Almost everyone that participates in outdoor sports will recognize the Camelbak name since they are so well known for hydration backpacks. Matter of fact, instead of saying “hydration packs”, many of us would refer to them as Camelbaks. If you’ve shopped for a hydration backpack to use for hiking, running or cycling, chances are you’ve come across one of their packs.

A Hydration Pack Was Born

The humble beginnings of an idea to provide water while cycling is how this company came to be. Camelbak began in 1988 when Michael Eidson, an emergency medical technician was racing in a 100 mile bike race in Wichita Falls, Texas (it was hotter than Hades). Michael decided to fill an IV bag with water and put it in a tube sock and put it on his back under his jersey with a tube coming out of it.  Amazing, huh? Now do you believe that necessity is the mother of invention?

From hydration backpacks to water bottles to an electrolyte supplement that you can add to water, Camelbak is out to keep your thirst at bay and keep you healthy in your pursuit of happiness outdoors. This pack has come along way from the seed of an idea to becoming one of the leaders in backpack technology and most especially hydration pack advances.

If you are into day hiking and take mostly shorter hikes up to 8 to 10 miles, a Camelbak will suit you perfectly. They have quite a few new day packs for 2011 so check out some of these when you’re ready to replace your old hydration backpack.