When taking a first glance at CamelBak, it is plain to see why the brand is so popular. The products are always very diligently designed, and despite not having run using any CamelBak gear before, even on my very first run, I could feel that the designers had really thought long and hard about the needs of runners. Needs, such as how much the bag moves when running, to how easily accessible the pockets are and the placement of storage compartments.
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Ultra™ Belt 17 oz
CamelBak Ultra Belt 17oz
The Ultra Belt 17 oz is an extremely versatile waist pack. The waist pack is equipped with five pockets, one large at the front and one at the back that is suitable for CamelBak's soft Quick Stow bottles. The one large pocket at the front is also equipped with a smaller zipped pocket, which is ideal for your wallet and keys. The two mesh side pockets are perfect for chews, dextrose, energy gels or small energy bars. This meant that I got a lot of use out of the waist pack when I wore it on for medium-long distances runs when you ideally want to bring some form of liquid along with you.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the fit of the waist pack. Like many other runners, I am pretty well allergic to anything anf everything that may cause irritation when running. But this waist pack turned out to be one of the best I have tried so far. it provides a good stable fit and sits tightly without rubbing.
How I would choose to use the Ultra Belt 17 oz
The waist pack is a brilliant solution for medium-long distance runs, where you only really need to bring the most necessary things with you, such as your keys, mobile phone and a drink.
Ultra™ Pro Vest 34 oz
CamelBak Ultra Pro vest 34 oz
I was very excited to try the Ultra Pro Vest 34 oz. CamelBak have really managed to draw attention to their product with the description "Our most feature rich running vest just got better". And I was by no means disappointed. In addition to having straps for trecking poles, the vest is also equipped with a number of hidden elasticated pockets where you would never expect them to be. Amongst other things, under the arms and all the way around the back. This means that there is enough room to take a few extra layers with you, as well as gear, such as a map and compass if you are out and about in the middle of nowhere.
On the front of the vest there are additional surprise pockets. For example, at the top left is a closed zipped pocket for your mobile phone or keys, and on the other side there is an open pocket for energy gels or other nutrients. CamelBak has chosen to include two 500ml Quick Stow bottles instead of equipping the vest with a liquid flask, which I am particularly happy about.
The Quick Stow bottles are located on the front of the vest and are very easy to run with. This also keeps the large back pocket free and allows the vest to be split up into different areas for different needs. So it doesn't really matter how you grab the vest, you will end up with something in your hands. Despite the large amount of room, the vest isn't invasive to wear when running, and follows the body very naturally.
How I would choose to use the Ultra Pro Vest 34 oz
I found that I had the greatest benefit from the vest when going on runs where the ultrabelt wouln't carry enough fluid to cover the entire distance. In the past, I have also made sure to wear a hydration vest for trail running when there is a long distance between the stops. This is an example of when the vest would be particularly ideal for wearing, since it is sculpted so well to the body, and it only comes with the most necessary features.
The vest can also be used for other purposes. For example, if you like practising your energy nutrition intake as preparation for a race or competition, then the vest has room to carry all your energy products. On very hot summer days, because of the back pocket, the vest can get quite warm to run in, but if the weather is changeable or cooler, then it is wonderful to wear.
Circuit Vest™ 50 oz
CamelBak Circuit Vest 50oz
The Circuit Vest 50 oz is designed around the 1.5 L water bottle that sits in the back pocket. Unlike the Ultra Pro vest, the features on this vest have been somewhat minimised to give you merely the bare essentials. That being said, there are still four pockets at the front, so you can still bring mobile phone, keys, energy gels and a couple of Quick Stow bottles along with you if needed. But you don't have the same option to bring extra gear along with you. Amongst other things, there are no straps for trecking poles or elasticated pockets, but this can be solved by matching the vest with CamelBak's Ultra Belt.
If longer distance runs are part of your training, or if you start working towards hitting marathon distance, then the Circuit vest may well be the ideal solution for your longer training sessions - especially if you, like me, are just a little adventurous. The vest makes it possible to complete long distance training without having to worry about filling up along the way. For this reason, the Circuit vest should be seen as an addition to your arsenal of hydration gear.
How I would choose to use the Circuit Vest 50 oz
There are very few runs that require 1.5 L of liquid. But if you are going trail running or orienteering where there is a very minimalist setup in terms of hydration stations etc., then the Circuit vest is well worth a look.
Zephyr™ Vest 34 oz
CamelBak Zephyr Vest
The Zephyr Vest is placed in a special middle bracket of CamelBak's product range. It resembles the Ultra Pro vest, but with a 12 L compartmentalised pocket on the back, it is probably more of a backpack than an actual vest. The back pocket is divided in such a way that in just one pocket you can fit a liquid flask, and in the other you can fit all the gear you need for your run, whether it's trecking poles, a rain jacket, or an extra a warm layer.
Inside the large back pocket, you will also find three smaller elasticated pockets for energy products that don't fit at the front. Despite the large amount of room, the vest still sits very comfortably. It doesn't rub and is can quickly and easily be put on and taken off, plus the adjustment options on the straps give it a very modular modular. Despite these features, the vest still only has an empty weight of just 200 grams.
How I would choose to use it
The Zephyr Vest is ideal for demanding trail runs that vary a lot and which require a large amount of energy and an extra warm layer besides your rain jacket. Some trail races require you to bring a certain amount of equipment with you in order to be able to take part. In such a case, the Zephyr vest is a fantastic solution. It can also be combined with CamelBak's Ultra Belt, so you don't need a water bottle, even on long distance trips.
Octane™ 18 70 oz Hydration Pack
CamelBak Octane 18 70oz
For me, the Octane 18 70 oz Hydration Pack is definitely the biggest positive surprise on this list. When I first got my hands on the bag, I couldn't really see when I would need to use such a large bag in my training. But to be completely fair, the bag has also been designed for runners who want to challenge the weather, the terrain and, not least, their distance. Thus the bag is optimal for runners who only see possibilities, and always have all the right equipment with them to tackle all kinds of conditions.
So, if your gear list includes a headlamp, extra socks, two extra layers or a first aid kit, then the Octane 18 is worth considering. At the front you will still find five pockets for energy and Quick Stow bottles, and at the back a separate pocket for a 1.5 L soft hydration bottle. In addition, there are also two elasticated pockets on each side of the bag and one on the back, as well as straps for trecking poles. So, it's safe to say that you won't be short of storage room.
Despite that, you may be sitting, just like me, and thinking "I'm not an ultra runner at all, so why an earth would I need an 18 L bag?" Well, 18 liters is ideal for runners who commute to work using their legs instead of the car, bus or bike. Since I was sent the bag for testing, it has simply been glued to my back for the journey to and from work, both on the bus and with my running shoes on. It's the perfect size for me to carry work clothes and a towel in, and still have a bottle of water and some energy in one of the front pockets.
The level of comfort it provides is also very high. The bag was by no means uncomfortable or irritating to wear, even though it was packed to bursting point. And, with the addition of the nine external pockets, you won't be short of room for your mobile phone, keys or wallet.
How I would choose to use the Octane 18 70oz Hydration Pack
This bag is best suited for ultra runners who really want to challenge the terrain, and who know that bringing the very best gear makes all the difference. So if you run in extreme conditions and extreme distances, then the Octane 18 is definitely the way to go. Or if you want to get a few extra hours of training in to work and back, then the Octane 18 is definitely the bag for you.
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