Outdoor Retailer/SLC
words/images Judith Ecochard
Portable Hydration On The Go...was the theme for what we saw at CamelBak® this past August...with multi-sporters in mind.
First up were the highly functional NV hydration pack-set to deliver January 2013. Pictured below---the streamlined good looks, has a lot of cargo pockets for stuff...yet is extremely lightweight and portable. Great for mountain bikers too---imo---as well as hikers and trail runners.
 |
| this version of the NV-clip for helmets---(that grey tab thing). Big plus=reflective highlights-women's $135 |
 |
| mesh/air back with padded/mesh shoulder straps |
 |
| lightweight comfort-slim profile |
 |
| cargo side pockets on belt-with Dynamic Suspension™ harness maximizes load stability---- |
 |
| flex par excellence |
Naturally-the NV packs come packed with the Antidote™ Lumbar Reservoir....with Quick Link™ (easy removable drinking tube)---Big Bite™ Valves for easy sipping-just bite down...hence the name, no spillage via HydroLock™ valve, easy removable bladder for cleaning-and of course BPA free!
ALSO- highly adjustable fit-Slider SternumStrap™
 |
| slim profile |
H.A.W.G. NV-has 100 fl oz. Antidote™ reservoir---MP3 pocket weather resistant zip at top, comes with stashable rain cover, full size panel access for easy reservoir access. $150
 |
| padded back panel -offers integrated multi-directional ventilation-adjustable belt w/zip pockets |
M.U.L.E. NV-serious water hauler---
 |
| mesh designed back |
 |
| slides up or down-ideal fit |
CamelBak has other back systems---in their LV and XV series.
For bikers---there are packs with a streamlined fit---including women specific models---
 |
| mesh shoulder straps for airflow, small zip pockets-just enough room for stuff-reflective details |
 |
| ventilated /wicking mesh back panel---padded, customizable access and fit. |
CamelBak is big supplier/maker of hydration packs for the military/tactical
Motivated by this ARC run collection---featuring the ergonomically shaped Podium® Arc bottle...we checked out all the various models featuring the handheld Arc Quick GripTM ($20), and the running belts titled Arc 1TM $35), Arc 2TM ($45), and Arc 4TM ($60)-are fully adjustable/elasticized waists. With these sizes--- in S-M-L--the running belts should fit most humans BUT we found the "S" too big for us by about 2 inches...and look forward to an XS size HINT.
Having that said that---the removable Podium Arc bottle cages weigh like nada...and the bottles are shaped ideally...(two sizes-8oz and 10oz)...for easy in/out--making this a great way for fitness runners to stay hydrated.
The bottles are ticked out with a smaller Jet Valve™for sips on the go without gagging on air. Plus BPA free and something called taste-free TruTaste™ polypropylene with HydroGuard™ that help keeps the water tasting like water---on a long hot day.
 |
| ARC1 |
 |
| Additional lock out---when transporting |
We got to demo the handheld ARC Quick Grip---and loved it...the pocket on top held a gel---and we balanced it out with holding our keys in our other hand---cause we have a lot of bauble/tchotchkes attached to the ring. For those with a key or two-the pocket is fine...
 |
| extra bottles sold separately |
CamelBak---still has hydration belts in one and two holder sizes- for their Podium Chill bottles---good for hikers or distance runners who need a lot of hydration.
INFO and now E-Commerce too: http://www.camelbak.com
