CamelBak logo and Conscious Gear logo

Why I have made respect for CamelBak the brand and the lessons learned

I’ll tell the truth and shame the devil, when I was first starting to share with the world that I was making a hydration vest for bigger bodies, many people would say, “that CamelBak thing?” And in all honestly, I was agitated and my initial response was to say no and tell them my hydration vest was different, special. I would then defensively remind them that the name of my company was Conscious Gear and the name of my hydration vest was VestaPak. Over time, my resistance to hearing consumers refer to my product as Camelbak softened, and then it dawned on me that perhaps, there was a reason why the world was calling any and all hydration pack products Camelbak. I share with you what I learned and why I have made respect for the folks at Camelbak.

History of Camelback hydration pack designed for a long-distance bike road race

In the beginning, there was thirst

According to an article written in Business Wire back in 2014, it stated, “CamelBak, started as an idea born from the most basic human need — thirst. In fact, the first CamelBak hydration pack was imagined in 1988 as a way to provide hands-free hydration during the Hotter ‘N Hell 100-mile bike road race. What started as an IV bag filled with water tucked inside of a tube sock, became known as the first CamelBak in 1989 and quickly developed into the leading brand of personal hydration products.”

The company was founded in 1988 by Michael Eidson, a paramedic who was looking for a way to stay hydrated during long endurance events. Eidson came up with the idea of using an IV bag to carry water, which he placed inside a tube sock and wore on his back. He named the system the “CamelBak” after the hump on a camel’s back, where the animal stores water.

Eidson’s invention quickly caught on with other endurance athletes, and he began selling the CamelBak system out of the back of his truck at events. The company grew rapidly, and in 1989, Eidson received a patent for the CamelBak design.

In the 1990s, the company continued to expand, introducing new hydration systems and building a loyal customer base. In 1998, CamelBak was acquired by Compass Diversified Holdings, a private equity firm, which helped the company expand its product line and reach new markets.

Today, CamelBak is a global brand with a wide range of hydration packs, water bottles, and other outdoor gear. The company has become synonymous with hydration packs, and its products are widely used by athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and military personnel around the world.

Throughout its history, CamelBak has remained committed to innovation and has continued to push the boundaries of hydration technology. The company has introduced a number of groundbreaking products, including the first hands-free hydration system, the first insulated hydration pack, and the first hydration pack with a built-in filtration system.

Conscious Gear specs for their first hydration vest designed by and for bigger bodies

Conscious Gear aims to further innovate wearable hydration

In conclusion, CamelBak has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the late 1980s. The company’s innovative products and commitment to quality have made it a leader in the hydration industry and a trusted brand for outdoor enthusiasts around the world.

It’s absolutely true that Conscious Gear stands on the shoulders of a great company and founder who was the original innovator in the hydration industry. However, Conscious Gear plans to continue, albeit in a different way, the legacy of CamelBak by expanding and improving innovation in the area of wearable hydration for the masses. Because hydrating endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts are definitely important, there’s also a need to create hydration products that will cater to the everyday needs of ordinary people. Given the importance of hydration, the time has come for the masses to experience firsthand the benefits of distraction-less and hand-free hydration products.

At Conscious Gear, wearable hydration is the future and there is a profound and deep appreciation of what CamelBak has done for us all.