy.
Water doesn't stay cold in hot conditions
The water just doesn't stay cold all day.
Difficult to clean with flavored drinks
Don't put any type of mix in a hydration bladder, you will never be able to fully clean it out.
Hydration tube runs across shoulder without proper attachment
I think you’ve got 3 options: 1. Let it dangle; 2. If the tube is long enough, you could thread it through the elastic loop of the chest strap; 3. Find an accessory that fits, which will make it possible to fix the tube to a strap (chest strap or shoulder strap).
Bladders can be a hassle to fill
Water is best
CamelBak brand isn't worth the extra cost
CamelBak brand isn't really worth it. No.
Not really. Decathlon do small hydration packs for not much money.
Discomfort while wearing a backpack
Don't like wearing a backpack while riding. You can usually add a bottle cage and pump to the same attachment points.
Limited storage for snacks
it’s been a hot summer in the northeast so 2 bottles will really only last an hour if I’m drinking enough.
Pack can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods
I just have tools and water on the bike now.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about the need for clear hydration packs
Hello! This will be my second UMF, and am planning on some cool gear, however part of my idea requires a Camelbak hydration backpack that is at least partially, if not completely clear/transparent.
You could probably just find a clear backpack, and use the bladder from the camelback.
Don't think Camelbak makes any clear themselves, you'd probably have to buy a clear/transparent backpack.
I've been going to ultra for years now with my red camelback and I've had no problem.
Preference for different brands over CamelBak
I have a platypus 3L that has never let me down
Preference for hydration packs varies by season
I like hydration pack and water bottle for summer (Texas), pretty much just bottle for fall through spring unless its a big ride.
Interest in hydration packs with additional features like back protection
Found insert for $45. Done.

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Discussion about making any pack into a hydration pack
You can make anything into a hydration pack if you have a good bladder/water reservoir.
Discussion about using hydration packs with different drinks
Both. Water in the hydration pack, with some kind of Electrolyte/carbs/sports drink in the bottle.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Inquiry about using the pack for running
Have you ever tried running in this pack? I'm looking for something that is good for both
Unclear security policies at events for hydration packs
It's hidden on the Live Nation website for The Gorge but does not appear on The Gorge's Website or The Group Therapy weekender website.
Most standard “festival” hydration packs (Vibedration, Lunchbox, the Weekender merch, etc.) should be fine.
Preference for bladders over bottles for hydration
I want to start hiking around the national parks around my city and I'm wondering if it's worth getting a camel pack, or should I just get a regular back pack and use a water bottle.
That's purely a preference thing.
Lack of experience with CamelBak products
If you're talking about the general idea of a pack with an hydration bladder, I recommend watching this Jeff Pelletier video :
Insights on electrolyte usage
I usually drink more water than electrolyte though (2 bottles of water for one bottle of electrolyte mix).
Advice for hydration packs under $50
Also it would be pretty awesome to spend less than 50 bucks.
Discussion on cleaning routines for hydration packs
What are your routines?
I never clean mine. Just leave it in the pack and nothing ever seems to grow.
Discussion around appropriate hydration packs for climbing
Most of them are made for bikers so the range of motion in the shoulder straps tends to not be applicable
The real benefit to having a small pack is to have all those just-in-case items.
I usually have an alpine pack with me on multi-pitch climbs.
Discussion on comparing different hydration packs
Its got some additional storage space you can stuff a jacket or a sandwich or whatever.
Hugs tight when riding, ample storage for short-longer rides and is a light pack.
The pack is on point, and I got it 50% during black Friday last year.
Inquiries about the suitability of packs for various activities
Is the camelbak mule worth it? Coming from a fairly small pack that fits 2L water I find 2L isn't enough sometimes, if I end up at the very back of the forest with a group of riders and there's no taps, and I'd like to have all my necessities in there rather than keeping just some.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Preference for Osprey hydration packs
Has its own tool roll spot, hydration system, and plenty of room for my cameras and batteries.
It's super light, stays put, has lots of room but rides fine when it's not full.
Great bag!!
I don't have any other complaints, and will most likely buy another osprey if my current pack ever fails outside of this strap.
Preference for Salomon hydration packs over CamelBak
A good fitting one doesn’t bounce and it’s better at storing mandatory gear for longer races.
Concerns about hydration pack use in colder conditions
Once I don’t need to worry about Covid may try and go without and make more stops
Hydration is critical for climbing performance
Hydration is a big factor in climbing.
Discussion about hydration needs during hikes
Old liner 1.5L is dead (lining is flaking off inside, old af Camelbak), and the pack itself is ratty and needs to be put down.

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