The Great Outdoors Spring 2019 81CamelBak
Crux Reservoir
£35 210gwide opening, excellent low from the
mouthpiece, one-handed valve closuremarginally more expensive than othersSizes: 1.5L, 2L, 3L
Material: polyurethane
Features: antimicrobial treatment, one-handed
on-off lever, leakproof cap, bite valve
camelbak.comThe CamelBak Cruz is a pleasingly compact hydration
bladder, a little stubbier and broader than most, so it sits
relatively lat in a backpack. The proile is deeper because
of the type of opening. It’s a circular screw opening that is
particularly wide. It’s easy to ill, and you can get your hand
in without any problem to clean it. There’s also a handle
around the perimeter, and I found it more accessible than
the more common slide openings. The liquid quantity
markings are clear in litres and ounces.
The hose is detachable: useful for replacements, using
the insulated tube (bought separately) and quick reills
without unthreading the hose through the bag. It can be
removed with water in it without any leakage.
The mouthpiece is particularly good – the best low
of any on test here. That’s thanks to the ‘Big Bite’ valve,
which requires a tiny bite to open up the self-sealing
silicone mouthpiece. Sitting behind the mouthpiece is an
on-off lever that is simple to use with one hand – the most
effective in the test. You’ll need it, as there was a small
amount of leakage without switching it off. It should also
be said that the water had no discernible plasticky taste.
Additional accessories include a cleaning kit, insulated
tube, cleaning tablets and a drying rack.Photo: Shutterstock
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