Osprey vs. Camelbak Hydration Packs – Which One Is Better?

If you will be riding your mountain bike on a group ride or at any trailhead, you will need to make sure that you have enough water at your disposal to keep you well hydrated.

But no, we’re not talking about a water bottle, but rather a hydration pack. However, a hydration pack does more than just carry water. They also store food, spares, layers, and even biking tools.

Osprey and Camelbak are two top brands that make quality hydration packs. Between the two, which one makes the best hydration packs?

Here is an Osprey vs. Camelbak hydration packs comparison review to help you identify your ideal brand.

Osprey vs. Camelbak – Hydration Packs

So, you have a list of the three best Osprey and CamelBak hydration packs. Between the two brands, which one would you rather go for?

That depends on how they compare. Here is a look at the difference between the two hydration pack brands.

Size/Weight

One major difference between these brands is the size and weight of their products. With the Osprey hydration packs they tend to be bigger and heavier in design.

The heaviest Osprey bag is the Raptor 14, which comes in at 5lbs. In comparison, the heaviest CamelBak pack is the HydroBak that only weighs 3.2 lbs.

In terms of size, the CamelBak bags have a slimmer design than the massive Osprey bags.

Storage

If you need a bag to carry more than just the water for hydration and your tiny valuables, you would want to go for the Osprey models.

The Osprey bags offer you a large compartment, along with other multiple compartments like roll-up tool pouch.

Too often, CamelBak hydration packs tend to be limited to storage and compartment options.

Price/Affordability

Being that Osprey hydration packs offer you more features compared to the CamelBak bags, it only means that they come at a higher price tag.

The best part is that you will be sure of purchasing a bag that is worth every penny.

Osprey Hydration Packs

Founded in 1974, Osprey has become one of the best brands that deliver top-quality hydration packs.

The Osprey products are designed by founder and owner Mike Pfotenhauer. But what makes them so popular and worth purchasing? Here are some unique aspects of Osprey hydration packs.

Spacious/Roomy

Nothing satisfies a mountain biker than finding a hydration bag that allows them to carry more than just water for the journey.

Luckily, Osprey bags offer just that. You get a sizeable bag with pockets to let you store different items for your convenience.

Comfortable

These bags come with a unique design that allows them to hug on to your back and fit comfortably as you cruise the roads out there. Even with plenty of items in the bag, the bag is well balanced to distribute the weight evenly on your back.

The Osprey bags are also made of a quality woven-material to easily handle the items inside while serving you for a long time.

Recommended Osprey Hydration Packs to Buy

There are multiple Osprey hydration packs out there, but we selected three models that we think would serve you best. Let’s have a look at them.

Osprey Raptor 14 Men’s Hydration Pack

This would be the best backpack if you need one for well-organized storage. It is one hydration pack that outshines other models out there for its multiple pockets.

The backpack will carry its content without weighing you down. We loved the winged shoulder straps, which will counter to the shape that you are in as you stretch your reach for the bike’s handlebars. As a result, it will offer you excellent stability.

Besides that, the bag features an AirScape suspension that will evenly distribute its weight.

Along with that, there is a mesh-covered foam back panel that will ensure you are well ventilated throughout your ride.

What about its hydration properties? Well, this one offers you a 2.5-liter reservoir that slides its dedicated compartment.

The hose runs over the right shoulder, and it comes with a magnet anchor on the sternum strap, which will keep the bite valve from moving around.

Plus, you enjoy a devoted space at the base of the bag, which features a Tool Roll for keeping your mini-pump and other tools. The tool roll is easily removable to help you keep your tools well-organized.

Another amazing feature of this hydration pack is the helmet carry system that allows you to hook up your bike helmet when you are not wearing it.

If you need to carry some snacks or your mobile devices, there are some zippered pockets on the hip belt to help you with that.

There is also a zippered slash pocket that is scratch-free to let you keep your sunglasses safely.

And for your safety purposes, there is a blinker light attachment and a reflective patch on the backpack.

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Osprey Seral Lumbar Hydration Backpack

Here is another Osprey pack that you’d want to get. If you need an off-the-back hydration solution rather than an over-the-shoulder option, you’d love having the Seral Lumbar.

Since water is one of the major necessities to carry on your mountain bike ride, this back assures you of enough supply.

There is a 1.5-liter water reservoir to keep you hydrated as you enjoy your riding journey.

A magnetic bite valve is attached to the hip belt to give you easy access as you ride the bike.

The bag then offers you compression straps that will pull it into your lower back and wrap around your hips.

As a result, you will enjoy amazing stability regardless of the terrain condition. Luckily, this lumbar will not creep around you as you ride.

If you have other items you need to carry, there is a zippered main compartment that is large enough to accommodate them.

This compartment will accommodate a patch kit, spare tube, mini pump, multi-tool, and tire lever with ease.

With the hipbelt, it allows you to store your phone, keys, snacks, or sunscreen.The hipbelt is dual-zippered for securing and easy access.

Like its sibling, this pack also features an AirScape back panel with contouring lumbar wrap for extra stability.

To assure you of a stable and snugly fit, the bag offers you the Ergo Pull waist strap closure system.

If you need to be extra safe as you ride late in the evening out there, you can purchase the blinky light attachment, which is sold separately.

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Osprey Raptor 10 Men’s Hydration Pack

Our last Osprey Hydration Pack is the Raptor 10, which qualifies among the best out there.

This is a premium hydration pack that will carry multiple items, including water, without weighing your down.

