Think of it like a fuel gauge for human-powered sports. The CamelBak Flow Meter, available in October, could be a savior for athletes who can’t tell if their hydration bladder is running on empty. The USB flash-drive-sized digital computer integrates with any CamelBak bladder to tell you how much water you’ve sucked down, how much is left and, miraculously, gives you an idea of how much time is left until you need a refill.
While the company calls it “intelligent hydration,” I’m left wondering whether people are too consumed with technology to figure out how much water they have left in the reservoir. That being said, I could see it useful on backpacking trips when your reservoir is jammed into your bag and water is harder to find.
In addition to fuel-gauge-like properties, you can enter your stats and the Flow Meter will help determine your optimum drinking rate as well as estimate when you’ll be empty. The accessory, which should fit other hydration bladders that have the same tube diameter, retails for $30. CamelBak is also selling fully integrated reservoirs for more than $50. www.camelbak.com
—Ryan Dionne
