Water Bottles and Hydration Systems – pedalnorth

Camelbak Hawg 20 Backpack with Recco Technology

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 18:13:51 +0000

Get set for Adventure

Camelbak HAWG 20 with RECCO

with Teo Sabine

Camelbak Hawg 20 with Recco Technology

Getting set for adventures

Tested and reviewed by Teo Sabina

With over 33 years of working in dynamic environments, being a Critical Incident Commander in policing, and a former climbing instructor, I have a rounded experience of unfortunate events in the mountains. Nobody plans for an issue to happen when you head for the hills. However, the nature of the unexpected is that you should always expect the unexpected – and plan for this. Safety is paramount and can easily become a faded concept, when nature and the elements are against you.

Camelbak and the new Hawg 20 backpack with Recco tech

That’s why we were really excited when our friends at Vitamina C in Turin asked us if we’d like to test out the new Camelbak mountain pack, which comes fitted with exciting new technologies. Yes. CamelBak’s New H.A.W.G. 20 offers outdoor adventure seekers, the World’s First MTB Pack with RECCO® Technology; the same tech used by mountain rescue teams to locate people who are either lost or injured – or both – in the mountains. From my experience, commanding serious mountain incidents, every second is vital; and so it was an obvious choice to ask our own mountain expert, Teo, if she would take on the challenge of testing the new Camelbak Hawg in the wild and remote Carpathian Mountains of Romania. WE wanted to see if this exciting new backpack for bikers and hikers, really could help to locate you in times of trouble… it’s over to Teo, then!

What is Recco tech

Recco Motto: RECCO® Technology makes you searchable by rescue professionals worldwide.

When you’re out there in the wild, enjoying the majestic beauty of the mountains, there’s always that little thought in the back of your mind about “what if?” What if an unexpected avalanche rolls through? Or while enjoying a fantastic hike in the mountains, a thick, swirling fog descends. One minute you can see the path clearly, the next, it’s like someone’s pulled a grey blanket over everything? Or what if you just get lost in a really tricky spot? That’s where RECCO technology steps in, like a quiet guardian angel.

Think of it this way: RECCO is like having a tiny, super-dependable friend stitched right into your jacket or gear. This little friend doesn’t need batteries or anything fancy; it just patiently waits. Then, if something goes wrong and rescuers are searching for you, they have this special device that sends out a signal. And guess what? Your little friend, that RECCO reflector, is designed to instantly bounce that signal right back to them. It’s like a silent “here I am!” shout, helping those amazing rescuers pinpoint exactly where you are, even when every second counts. It’s truly a brilliant bit of ingenuity that brings a lot of peace of mind to outdoor adventures.

What’s the new Hawg 20 like

The “new” CamelBak HAWG 20 (often specifically the HAWG Pro 20) is designed to be a workhorse for long days on the trails, especially for mountain biking, but it’s also very suitable for hiking and other outdoor activities where you need ample hydration and gear storage. It’s gotten some significant updates, focusing on comfort, organization, and durability.

One key feature that makes it stand out is the Air Support Pro Back Panel. It’s designed with “body mapping technology” to strategically ventilate the areas of your back that generate the most heat. It often features a curved, rigid plate with a mesh overlay that creates an air gap between your back and the pack, promoting airflow and reducing sweatiness, which makes it great especially during summer days! The shoulder straps are also made with a lightweight and breathable mesh, contributing to overall comfort and preventing hot spots.

The Camelbak HAWG 20 has comes with an ample storage and organization, with a 20L Capacity. There are also multiple compartments and pockets for organized storage.

Another great feature is its durable construction: Made with robust materials, often including recycled Cordura RE/COR fabric, for long-lasting performance in rugged conditions. It usually has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, though a separate rain cover might be recommended for heavy downpours.

There is also a variety of specific use features, such as Helmet Carry, Impact Protection Ready, E-Bike Battery Sleeve, RECCO® Technology. The new CamelBak HAWG 20 is a highly capable and well-thought-out hydration pack designed for adventurers who need substantial water capacity, organized gear storage, and high levels of comfort and breathability, especially for activities like mountain biking and day hiking. The addition of RECCO technology is a significant safety upgrade.

Testing time in the hills

Testing the CamelBak HAWG 20 in the Romanian hills gave me a fantastic real-world assessment of its capabilities.

