CamelBak FlashFlo 1.3-Liter Hydration Pack

by Camelbak

Product Features

• Compact hydration waist pack with extra-stable design for runners
• Easy-to-fill, insulated Omega reservoir holds 1.3 liters of liquid
• External zip pocket holds valuables; secure outer pocket for iPod or CD player
• Breathable mesh waist belt fits coolly and comfortably around your midsection
• Reflective details offer good low-light visibility; 2-year warranty

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The FlashFlo hydration waist pack supplies as much water as a two-bottle fanny pack, making it a great accessory for runners and walkers on the go. The pack is built around a 1.3-liter Omega reservoir with a drinking tube that pins to your shirt, so you can grab a quick sip whenever you need a boost. Joggers will also dig the external zip pocket, which stores such items as keys, wallets, and other valuables.

Thanks to the secure outer pocket--which holds a CD player, MP3 player, or iPod--you can listen to your favorite tunes while you jog. Other details include a breathable mesh waist belt that fits comfortably around your midsection--a must for hot days--and reflective striping that helps increase your visibility in low-light conditions. Stable, cozy, and large enough to accommodate a one- to two-hour run, the FlashFlo is backed by a two-year warranty (with a lifetime warranty on the Omega reservoir).

About CamelBak
CamelBak is the originator and world leader in hands-free hydration systems. The first CamelBak products proved to be very popular among mountain bikers and motocross riders, because it allowed them to drink without taking their hands off of the handlebars in technical terrain. The product began to cross over into other sports when scientific studies showed athletes drank more fluids and performed better when they wore a CamelBak. Since then, athletes from an ever-growing list of sports and activities use CamelBak hydration systems for their convenience and performance benefits.

In addition to cycling, CamelBak has Hands-Free Hydration systems for hiking, running, snowboarding and skiing. CamelBak’s state-of-the-art packs and hydration systems have benefited athletes, outdoorsmen, and soldiers around the world. While CamelBak has grown tremendously since the early days, one thing hasn't changed: CamelBak still believes in the performance advantage that proper hydration delivers for just about any activity. The privately-held company is headquartered in Petaluma, California.

Product Description

With its familiar waist-mounted design and convenient access to 45 ounces of hydration, CamelBak's FlashFlo� is a versatile and popular product with trail runners, walkers, recreational cyclists, and outdoor generalists.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000IF6SQC
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,105 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #63 in Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Camping & Hiking > Backpacks & Bags > Hydration Packs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Alterra pack is far superior to this pack, May 23, 2007

By 

Comet (California) - See all my reviews

I started running regularly a few months ago. I wanted to carry water, but didn't want to carry bulky, sloshing water bottles. FYI, I'm a male, 6'0" tall, 190lbs.

I was already a fan of Camelbak backpacks for hiking, so I bought the Camelbak Flashflo running pack. It had the largest water capacity, at 1.3 liters, but I had two problems with it. Firstly, when full of water the pack lost its flat shape and felt like I had a heavy football strapped to my back. I had to really cinch it down to stop it from bouncing around, which wasn't completely comfortable (I even got bruises on my hips). My petite girlfriend couldn't wear it all all when it was full because of this issue. If I filled it half full then it stayed flatter and felt better, but then what's the point of buying the largest capacity pack? The second problem is the screwcap on the water bladder. The Flashflo uses a large cap with a tight fit, like on their hiking bags, and it can be very tough to unscrew (even for weightlifters like me!). The cap and bladder both fit inside the pack, so you have to remove the bladder every time you need to fill it. Not a huge deal, but not nearly as convenient as packs with external caps.

I then bought a Camelbak Alterra (Camelbak 2007 Alterra 28oz. Run/Walk Hydration Pack - Graphite/Burnt Orange - 60610) running pack. Wow, what a huge improvement! It doesn't carry as much water as the Flashflo, but it's still plenty for me for runs up to two hours. This pack is very comfortable, and you can secure it just snugly (not tight), and it doesn't bounce around at all. It has an external bladder cap as opposed to the Flashflo's internal cap, and it's a smaller-sized cap that is very easy to remove and put back on. It also has pockets large enough to hold energy gels/snacks, batteries/ipod, a cell phone, etc. I have run two half-marathons wearing my Alterra and was able to drink water when I wanted to (with water left over at the end), and not be bothered with the water stations. My girlfriend tried it and found it very comfortable. I have no complaints whatsoever about this pack, and recommend it highly!

I noticed Camelbak sells a running pack similar in design to the Alterra, called the Catalyst (Camelbak 2007 Catalyst 28oz. Run/Walk Hydration Pack). It doesn't have pockets, so I would recommend the Alterra over that pack, though it would be better than the Flashflo for comfort and ease of use. Any of these three bags are better than any bottle system. I would choose these over competing bladder packs as well.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it, love it, love it., January 5, 2009

By 

Little Foot (Fairfax, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: CamelBak FlashFlo 1.3-Liter Hydration Pack (Sports)

My husband and I both wear these when we go for longer runs, or pretty much any run in the summertime. I sweat a lot anyway and so when I'm training for a marathon in the summer heat, having plenty of fluid to stay hydrated makes a huge difference in my performance. I almost didn't get this pack because of other reviews complaining about the pack being too bulky when full, but I'm so glad I did. The extra weight and bulk have been no problem as long as the pack is positioned in the right spot on my back (and I'm only 5' 3" tall). Even though a pack with more water is going to be heavier than a pack with less water, I really appreciate having more water for 90 minute plus runs and I just think of it as extra training. The storage pouch in the front is also extremely roomy with plenty of space for multiple gels, keys, phone, etc.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not exactly made for distance runners, May 6, 2007

By 

sandsea - See all my reviews

This review is from: CamelBak FlashFlo 1.3-Liter Hydration Pack (Sports)

I bought this recently after reading a review in the NYTimes on trail running gear. I'm a marathoner and was looking for a change from the dinky FuelBelt flasks. Although both ultra and trail runners may give this product rave reviews, I personally found it very clumsy and uncomfortable during a 14 mile training run. My arm kept hitting the hose, and my back felt like there was a big wart on it. You need BodyGlide to make sure the belt clips don't cut your waist. The main issue seems to be capacity - 45oz is a lot of water, and is noticeable when it all lands on your lower back. There's a reason why you see most runners with the FuelBelt. Also, the picture doesn't accurately represent the color of this pack - neon is a better word to describe it.

2115|RBN9I30KJALN4;2115|R1RBPFLBKB6RWC;2115|R1SQYASWCZ50FG;