CamelBak is usually credited with inventing hydration packs, popularizing them, and in the end making them mainstream. The model shortly grew to become synonymous with hydration packs, and for a very long time, I referred to all related merchandise as “CamelBaks.” I’m pretty sure I purchased my first CamelBak hydration pack someday within the mid-Nineties. Evidently the model’s “Hydrate or Die” slogan resonated with many individuals, together with myself, or not less than helped us understand the significance of consuming extra water whereas recreating.
Within the 30+ years since I obtained my first CamelBak, the hydration pack market has clearly matured, and CamelBak has grown up together with it. And because the market that CamelBak helped create has grown, so has the competitors. Fortuitously, the model’s newest merchandise are considerably extra superior than the fundamental bladder in a material sleeve that bounced round on my again a couple of many years in the past, and CamelBak stays a pacesetter within the hydration market. The model recognition can’t harm, both.
CamelBak makes a dizzying variety of hydration packs in all shapes, sizes, and colours, however it’s hydration vests which can be trending in biking today. The model presently makes two fashions of its cycling-oriented Chase Hydration Vests. The Chase Journey 8 is a bigger capability model for lengthy, adventurous rides the place extra gear capability is appreciated. The Chase Race 4 is a extra streamlined, low-volume choice supposed to hold the necessities on race day, or another day, for that matter.
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Competitively priced -
Organized storage method -
Pretty good breathability -
Giant vary of match adjustment
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Restricted gear capability (CamelBak makes a bigger measurement) -
Quick hose size and downward orientation -
Awkward match when totally stuffed
I picked up the CamelBak Chase Race 4 to check after our preliminary hydration vest showdown earlier this yr. In that piece, we in contrast a lot of fashions that Cory and I had readily available and had been testing. We didn’t embody a CamelBak mannequin within the group of packs, however based mostly on the feedback, it was clear that some readers had been desirous about understanding how one of many model’s fashions performs and compares.
CamelBak Chase Race 4 Particulars
The Chase Race 4 is a vest-style hydration pack that comes with a Crux 1.5-liter water bladder. Like related packs, the Race 4 is designed to take a seat pretty excessive on the again with straps extending over the shoulders and widening over the chest, kinda like a vest. The 4-liter capability is obvious from the product title, even when it isn’t explicitly said on the product web page on the model’s web site. The water bladder occupies 1.5 liters of that area, leaving 2.5 liters out there for different gear to be unfold all through the assorted compartments and pockets. My check vest weighed a surprisingly hefty 465 grams, together with the bladder.
The again panel and the within of the straps are made with a 3D Grid Mesh materials for airflow and breathability. The remainder of the pack is made with a recycled, bluesign-approved RN40D ripstop nylon with a C0 sturdy water repellent (DWR) end. The pack’s storage is damaged up into quite a few compartments and pockets. The water bladder is separated from the remainder of the gear and sits closest to the again. The outermost pocket contains the majority of the gear storage, that includes a big zippered opening, three inner group pouches, and area for a couple of bigger gadgets reminiscent of tubes and instruments. Between the 2, a deep stretch pocket is meant for bigger gadgets, reminiscent of hand pumps or an additional layer.
On the entrance of the pack, every chest strap has a zippered pocket giant sufficient for a contemporary smartphone, in addition to a stretch mesh pocket for different small gadgets. On the chest, the vest-style straps are joined with two sternum straps. These straps could be adjusted vertically for optimum positioning on the chest, and so they additionally provide a couple of inches of stress adjustment for consolation and pack stability. On the edges, straps crisscross over the rib cage, providing a large adjustment vary for various physique sizes and styles. It’s claimed to suit chest sizes starting from 28 to 46 inches.
Whereas the hydration hose could possibly be routed over both shoulder, it seems to be supposed for positioning on the proper aspect. The hose size is comparatively quick, and the hose clips are hooked up to the proper strap. As a result of size of the hose, it additionally seems to be designed to level down when not in use, which is a bit totally different from most different manufacturers I’ve tried.
Utilizing the CamelBak Chase Race 4
The Chase Race 4 is an deliberately low-volume hydration vest that’s designed to hold water and the necessities. I discovered it to be comparatively comfy, largely secure, and simple to get together with, though I really feel it has a couple of minor quirks.
Match, Consolation, and Stability
At 6’0” tall, 170 kilos, and with a 38-inch chest measurement, I fall proper in the midst of the Chase Race 4’s 28” to 46” chest measurement vary. There’s loads of adjustability in each the sternum and aspect straps for me to dial within the match relying on what I’m carrying. The aspect straps are fairly lengthy, however an elastic retainer helps preserve them from flapping round within the wind whereas using; nonetheless, it makes them a contact extra cumbersome to regulate with out stopping.
I discovered the open mesh of the straps and again panel to really feel comparatively comfy in opposition to the physique, whereas additionally offering respectable airflow and breathability. Nonetheless, hydration vests are heat and sweaty and that’s true of carrying the Chase Race 4, too.
And, like most different fashions I’ve tried, the sunshine supplies and building of this pack lead to a basic lack of construction. When packed full with water and different gear, it turns into fairly spherical and sits considerably awkwardly on the again. This makes it barely much less comfy and impacts its stability considerably, as effectively. After all, this concern is remedied as you drink water and the bladder will get smaller, or should you don’t stuff the pack to the gills within the first place.
