Tag: hydration pack

Here I am about to write about a product that used to make sense to have and that suddenly almost disappeared from the cycling world, only to come back stronger than ever thanks in part to adventure and gravel cycling.

Still, Hydration packs are not new to cycling. Perhaps even some of you kept using one after the hype of the mid 2000’s.

With the growth of gravel cycling and adventure cycling, and perhaps the introduction of long distances races, where some racers felt like stoping to get some water and food was out of question to save those precious seconds or minutes, the hydration pack is back! (yeah go on; make the joke…)

I believe the OG hydration pack users where looking for maximum storage capacity and maximum hydration volume because back then, having stuff like packs and bags on your bike was lame.

Fast forward to present times, where there are all sorts of different and cool frame, handlebar, stem and everything else bags. The necessity of carrying stuff (re)created demand for cool, light and performance oriented hydration packs.

Why would you get one (or why did I want/get one)

I am not the guy who does the most gravel events out there. And I am far from being one of the fast ones. So I often get to feed zones and either there is nothing left, or the waiting time is so long that when I get back on my bike, my legs are cooked. It sucks.

My bike can handle 3 water bottle cages, 1 of which I keep for a tool box/bottle. It took me ages to come to the conclusion I needed an hydration pack if I wanted to not stop at feed zones or only stop if they had something fun to eat or drink.

So if, like me, you want more hydration capacity while keeping the bike weight down a bit, then maybe an hydration pack is something you should consider.

What I got and why

So, I started looking at Camelbak’s website. I knew the brand (who does not), I once had an hydration pack from them (I had a love/hate thing with it) and considering the trendier brands out there, I knew they had some offering within a reasonable budget. In other words, I could get one, try it, love it or hate it, for cheap.

I started browsing the cycling section of the website. I came accros the Chase Bike Vest, Hydrobak lite, Rogue lite and Classic lite. All of them reminded me of the old pack I had, with a bunch of pockets on the back to put your stuff. I understand if you need and want that, but it was exactly those features that I wanted to get away from.

So I started looking at the running category. I though: ”runners need gels, bars, maybe a whistle, a small knife in case they get lost and want to build a cabin”. In fact, I don’t know what runners need but all that made sense to me.

The very first product to pop was the Circuit Run Vest with a 1.5L capacity. No pockets on the back portion (except for the one containing the reservoir). My search was on to a good start.

Also, the front pockets looked easily accessible and there is even an additional pocket with a zipper so I knew that was plenty of storage for my needs. More on the pockets later.

Here are the specifications:

• BPA/BPS/BPF Free
• Material : Recycled N70D Ripstop with C0 DWR
• Size: 35 x 21 x 11 cm / 13.8 x 18.3 x 4.3 in
• Pack Weight: 360 g / 12.7 oz.
• Hydration Type: Crux® 1.5L Reservoir
• Gear Capacity: 5.5 L
• Hydration Capacity: 1.5 L

I’ll say this, the fact that Camelbak mixes metric and non-metric units to specify the capacity of their products probably weighted in my decision to pick the Circuit Run Vest. I knew I was purchasing the equivalent of 3 water bottles (I usually run 550/620ml bottles). And I can not be bothered with onces.

So now, I can start any gravel ride with the equivalent of 5 water bottles, which for me is about 5 hours of riding. It gives me the flexibility to empty both my water bottles and kind of pick when I fill them back up, potentially avoiding long queues at water stations.

Sounds like a win.

The fit and the feel of the Circuit Run Vest

Both shoulder straps are adjustable in length of course. I am not sure yet where the pack feels best when riding, but the straps are plenty long and I plan on cutting them once I find the right fit.

The chest straps are not the most meaty. In fact, they are pretty thin and I guess someone who runs would prefer the lightness of those straps over sturdy and more cushioned ones. I found that a bit annoying at first but quickly forgot about those when I was riding. In fact, I don’t use both so maybe I’ll cut the one I am not using as well.

The Mesh of the shoulder straps and backing of the pack is good enough that you forget about it. I tried it on a hot summer day and I did not feel like I was carrying a toaster on my back. Seems like the cooling effect of the mesh works. Another win.

Speaking of the Mesh, it’s not the most comfortable material to feel against your skin, and if you wear a light jersey, you might feel it a bit. Once you start riding, I believe you’ll forget about it quite fast, unless there is a real comfort issue or chafing. But I felt like it was comfortable enough, especially for an entry level, minimal hydration pack.

Maybe one day I’ll try some of the fancy stuff, but for now the Camelbak Circuit Run Vest is perfectly fine for me.

Storage

Aside from the 1.5L reservoir, I did not really test the packs’ storage. I bought it because it has pockets on the shoulder straps and this is what I tested.

The left shoulder strap has an extra zipped pocket in which Camelbak suggest you put your phone. I mean, yeah, sure. It’s a secured pocket, put anything you want in there. My phone with the case did not fit well enough and it would have been challenging to take it out while riding. I like to film stuff while I ride, sometimes I even get good enough videos for a cute reel or an instagram story.

What about the hydration function?

Well, if you fill the reservoir with water, you can drink that water. Fancy!

In fact, I believe this is where Camelbak has made nice improvements over the years.

• The Hydration hose is easily accessible and can be installed on either shoulder straps.
• The valve that allows flow is easy to activate. No more fiddling with a tiny lever on a gummy spout. It is sturdy and gives a clear feedback on whether the thing is in one position or the other. There is a visual indication as well, but hopefully you wont have to look at that while riding.
• The Crux Reservoir is easy to open and fill up. It is equally easy to open for cleaning. That is a major win over the older reservoirs.
• You can easily remove the hose from the reservoir for cleaning.

Bells and whistles

Like a lot of adventure packs and backpacks, the Circuit Run Vest has loads of small straps and loops that allow you to hang or clip stuff. I have no idea what, but I am sure there are creative and functional ways to use those bits.

And there is also a whistle! Surprisingly loud enough to annoy someone beside you, not sure if it would be helpful in an emergency situation, but it’s there. I’d rather have it than not.

Final words

I wanted a light hydration pack, capable of carrying a small amount of food and gels, maybe car keys and add enough hydration capacity to my setup so I can be autonomous and not rely on feed stations.

I found exactly that with the Circuit Run Vest.

Pros:

• inexpensive
• adequate
• no nonsense features
• easy to clean reservoir
• available spare parts

Cons:

• lacks something of a premium feel
• Shoulder straps might not fit taller/larger people
• not easy to remove or equip while riding
• the hose is very rigid
• Colors are boring!

if you are looking to get your first hydration pack for gravel events, and maybe have one for running as well, this might be it! It’s lightweight and has enough features to get you through most bike rides if you have other storage solutions already equipped on your bike.

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* I purchased the Circuit Run Vest with my money, from my local bike shop and my opinion is based on my riding experience alone.