Reviews You Can Rely On

CamelBak Classic Review

Not just a classic, but THE Classic in minimalist packs and our recommendation for minimalists and those on a tight budget
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camelbak classic hydration pack review
Credit: CamelBak
Price:  $75 List
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Manufacturer:   CamelBak
By Jason Cronk ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 4, 2021
61
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease of Drinking - 20% 9.0
  • Ease of Filling - 20% 8.0
  • Comfort - 20% 4.0
  • Storage - 20% 2.0
  • Weight - 10% 9.0
  • Ease of Cleaning - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

The CamelBak Classic is true to its name, a classic, and earns our Best Buy Award for Minimalists. A familiar sight to most of us for a couple of decades now, it has a simple and sleek design, a 2.5-liter liquid capacity, and one of the lightest weights in our entire lineup. Best of all, it costs less than half of many of the other packs that we reviewed. For hikers or cyclists seeking the lightest, sleekest, and simplest water-carrying pack with reliable CamelBak performance at a great price, the Classic is a pack definitely worth considering.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Sleek
Solid performance in a minimalist pack
Nice price
REASONS TO AVOID
Almost no storage
Shoulder straps are snug for users with wide shoulders and lats
Editor's Note: This review was updated on November 4, 2021 to reflect an updated version of this pack.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Product Update Note — November 2021
CamelBak released a new version of this pack called the CamelBak Classic Light. The updated model still comes equipped with CamelBak's Crux reservoir, although a slightly smaller one (2L vs. the previous 2.5L). It also got a sleek new silhouette. Compare the version we tested (left) with the Classic Light (right).




If you're looking for a high-quality hydration pack with a minimalist design without all the bells and whistles, the Classic from CamelBak is one of the lightest models in our test and on the market. While it doesn't have a ton of storage space, that's likely not the reason you're shopping for a minimalist contender like the Classic. This year we selected the Classic for one of our Best Buy Awards over other similarly sized packs because of its simple design, low weight, and low price. If you're someone who's counting grams and counting pennies, this should be your hydration pack of choice.

Performance Comparison


camelbak classic hydration pack review - the classic out for a cold weather hike.
The Classic out for a cold weather hike.
Credit: Jason Cronk

Ease of Drinking


As do the other CamelBak products in our test, the Classic comes supplied with the well-regarded Crux hydration bladder and Big Bite valve system. CamelBak claims a 20% increase in "per sip" volumes compared to bite valves of the past. While measuring that quantity exactly isn't really feasible for us, we can attest to the fact that the CamelBak products, including the Classic, delivered fluids with the greatest of ease in our test, and scores near the top of the heap in this rating metric.


Though not in our current testing lineup, we put the Classic up against an older generation CamelBak hydration pack and saw the flow rate "per sip" was indeed noticeably better.

camelbak classic hydration pack review - easy drinking to be had with the crux system.
Easy drinking to be had with the Crux system.
Credit: Jason Cronk

Another handy feature is the practical and easy to use shutoff switch on the Big Bite valve. Flip it forward to stop the flow and stop potential drips, then flip it back to experience easy drinking. If ever in doubt which way is open or closed, CamelBak even put pictures on the valve! So simple!

camelbak classic hydration pack review - not all bite valves are created equally. camelbak's big bite valve...
Not all bite valves are created equally. CamelBak's Big Bite valve is easy to use and includes a shutoff valve.
Credit: Jason Cronk

Ease of Filling


Once we were ready to fill up our Classic, our testers found it was incredibly easy to fill up the pack's 2.5-liter hydration bladder. While several of the models in our testing lineup have convenient quick-release drinking hoses, the Classic doesn't have this feature.


Initially, we wondered if this may hinder our ability to quickly and easily fill the pack up, but after opening the quick-release flap on the outer portion of the backpack, we found the entire wide-mouthed bladder opening staring us in the face, eliminating the need to unhook the drinking hose at all for a simple refill.

camelbak classic hydration pack review - the classic and rogue don't include quick disconnect drinking tubes.
The Classic and Rogue don't include quick disconnect drinking tubes.
Credit: Jason Cronk

Another convenient feature for filling is the ergonomic handle on the Crux hydration bladder. At first glance, we were skeptical of how functional this is, but we were pleasantly surprised to see the handle does make filling up easier. When holding the bladder's opening under the faucet, the shoehorn-shaped handle keeps the wide opening horizontal and allows for complete filling without much spillage.

camelbak classic hydration pack review - the classic and rogue share the same wide mouth and convenient...
The Classic and Rogue share the same wide mouth and convenient handle to make filling up quick and easy.
Credit: Jason Cronk

Comfort


The Classic is comfortable when used for its intended purpose: carrying 2.5 liters of water and a couple of small items like a little snack, some bike tools, or a wallet and keys. Go beyond that type of simple load and well…actually, you can't go beyond that, because the pack is simply a lightly padded/insulated water carrying bag with one extra pocket.


