Ergonomic design and an ample 70-fl. oz. hydration platform make this versatile system ideal for 1- to 2-hour outings. Insulated polyurethane reservoir compartment keeps liquids hot or cold for hours; collapses as you drink to provide a slosh-free load. External zip pocket is perfect for keys, ID and an energy bar. Improved five-point bungee system allows easy storage of a light jacket or wind shell. Abrasion-resistant nylon shell features reservoir access through Water Hole(TM). High-flow Big Bite(R) valve with leakproof screw-cap closure offers an ergonomic design for convenient bite-valve positioning. Reflective piping for improved visibility in low-light situations.
Submitted by
MartyB
a Downhiller
from Lawrenceville, New Jersey Date Reviewed: March 15, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
N/A
Strengths:
Appears to be a potentially ideal accessory for use described below.
Weaknesses:
That's what I'm interested in.
Bottom Line:
Lots of reviewers have commented about the Camelbak Classic for cyling, but I'm considering it for hydration during winter downshill SKIING. At high altitude in the Rockies, hydration is critical, but it's a pain to hassle with going inside every few runs just to get grab a drink of water. With its low profile and 70 oz. capacity, the Classic seems like it might be ideal for this purpose. The limited space for carrying odds and ends, about which many have written, isn't an issue in this case, since ski jackets typically have plenty of pockets and skiers don't often carry repair tools on the slopes. I've "prerated" the Classic with 5 Chillis, optomistically hoping that it will be a perfect solution for winter sports, but I'd be very interested in learning what others who own the Classic might have to say about the product in that applications. Thanks in advance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
snafu5962
a Cross Country Rider
from York, Pa Date Reviewed: February 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Ridge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
dick's
Strengths:
all of the quality you would expect from Camelbak, accessories available, light weight
Weaknesses:
little storage area, no MP3 player pocket...what do you expect for $40 though?
Similar Products Used:
Camelbak M.U.L.E.
Bike Setup:
Salsa El Santo
Bottom Line:
Its a great pack if you are a beginner or short distance rider. It only provides 2 hours of hydration.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nuck_chorris
a Weekend Warrior
from spring tx, usa Date Reviewed: January 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
george mitchell nature preserve
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
jenson usa
Strengths:
carries alot of water for me, pretty comfortable,nice bite valve.
Weaknesses:
not enough room for tools, got the wrong color(only color jenson had)red.
Similar Products Used:
water bottle cage?
Bike Setup:
customized trek 850, you know , azonic pedals,velo seat ,eagle claw brakes,forte versa trac tires,tektro brakes, doltek cranks , surly single speed parts, ratio of 36-16,ruffian odi grips,
Bottom Line:
it has enough room for my necessitates,like my inhaler and cellphone.ill probably get a bigger one and use that one for shorter rides. alot of people want it from me so i guess its got the cool factor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chelboed
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas Date Reviewed: June 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Bite valve works very well. Bite valve lock is useful when you have the pack sitting on the ground for some reason...water won't come out. Huge bladder mouth makes it easy to clean.
Weaknesses:
Not enough storage for what I want. If you go to the Camelbak website and search for a pack based on your cargo/fluid needs though...then you should find one to fit. I can't give this pack a negative review for lack of storage because one should know what they need prior to picking a pack.
Bottom Line:
I got this as a gift from my wife and has served me well for 2 years. I carry an Ultraflate CO2 inflator with an extra CO2, patches, and either a Specialized EMT Comp or Park IB2 multi-tool.
There is not enough room for a spare tube, but I've been stuffing one inside next to the bladder. Has worked fine with no issues. I have a spare pouch for my cell phone and pager when I'm on-call.
Bottom line is that this is a good pack for someone who doesn't need to carry much. I'm switching to the Dakine Session so I can carry my tool, tire levers, tube, cell, pager when I'm on call, and a bit of food for longer rides.
By the way...who the crap carries "wipes" in their pack??? That's the goofiest thing ever!! You're mountain biking people...you're supposed to get dirty. Take a shower when you're done riding, Mary!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Casey Holbrook
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Haw Ridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Earth Traverse Outfitters
Strengths:
Lots of water=more refreshment. Won't bounce off your bike like a watter bottle.
