Category: Extras

The new CamelBak Charm 2011 is a women’s specific hydration solution from the market leaders of such accessories and being from CamelBak you probably don’t need telling that it’s well made and does it’s job well (it is and it does) – but Cyclo just loves this new version so we thought it worth highlighting a few of it’s finer points.

First things first then: women’s specific means not only a shorter length (or ‘back profile’ to use the unnecessary buzzword) but also a more comfortable s-shaped harness that curves across the shoulders and around the front in a way that won’t get in the way of any important anatomical bits. It does also mean that it lacks, for obvious reasons, a sternum strap but the fit is snug enough that the pack still sits incredibly close to the back even on the lumpiest of off-road down hills.

With a 1.5L (50oz) capacity reservoir this is a fairly minimalist pack but should be sufficient to keep you well hydrated in the saddle for up to two hours depending on weather conditions. The reservoir itself is the newly reworked ‘Antidote’ design, low profile (less ‘sloshy’ water), with a wide opening port for quick filling and with improved integration into the pack itself via the ‘click-link’ system that does exactly that and ‘clicks’ into place. The shoulder straps are mesh, keeping things cool, but have only the bare-minimum of padding, not a big problem given how light the pack feels.

There are, however, a couple of minor issues in our opinion. The adjustments straps are incredibly long, particularly given the short length of the pack itself, and have a tendency to flap wildly unless tied together – a simple clip or buckle to fasten these back around the middle would have improved things. Also the tiny zip pocket on the back is just that – tiny. Just enough to fit a key or emergency cash but unlikely to accommodate most phones and certainly too small for a gel, let alone two. With safety firmly in mind Cyclo would also have liked to see more reflectives on show rather than the single, rather miserly, 3inch strip tucked away right at the bottom.

Minor issues as we say, because all in all the Charm (which is available in blue, red and purple – CamelBak have sexier names for the colours) is still arguably the best women’s specific hydration pack we have tried. Widely available, RRP £34.99.

Hydration systems and packs, such as those produced by market leaders CamelBak, can be an excellent investment on a long ride. Not only do they allow you to carry more water (or sports drink) than a regular bottle, but the “to hand” nature of the drinks tube is likely to encourage more regular imbibing – “little and often” – rather than the all too common practice of riding for miles without drinking and then glugging to make up for it.

If you have taken the plunge and bought yourself a hydration system there are a number of useful additions worth considering. Firstly the Camelbak Thermal Control Kit (RRP £15.99) is worth considering for hard winter rides when, in the most extreme conditions, the feed tube can be become inflexible and even freeze. This simple solution is an insulated 42” tube (complete with bite valve and bite cover) that keeps things flowing at just the right temperature. It can also prove useful in hotter weather when the water in the main bladder may well be protected from the sun but the slug held in the tube has a tendency to heat up with unpleasant results. Basically whatever the extreme of weather the Thermal Control System comes in handy in our experience.

Adequate cleaning of Camelbaks can also be problematic and, if left to fester unused for extended periods, the results can cut your ride seriously short as you head for the nearest hedge. The Camelbak Cleaning Kit (£19.99) includes a two flexible brushes – one for the feed tube, one for the bladder, cleaning tabs (also available stand-alone at £10.99 for eight) and two hangers for drying the system out effectively.

Finally, and arguably for riders with more money than sense, there is the Antidote Insulated Tube with Flow Meter, which combines the insulating properties of the Thermal Control Kit with a nifty flow meter that gauges both how much you are drinking and how much still remains in the bladder – it can also be set to keep track of your “personal hydration goals”. At £39.99 I think Cyclo might continue on without one, but would still highly recommend the Cleaning and Thermal Control Kits.