CamelBak Omega Hydrotanium Reservoir

The original and still the best hydration reservoir on the market, the Omega reservoir holds enough water for about four hours cycling or a long day on the hillside when coupled with a spare water bottle. The Omega ensures that you keep yourself hydrated owing to its easy to use and hassle free bite valve and tubing unlike regular water bottles which can considerably slow down a group when they have to stop to get your bottle. I have never had a problem with any bacteria or fungus growth and the reservoir still tastes the same as it did when I purchased it over a year ago, having said that it is a good idea to give it a clean with Milton’s powder every so often as it is not one hundred percent bacteria proof. My Camelbak is the one thing that I take with me regardless of what activity I am doing whether it be climbing, cycling, walking or even using it for an impromptu shower!

(Written by: hastings)

I got this CamelBak Reservoir as a gift, having never really thought about having one before, and have used it for about six months now. The Camelback consists of a reservoir with a tube leading to a bite valve. When pressure is applied to the valve then you can suck liquid from the reservoir Stop the pressure on the valve then so does the flow of liquid. This works really well! It doesn't need much pressure and so you don't need to worry about your teeth and it doesn't leak! Whilst the CamelBak boasts a "taste free PureFlow liner", it does appear to flavour water after a while. This is made worse as there’s no way of keeping the water cold unlike a trusty Sigg Bottle. When used with cordial or powdered sports drinks its much better, although you need to make sure you clean the reservoir, tube and bite valve thoroughly after use. Looking the CamelBak website there are a whole host of cleaning kits, cleaning tablets and reservoir dryers to assist in this….....all appear to be a bit pricy for what they are and so look around for cheaper alternatives. You can get a cleaning kit that comprises of a larger cleaning brush for the reservoir, a smaller brush for getting in the nooks and crannies around the reservoir edge and for the bite valve, and a cleaning brush that you can push down the tube leading from the reservoir to the bite valve from a well known auction site for half the price of an official CamelBak kit. Also try bicarbonate of soda instead of the CamelBak Cleaning Tablets. Bicarbonate of soda works well and will get rid of any nasty smells! Onto winter use, where there is a problem with freezing. Any liquid left in the tube when drinking easily freezes making it impossible to drink from. Provided that you blow the liquid back into the reservoir and keep the tube clear then this problem is solved! So...onto the scores: Performance - 4 Once you get used to the cleaning and use in cold weather the Camelback performs great! It really does save a load of time not having to stop and fiddle around in your rucksack for a bottle of water! Build Quality - 5 Can't fault it! Doesn't feel like its going to leak any time soon! The tube and bite valve are easily removed to help with cleaning and feel as secure when put back together after six months use than they did when they first came out of the box! Value for Money - 2 I may be being a bit unfair with the 2, which is really aimed at the overpriced and un-required accessories. Overall.....I wouldn't be without the CamelBak now! It’s an excellent addition to my kit and I would recommend it! Just make sure you are prepared to clean it out thoroughly after each use (which doesn't take too long when you get used to it), and shop around for an "unofficial" cleaning kit.

(Written by: vertigo)

I have used cmaelbak's since they first appeared when I was a avid mountain biker and have never had any issues with them. They do what they are supposed to do but are expensive for what they are more so if you buy it as a pack as I did for on the bike. I use a unbottle know which is cheaper and keeps the water cool and the big bite valves are very good.

(Written by: Mendipman)

I have this unit with the insulated cover with adds to it appeal for summer and winter use. I cannot find a fault with it. I have marked it as mid range on value for money as after all it is a thick plastic bag with a lid and a tube coming out of it and as such I think it is overpriced along with all the other makes.

(Written by: MickH)