Before getting to the hills, I filled it with what I’d actually carry on a typical day hike or mountain bike ride in the Romanian hills. Therefore, I made sure to full-fill the 3L Crux reservoir, take some snacks, extra layers (rain jacket, fleece), a first aid kit and navigation tools (fully charged phone).

Right at the start, I spent some time adjusting all the straps – shoulder straps, sternum strap, and especially the hip belt. The HAWG Pro 20 often has a very effective hip belt designed to take the majority of the weight. I ensured it sit comfortably over my iliac crests (hip bones). I also cinched the load lifters (straps connecting the top of the shoulder straps to the top of the pack) to bring the pack closer to my body, ideally forming a 45-degree angle.

As I started the climb, I paid close attention to the Air Support Pro Back Panel. It genuinely reduced sweat buildup on my back and I really felt the air circulating through the “body-mapped” channels. On steeper climbs, the pack stayed put and felt stable, with the weight distributed to my hips. Considering the hydration access, I could easily grab the bite valve, take a sip, and re-secure it with the magnetic tube trap without breaking my stride or looking down. On rocky, rootsy, or loose downhill sections common in the Romanian hills, the pack shift independently of my body. The hip belt and compression straps kept it securely in place, preventing it from throwing me off balance.

Also, I could easily access snacks from the hip belt pockets or a phone from a side pocket without having to stop and take the pack off. I took a moment to test the RECCO Reflector with a specialized detector, as it provides a background sense of security, especially if you’re in a more remote area of the Romanian hills where conditions can change rapidly, as Fagaras Mountains are. It went really well and quick, which is perfect for a search in the mountain hills.

Final thoughts

The CamelBak HAWG 20 sounds like a truly impressive backpack, especially for the active outdoor enthusiast in Romania. My final thoughts are overwhelmingly positive.

Overall, the CamelBak HAWG 20 appears to be a top-tier choice for serious mountain bikers and hikers. The focus on the Air Support Pro Back Panel and 3D Vent Mesh Harness suggests that CamelBak has prioritized long-haul comfort and breathability. This is incredibly important in the varied and often strenuous terrain of the Romanian hills, where ascents can lead to significant sweating. Good ventilation means less discomfort and a lower risk of chilling.

The thoughtful organization, including hip belt pockets, internal tool roll, and potentially an e-bike battery sleeve, shows it’s designed by people who understand the needs of outdoor users. The use of recycled Cordura RE/COR fabric signals a commitment to both robustness and sustainability, which is always a welcome combination..

The inclusion of RECCO technology on the CamelBak HAWG 20 is a significant and commendable step forward for outdoor safety, particularly for a mountain biking pack. The beauty of RECCO is its simplicity and reliability. It’s a passive reflector, meaning it requires no batteries, no charging, no activation, and no maintenance. You literally put on your backpack, and you’re immediately more “searchable” to professional rescue teams. This is a crucial advantage, especially if you’re injured, disoriented by fog (as discussed!), or in an emergency where traditional electronic devices might fail or be forgotten. Knowing that your backpack has this integrated technology provides an invaluable layer of peace of mind. While you hope to never need it, it’s a silent assurance that if the worst happens, professional rescuers have an enhanced tool to help locate you. This is especially pertinent for those venturing into more remote or challenging parts of the Romanian wilderness.

Therefore, the CamelBak HAWG 20 appears to be an exceptionally well-designed and feature-rich backpack for serious outdoor pursuits. Its core functionalities – comfort, hydration, and organization – are clearly well-executed. However, it’s the integration of the RECCO system that truly elevates this pack, offering a cutting-edge, passive safety measure that could genuinely make a difference in a critical situation. It’s a smart investment for anyone who values both performance and an enhanced safety margin in their outdoor adventures in Romania and beyond.

Camelbak Podium Water Bottle Range

Pedalnorth Website — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:26:48 +0000

CamelBak Podium Water Bottle Range

by Robert & Nadezhda

Camelbak Podium Bottle 620 ml & 710 ml

We’ve written before about the excellent technical bottles from Camelbak, and so it’s time to look now at their standard Podium bottle, that’s anything but standard. If you’re looking for a robust, strong, well made and reliable bottle, with an easy flow, then the Camelbak Podium could be just for you. We tested both the smaller 620 ml bottle and the larger 720 ml. Camelbak have a new design and improved cleaning ability for the Podium® bottle, helping to maintain its position at the top within the cycling industry. This is definitely a premium bike bottle, and it prioritises performance with its high flow and self sealing cap, and the easy squeeze design, to help the flow at those vital moments on the bike. As with other bottles using the self seal technology, there’s no spills, drips or leakage too.

