Outdoor Retailer: Camelbak Antidote reservoir -- total overhaul -- plus packs

CamelBak Antidote Reservoir

If someone develops a torque tool to help open your too-tight hydration reservoirs (as CamelBak's Seth Beiden told me someone did abroad), you may want to consider a redesign.

CamelBak Antidote reservoir

CamelBak opted for a complete overhaul with the Antidote reservoir, new for 2011.

Here's what's different about the Antidote, according to CamelBak (check out the video below):

• opens with an easy, quarter turn;
• largest fill port on the market (19 percent lighter and 28 percent lower profile than previous Omega reservoirs);
• a Quick Link detachment for hoses with auto shut-off, which allows click-in connection with hose accessories, including a filter accessory, even when your reservoir is full (I was most interested in this convenience, which I've come to love in other reservoirs);
• a handle drop slot that integrates the reservoir in the pack, making it more stable;
• an internal baffle to minimize sloshing and barreling (like the one first seen in the ShredBak-specific reservoir),
• Big Bite Valve with new Ergo HydroLock to prevent accidental dislodging in locked position;
• fold out drying arms.

Video: CamelBak Antidote reservoir

Beiden showed us the Antidote's features this week at Outdoor Retailer:

Availability: The Antidote will be available in several CamelBak packs, including the High Wire 75 and Octane (below), this fall. The reservoir alone will be available in early 2011.

MSRP: $30 (50-ounce lumbar version), $33 (70-ounce version), $35 (100-ounce version)

More CamelBak Gear

Trying on the CamelBak Octane LR at OR.

CamelBak also introduced:

• The Octane LR endurance pack/vest (at right), which wraps and stabilizes the water weight around the hips in a 50-ounce lumbar version of the Antidote. It would be good for trail running, adventure racing, and cycling. (It felt very stable when I tried it on, and I would definitely consider it for long runs.) Weight: 12.6 oz (360 grams) without reservoir; Cargo capacity: 549 cubic inches; $89. Available in October.
• The High Wire 25 an ultralight backcountry pack with 100-ounce Antidote hydration capacity. It's designed to carry 10-25 pounds. Weight: 1.79 pounds without reservoir; Cargo capacity: 1,526 cubic inches (25 liters); $115. Available in October.
• The Groove water bottle with charcoal filter built into the straw. CamelBak is aiming this one at people at home or office, who are picky about the taste of their water but don't want to buy bottled water. The filter will reduce chlorine in tap water, but is not designed for backcountry use. The replaceable filter is good for 200 fills, or about two months. Capacity: 0.6 liters; available in Tritan plastic ($25) or stainless steel ($35) starting in October.
• 
  CamelBak's High Wire 25 day pack
  The Better Bottle Insulated, a .6-liter, double-wall version of the Better Bottle. $20. Out in January.

• The Got Your Bak Lifetime Guarantee for all its hydration products: bottles, hydration packs, reservoirs, and accessories.

Lastly, like us, are you still wondering about that All Clear UV filter we saw at OR a year ago? It's still in development and has been completely redesigned from what we saw initially, according to Beiden. "When it launches, it will exceed expectations," he told us, noting it will work in all water temperatures (UV typically has limitations in cold water). Other details are scarce. "It's really cool," said Beiden. We'll have to take his word on that, for now.