Staying hydrated on the trail is imperative to your health and safety. Not drinking enough water could be fatal. This is why I always use a hydration bladder to carry my water when hiking.
Why a hydration bladder? It allows me to drink while I’m moving which ensures I drink more water. Not having to stop, take off my pack and remove a water bottle just makes sense. In fact, I wouldn’t go on a hike with one or two. Yes, I usually carry two. As a sweater, I need to keep my fluids up.
The CamelBak Crux Reservoir delivers on many fronts; from its durability and ease of use to its CamelBak guarantee. Here’s all the information you need to help you make an informed decision on this hydration system. I wouldn’t go anywhere without my Camelbak hydration bladder.
Why CamelBak?
The reservoir was the invention of bicycle enthusiast Michael Eidson who, being an emergency medical technicial, used what he was familiar with and filled an IV bag with water, slipped it into a tube sock and stuffed it down his bike jersey with the tube thrown over his shoulder. All this effort, so he didn’t have to stop for water when competing in the “Hotter’N Hell 100,” Bicycle race.
The company, founded in 1989 are innovators in hydration systems, stand by their products and in 2011 introduced the Got Your Bak™ Lifetime Guarantee for all reservoirs, backpacks, bottles and accessories. The guarantee covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the products. Subject to their discretion, they will repair or replace any manufacturing defect free of charge.
Along with this, plus the support offered on their website, with great tips and advice on many aspects of use, makes CamelBak a great choice.
Product Features
The Crux is a new addition to the CamelBak range and comes in 3 sizes. Its main features are listed here:
- 20% more water per sip
- On/off lever
- Self sealing big bite valve.
- Easily detatchable drinking tube
- Leak-proof cap
- Easy to grip handle
- Low profile design
- 100% BPA, BPS and BPF free materials
- Hydroguard™ technology
Specifications
| SIZE | WEIGHT | DIMENSIONS |
| 1.5 L | 200g | 30.5 x 18 x 6cm |
| 2 L | 210g | 28 x 19 x 6cm |
| 3 L | 235g | 46 x 23 x 6cm |
Performance
The Crux Reservoir is designed for hikers who want a reliable and efficient hydration system, without having to stop to drink water. The variety of sizes give choice options for hikers of different skills and hydration needs. The high-flow bite valve delivers 20% more water with less effort and the on/off lever which can be used with 1 hand helps prevent drips.
Its durability – built to withstand tough conditions and BPA-, BPS – and BPF-free materials which go through rigorous third-party testing, ensures that no harmful chemicals will leach into beverages. This, along with the Hydroguard™ technology, which helps to inhibit bacteria growth in the reservoir and tube. make it a safe choice. Its low profile design reduces sloshing which helps with pack stability when hiking on uneven terrain.
The quick-link system of removing the hose from the reservoir makes it very easy to remove the reservoir from your backpack and the wide-mouth opening makes filling and cleaning easy, allowing you to add ice cubes to your water.
Replacement hoses and a cleaning kit can be purchased as additionals.
All of these features combined with the guarantee and after sale support from CamelBak via its website, make the Crux Reservoir a great choice.
The Good
- Comes in 3 sizes.
- Easy to detatch the hose from the bladder to remove from your backpack.
- Website offers great support and tips like partially filling and freezing for hot days and how to clean.
- The non-drip drinking nozzle
- Guarantee
- Better closure than the slide closure method of other brands.
- Can purchase a replacement tube and cleaning kit.
The Bad
- Initially has a plastic taste but a solution is offered on the website.
- Care must be taken to close the cap properly.
- Some users complained about leaking from where the hose joins the bladder.
- The bite valve can leak if not closed properly.
Comparison With Competitors
There are many hydration packs on the market, some are well known brands others unheard of with no web presence. I would be wary of any brands that don’t have a website and concerned about the safety of the materials they are made from.
Many brands have a slide closure method that can easily leak if the bladder is not upright. Other brands don’t offer the range of sizes that Camelbak offer, and do not have the after sale support and guarantee.
Some have a have a pull off cap on the end of the nozzle which requires 2 hands to remove and replace, whereas the Crux Reservoir’s on/off lever can be used with one hand, which is important when you’re on the move or using trekking poles.
The Hydroguard technology is unique to CamelBak.
My Decision
I give the CamelBak a solid 8/10 rating.
Where to Buy?
You can buy the Camelbak Crux Reservoir direct from the CamelBak website, they offer a 10% discount on your first order.
Some camping/hiking retailers such as Paddy Pallin and BCF stock the CamelBak Crux Reservoir.
Amazon is a great option and my recommended place to purchase. They offer the convenience of fast shipping and there are plenty of customer reviews to help guide your decision. Plus, you can often catch a great discount, particularly in sales events.
Here’s a little transparency: Our website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support our mission to bring you quality content.
My Final Thoughts
Using a hydration pack is a game changer when it comes to staying hydrated while hiking. The convenience of having your water supply right at your lips encourages constant drinking, rather than waiting until you are thirsty, then having to stop and retrieve a water bottle from your pack. If you are feeling thirsty, it means your are already dehydrated.
The CamelBak Crux Reservoir offers a host of features that make it unique, but its after sale support and warranty, in my opinion, push it ahead of the pack.
If you are serious about staying hydrated when hitting the trails, then this is the solution for you.
Have you tried the CamelBak Crux? Leave your thoughts here.
Great review! I completely agree that staying hydrated on the trail is critical, and a reliable hydration bladder like the CamelBak Crux Reservoir can make all the difference. I’ve used a CamelBak system on several long hikes, including some multi-day treks in the Rockies, and the convenience of drinking on the go without stopping is a game changer.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the wide-mouth opening really helps with cleaning and adding ice for hot hikes – a big plus when temperatures soar. I’ve also appreciated the durability of the materials, especially when navigating rugged terrain where my gear takes a bit of a beating.
That said, I’ve experienced the initial plastic taste too, but soaking the bladder with a water-and-baking-soda mix overnight usually does the trick. It’s reassuring to know CamelBak stands by their products with the lifetime guarantee. For me, that peace of mind has been worth it.
What size do you find works best for your hikes? I usually opt for the 3L version since I sweat a lot, especially on uphill climbs. Curious to hear what others think about the size options and how they use the Crux Reservoir on their adventures!”
Hi Shawn, thanks for the feedback. I hike with 2 x 2L reservoirs. In one I add mineral salts the other plain water. On a hot summer day hike I fill them up. On a winter hike I don’t fill them up as much and probably carry 3 L. It works for me.
The CamelBak Crux Reservoir is an excellent choice for hikers looking for a reliable and convenient hydration system. The review highlights the key advantages of using a hydration bladder over traditional water bottles, emphasizing the ease of drinking while on the move. The Crux stands out with its high-flow bite valve, leak-proof design, and durable BPA-free materials. The Hydroguard™ technology, which inhibits bacteria growth, is an added safety feature that many competitors lack.
One of CamelBak’s most valuable aspects is its Got Your Bak™ Lifetime Guarantee, which ensures long-term product reliability. While the Crux has a few drawbacks, such as an initial plastic taste and potential leakage at connection points, these issues are manageable with proper care.
Overall, this review effectively outlines the pros and cons, making it a useful guide for anyone considering the CamelBak Crux Reservoir. With its thoughtful design and strong customer support, it remains a top contender in the hydration market.