The actual bottle shape and size of both bottles mean that it’s a comfortable fit in the hand, and is easy to grip on the move, plus it fits easily and securely into bottle cages. It’s made by Camelbak as a BPA, BPS and BPF free bottle, which is a positive direction, and the whole unit comes apart for ease of cleaning – voila. Finally and most importantly, due to the Camelbak Trutaste Polypropylene with Hydroguard , all that you taste is your chosen drink and nothing else.

Design and colour wise, it’s simply and stylishly finished, and comes with a variety of new colour options, meaning that it’ll also look great on your bike in either size – and that’s important . It’s priced very reasonably for the tech and performance, and the Camelbak Podium performs well on the bike, looks good and is super strong and long lasting. That’s probably an ideal resume for a bike bottle this summer.

Camelbak Podium Chill Bottle

What makes the Camelbak Podium Chill different from their Podium Ice – it’s an interesting question. Well, for a start, the Podium Chill is Pink which I like… but no, seriously, it comes with a double walled and insulated skin, designed to keep drinks cool for longer. Camelbak say that this double skin means that drinks stay cold for twice as long.

It comes with the same great design as the rest of the Podium range and is easy to hold and squeeze, delivering fluid in a smooth flow, without drips and leaks, due to the high flow, self-sealing cap – which maximizes flow rate while eliminating splatters and spills. Best of all, it really works. Add to this, the Camelbak positive lock-out, and you have a bottle that you can throw into your bag between rides, safely knowing that it won’t leak. It’s a string and well made bottle, but doesn’t feel hard and as I say, is easy to squeeze too. It’s strength and quality of production means that it’ll stand up to lots of tough trips and last a long time.

All of the parts come apart easily for cleaning, and simply click back together. The material used is BPA, BPS and BPF free, which is a good start in terms of eco friendly sports. And, when you’re ready to use it again, due to the Camelbak Trutaste Polypropylene with Hydroguard , all that you taste is yiur drunk and not that awful stake bottle taste. It’s a super quality, sift and yet strong bottle in use, and with a hydrating flow system that’s second to none. You can twist and lick it off, but it’s really unnecessary due to the awesome technical design. Best of all – it’s pink too

Camelbak Podium Ice Bottle

With spring already here and summer to look forward to, it really is time to look in detail at the best bottles for hot days in the saddle. Camelbak do hydration… more than anyone else, this world leading brand is synonymous with excellence in keeping athletes cool and refreshed. Time then to take a look at their latest Camelbak Podium Ice 620 ml bottle.

Like the entire Podium® collection from Camelbak, it’s a technological bottle, being 100% free of BPA, BPS and BPF, which is always good to know in a more eco friendly world. More importantly for cyclists, it features an improved cage fit design, meaning that it easily fits into just about all bottle cages on the market, without rattling around or bouncing out on rough tracks. The design is also kind of cool… pardon the pun, but it is – simple and stylish and oozes the modern look of this forward thinking brand.

The fluid inside the Podium Ice is kept cool due to the Aerogel insulation developed by the brand, which Camelbak says “keeps water cold 5x longer than other bottles” – maybe we need a thermometer test here sometime, but it certainly does keep drinks cool all day long.

When you need to get the fluid out and quench your thirst, the Camelback Easy Squeeze system works a treat, and you get a steady but controlled flow, with thankfully no drips or leaks. Best of all, even when the nozzle is unlocked, it holds back fluid from dripping out, keeping bags and clothing dry when transporting you and your kit to rides. Yes, the high flow, self-sealing cap works superbly and maximizes flow rate while eliminating splatters and spills.

In terms of cleaning, like all of the Camelbak bottle range, all parts can be separated for thorough cleaning, and go back together by simple clicks. And, best of all, once cleaned and refilled with your favourite drink, the Trutaste Polypropylene with Hydroguard means that all you taste is your water and nothing else, time after time. In terms of design and colour, it’s a silvery finish, trimmed with either red of blue.

