Camelbak VeloBak hydration jersey review
Wearable drink carrier
The Velobak is a development of CamelBak’s RaceBak wearable hydration system. It’s a three-pocket road cycling jersey with a sleeve on the rear that takes a 2.1l bladder.
In theory it’s a great idea – a system that does away with the bag and gives you the drink-carrying capacity of three bottles is neat – and as with all CamelBak products, the hydration system works well.
The Big Bite valve hangs unobtrusively in most riding positions, is easy to use in the saddle and feels more convenient than reaching for a bottle.
However, you’re always conscious that you’ve got extra weight on your back in an ungainly hump, and in hot weather your back gets clammy and your drink warms to body temperature.
The jersey wicks well but the material isn’t as pleasant next to the skin as many other jerseys on the market, and with the bladder full, pulling the VeloBak on and off is a graceless affair.
To be honest, we’re not entirely convinced, but if you drink a lot on your rides it’s worth a look. If possible try it on with liquid in the bladder before you buy – you’ll likely want to go up a size.
Product Specifications
Product
| Name | Velobak (10) |
| Brand | CamelBak |
| Description | • Capacity: 72 oz (2.1 L) • HydroPouch • Innovative, integrated reservoir compartment encapsulates a 72 oz / 2.1 L reservoir to support and stabilize the water weight on back • QuickWick • Lightweight and breathable fabric delivers maximum moisture management and dries quickly for cool and comfortable performance • QuickFit • Plush, chafe-free compression fabric self-adjusts while conforming to the body like a second skin • Two-Way Zipper Pulls • 3 Pockets • Insulated Pad for Additional • Comfort and Stability • Gripper Tape |
| Features | Sizes S-XL, |
| Water Capacity | 2.1 |
Authors
Content Director Rob's first proper road bikes were a Raleigh Sprint in the early 1980s and then a Trek 1000 in 1999. Rob – who spent 12 years as editor of our very own Cycling Plus magazine – is a proud MAMIL who commutes by bike and rides sportives slowly. He's completed a number of big rides including the 2018 Etape du Tour, dropped out of quite a few more and refuses to shave his legs unless for money. He's currently riding a Ribble Endurance SL and a CHPT3 Brompton. At 185cm and 80kgs he can't get shorter but he could get leaner.