That stated, given the vest-style design, I discovered the Chase Race 4 to be fairly secure in use, more often than not. When adjusted correctly, this pack didn’t budge on gravel rides and nearly all of my mountain bike check rides. On a few events, involving rougher mountain bike trails and a very full/heavier pack load, it bounced round a bit. The principle physique of this pack sits somewhat decrease on my again than different fashions, which I believe permits it to bounce upward in the proper circumstances.
Storage
With a complete of 4 liters of storage capability, 1.5 of that are occupied by the water bladder, the Chase Race 4 has room for the necessities, and that’s about it. I believe the easy-to-access chest pockets are among the finest issues about hydration vests, together with this one. With a complete of 4 pockets on the entrance, there’s loads of area to carry your cellphone, snacks, and different small gadgets you wish to entry whereas on the transfer. You may match A LOT of stuff within the chest pockets alone.
The zippered chest pockets have a top-loading, baffled design, and you may simply stash your cellphone and/or loads of high-carb gels on race day. I’m accustomed to side-loading chest pockets, so these took somewhat getting used to, however grew to become second nature over time. Located on prime of these, the stretch mesh pockets are somewhat more durable to entry, however basically double the capability.
On the again, nearly all of the gear storage is within the giant zippered compartment, which opens pretty extensive, however is way from cavernous. Inside, I discovered the three stretch mesh pouches to be good for holding a multi-tool, CO2 cartridge/inflator, and my Dynaplug package. I used to be additionally capable of squeeze a TPU tube, an electrical mini-pump, a snack, and my small emergency package — TP, an additional contact lens, additional tubeless plugs, and a spare CR2032 battery — inside, however that’s about it.
The deep stretch pocket/sleeve between the zippered outer compartment and the water bladder supplies some further space for storing, however in my view, it was an fascinating design alternative. Positive, you may slide a hand pump in there — it even has somewhat elastic retainer strap — and you may stuff a really small packable layer, just like the Patagonia Path Craft Vest, in, too. Whereas it’s doable to squeeze gadgets in there, I discovered the pack was principally maxed out with a full bladder and equipment within the zippered compartment. As soon as extra gadgets had been added to this sleeve, it prompted the pack to get very spherical, decreasing its consolation and stability.
However, once I wasn’t maxing out the storage capabilities of the Chase Race 4, I discovered it to take a seat comparatively flat and conform properly to my again. For heat days, shorter rides, or race conditions, it will possibly match every thing I would like. On the flip aspect, the restricted gear capability means it’s not my first alternative once I want to hold vital quantities of meals or an additional layer. That’s why CamelBak makes the higher-volume Chase Journey 8.
Hydration
The Chase Race 4 comes with a CamelBak Crux 1.5-liter water bladder. It sits in its personal zippered sleeve in opposition to the again and has a quick-connect hose becoming to facilitate elimination for filling and cleansing. The bladder has a big screw-top opening with a small deal with that makes it simple to carry when filling. Whereas nearly all of hydration bladders have moved to the folding/slide-top opening, CamelBak’s newest screw prime design works effectively. I’ve practically dislocated my knuckles opening CamelBak bladders prior to now, and I’m completely satisfied to report that this one doesn’t get caught the way in which older variations did.
The 1.5-liter bladder measurement is corresponding to similar-sized packs available on the market. For me, it’s loads of water for many rides within the 2- to 3-hour vary, and could be supplemented with bottles on the bike if I’m going any longer than that. In contrast to most related packs, nonetheless, the Chase’s hydration hose is pretty quick. I’m accustomed to hoses coming over the shoulder, crossing over the chest, and attaching on the other aspect, dealing with up. The quick size of the CamelBak hose and the place of the clips make it in order that it factors straight down. It’s nonetheless accessible, in fact, however I discover its orientation makes it a bit much less pure to succeed in and drink from on the fly.
Whereas that is one thing that I obtained used to and I don’t suppose it’s a deal breaker, I’m a fan of different hydration hose setups which can be a bit extra ergonomic and user-friendly.
CamelBak Chase Race 4: My Takeaway
Whereas I’ve recognized a couple of quirks with the Chase Race 4, there’s nothing that may cease me from recommending it, assuming it meets your wants for water and equipment storage. I believe it’s important to notice that my critiques are largely a results of my familiarity with utilizing a special hydration vest. No, the Chase Race 4 gained’t be changing the EVOC Hydro Professional as my go-to, however I consider it’s nonetheless a stable choice that may serve most riders effectively.
With a 1.5-liter water bladder and the power to suit 2.5 liters of drugs in its assortment of compartments and pockets, the Chase Race 4 is a comparatively streamlined and minimalist hydration vest. At $126, additionally it is priced competitively, and I believe it’s one other stable choice for racers or any riders in search of an easy pack to hold water and the necessities on any sort of experience.
CamelBak stays a dominant participant, if not the chief, within the hydration pack market that it basically created within the late Nineteen Eighties. The model’s product lineup continues to evolve, and its Chase hydration vests present that its maintaining with present tendencies. The Chase Race 4 is available in two colours, in addition to a girls’s model that reportedly has a girls’s particular match. You may examine them and the Chase Journey 8 out on the model’s web site.