The K.U.D.U 12 is the new back-protector rucksack from Camelbak and aims to achieve the best compromise of protection and wearing comfort. To do this, the high quality pack is fitted with a lightweight protective insert which conforms to the demanding Level 2 Norm (CE1621-2) standard for back protectors. In order to get the weight as close as possible to the rider the K.U.D.U has a flat construction, and the 12 litre volume ensures enough load capacity. The concept really works: the new Camelbak sits perfectly, is comfortable to wear, and thanks to the deep hip belt it always stays in position. Proven features such as the functional rain cover and the 3-liter reservoir complement the package and make the K.U.D.U a well-executed pack for both races and all-round riding.
We’ve all been there: You’ve just finished a heavy-duty sweat session at the gym, you’re thirsty, and the water fountain looks like it’s covered in eight million people’s saliva, plus a little bit of mold. The easiest solution? Ducking out to buy a bottle of water from the first drug store you can find.
It seems innocent enough—we’ve all gotta hydrate, right? But unfortunately, bottled water is wreaking havoc on the Earth’s precious resources. Plus, it’s almost definitely not any safer or cleaner than tap water—and in fact, sometimes it’s worse.
If you’ve been wondering about the consequences of a bottled water habit (whether it’s personal, national, or global), then look no further. This handy-dandy infographic outlines the stark consequences—environmental, physical, and economic—of guzzling the bottled stuff. Ready to quit it? Then check out our action tips at the bottom.
Searching for ideas for the outdoorsy folks on your Christmas list?
Rim Runner 22 pack from CamelBak
I used to just hike with a small hydration pack and stuff energy bars, sunscreen and whatever else I needed in my pockets. Then my wife and I received the Rim Runner as a wedding present. It’s been great. It can hold up to 100 ounces (3 liters) of water and still have room to hold anything else you would need on a hike lasting more than a couple hours. $100
The following was written by Vernon Felton for bikemag.com.
Long-Term Test: CamelBak M.U.L.E. NV || $135.00
It’s been a year since I first reviewed this pack and back then I promised a long-term review, so here we go. I’ve been humping this thing around in the rain and mud. It’s seen the inside of my washing machine more than a few times and wound up being my go-to pack anytime I wasn’t hauling the entire kitchen sink with me on my rides. That’s not to suggest, however, that the M.U.L.E. is shy on the cargo space. The pack accommodates 12-liters of stuff. That’s 732 cubic inches, if you speak ‘Merican.
What’s more, all that storage is well laid out. You’ve got the monster pouch that accommodates tools and tubes and other bulky crap that doesn’t stow easily in pockets, then there’s the more organized secondary pouch; this one is complete with little velcro’d pockets for all that critical-but-tiny stuff that’d invariably go M.I.A. in your main pouch and leave you howling in frustration at some point (master links for your chain, that kind of thing). There’s also the plush-lined pouch up top, which is always a good spot for sunglasses and iPods. Finally, there’s another small zippered pouch that’s great for car keys and the like.
There are a ton of places to stash your spare tubes, pumps, keys, gu packs, master links and God-knows-what-else.
Oh, wait, did I say “finally”? There are also zippered pockets on the hip belt and you can stuff some fairly bulky items (that rain jacket you were so sure you were going to need) in the outer stretch overflow pocket. At least, I think that’s what they call it. Whatever the proper nomenclature, it’s something that gets a fair bit of use on my rides.
So, yup, lots of storage. But we’re still scraping the surface here. The CamelBak also comes with the company’s excellent 100-ounce Antidote bladder. The Antidote is easy to open, easy to fill and, crucially, once closed, it stays closed. Win. It also features the usual quick-disconnect hose and a bite valve that is about as close to perfect as possible.
They look weird, but CamelBak’s articulating pods greatly reduce that “My hydration pack is trying to kill me” sensation that you experience four hours into a ride.
Of course, being able to stuff a lot of crud onto your back does you no good whatsoever if doing so also makes you feel like you’ve got an angry midget dry-humping your back. Comfort is key. To that end, the M.U.L.E. NV also sports the usual plethora of straps that help to evenly distribute the load across your back and waist. This pack also features the NV back panel, which sports four “articulating pods” that are supposed to improve airflow. I was dubious—this looked like a potential case of over-engineering, but nope, it’s comfortable.
