Testing the Camelbak Delaney DC

As some may know, a couple of months ago members of the Blind 100 (www.blind100.com) helped blind athlete Simon Wheatcroft in the Cotswold 100 race.

Physical training plays a massive part in any event such as this but supporting this is the planning and preparation that goes into any and all eventualities. Hydration is a HUGE part of this whether it is the consistency, over hydration or dehydration.

To assist all of the pacing team I purchased the Delaney DC, a Camelbak dual bottle and gel carrier.

The DC carries 2 water standard water bottles but more impressively COMES with 2 Camelbak Podium bottles. The bottles are versatile and light, easy to handle and have the Jet Valve system for easily gaining fluids. Definitely a plus as you don’t have to find extra bottles. These are situated at the back of the pack and angled for easy access and return. The back itself is a padded foam piece which is perforated for air and sweat release and covered in a mesh to keep a consistent and comfortable form. Even when you have one bottle empty it still retains a good balance.

Although it is designed to be worn flat across the lower back and pelvis, the foam backing is flexible enough to sit comfortably on a hip if it slips around. At the sides it has easy adjustable straps as well. However to leave both front and rear pieces sitting properly, both sides need adjustment.

Once the position has been changed each strap is easily rolled and Velcro locked in place to prevent slippage which provides a high level of reliability on it, even in the wet.

On the front there are 2 pouches for smaller 5oz gel flasks (also provided) and a zip pocket.

I’m not one for energy gels myself as I find them hard to swallow but I can still understand the need for them. The flasks are sturdy and easy use screw tops fitting a gel inside easily with some water too if desired. I’m not convinced about the pouches though. Whereas the elasticated netting did cover almost 75% of the flask I still felt as if at some point the flasks my literally pop out so removed them leaving the pouches as extra pockets for light usage (sweets etc).

The main pocket at the front is advertised as holding capacity for energy bar, keys, media (phone)or cash. Well, it hasn’t really lied, unless you have a phone that is iphone sized or greater as it simply won’t fit. The pocket has a simple zip and limited space so it won’t carry enough for huge distance but it is very easy access for quick refuels or emergency beans!

In short what you have is a light handy water bottle carrier on the back with potentially handy extras on the front. Some will use this more than others but it means in a hip pack along you have a 2 litre running accessory which will fit well underneath a smaller backpack (or water carrier such as the Camelbak Rogue) extending its usefulness. Larger bags may provide a clash but that depends on the pack.

For people hitting longer routes or trails and need more than 1 bottle but don’t want the hassle of a pack then I would recommend the Delaney. Light, comfortable and simple to use. Everything you need to just get up and go!