CamelBak is about to release a new version of their famous, and now ubiquitous hydration reservoir. The new CamelBak Antidote is expected to hit the market Fall 2010, and offers several upgrades to the CamelBak Omega reservoirs that I have been happily using for years.
How does the Antidote stack up? I just got a test version and took it out on a long hike over the weekend.
What “Problems” CamelBak Solved with the Antidote
- Thinner and lighter. When full, my CamelBak Omega reservoir is like an overstuffed sausage that I have to wriggle in to my backpack. The Antidote has a baffle down the center of the reservoir, so it is a little bit flatter in my pack. Definitely good!
- Fillport easier to open, and close. The CamelBak Omega reservoirs require threading the round fillport closure into the exact right spot. That has never been an issue when I’m at home calmly filling up the water, but when I’m cold and tired on the trail, I do tend to fumble around a bit trying to get it closed. So this will save me some time!
- Increased diameter of the fillport. My hands and wrists are small, so I never have issues cleaning my Omega Reservoir, but many of my friends will like this feature!
- Drying arms. I never spent the extra money on the CamelBak branded drying kit. I just bent up an old wire hanger and stuck that in the Omega Reservoir to keep it open while it dried. The new built in drying arms are a nice feature! They seem flimsy, but are apparently made of the same material as the arms of sunglasses.
- Quick attachment for thermal kit and other add-ons. A nice feature if you use CamelBak accessories.
Tip: Get A Bite Valve Cover!
This is the one must have for any style CamelBak – a bite valve cover. There is no need to drink dirt – keep your CamelBak valve clean and protected.
Bottom line? Is the Antidote truly an “antidote” for the issues of the Omega Reservoir? Yes. The additional features of the Antidote sure are nice. Assuming that the pricing is similar to the Omega, I recommend it if you are in the market for a new reservoir.
Hiking Lady Tip: To ensure great tasting water, I always wash out new reservoirs with soap and water. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly. And then I never have that “plasticy” taste.
Happy Trails!
I love it, when can i find it
Hi LA Lady! I have not had any problems with the CamelBak Antidote leaking. Just as an extra precaution I wrap my down sleeping bag in a trash compactor bag (they are extra think and sturdy). That way if anything leaks, my sleeping bag is safe and will be nice and dry. I’ve been doing that for years, well before I got the CamelBak Antidote. Happy trails!
Hello again! Have you had any problems with the quick-release mechanism accidentally being released in a crowded backpack? Other hydration bladders have these and they look like they’d be disconnected if smushed next to a sleeping bag…
Hi Ursula: The CamelBak Antidote is 18 x 8 inches and the CamelBak Omega 3 is just slightly narrower at 18 x 7.37 inches.
Great review! I was also wondering about the size differences in these reservoirs. Could you give us the exact measurements of the bladders (flat on the table) in comparison? Thanks!
Thank you so much for the info. I had those same complaints about the old bladder. Can’t wait for the fall to purchase the new one! Keep up the great work!