Camden Hydration Backpack with Bladder Review

The Camden Hydration Backpack with Bladder is a backpack and bladder that comes as one package. You get a quality backpack with some extra pockets for storing other items, and a 1.5L hydration bladder built into the back of the pack.

The benefit of choosing an all-in-one like this is that the bladder fits perfectly, and you get little design touches like the tube being attached to the strap by your mouth. With hydration bladders soaring in popularity let’s take a closer look at this backpack.

Setup and Design Features

The good thing about buying a backpack that’s been designed to hold the hydration bladder it comes with is how well the backpack and bladder fit’s together. This backpack from Camden has been really well designed, with the tube and valve being fed round and attached to the strap that goes over your shoulder.

There are various straps that adjust between chest sizes of 27” and 50”, and you can tighten everything up so there is little to no movement on the pack when you’re running. The compartment that holds the bladder is covered in waterproof material, so no need to worry about leaking. Not only can I not find any complaints of leaking, even if you left the cap off the water will not affect the rest of your backpack.

The bladder has a 1.5L/50Oz capacity. It has a wide screw cap opening so filling it up under a tap or by bottle is easy. You can even add ice cubes without a problem. It fits right in the middle of the backpack, and when strapped up tight you will barely notice the weight.

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There are also three storage pockets to carry some of those essentials while out hiking and running. You can easily fit a smartphone in one of the pockets, important to a lot of people who just can’t leave home without their phone. You can also pack some snacks and gels in there, and the pockets have zippers to keep everything locked in.

Comparison Information

The Camden Hydration Backpack is very similar to a marathon vest. The Camelbak Marathoner Hydration Vest I reviewed not long ago is comparable in a lot of areas. The Camelbak is a little lighter and more streamlined as it’s designed for running marathons.

I’d say the Camden is better for the more casual runner, or if you do a lot of hiking. As an all-in-one package, it’s better value and it comes with the hydration bladder so you know you’re going to get a nice fit.

Pros

• Backpack and hydration bladder all-in-one
• Easy access bite valve is in a great position
• Extra straps reduce movement of backpack when running

Cons

• Bladder needs to be flushed with vinegar to remove chemical tastes
• Users 6’1’’ and above say it doesn’t fit too well

Insider Tips

A lot of feedback from owners is that the bladder has a strong chemical taste, even after a few wash cycles with water. This isn’t anything to be concerned about and is normal for a lot of bladders, but it’s not pleasant!

To get rid of this taste quickly you need to flush a solution of 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar through the bladder. Leave the solution to sit in the bladder overnight, make sure there is some in the tubes and all the hard to reach places. Then give it a good shake and flush through with normal soap and water.

Camden Hydration Backpack with Bladder Summary

You will notice from my other reviews that I don’t shy away from pointing out any negative points and am always as transparent as possible. But the truth here is that there just isn’t any real areas where the Camden hydration backpack will let you down.

It comes in at a low price point too so it’s very accessible. If you’ve been debating getting yourself a hydration bladder, a backpack for a bladder, or both, the Camden is well worth picking up.

Conclusion

Whether you are a casual outdoors person, like hiking, run marathons, you need to keep hydrated and doing so doesn’t come much more convenient that using the Camden Hydration Backpack with Bladder included.

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