First off, there is a dedicated compartment for a 2.5-liter water reservoir. That should be enough to take you through your mountain bike rides while keeping you well hydrated.

For easy accessibility of the water, you get a magnetic sternum strap bite valve attachment on the pack.

Here, you can sip on the water whenever you need it, even as you pedal — no need for stopping for water breaks.

If you have your helmet with you, the backpack is designed with a LidLock bike helmet attachment.

This allows you to conveniently store the helmet on the pack when you are not wearing it.

Even if you need to keep your sunglasses safely, there is a zippered scratch-free compartment slash pocket to take care of that.

Plus, there are stretch mesh zippered hip-belt pockets to let you keep some snacks, your keys, or your phone.

For those riders that like carrying their bike tools with them on a long riding spree, you can easily make use of the dedicated lower compartment roll-up tool pouch.Keep in mind that the tool pouch is easily removable.

Will you be riding in the evening in a low-light scenario? No need to worry because this bag comes with a reflective patch and a blinker light attachment for safety in the dark.

Camelbak Hydration Packs

Osprey has Camelbak as its top competitor on the market. Truly, CamelBak stands with an amazing reputation with its top-notch products.

The company was founded in 1989, and it has been in the forefront ever since as it delivers quality hydration packs.

Here is a look at the factors that make CamelBak hydration packs worth the purchase.

Lightweight Design

If you need a backpack that is lightweight enough to offer you comfort with your rides, one from Camelbak would be a good pick.

They are designed with a lightweight yet sturdy design to assure you of a reliable bag for your hydration and tools storage.

Family Friendly

CamelBak hydration packs come with a design meant to suit the entire family.

You can get bags for men, women, and even kids. Everyone in the house can be sure of having a convenient hydration pack from CamelBak.

Affordability

Another plus feature of these hydration packs is their friendly price tag. Even if you are on a tight budget, you can be sure of getting a quality hydration pack from CamelBak.

Recommended Camelbak Hydration Packs to Buy

While this brand might be known for its quality hydration packs, we thought a few models were worth the purchase.

Here are the three recommended packs to purchase from CamelBak.

CamelBak HydroBak Hydration Pack

This stands as one of the best models out there, and it is super lightweight as well to assure you of comfort when riding your bike.

It is actually designed for runners, but it can still offer a mountain bike rider excellent hydration without any problem.

The bag weighs in at only 3.2lbs, which should be a concern to you. Well, it might be heavier by around 2.10lbs. But that is still lightweight compared to other hydration packs out there.

As lightweight as this bag might be, it still offers you enough water to sustain you on a two-hour ride.

There is a zippered pocket to accommodate a water reservoir of 1.5 liters. Plus, it is designed to offer enough water per sip. One sip will deliver 20% more water compared to other models.

We loved the valve that is leak-proof and easy to use. All you have to do is switch it on or off with a gentle push when you need to quench your thirst.

In other words, it will limit water wastage, and the tube won’t fumble either as you ride.

Another amazing feature of this tube is that it is coated and features an anti-microbial HydroGuard technology.

So yes, you will not have to worry about bacteria growth when using this tube.

There is a mesh back panel, along with a harness for proper ventilation and maximum comfort.

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CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E Kids Hydration Pack

Are you planning to go for a riding spree with your kids, and you need a dedicated hydration pack for them? No problem. Here is an ideal hydration pack to purchase.

This is a model specifically designed for kids, and it surely comes with a lightweight design. Even with its lightweight design, this pack is still very functional.

There is a 1.5ltr water reservoir that should be enough to keep your child well quenched and hydrated throughout the journey.

Along with that, there is a bike tool organizer pocket that allows you to keep tools for your child’s bike. Plus, there are some zippered compartments for other essentials needed.

The water reservoir comes with an ergonomic handle that gives you an easy time when refilling it.

Also, the crux on/off lever allows you to turn it on or off when you want to sip some water.

In terms of the kid’s safety, the bag offers you an inbuilt whistle in the sternum strap.

Even better, there are some reflective accents that keep you safe in low-lit environments.

CamelBak Rogue Hydration Pack

Last but not least is this Rogue hydration pack that delivers amazing. It comes with a larger water reservoir than the two previous models, and you’d enjoy having this one on your biking journey.

Here, you enjoy a 2.5-liter water reservoir that should keep you well hydrated as you explore the long rides on the road.

There is a magnetic tube trap that will keep the tube secure and offer you easy accessibility when you need it.

If you got a helmet with you and you are not wearing it, there are some external hooks that let you carry it conveniently.

The best part is that the helmet will not interfere with the pack’s accessibility. You will still be able to have full access to the pack with ease.

It also comes with a stretch overflow storage compartment that will act as an extra layer or let you keep your rain shell conveniently.

The bag will offer you extra storage for multiple items, but it still maintains a slim profile for keeping it comfortable and even weight distribution.

Speaking of comfort, this backpack comes with a breathable air mesh back panel that offers comfort while keeping it lightweight.

If you want to carry small items like a wallet, keys, or your mobile devices, there are two external pockets to help you with that. Of course, these pockets are placed for easy accessibility.

Your safety is assured with this hydration pack as it comes with reflective accents that help keep you visible when riding your back late in the evening or early in the morning.

Conclusion

And that marks the end of our Osprey vs. Camelbak hydration packs review article.

By now, we are confident that you have enough information to help you choose the right hydration pack that suits you.

When picking one, ensure that you find a bag that will serve you accordingly based on your riding needs.