As I start to run and cycle more and focus on my water drinking, I have been researching various hydration packs.
One that fit my budget and my needs was the CamelBak Lobo Hydration Pack.
Since 1988, Petaluma-based outdoor equipment company, CamelBak Products, LLC has been releasing their hydration products to the U.S. military and law enforcement agencies but also to the general public
The idea came from CamelBak founder Michael Eidson who was competing in the “Hotter ‘n Hell 100” bike race in Wichita Falls, Texas. Because of his knowledge working as an EMT, he would fill an IV bag with water and place it in his tube sock. He pinned the tube sock on the back of his jersey and put a tube going over his shoulder, held it in place with a clothes pin and the rest is history.
The first CamelBak product, the ThermalBak, was popular among cyclists and then later, were used in the first Gulf War.
The product was sold to toymaker Kransco in 1994 for $4 million, bought by Bear Stearns in 2003 for $210 million, purchased by Compass Diversified Holdings in 2011 for $258 million and in July 2015, was purchased by Vista Outdoor for $412.5 million.
And while there is competition, CamelBak products remain as the most popular hydration pack and the product continues to thrive over two decades later.
I purchased the CamelBak Lobo Hydration Pack primarily for the price, the high water volume (100 oz) and cargo capacity but also, it needed to be lightweight and durable. Also, extra necessary pockets as possible. This is essential for me to store my energy bars, cell phone, keys, wallet and other devices. But at the same time, this is for the minimalist who does not want to carry so many pounds on their bike during a run or ride.
The upper zip pocket can hold electronics and gear, lower zip pockets with internal pockets for extra cargo. There is an overflow storage pocket with dual compression straps for a spare shell.
The CamelBak Lobo Hydration Pack comes with a waist belt, integrated helmet hook, tail light tab and overflow storage. There is also a bottom tab which can accomodate a tail light and its low-profile design won’t interfere with a helmet.
The Thermo-molded pods of the XV back panel offers cross ventilation to keep a person’s back feeling cooler and according to CamelBak, the Lobo is designed for 3+ hours of mountain biking with essential gear. It also includes their innovative Antidote Reservoir as well.
As for the Antidote Reservoir with the Quick Link System, the Quick-seal cap tightens with a quarter turn and is easy to open.
Included is a HydroGuard technology which eliminates 99.9% of all bacteria and filling the reservoir is easy. It’s also 100% BPA-free.
The Lobo includes a 70D Diamond Clarus with DWR + 1000 PU coating and 420 Nylon with DWR + 1000mm PU coating and the torso length is at 16″.
The Lobo also features reflective accents to enhance visibility in low-light conditions, a removable 0.75″ waist belt and a SternumStrap for a secure fit.
Overall, the CamelBak Lobo Hydration Pack has worked magnificently for me. For my needs of having something light, but very good water storage and added pockets, but light enough to use on a run or ride was what I was looking for and it met my expectations.
Recommended!
