CamelBak Crux
CamelBak Crux Reservoir Review: The Landscape Photographer’s Hydration Solution
When you’re hiking to remote locations across the Lake District with your Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 70L AW III loaded with camera gear, the last thing you want is to be constantly stopping for water breaks or dealing with a leaking reservoir that’s soaking your expensive equipment. The CamelBak Crux has become my essential hydration system for landscape photography expeditions—delivering reliable, hands-free water access whilst protecting my gear from the dreaded wet back syndrome that plagues cheaper alternatives.
Maintenance and Longevity
I bought this 2-litre reservoir specifically to solve a problem that was compromising my photography efficiency: staying properly hydrated during extended hiking approaches without the constant faff of reaching for bottles or stopping to drink. After two years of testing across Yorkshire Dales ascents, Peak District moorland crossings, and Lake District fell walks, I can honestly say it’s transformed how I approach hydration during photography expeditions.
The Photography Hydration Challenge
Anyone who’s attempted serious landscape photography in British mountains knows the delicate balance between staying hydrated and maintaining momentum during golden hour approaches. When you’re racing against fading light to reach the perfect viewpoint, frequent water bottle stops can mean missing that crucial shot. Conversely, dehydration leads to poor decision-making and compromised creative vision exactly when you need to be sharpest.
My previous approach involved water bottles stuffed into pack side pockets, usually resulting in either inadequate hydration or constant interruptions to remove pack, extract bottle, drink, and repack—all whilst precious photographic light slipped away. The Crux solved this fundamental problem by providing instant water access without breaking stride or disrupting pack balance.
The Technology That Actually Works
Enhanced Flow Design: The Crux delivers 20% more water per sip compared to previous models, reducing the effort required for adequate hydration. During steep ascents to photography locations, this efficiency becomes crucial for maintaining energy without the light-headedness that comes from excessive suction.
Leak-Proof Construction: The screw cap design creates a genuine seal that’s survived thousands of miles compressed against camera gear without a single leak. Unlike cheap alternatives that gradually soak expensive equipment, the Crux provides absolute confidence when carrying sensitive electronics.
Quick-Disconnect System: The tube disconnects easily for filling whilst maintaining perfect seal integrity. This design enables efficient water collection from mountain sources using my Sawyer Mini water filter without removing the entire reservoir from the pack.
Real-World Performance: Where It Excels
Yorkshire Dales Photography Ascents: During sunrise missions to the Three Peaks, the Crux enabled continuous hydration during the challenging approach hikes. Rather than stopping every twenty minutes for water breaks, I could drink whilst walking, maintaining pace essential for reaching optimal shooting positions before first light. The 2-litre capacity provided adequate hydration for 6-8 hour expeditions without requiring refills.
Lake District Extended Sessions: Multi-day photography trips around Wastwater and Ennerdale demonstrated the reservoir’s reliability under extended use. Compressed against my camera gear inside the pack, it never leaked despite rough treatment over rocky terrain. The antimicrobial coating prevented the stagnant taste that plagued previous reservoirs after several days of use.
Peak District Moorland Photography: Extended sessions on Kinder Scout and Bleaklow, where water sources are unreliable, showcased the reservoir’s capacity benefits. Starting with 2 litres plus my Sawyer Mini filter provided complete hydration security for full-day photography expeditions, enabling longer sessions without water anxiety.
Photography-Specific Benefits
Hands-Free Operation: The bite valve enables drinking whilst operating camera equipment, adjusting tripod positions, or managing filters. During time-sensitive photography situations, maintaining hydration without interrupting the creative process becomes genuinely valuable.
Pack Integration: The reservoir fits perfectly in my Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack’s dedicated hydration sleeve, routing the tube through the pack’s integrated port system. This organisation keeps the drinking tube accessible whilst preventing tangles with camera straps or equipment.
Equipment Protection: The leak-proof design provides absolute confidence when carrying expensive camera gear. After previous experiences with wet camera bags from failed reservoirs, the Crux’s reliability offers genuine peace of mind during expensive equipment transport.
Weight Distribution: The reservoir’s position against the back panel improves pack balance when carrying heavy camera loads, preventing the forward pull that accompanies bottle-heavy side pockets during long approaches.
- If there’s one thing we know best, it’s water. Our athletes, customers and colleagues told us they wanted a reservoir th…
- Offers 20% more water per sip
- Leak-proof cap is easier to open and close
Where It Falls Short
Weight Penalty: At 210g empty, it’s heavier than ultralight alternatives, which matters when every gram counts during extended photography expeditions. The weight difference becomes noticeable during long approach hikes with full camera kit.
Cleaning Complexity: Proper maintenance requires either small hands or a specialised brush kit. The opening, whilst larger than older models, still doesn’t allow easy internal cleaning without appropriate tools. This maintenance complexity becomes problematic during multi-day expeditions.
Filling Limitations: Despite the ergonomic handle, filling from shallow mountain streams can be challenging compared to wide-mouth bottles. The reservoir works better with deeper water sources or when used in conjunction with collection containers.
Temperature Sensitivity: Water temperature becomes less pleasant during extended carries, particularly during summer photography sessions. The reservoir lacks insulation properties that maintain temperature throughout the day.
Integration with Complete Photography System
The Crux integrates excellently with my complete landscape photography setup. It works perfectly with my Benro Tortoise tripod system, enabling hydration during long exposure sessions without disturbing camera stability. The hands-free operation means maintaining concentration on composition whilst staying properly hydrated.