What didn’t I like? I know, this has been a bit of a love fest so far. Well, I’ve had problems with past CamelBak sternum straps popping off during the middle of the ride, but these stayed put all year long. Um….now I’m kinda searching here. Okay, the zippers could be waterproof. Yeah, that’s all I’ve got. Seriously, it’s a pretty damn dialed pack. If you want max storage or you want to strap your full-face helmet to your pack, you should go with something larger. But for a lot of people, the M.U.L.E. NV covers the bases quite well and then some.
CamelBak reinvented the travel mug for a better coffee-and-tea experience. Check out our all new Forge! Now you can experience your on-the-go beverages, reinvented for heat. An innovative travel mug to keep your morning fuel hot at home, at work, or working against mother nature’s terrain.
From Pinkbike.com – Richard Cunningham The Kudu 12 pack has wings which spread the load securely and comfortably to the rider’s hips. The shoulder straps are ventilated with mesh fabric.
Helmet and pad storage is well thought out and accessible.
CamelBak Kudu 12 Hydration Pack
One of the more impressive items seen at Press Camp in Park City in June was CamelBak’s Kudu 12 hydration pack. The Kudu has a pouch between its ventilated mesh back and its bladder compartment which contains a three-layer impact protection pad. CamelBak’s ‘Impact Protector’ is a CE 1621-2 Level 2 certified protector, which adds very little weight and bulk to the pack in exchange for a hefty measure of safety. The Kudu 12 features a pull-over rain shroud, a wide hip belt with a quick access pocket and the usual range of useful zip compartments that CamelBak is known for. An outer flap is designed to stow a helmet for transfer stages, and there are straps on the lower end of the pack to secure pads. The reservoir holds 100 fluid ounces (3 liters) and there is enough room in the larger compartment for foul weather gear. Inside a stretch-mesh pocket is a roll-up tool organizer to facilitate quick repairs. The pack design is wider than it is deep, to keep the bulk of the its contents closer to the body and less apt to throw the rider off balance. I thought the pack was an important development – a necessary item for enduro racing which has been redesigned to serve a greater purpose. The Kudu 12 holds 549 in³ (9 liters) and MSRP $200.
Six pads on the mesh-lined pack separate the Kudu 12 from your back, and form channels for ventilation. The tri-layer protection element is inserted into a dedicated pouch directly behind the six pads.
CamelBak has announced a brand new hydration pack for 2015 called the Kudu that features built-in impact protection in the form of a foam back armor insert that should appeal to the enduro racer or park rider.
In this video, Seth Beiden from CamelBak shows us the highlights of the Kudu 12 and Kudu 18.
The protection insert is CE 1621-2 Level 2 certified protector, which means that it has been tested and approved for motorcycle use (CE 1621-2 Level 2 is a much higher impact protection than Level 1). The protector is lightweight and flexible and can withstand multiple hits. If you don’t need the armor, it is removable and can be cleaned and inspected.
The Kudu is available in two sizes, the Kudu 12 holds 12 liters and the Kudu 18 holds 18 liters of cargo. Besides the cool armor, the Kudu also has a nice tool roll that is easily removable for having direct, easy access for your trail side repairs. If you ride in wet weather, there is a built-in (and removable) waterproof rain cover that deploys from the bottom of the pack.
The Kudu also has options for helmet carrying (including full face helmets) and the ability to carry knee and elbow armor via side and bottom straps. The Kudu 12 comes in two graphics red/yellow (officially called Barbados Cherry/Sulphur Springs) and blue/pink/grey (officially Charcoal/ Atomic Blue) and the Kudu 18 comes in three graphics ( Barbados Cherry/ Sulphur Springs – Black/ Andean Toucan – Silver/ Atomic Blue). The MSRP for the Kudu 12 with 100oz reservoir and back protector is $200 and the Kudu 18 is $225. Both models will be available January 2015.
Check out more photos of the Kudu and some photos of other new packs from CamelBak coming for 2015.
An overview of the features and functionality of the CamelBak 2014 Paddle Collection. These hydration packs are specifically designed for active water sports, and come in a variety of designs to suit your needs: from PFD-compatible vests and lumbar packs to insulated hydration sleeves that mount on the deck of your kayak.
pacificrepworks.com 
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