10 Best CamelBak Backpacks (Review) in 2020

We roll in with a stellar price and hundreds of firsthand user accounts. CamelBak poured all of their know-how and years of experience into Mil-Tac HydroBak, giving you durable, comfortable straps that don’t weigh down on your shoulders, and a comfortable exterior (and backing) to the bag itself that keep your reservoir nice and tight. Part of the exterior construction includes reflective materials, keeping the sun at bay and your water nice and cooled. Nothing warms up your water reservoir faster than crappy insulation. With a 1.5L capacity and an Amazon-exclusive price, the Mil-Tac is your perfect companion for a weekend away, or a seriously hardcore hike on your off days. You can’t avoid one thing; you need hydration. CamelBak is the way to get it, no matter where you are.

If you’re stepping up your game, and therefore stepping up your water consumption out on the trail, you’re going to need a higher capacity that suits your body’s requirements. Water goes quicker than you think, but with 2.5L on your back, you’ll be ready to go wherever the wind decides to take you. CamelBak is all about making these models different, which is why they took the time to add in a magnetic locking Tube Trap™ to help keep your hose where it needs to be. You’re able to take in 20% more water per sip than the leading base model, but if that’s too much for you, you can simply flick the on or off lever to completely prevent or allow water flow to the hose. You’re in control of the show, but the spotlight’s on the MVP: Rogue Hydration Pack by CamelBak.

They mean a stylish mule. Really, they do. Kidding aside, there’s nothing to joke about when it comes to the M.U.L.E. quality build and optimal performance. Firstly, you get up to 3L of storage in the reservoir, allowing you to hike ‘til your heart’s content. We seriously enjoyed the exterior hooks to hang mesh bags onto, (we even trusted it to hold our camera bag; it didn’t disappoint). Thanks to their Tube Trap™ technology, your hose is going to stay right where it belongs: close to you, and within reach. Nothing is more frustrating than having to spin circles to find that thing again. On top of the conveniences, you also get the peace of mind that comes with an air director, keeping the heat off your back, and your water as cooled as possible. Comfortable, cost effective and lightweight as can be, the M.U.L.E ranks as a damn fine hydration pack for long summer hikes, and a weekend camping out under the stars.

They didn’t go with the Cloud Walker name just because it sounded cool; you’re actually going to have a far better experience in-transit than you’ve ever had before with off-brand hydration packs. Thanks to the hip belt, this lightweight pack rests ultra close to your back, making this feel like an extension of your body instead of a burden to bear. We love the on and off lever to cut-off or evoke water flow in the tubing, as well as the mouth piece that gives you 20% more water per sip than other brands. If you don’t want to stuff essentials into the pockets of your shorts, we’re with you. It’s aggravating when you have a bunch of gadgets just banging around, so use the essentials pocket, and the additional side stitch pockets on either side to store your must-haves while you’re enjoying Mother Nature.

Take a look at it, and tell me it’s not a classic design. Their 2016 frontrunner is anything but timid, and comes with a slew of CamelBak features that you’re already in love with. Firstly, you get the Crux reservoir and self-sealing bite valve. More water per sip, but only if you want it. This slingshot design is intended to hang over your back, or come up as tight as you want it to. You get plenty of room if you want to throw this on top of another bag; either way, you’ll be protected by the reflective construction, which ensures your water isn’t going to heat up with the sun’s rays. One of the biggest frustrations with standard, veil-thin hydration packs, is that you reach the summit of your hike, and your water’s about as warm as you are after spending hours in the hot sun. CamelBak’s line, classic 2016 model or not, makes sure that doesn’t happen.

It’s not just about function; it’s about flair, the two golden rules of men’s products here on Gear Hungry. If you’re sick of basic black, the Lobo lineup has seven different colors for you to choose from, each a bit more outrageous and fun than the one before it. Functionally, you get a 3L water reservoir, complete with a magnetic Tube Trap™ setup to keep the tube right where it belongs: by your side, accessible when you need it to be. Apart from that, you’re also going to get an air director panel to ensure your back isn’t turning into a sweat waterfall, keeping it cool and ventilated on the walk up, and the slow wind back down the trail. We love the hip strap, which allows you have this as close to you as possible, which cuts down on any heavy feeling you’re going to run into. Price point; prime features; perfection, if we do say so ourselves.

Designed for hot-weather activities, the CamelBak ThermoBak Hydration Pack keeps your water cold throughout the day. That means, no matter how much sweat is dripping down your face, you can always access some cold water to keep you going. It has an external fill design that lets you add water, add ice, and clean the reservoir – all without removing it from the pack. It can hold a total of 100oz (3 liters), which is approximately the same as the guideline amount a man should drink in a day. 

The quick-release shoulder straps are wide enough to spread the load and it comes with an adjustable sternum strap to spread it further. Plus, when you’re done carrying it, you can stow the straps away inside the built-in pocket. 

We’ve been searching for the perfect CamelBak backpack for running and we think we’ve found it. When you’re deep into a run, there’s nothing more annoying than carrying a water bottle in your hand. Except for maybe not having any water at all. The CamelBak Ratchet Hydration pack solves that problem. The reason we like this pack over the others is that it has wide shoulder straps and a sternum strap, which keep everything secure on your back. It’s not going to bounce around and mess up your rhythm. 

We also like the fact that the straps and back have a mesh design that lets air to your back and shoulders as you run. Add this to the three liters of water you’ve got to drink and you should stay cool and hydrated throughout your run.

If you’re serious about cycling, the other CamelBaks on this list aren’t going to cut it. With thin straps and just one sternum strap, the bag is going to be flying all over the place as you hurl down a single track. The CamelBak Chase Hydration Bike Vest is designed specifically to stop this happening. As you can see from the product pictures, it has a vest-style design that wraps tight around your body. The wide shoulder straps and back have a 3D vent-mesh design that lets airflow, keeping you cool. 

The reservoir is also pretty small (1.5 liters) compared to some CamelBaks. The thinking behind this is that you can refill it more frequently when you’re cycling, so it keeps the design nice and lightweight. The vest is also stacked with pockets – two zippered pockets in the front and a stretch overflow pocket for a raincoat or jacket. For cycling, it’s hard to think of a way to improve on this design. 

When you’re on a one-day hike, you need more than just water to keep you going. You’ll be carrying food, valuables, rain gear, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and whatever else you deem necessary. That means you need a CamelBak that has additional internal space. The CamelBak Arete 18 fits everything you need along with 1.5-liters of water to keep you hydrated. It’s made from ultralight, compressible materials and has an adjustable sternum strap for added comfort. 

But this pack has a bonus feature that you really wouldn’t expect. If you flip it inside out, it becomes an insulated reservoir sleeve for a larger backpack. So, if you want to start doing multi-day hikes, you can convert a large backpack into a CamelBak-style hydration pack. This makes the CamelBak Arete 18 one of the most versatile hiking packs on this list.