Cost wise, it’s not a cheap bottle, but it’s not cheaply made. This is a high end hydration system bottle for serious people, and it’ll last you many years on tarmac or trail and keep you cool. Think about it as an investment, as you use this excellent Podium Ice bottle across multiple active sports.

Summary

There’s a great range of bottles to choose from this year from Camelbak, and best of all, they come in a variety of colours too; which means that you can choose the perfect bottle in the perfect style . We really like the flow system on the Podium range. It works when you need it to, and it ensures that water only comes out when you want it to. In terms of prices, the Camelbak bottle range is an investment, as these high quality and tough water bottles will last for a long time and keep looking as stylish as you do

Visit Nadezhda’s Blog

Elite Ice Fly and Nano Fly Water Bottles

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 12:59:20 +0000

Elite Ice Fly & Nano Fly Bottles

by Robert Thorpe

STAY COOL WITH ELITE

Elite Nano Fly & Ice Fly Water Bottles

It’s the height of summer and it’s getting hotter, so hydration on and off the bike is critical. If you do become dehydrated, then it’s at least 24 hours to recover, which is why drinking off the bike is also important. And, you really do need that fluid to be refreshing, which is why Italian brand, Elite, have taken their award winning Fly bottle to new levels of technology with their latest range of bottles.

Ice Fly Bottle

Let’s take a look at the Ice Fly first, as we all want ice cool drinks in the sun. Elite understand that hydrating yourself is essential to ensure a high performance while pedalling, and that this means being able to maintain the temperature of the fluids when the temperatures rise towards and above 30°. You need a reserve of fresh and cool water to keep your body performing, and to keep you healthy and safe. With the Ice Fly insulated water bottle from Elite, you can have a constant maintenance of the temperature of cold liquids while cycling for up to 2.5 hours compared with traditional water bottles. And, on our tests here at Pedalnorth, it does actually work, keeping drinks cool all afternoon.

I tend to use cooled ice water from the fridge to fill my bottles, giving things a head start. Adding this to the excellent thermal performance of the Ice Fly, means that I’m maximising my chances of staying cool. How does it work then – it’s due to the innovative double isothermal wall, which eliminates heat exchanges ensuring a maximum degree of thermal insulation. Basically, using their technical knowledge, Elite have used minimal plastics in various thicknesses – 30% less plastic than other bottles – with a double skin to keep the sun and temperature changes at bay for as long as possible.

Technology That Works

Like all Fly bottles from Elite, the Ice Fly is a very squeezable insulated water bottle, super soft and flexible, designed to allow very easy extraction from and insertion into the bottle cage thanks to its practical ergonomic handle. It’s easy to grab and comfortable in the hand. Like all Elite water bottles, this new thermal model too has a standard diameter,compatible with every type of bottle holder on the market. It also comes with a protective cap, keeping Road and trail dirt at bay. And, after you’ve done riding, it all comes apart for cleaning.

In terms of taste, the very clever people at Elite have developed a plastic, certified without BPA (Bisphenol A) and therefore fully compliant with the European CE and American FDA standards that regulate the contact with food and beverages. The bottle rubber valve also boasts innovative anti-odour technology, designed to efficiently retain flavours and odours and to maintain the taste of the liquid contained in it unaltered. What this means is that in prolonged use, all that you taste is the drink that you wanted. Yes, I know, all brands say these things, but over prolonged use this spring and summer, the Elite I’ve Fly has be some a ‘go to’ hot weather bottle for me.

Nano Fly Bottle

Let’s take a look at the Elite Nano Fly then – another bottle from Italy, designed to help you stay cool. This cool bottle literally takes things to an even higher level of cooling. It’s a direct evolution of world tour teams’ favourite Fly bottle. Like all Fly bottles, the Nanofly 0-100 is a squeezy insulated sports bottle, but it allows allows for thermal insulation of your hot and cold liquids for up to 4 hours. Yes, hot liquids too, making it all year round option. And, as an all-season insulated bottle ideal for your bike rides, it comes in at a weight of just 145 g, along with the same hygienic protective cap as other bottles in the Fly range, ensuring that you drink water and not dirt when you’re out and about lost in your bike adventures.