As is the case with the other lightweight packs in our test, the Classic also experiences the rounded, cylindrical fit when filled, but this is alleviated after drinking 0.5 liters of the 2.5-liter liquid capacity.

camelbak classic hydration pack review - the low weight and simple design of the pack make it comfortable for...
The low weight and simple design of the pack make it comfortable for light and fast movers. This pack was the lightest in the fleet, weighing in at a low 11.2 ounces.
Credit: Jason Cronk

The simple mesh shoulder straps are more than adequate to support this minimalist pack and provide decent ventilation in order to keep our shoulders and back dry. In keeping with the sleek, lightweight, and straightforward design, CamelBak does not include a hip belt with the Classic. Our testers gave mixed reviews on the lack of hip belt, with some preferring even a simple belt while others felt that when used in its intended element, road cycling or light day hiking, a belt would just be in the way. Trail runners were also undecided between the belt versus no belt question.

camelbak classic hydration pack review - without a waist belt the pack is prone to bouncing when on the full...
Without a waist belt the pack is prone to bouncing when on the full side but still relatively comfortable
Credit: Robyn Cronk

We also put the Classic through the Tahoe trail wringer and had similar results. For light, non-technical mountain bike riding, the Classic could be your ultralight pack of choice, but for anything technical, we would recommend something a little more secure.

camelbak classic hydration pack review - while not a mountain bike specific pack, it provides a comfortable...
While not a mountain bike specific pack, it provides a comfortable carry for hiking and road cycling
Credit: Jason Cronk

Storage


With a light and fast storage capacity of 0.5 liters, this is one of the packs in our test with the least amount of gear storage, with only one small pocket for just the essentials.


This competitor's primary use is to carry water, a couple of food bars, an inner tube, and CO2 cartridges, or maybe even a superlight nylon wind jacket. If you're looking for a larger gear-carrying ability, this is not your pack.

camelbak classic hydration pack review - not a lot of storage, but for activities like trail running, road...
Not a lot of storage, but for activities like trail running, road riding, and hiking it may be all you need
Credit: Robyn Cronk

Weight


This model is extremely light and at 11.2 ounces, the CamelBak Classic is one of the lightest packs we've ever tested and one of the lightest hydration packs on the market. Obviously, you'll be trading extra storage volume and higher-end features for such a minimalist design, but for its intended purpose, it's tough to beat the scant weight of the Classic.


The nearest competitors in regards to pack weight (we measured them ourselves!) are a couple of ounces heavier than the Classic. Are we splitting hairs? Perhaps. But if you think saving every ounce counts, the Classic is the one for you!

camelbak classic hydration pack review - the classic out on the run.
The Classic out on the run.
Credit: Robyn Cronk

Ease of Cleaning


The Classic is an easy-maintenance pack that cleans up nicely. The Crux hydration bladder comes with a wide mouth opening that allows easy access, even for those of us with larger meathooks. Our testers were able to clean and wipe down the inside of the bladder without too much trouble, although not as easy as the other models with folding wide-mouth openings.


With the lack of a quick-release button on the drinking hose, thoroughly cleaning the hose can be a bit more difficult. To gain the hydration bladder end of the drinking hose, we found you'll need to completely remove the bladder and pop the hose off the bladder fitting. When it's cleaning time, it's easy to pull the bladder from the outer bag through an elasticized opening at the top of the pack.

An easy to open outer flap provides access to the Crux bladder
An easy to open outer flap provides access to the Crux bladder
The 4" opening makes cleaning access easy.
The 4" opening makes cleaning access easy.

Value


The Classic is a great buy for minimalist hydration pack users who are seeking a quality pack and earns one of our Best Buy Awards with its small price tag. Adding to the value is the quality guarantee (for a lifetime!) that CamelBak offers.

camelbak classic hydration pack review - for hikers, road cyclists, and trail runners this lightweight pack...
For hikers, road cyclists, and trail runners this lightweight pack is a...Classic!
Credit: Jason Cronk

Conclusion


Are you a no-frills cyclist looking for a simple and sleek pack? Are you a casual hiker looking for an easy way to carry water on your next outing? Does the thought of carrying even an extra ounce make you cringe and keep you up at night? If you think any of that describes you, the CamelBak Classic is worth a look!

Jason Cronk