For expedition integration, the reservoir pairs well with my Jetboil Flash cooking system—providing clean water for evening meals whilst the main water supply remains protected inside the pack. During winter photography when my Rab Mythic Ultra Down Jacket and Rab Argon Pants create additional bulk, the streamlined hydration system prevents pack complications.
The reservoir complements my complete wild camping gear including the MSR Access 2 tent and Rab Mythic 600 sleeping bag by providing hydration security that supports extended expeditions without frequent resupply requirements.
Hydration Strategy for Photography Expeditions
Day Photography Sessions: 2-litre capacity provides adequate hydration for 8-12 hour expeditions including approach, shooting time, and return journey. Sufficient for most British mountain photography without requiring refills.
Multi-Day Expeditions: Start with full reservoir plus backup bottles, refilling from mountain sources using the Sawyer Mini filter. The antimicrobial treatment maintains water quality during extended periods without complete replacement.
Winter Photography: Reduced capacity due to insulation layers, but the system prevents water freezing better than external bottles. Essential for maintaining hydration when wearing full winter kit including Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm insulation systems.
Emergency Backup: The 2-litre capacity provides substantial emergency water reserves during unexpected weather or navigation challenges. More water security than bottle-dependent systems during extended backcountry photography.
- If there’s one thing we know best, it’s water. Our athletes, customers and colleagues told us they wanted a reservoir th…
- Offers 20% more water per sip
- Leak-proof cap is easier to open and close
- If there’s one thing we know best, it’s water. Our athletes, customers and colleagues told us they wanted a reservoir th…
- Offers 20% more water per sip
- Leak-proof cap is easier to open and close
The Crux requires regular cleaning to maintain performance and hygiene, particularly after using filtered water from natural sources. The cleaning process involves specialised brushes but remains straightforward with proper equipment. The antimicrobial treatment reduces maintenance frequency compared to untreated alternatives.
After two years of regular use across challenging British mountain conditions, mine continues performing perfectly despite rough treatment. The build quality suggests long-term reliability important for building a dependable photography support system.
Alternative Options
Hydrapak Shape-Shift: Ultralight alternative at 150g offering significant weight savings for gram-conscious photographers. The wider opening enables easier cleaning without special tools, whilst the baffle system reduces water movement. Less flow efficiency than the Crux but valuable for photographers prioritising weight over convenience.
Platypus Big Zip EVO: Mid-range option featuring wide-mouth opening with sliding closure for excellent cleaning access. Good flow rate and build quality at reasonable price point. Less premium than the Crux but offering easier maintenance for photographers who prefer simplicity over ultimate performance.
Osprey Hydraulics LT: Premium alternative with semi-rigid backplate maintaining shape when full. Magnetic bite valve attachment works excellently with compatible packs. Similar performance to Crux with distinctive features that some photographers prefer, though at higher price point.
The Economics of Staying Hydrated
At its price point, the Crux represents significant investment that requires justification against cheaper alternatives. However, when measured against equipment protection risks and efficiency gains during time-sensitive photography, the expense becomes reasonable. The lifetime warranty provides additional value security for long-term users.
The reservoir’s reliability also enables more ambitious photography expeditions by removing hydration logistics as a limiting factor. This expanded capability justifies the investment for anyone serious about remote landscape photography or extended backcountry adventures.
Practical Tips for Photography Use
Pre-Fill Strategy: Fill completely before departure to maximise capacity, adding ice during summer expeditions for temperature management. Position reservoir in pack before adding camera gear to ensure proper fit.
Tube Management: Route drinking tube through pack’s integrated ports to prevent snagging on camera equipment. Use tube clips to secure against pack straps, maintaining accessibility whilst preventing tangles.
Filter Integration: When using with Sawyer Mini filter, disconnect tube for efficient filling from questionable water sources. The quick-disconnect system enables rapid refilling without pack removal.
Winter Precautions: Blow water back into reservoir after drinking to prevent tube freezing. Store reservoir inside sleeping bag overnight during sub-zero conditions to maintain usability.
The Honest Verdict
Conclusion
The CamelBak Crux has fundamentally improved my approach to hydration during landscape photography expeditions. The confidence that comes from reliable, hands-free water access removes the constant calculation between staying hydrated and maintaining photographic momentum. When racing against fading light to reach perfect shooting positions, seamless hydration becomes genuinely important for both performance and decision-making.
The leak-proof design provides absolute peace of mind when carrying expensive camera equipment, whilst the enhanced flow rate ensures adequate hydration without the effort penalties that compromise other systems. For photographers who take their equipment protection seriously, the Crux deserves consideration as essential safety equipment rather than optional convenience.
Yes, it’s heavier than ultralight alternatives and requires more complex cleaning, but these minor inconveniences pale beside the capability and protection it provides. After countless photography expeditions that would have been compromised by inadequate hydration or equipment damage from leaking reservoirs, I consider it essential equipment rather than luxury kit.
The real test isn’t surviving one expedition—it’s enabling photography adventures that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. The Crux passes that test emphatically, providing the hydration security and equipment protection that makes ambitious landscape photography projects achievable rather than theoretical. For serious British mountain photographers, it represents the difference between cautious expeditions limited by hydration anxiety and confident exploration of remote locations.
Combined with a complete photography system, it enables extended expeditions in areas where water logistics would otherwise be prohibitive, opening up photographic opportunities that simply don’t exist for photographers dependent on bottle-based hydration systems. That expanded range of possibilities makes it worth every penny of its premium price.
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