10 Best CamelBak Backpacks (Review) in 2020

Kicking off the list, we have the underdog of the CamelBak world- 2016 Edition HydroBak. Holding 1.,5L of liquid, you get enough oomph to keep going through a strenuous hike, without having too much weight on your back if you’re in the early days of your hiking lifestyle swap. 210D grade nylon makes up the exterior, which is simple to clean (if you have kids, this thing will come clean from just about any mess), and also comes with a clear tubing system to keep an eye on the cleanliness of the tube, telling you when you need to stop and take a minute to maintain your pack. If you’re wondering what makes these tick, or furthermore, what we did to choose these top ten packs, continue reading our comprehensive buying guide. If you loved all these packs like we did, choices can be hard; let’s help you narrow it down. If you love the brand, then make sure you also check our guide to the best Camelbak bottles.

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.

You’re not planning on staying, but you want to hit the trail for a few hours and get in some sweat, take in that sunset, and hit the road for another day. You’re not going to make it far if you put your body through hell, and don’t justly reward it with proper hydration. The Ambush pack comes with 3L of water storage, which works absolute wonders for hardocre mountain bikers, by the way. You get a few styles to choose from, though we enjoyed the woodland camouflage approach. You get comfortable straps, a max weight of 1.60lbs when empty, and the capacity to store enough items to turn this into the only bag you’ll need for day trips. You get up to 200 cubic inches of storage (not a ton, but nothing to bat an eye at), which gives you the opportunity to pack the essentials, such as a multi-tool or other survival items. From top to bottom, they really put their best efforts into the Ambush pack.

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.

We’re sloping down into a few of their more basic models, each providing you with a budget friendly price, and anything but ordinary features. The ThermoBak gives you a 3L capacity for your water reservoir, and three distinct styles to choose from, depending on your preferences. It’s crafted of 100% nylon, making the exterior just as easy to clean as your reservoir, and keeping everything nice and chilled, even when the sun’s beating down on your back. This pack is super lightweight, and clings tightly to your body to cut down on drag and fatigue. There’s not much more to tell, other than the fact that you’ll get every single drop of reliability you need out there if you grab this pack.

You’re not all about the beaten path; you like to go rogue, and head in a different direction. When your budget and your outdoor activity aspirations have difficulty agreeing with one another, you’re left in a hard spot. Fortunately, CamelBak sympathizes with this common dilemma, and made an ultra affordable pack with a 2L capacity, great for a long hike or a night out under the stars. The nylon exterior construction keeps this super easy to clean, no matter what muck and mud come your way. CamelBak’s custom Crux reservoir system gives you a faster water flow for larger sips, as well as an on and off lever to cut-off the supply completely. 2016 Rogue Edition doesn’t even weigh a full pound when empty, so if you’re new to the game and want a lightweight companion to start out with, you’ve just met your match.