Weaknesses:
Not too much storage
Similar Products Used:
Water bottles
Bottom Line:
If you are using waterbottles, buy this. If you want to carry a multi tool, cell phone, AND a banana or something, you may want something a little bigger.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Casey Holbrook
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN Date Reviewed: June 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Haw Ridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Way better than water bottles
Weaknesses:
Too little storage for what I would like to bring
Bottom Line:
If you don't want to drop over $50, buy one today. If you want to carry a phone, repeair kit, banana, and map, get a Mule.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slips The pedals
a Cross Country Rider
from Bonney Lake Wa. USA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
I just love trail!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA.com
Strengths:
This pack to me is designed to go on short rides. That is why I got it to do my 1 hour and a bit more rides. For this it is great. It fits fine even without a waist belt. Didn't feel anything out of sorts while riding. I always ride with a pack and have been for the last 4 yrs.
Weaknesses:
Due to the cargo room I was hard pressed to fit what I like to take on any ride short or long on the trails. I like to carry a chain tool, mini-pump, spare tube, tire levers, multi-tool, small cell phone(has to be small in size to work here)and wipes. I couldn't fit the pump or tube in it. If I nixed the phone I could put the tube in it. I had to put my seat bag back on to get the spare tube on board and use a frame clamp for the pump. Its all work'n. I could just take a patch kit too instead of a spare tube.
Similar Products Used:
Camelbak Mule and Ultimate Epic...my fav for longer and even any ride cause of how it sits on the back. A big pack that doesn't feel big at all until you take it off and have one of your friends feel how heavy it really is. Great pack lots of storeage.
Bike Setup:
2xc HT's and a dually that is a gnarly(Strong...I weigh 210) trail bike.
Bottom Line:
I like the Classic and will continue to use it for the short rides. Water capacity in more than ample for shorter rides..easily covering my hour trail blasts. I would take it for a 2 hr ride as well. How hot the weather is will make a difference on how long the water lasts too. I use my Epic(100 ounce bladder) for everything else. By the way I put a camelbak bladder in the Epic cause I like their bladders best. Anyways I did have to take into account the storage room for me cause I like to have certain things with me all of which I have used, except the phone, one time or another. For the short rides I usually don't pack any eats but I could fit a bar in there or a small bag of raisins which works great for me. I give it a 5 for what it is designed for. If you need more cargo space Camelbak has other models that will suit any riders needs. The Mule is excellent choice as an all arounder.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin
a Weekend Warrior
from West Hartford CT, USA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
all reservoirs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
The Sports Authority
Strengths:
Weight, 70 oz capacity, has pocket and bungee straps.Very inexspensive for a quality product.
Weaknesses:
Pocket is a bit small, but you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar with discs, and icon pedals
Bottom Line:
Gets the job done without all the gimics and gadgets of a $70+ hydration pack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TOm H
a Cross Country Rider
from Andover, MA Date Reviewed: August 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Galyons
Strengths:
It dosnt weigh that much i barely notice it on my back. WOrks great. The bungy on the back comes in handy. Its pritty cheap.
Weaknesses:
THe pocket is kind of small, you Cant hold alot in it.
Bike Setup:
Giant warp ds2
Bottom Line:
THis camel back works great. I dont carry that much so the starage is not a problem. If you need to carry more then essentials they dont buy this. But if you need a hydration system with low starage then buy this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Romalis Ozuna
a Cross Country Rider
from omaha,nebr, USA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Olympia Cycles / Omaha, Nebr
Strengths:
Light and compact. An absolute must for anyone heading out for over an hour. I use this every where, from fishing to riding to walking the dogs. Cant even tell your wearing it in the saddle. The small pocket holds minimal gear but I can still fit a co2 inflater, a spare tube and a power bar. I have used the bungee cord for a small towel in the heat and it holds it very secure.
