Camelbak without the Hump! (Camelbak Omega Reservoir)

Member Name: Tamarind

Product:	Camelbak Omega Reservoir
Date:	03/02/09 (106 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Hands free way of having a drink

Disadvantages: None that I've found yet

To be perfectly honest, until a few months ago I didn't even know what a Camelbak Omega Reservoir was, let alone think I would be reviewing one. For those of you who are in the dark, like I was, it is a hydration pack used by, amongst others, walkers and cyclists. In layman's terms, it is basically a long rubber bag which you fill with water, hang on your back and then put a long drinking tube that comes from the bag (or reservoir) over your shoulder.. This means when you want a drink there is no need to stop walking or cycling, simply bite on the valve at the end of the tube and the water flows into you mouth. It features a cut-off valve so that when not in use, it restricts the flow of water. Simple really!

The fact that you have a hands free method of accessing water when you need it, especially when you are on a long walk, really is a bonus. I am attempting the West Highland Way later in the year, a distance of just under 100 miles, so I really want to conserve whatever energy I can for walking!

The bag can be bought in various sizes depending on what you are going to use it for and how much water you need to carry. The one I have holds 2 litres (or 70 fluid ozs) but they range from 50 - 100 fluid ozs. The manufacturer claims that the bag can eliminate up to 99% of bacteria and fungus due to new antimicrobial technology. However, how you are supposed prove this claim is, as yet, beyond me.

The bag, or bladder as it is sometimes called, is made of a special rubber that keeps your water colder that it would be if you had it in a bottle. This is advantageous is you are out on the hills for hours as there is nothing worse than drinking lukewarm water. There is a large opening at one end (large enough to get your hand in) and this means you can fill it quickly. It also means that it is easy to clean or dry off the interior. This is essential if you don't want to eventually have a stale taste in the bladder that you sometimes get when you use the same water bottle for a long time. The bag does come with a taste free liner but I have decided not to take any chances and clean and dry it out after every use!

The Camelbak makes it simple to carry enough water for the day and since the mouthpiece is always readily to hand it makes it easy to stay properly hydrated without continually stopping to unpack a bottle and take a drink. The one I have cost approximately £19 but obviously the price is dependent on the size you buy.

For me, one of the main advantages over a normal water bottle, is the fact that the bag is flexible and moulds to your body, therefore it does not dig into your back the way a bottle sometimes can.

I can certainly recommend it.

Summary: Easy access to water without having to take off your rucksack