I started seeing people wearing these hydration packs on the mountain bike and hiking trails about ten years ago, and at the time thought they were a gimmicky fad that would soon pass. Now here I am researching one to buy for an upcoming trip that will include a couple days of mountain bike riding. My first stop- the Camelbak Lobo.
Weighing 1.08 lbs empty, this model from Camelbak has 200 cubic inches cargo carrying room. Compared to the Camelbak M.U.L.E., which has 763 cubic inches space, the Lobo has a little less cargo carrying room, but there is enough space to carry a spare tube, all-in-one bike tool, an energy bar, and your wallet or an iPod. It also has a Camelbak bladder that holds 100 ounces of water. (Which weighs 6.6 lbs.)
Experts at the American College of Sports Medicine recommend drinking at a minimum of 1 litre water per hour for even moderate activity. Since 1 litre is about 33 ounces, and the Lobo holds 100 ounces, you should be good for 3 hours without a refill.
Features
This pack comes with something Camelbak calls the “Antidote Reservoir with Quick Link System”. This is a new design with a better Fill Port, it has the widest opening on the market and uses with a quick-release cap that tightens and locks in a quarter turn. This new fill port is lighter by 19% and has a 28% lower profile than previous reservoirs. So, what this means is the pack is a little lighter and more compact, plus quicker to fill. Ok, it may not be as revolutionary as they make it sound, but every little improvement helps.
There are other improvements over earlier generation Camelbaks, too. A reduced profile of the internal reservoir baffle, which is said to reduce stack height 24% compared to previous reservoirs, means a flatter and more streamlined shape when full. The baffle is said to better minimize sloshing and barreling when the reservoir is in the pack, also.
What else is new? It is easier to clean because of dryer arms that fold out from around the fill port, which opens up the reservoir for a more complete air dry. The Quick Link System is a click-in connection that includes auto shut-off. This allows improved accessories, like the Fresh Filter (better tasting water) and the Insulated Tube with Flow Meter (keeps water colder longer, monitors how much water has been consumed and how much remains).
Hydration Packs
The goal of a hydration pack like the Camelbak Lobo, is to help you keep your hands on the handlebars of your bike. You’ll find you drink more water when you wear a hydration pack, since you don’t have to reach down to grab a water bottle from a cage on your frame tube. That means you stay hydrated better, all while staying focused on the trail.
Water stays cold longer in a pack’s bladder than in a bottle, too (it also feels nice and cool on your back on a hot day). You can even throw in some ice cubes when you are filling the bladder.
Ask any mountain biker what the best hydration pack is and they’ll most likely tell you Camelbak. They are the company that started it all, and have been around longer; their packs are rugged and have stood the test of time and trail.
The fabric is rip proof and washable, the seams are tough and made to last, and the overall construction is top quality, so don’t worry about crashing into something with it on, the Camelbak can take it. But just in case, CamelBak warrants all reservoirs, backpacks, bottles, and accessories from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product.
What do the Owners Say?
This pack has gotten good reviews from almost everyone on Amazon with an average of 5 out of 5stars. Here are a few of the comments:
- “One of the best features of this must have hydro pack is the no-leak bite valve that is at the end of the delivery tube. It’s effortless to get a drink…”
- “Would recommend for 2-4 hour rides or for the rider who is wanting a sleeker hydration pack.”
- “Very well thought out and designed.”
- “This bag was pound per pound the best one in its category.”
You can also wear the Camelbak Lobo while hiking, skiing, on a long walk on a hot summer day, or working in the yard doing gardening or cleanup.
In conclusion, the Lobo would be a good choice for someone who like to travel light, and wants a good dependable hydration pack for mountain biking. It just may be the best Camelbak hydration pack, second only to the Mule.
If you would like more information about the Camelbak Lobo hydration Pack, get further details, customer comments and latest special price on this page at Amazon.