Weaknesses:
The small pocket...but you know that ahead of time. If ya need something bigger upgrade to a different model
Bike Setup:
Specialized S works M4......XTR everything, Geax Arrojo's,
Bottom Line:
This pack does everything it is designed for and is irreplacable along on many activities other than cycling. Wouldn't trade mine for the world (except maybe a larger one)....lol Best Wishes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendale Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$31.00
Purchased At:
Sport Chalet
Strengths:
-Keeps water cool -light weight -durable -great size for 2-3 hour rides
Weaknesses:
-None
Bottom Line:
This camelback is great. When I go riding i usually ride around 15+ miles in the mountains. This thing is jus the right size for me. 100 oz muel would be too much. I dont need something with lots of storage so this is great. It holds my cell and some tools. If you ride between 2-3 hours and need a good hydration system, this is the one baby. I give it 5 chilis on value because i got it on sale :). And 5 chilis for overall because its just great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a
from Plymouth, MN Date Reviewed: April 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Galyans
Strengths:
Secure 5-point Bungee Cinch System. Great size for 2 hrs riding. Price
If going to bike around 2-3 hours this bak is great!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MIked6
a
from Athens, GA Date Reviewed: January 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Gaylan's
Bottom Line:
Great camelbak. It is perfect for trail riding, as it very light weight. The only flaw is lack of storage space but you get what you pay for. For the money, it is a great hydration pack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Arkansas Date Reviewed: January 9, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Good quality product. Good construction! Keeps water clean and easily assesible. The 90 degree bite valve works good. It has a pocket to hold stuff.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
water bottle
Bike Setup:
2004 Fisher Marlin (stock)
Bottom Line:
The product is perfect for what it is made for. Its made to carrier 70 ounces of water and ESSENTIALS because the zipper pocket is small. You know that when you buy it so if you want more space get the LOBO or bigger. I can fit my cell, keys, and a power bar it the pocket or a sandwich, and 2 power bars. I can't complain about the small pocket because I knew it was small when I bought it. Make sure to suck all the air out of the water sack and it will give you more space in the pocket. I think it works great for what I need. I give mine 5 chilis for value becuase I got a good deal on mine when I bought my bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch,New Zealand Date Reviewed: December 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Porthills Nationals DH or any jumps/drops
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Rebel sport
Strengths:
keeps water cool, good valve
Weaknesses:
Pocket is small only big enough for keys and a wallet
Similar Products Used:
water bottles (i saw a post that said "fanny pack" everywhere else in the world fanny means pu$$y so call it bum bag or whatever)
Bike Setup:
Haro Escape 8.1 with sun ringle rim
Bottom Line:
This is to damn small i got it cos it was cheap, i end up putting it inside another bag because i like to take heaps of tooks with me because i break stuff.It will keep your water cool and handy(you can drink with bottles doing freeride). Quite expensive for what is a PVC sack that holds water inside another sack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The next one
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Great for what it's designed for, 1-4 hour rides. If you don't want to carry a bunch of baggage on your back this is the ticket.Water flows on demand. Used it for eye wash once.
Weaknesses:
It holds 70 oz. res.(3 water bottles) and keys and wallet, Bladder sticks out of the top when full. About 3" of 16" sticks out when full.
Similar Products Used:
Platypus, water bottles
Bike Setup:
Trek STP - constantly trying new stuff. Nice Ride.
Bottom Line:
This pack is relatively small but that is what I want. I'd rather carry gear on my frame than on my back(Legs vs shoulders/back). I carry two water bottles with cytomax, a few Gu's and use the camel back to wash it down. Add a small saddle pack for tools,spare tube,etc. I don't stop so I don't need a spare jacket. I generally overdress and sweat alot anyways. My pump's on my frame. Cleaning tip -I've found about 1/2 cup bleach in a sink full of skalding water kills all odors and germs.Rinse & Freeze.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trip
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA, USa Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
West Liberty Cycles
Strengths:
This product is great if you are planning on going out for a short ride. It holds 70oz. which is decent for (you guessed it) a shorter ride. Water can last you 2-3 hours depending on the temperature also. The bite valve is nice and the pack keeps your drink cool for a long time as long as you have ice in it.
Weaknesses:
The carrying pouch is only big enough to hold some money, keys, small tool kit, and a small patch kit, maybe a cell phone too. The bite valve can drip so have it turned on only half way so it doesn't look like you wet your shorts. Also remember to clean and dry the pouch out at least once a week really good. If you plan on taking a pump with you and a inner tube, do not get this pack. Also, the bungee system kinda sucks because when I take an extra shirt along it always gets muddy.
Similar Products Used:
Water bottles
Bike Setup:
Custom Cannondale
Bottom Line:
Get the pack if you plan on going out for an hour or two, locally, If not go bigger! I am upgrading to the M.U.L.E. because it can hold all of the essencial gear you would need for a long ride.I would give it a 5 Flamin' Chilis but the pack can't hold anything but your water.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wingnut
a Weekend Warrior
from Caledon, ON Date Reviewed: March 10, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Lots of water capacity, great for those 1-2 rides. The pouch holds your essentials (keys and a bit of money). The mouthpiece is great. It allows the water to gush out when you need it and keeps it nicely sealed when you don't. Also better than a typical water bottle since you don't have to worry about getting mud (or other "deposited trail material") sprayed on the mouthpiece when you run over it
Weaknesses:
The pocket is a little too small for anything but the essentials (especially when the bladder is full). Is suppose you get what you pay for. Also I find that when the bladder is full, I have a harder time putting the pack on (maybe that's just me). The tube is also a little long so it tends to get in the way sometimes.