The Nanofly 0-100 is able to keep your liquids hot or cold for 4 hours, due to an insulating coating made in Nanogel®, which is the world’s lightest insulating material, because it’s made out of 5% solid material and 95% air, capturing and holding temperature in. Its nanopores matrix provides a drastic reduction in temperature transmission and ensures high insulation levels: up to 4 hours – double what the traditional commercially available thermal bottles can do. And yet, like it’s Fly cousins in the full range, it’s still super soft and super squeezable, and uses 30% less plastic, being thinner in the middle.

The nozzle flow is the same as others and once again, it all comes apart for cleaning. I’ll tend to take both a Nano Fly and an Ice Fly on a ride in the heat, drinking the Ice Fly fluids first – and this combination works well for me. I’d definitely recommend that you also mix things up and give yourself both options. The Ice Fly is lighter, but the Nano bottle will just add that extra timeframe on longer rides. In any case, what we can say is that the Elite Fly range of bottles are truly superb, and in the heat, the Nano Fly and Ice Fly bottles are definitely our number one choices.

Visit the Elite Website

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Elite Cycling Fly Bottles – Ride Routine

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 10:52:49 +0000

Elite Cycing Fly Bottles – Ride Routine

by Robert Thorpe

Time to Fly
Get Hydrated with Elite

Ride Routine

Before every ride I do the same things. Albeit that I’m 56 years of age, I seem to be no different from what I was racing track and field years ago, lining up my shoes, with the socks placed across them and a lucky jacket nearby. These days I go to the wardrobe where my range of jersey hang, carefully select the one that fits my mood, get the matching bibs and socks – it’s important that they match, and the sunglasses – then lay them down neatly on the bed.

Once kitted out, I’ll head down to the kitchen and choose 2 water bottles. Unless it’s mega hot out or I have to take images of a particular bottle, I’ll always choose two 750ml Elite Fly clear bottles. Then I’ll remove the lids and line both bottles neatly, before filling them with Voom hydration powder and take each bottle one at a time and fill them, placing the bottle down and only fastening the lids once both bottles are full.

Time to Fly

These bottles will look after me on the ride and it’s important that I choose carefully. Elite have made the opening 20% bigger to improve the flow to the rider, and it’s the lightest water bottle on the market – another important issue. Plus, it uses 30% less plastic than other bottles the same size and that’s also very good, especially for the planet. They’ve made the bottle with variable thickness of plastic, so that the middle section is ultra thin and super easy to squeeze and soft, meaning that it’s easy to grip.

I also like that the bottles come completely apart easily to clean… but that’s another post-ride ritual. If it’s really hot, I’ll take one of the Elite Ice Fly bottles, as I know that the fluid will remain ice cool until it’s needed. Even these bottles weigh in at only 124 grammes.

Finally, I’ll go the utility room and take two Voom bars from a plastic box in there and I’ll lay them down beside the bottles. Then I’ll gather my phone and wallet and place them beside these – now, it’s time to load up. The bike is taken from the garage and I’ll first attach the bottles, then attach the phone to the Quad Lock on the stem, and finally tuck the wallet away, just in case I stop for coffee – and I’m ready.

Smiles on the Miles

It’s my ride ritual, I always follow the same pattern – it’s makes me feel comfortable and having the Elite Fly bottles also makes me comfortable, because I know that they’re probably the best bottles in the world and that I can easily grab them from the bike, take on fluid and easily swap bottles over mid-ride.

I know that when I squeeze the bottle, it’s easy and the fluid flows fast and hydrated me, and I know also that the bottle will slip back easily into the cage without me having to remove my eyes from the road. I like things that work well and I like that Elite have produced such an awesome bottle. When I get home, the cap comes easily apart and everything once rinsed goes into the dishwasher at 40 degrees, meaning that I’m ready to carry out the same routine next time. Yes, now and then in life I’ll stray from the path, do something unplanned.

I often haven’t got any idea where I’ll ride. I simply follow the front wheel and instinct. However, the Elite Fly is simply awesome and maybe it should also be part of your ride routine too.

Water Bottles and Hydration Systems – pedalnorth

Camelbak Hawg 20 Backpack with Recco Technology

Camelbak Hawg 20 with Recco Technology

Getting set for adventures

Tested and reviewed by Teo Sabina

Camelbak and the new Hawg 20 backpack with Recco tech

What is Recco tech

What’s the new Hawg 20 like

Testing time in the hills

Final thoughts

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CamelBak Podium Water Bottle Range

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Camelbak Podium Ice Bottle

Summary

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