Gear Review: CamelBak PowderBak

PowderBak from the back

The PowderBak is CamelBak’s latest innovation in their wearable hydration product line. The PowderBak is a full-zip mid layer vest that has an integrated Hydropouch on the back. The Hydropouch is a pocket that holds a 72 oz (2.1 L) CamelBak reservoir. The PowderBak is designed to keep the hydration bladder from freezing in cold temperatures by keeping it close to the body. Body heat generated by the user prevents the reservoir from icing up and allows the person wearing it to stay hydrated.

Shoulder detail of hose loop

Close-up of the Hydropouch

The reservoir is easy to remove from the vest which makes washing the vest or filling the bladder a piece of cake. A hang loop at the back of the neck provides one method to store the PowderBak in the closet or when hang drying. A thin pad of removable, grey insulation (in the shape of the CamelBak Reservoir) sits in the Hydropouch. This provides added padding and stabilizes the bladder. The drinking tube is covered with an insulated tube cover and a strip of fabric is located on each shoulder to anchor the tube to the vest on whichever side the user desires. On the front of the vest, to the left of the zipper, is a loop of grey stretch cord that the mouthpiece passes through to secure it next to my body and within easy reach.

Bladder and insulation

The top half of the PowderBak is mesh while the lower portion of the vest is not. The PowderBak uses CamelBak’s Quickfit and Quickwick technology in their fabrics. This Quickfit is chafe-free compression fabric which gives the vest an athletic fit and holds the hydration bladder next to the body, stabilizing the load no matter how much water is in the reservoir. Quickwick is lightweight, breathable fabric with a high elasticity that wicks moisture away. In short, the PowderBak is built to be lightweight, flexible, breathable, manage moisture and adjust to how much water you are carrying.

Front detail on PowderBak

CamelBak did their homework on locating the Hydropounch. It is comfortable to wear and located high enough on the back that I don’t have to lean forward when on the ski-lift when the bladder is full (i.e. I can comfortably sit back on the seat). The low profile bladder makes it hardly noticeable that I have anything on other than a vest.

PowderBak worn under pack and outerlayer

The PowderBak is a great winter item for staying hydrated. It’s not overly bulky so half the time I don’t even realize I’m wearing a hydration bladder on my back. At the ski resorts it’s wonderful to not have to bend forward while on the ski lift, but I can still keep water on me for when I get thirsty. Going snowshoeing has been great with the PowderBak too. Not only can I cut down on weight I am carrying (by not having to take a pack) but the water is less likely to freeze in the bladder. The same goes for short hikes where carrying lots of extra gear is not necessary. Winter trail runners will love this item. In a few instances I went on longer day hikes where I needed a pack but used the PowderBak as well. I was surprised to find that it actually was not uncomfortable at all to wear a light pack while wearing the PowderBak. I have also used the PowderBak while biking in cold weather and it works great for that too. It’s great to have the drinking water within easy reach while riding and not have the bulk of a backpack. This is a great item for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t let cold weather stop them from getting outside.

PowderBak while snowshoeing

While a great addition to my outdoor gear/apparel collection the PowderBak is not perfect. I think it needs a small pocket. It would be great to have a place to store a key, ID, emergency cash/credit card, MP3 player or other small item. This is a minor issue for me and not a huge deal at all. I just have to make sure I wear something with a pocket either under or over the PowderBak.

While I feel that a pocket would be nice addition to the PowderBak I still think this is a great item for those who engage in winter sports or cold weather activities. The PowderBak provides users with a comfortable way to stay hydrated while keeping extra weight and bulk at a minimum. The PowderBak will be something I use every winter to keep me hydrated and active.

Manufacturer	CamelBak
Sizes	Small - Extra Large in Men's Style Small - Large in Women's Style
Price (MSRP)	$100
Capacity	72 oz (2.1 L)

This story was originally posted February 2, 2011.