Similar Products Used:
Just waterbottles.
Bottom Line:
Great product. If you need something simple, this is it. If you need a bit more storage, try an upgrade. I would definitely buy another if I needed it. Don't leave home without it. Here's another tip: Use it for other activities too (like when you're shoveling the snow!).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mpd
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: August 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
Dick's Sporting Goods
Strengths:
Camelbacks are the greatest invention known to mankind.
Weaknesses:
Pocket is sort of small, enough for wallet + keys, but it's better than nothing.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Super V-500
Bottom Line:
How did I get by without one of these things?
I live in the South. I just got back from a 1 hour ride through 95 degree heat and high humidity. I assumed the temperature was 80. It wasn't. I didn't stop once, in fact...which is quite promising. When I got back, I was neither tired, nor dehydrated, and I could have easily rode another 5 miles...maybe ten. On a normal day like today, I would be nearly dead from such a ride.
Though this was only my first run with the new Camelback, this is easily the greatest piece of bike gear I have ever owned. Being able to drink at any time, and being able to drink nearly constantly while riding definitely extends performance...and eliminates most side effects of heat and long rides.
Bite valve is easy to use and is no trouble at all. For a one hour ride, I drank probably half of this thing, so it's geared at a two hour trip in hot sun. On a better day, this could easily last much much longer.
Get one. It doesn't have to be this one, but get one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Mass Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
wilderness expirence
Strengths:
holds a good amount of water light weight comfortable
Weaknesses:
not enough room to carry things
Similar Products Used:
other camelbaks
Bottom Line:
it is a good hydrationpack for a good sized ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI Date Reviewed: June 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Williamson Bicycle Works
Strengths:
Holds alot of water, great for long trips/races. I just used it last weekend for the first time and loved it!
Weaknesses:
zip-up pocket too small
Similar Products Used:
various other camelbaks
Bottom Line:
lightweight, goodlooking, large capacity hydration system for a great price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Cross Country Rider
from Simi Valley, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
West Long Canyon Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Simi Cycling Center
Strengths:
Holds a lot of water (2 liters) for those long rides and it keeps your water very cool in the summer. Easy to drink out of, the water flow is great.
Weaknesses:
It lacks storage space. It has a small zip-up pocket that has enough room to put my keys and cell phone in. If I squeeze everything pretty tight maybe I can fit a power bar in there.
Similar Products Used:
Camelbak Rogue
Bottom Line:
The Classic is a great hydration pack. It holds lots of water and it fits great. I have never had a problem with it running up my back or it having too much slack. The straps can be adjusted to a great fit and the sternum strap really holds the pack in its place. The Classic also comes with a bungee cord strap to hold a shirt or something light on the outside. It can be a little bit of a pain to dry the bladder but just go get the drying hanger and it dries it in a flash. The only problem is the lack of storage space, but if you want more space move up to the Rogue, it's only $10 more (I think) Other than that, I fully recommend this Camelbak.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Humphries
a Cross Country Rider
from Windsor,Ontario,Canada Date Reviewed: January 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
little river
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Sportchek,Devonshire Mall
Strengths:
Holds a lot of water,keeps water cool in the summer,keeps the wieght off the bike.
Weaknesses:
tube too long hits knees sometimes,on rough descents it flys up,trouble to clean.
Similar Products Used:
none,well bottles
Bike Setup:
Litespeed,SID,XTR,Ritchey,Selle Italia,Titec
Bottom Line:
I would recommend this to people if long rides are your thing,if your just doing simple short rides save the money and use bottles.Also I would recomend cutting the tube so it doesn't hit your knees.And definetly buy the cleaning and dryiny kit for the bladder.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
silly billy
a Cross Country Rider
from lousivlle,ky dirty south Date Reviewed: December 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
some trail on bear mtn.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
bicycle sport
Strengths:
it carries alot of water and does not add weight to your bike. carries other things and you do not need to stop to drink.
Weaknesses:
gets in your way while riding and rubs on neck and hurts.
Similar Products Used:
a generic one from target.
Bike Setup:
trek 4500, crow bar,pananracer xc wheels
Bottom Line:
very nice just gets in your way while riding somtimes and rubs the skin on your neck raw. but still good for biking.
$ 40.00
Overall Rating:
