CAMELBAK FAQ's

Do recreational athletes really need to be concerned with hydration? Definitely. Whether you're a weekend warrior trying to get in shape, or a casual walker out for fresh air, you'll enjoy exercise more and get more exercise benefits by increasing fluid intake. It's surprising how quickly your body uses water and how it affects you. Just a 1% loss in body weight due to dehydration, (that's only a pint and a half for a 150lb. person) is enough to elevate your body temperature and reduce the ability of muscles to process oxygen. Staying well hydrated lets your body burn calories more efficiently too. It's also worth remembering that those who work out casually or occasionally are more prone to dehydration, since their bodies are less acclimated to exercise.
For more information see The Hydration Story.

 

Is a CamelBak uncomfortably warm on your back?
No, they're really very comfortable. We use a variety of breathable fabrics on our packs to keep you cool when the going gets hot. In addition, improving your hydration level with a CamelBak keeps your body's core temperature lower. To be honest, this is the number one area of resistance among people who have never tried one. And once they do, they're always amazed at how comfortable it is and how quickly they forget it's even there. Ask anyone who wears one regularly.

 

Does the water in the CamelBak stay cold?
Yes, much colder than a regular water bottle or canteen; three to four hours in our experience. We sized our filler cap to easily accept ice cubes too. We also sell a Mylar® sheath for the water bladder, for extra warm or cold insulation.

 

Can I put ice cubes in my CamelBak®?
Yes.

 

Can I put alcoholic beverages in the reservoir?
Yes.

 

Can I put my CamelBak® reservoir in the freezer?
No. The freezing process makes the plastic brittle. Also, when water freezes it expands leading to the possibility of rupturing the reservoir.

 

Why is CamelBak better than a water bottle?
Our favorite question!

1. It's much more convenient than reaching down for a bike bottle or digging out from the bottom of your pack. This means you drink more water, more often, which is vital to performance and enjoyment.
2. During a workout, your body absorbs water more efficiently when you sip in small amounts frequently vs. stopping and loading up with fluid.
3. You can also carry more water. A 70 oz. CamelBak is the equivalent of three oversized water bottles.
4. The hands-free convenience lets you keep moving (and keeps a cyclist's hands on the bars).
5. It's more efficient to carry water on your body. A bike, for example, is more responsive when it's kept light.
6. Water not only stays cooler, it stays cleaner, especially in comparison to bike frame-mounted bottle.
7. Since a CamelBak bladder contains no air, it won't slosh around inside a backpack or fanny pack, as you gradually empty it.
8. No nasty plastic water bottle taste.

 

Do you have to suck up a whole tube of air each time you drink?
No! Our patented Bite Value^TM keeps the water right at the tip for instant relief. Just bite down and drink. Bad valve design and annoying air in the hose is a major problem with competitive models. Shop carefully.

 

What are the advantages of the back-mounted CamelBaks vs. the waist-mounted models?
We find that runners, day hikers and casual cyclists seem to prefer our fanny-pack styles and harder-core cyclists, skiers and fisherman prefer the backpack styles. It mostly depends on personal preference.

 

Are different models designed for specific sports?
Not really. In our experience, customers buy a CamelBak for a specific sport, like cycling, and wind up using it for a variety of activities, everything from cross-country skiing to day hikes, downhill skiing and in-line skating.

 

What if I don't need the full 70 or 90 oz. of water on a particular day?
Just don't fill the bladder completely. A half-filled bladder, sealed without air inside, won't slosh around on you as you gradually drink it.

 

Can I use an energy drink in a CamelBak?
Definitely. You just need to be a little more conscientious about cleaning the bladder out, just like a water bottle. Some of our competitive systems don't work with energy drinks, so read the fine print before buying. Or simply buy a CamelBak.

 

Do CamelBaks require much cleaning?
No, they're very simple to maintain, if you follow these useful hints: Rinse it out between each use, and either let the bladder hang dry (a few wadded-up paper towels help) or keep it full of plain water, in the refrigerator, between adventures. The tube is also detachable, should it need cleaning.
For more information on cleaning your CamelBak see Owners Manual: Care And Feeding Of Your CamelBak

 

Can I wash and dry my outer Pak?
Yes. Wash in the washing machine on gentle cycle. Then dry in the dryer in low heat or lay flat to dry.

 

How do I dry my CamelBak® inside the reservoir and tubing?
After cleaning, you must dry your CamelBak. Make sure all water possible is out of the reservoir. Open the red/blue filler cap and place a wadded up paper towel inside the reservoir then close the filler cap. Use the Bite Valve^TM to bite and blow up the reservoir like a balloon. When reservoir is full of air, shake the paper towel around the edges of the center of reservoir until dry. You might have to repeat this procedure one more time to completely dry the inside. To dry the tube, remove the Bite Valve^TM and simply hang tube straight down so it can drip-dry.

 

I have mold in my reservoir or tube. What do I do?
You can try chlorine bleach. Fill up your CamelBak® reservoir with water then add a couple of teaspoons of bleach. Let this sit for an hour or so. If this does not work, we suggest that you replace the reservoir; the tube with a Tubing Extender Kit.

NOTE: Mold can be prevented by proper cleaning and maintenance of the reservoir.

 

What water temperature is best for exercise hydration?
The body absorbs cooler water more quickly, according to Ed Burke, one of America's foremost exercise physiologists and an athletic hydration expert. 50 - 60 F. is optimal. Your CamelBak will keep fluid insulated for 3-4 hours, more if you use ice cubes.
See The Facts On Hydration for more information on optimum water temperature.

 

Do you have to have the tube in your mouth for a long time to get enough water?
No! Our new Monster Flow Tubing^TM is 50% wider than old stuff. A few quick sips are all you'll need.

 

The water leaves a bad or plastic taste in my mouth. What should I do?
Our new polyurethane reservoir, now available in our larger capacity packs, should have no initial taste at all. The vinyl reservoirs, still available in some of our popular-priced models, can be treated in the following manner. Fill with lemon juice and water, baking soda and water, sugar water, or citric acid and water. Leave all in the reservoir at least 2 hours. If one does not work, try another. As a last resort try a sugar flavored drink like Tang (this might stain your reservoir).

 

Does the tube freeze on a real cold day?
No. We sell a separate tubing insulator for snowshoers, hardcore skiers and snowboards, and cross-country skiers. Wearing the CamelBak under your jacket helps on really cold days too. We've talked to ski patrollers and mountaineers who use CamelBaks in harsh, sub-zero conditions. After drinking, they sometimes blow air back down the tube. While this defeats the purpose of our Bite Valve, it will keep it from icing at 25 F. below zero. By the way, if you ever use a CamelBak under conditions like that, let us know. You might wind up starring in our next ad.

 

How do I refill a CamelBak in the back country?
CamelBaks are compatible with most major brands of water filters, including PUR® and Sweetwater®. Just remove the Bite Valve, plug the CamelBak hose into the filter's output nozzle and pump. Easy!

 

My ThermoBak® doesn't feel comfortable. What's wrong?
Almost always, this question results from improper adjustment. The ThermoBak® should nest fairly low, in the "flat" of the back. It should not touch the neck or head. Loosen the straps, then re tighten the straps to achieve the optimal position.

 

The outer pak is coming unsewn. Is that under warranty?
Yes. The outer pak is under warranty for one year (see the warranty terms and conditions card that came with your CamelBak).

 

The little collar at the end of the tube is coming off, has come off, or is missing. What can I use to glue it back on?

The little ring inside of the mouthpiece won't fit over the tube.
These are problems with the retainer collar. There is nothing that we can recommend to glue the retainer collar onto the tube. You can send it back for repair. Write "Repair" on the outside of the package/box. You will receive the same reservoir back repaired.

 

How do I store my CamelBak®?
The CamelBak® can be used year round. If you are not going to be using your CamelBak® for a couple of weeks, store the reservoir completely dry or in your refrigerator with the red/blue filler cap open. This is to help prevent mold. The filler cap must be open so the plastic can breathe.

 

Can the tube be replaced?
If a tear happens on the tubing itself, yes. We suggest a Tubing Extender Kit.
If the hose has come out of the elbow at the bottom of the reservoir, you have to send it in for repair.

 

Can you make the hose longer?
Yes, with the Tubing Extender Kit.

 

My Bite Valve^TM leaks. How can I fix it?
Most of the time it is put on incorrectly. The mouthpiece should not be shoved all the way to the end of the retainer collar. There are two notches on the inside of the Bite Valve^TM that the retainer collar fits into. This will most likely stop the leaking.

 

The mouthpiece does not have a slit at the end. What do I do?
The valve has a very strong memory and when new, the slit may not readily appear. If after squeezing a few times on the flat ends, it still does not appear, DO NOT CUT. First, hold the mouthpiece where the oval ends are horizontal. Apply slight pressure with a non-sharp object, like a paper clip, vertically. This should open the mouthpiece. NEVER USE SHARP INSTRUMENTS on the Bite Valve^TM. It is a precision part with extremely tight tolerances.

 

I bought a CamelBak® and it doesn't have a Bite Valve^TM.

I lost my Bite Valve^TM.

I threw the little cap on the end of the tube away. When I let the end of the tube out of my mouth, I get wet.
All of these queestions mean the same thing: you need a new Bite Valve^TM. Maybe you did not realize that the Bite Valve^TM was a mouthpiece that you bite to receive liquid, and so you threw it away.

Call or write FasTrak Systems, Inc. to get a new one.

 

Where are CamelBaks made?
They're designed, tested and manufactured in Weatherford, Texas, where they know a few things about hot weather.