Camelbak Podium Flow 4 Hydration Belt

Clear, handy, and always on the person – real adventurers have known not only since the triumph of gravel bikes that strap-on bags have their justification. And passionate mountain bikers suspect, at the latest when the summer heat bathes their backs in sweat, that backpacks are not always the ideal solution for transporting bars & Co.

Especially on shorter tours with logically smaller luggage, the hour of the hip packs strikes. The one from Camelbak, which goes by the name Podium Flow 4, I was able to extensively review. Here are my impressions.

Let's start right away with a big plus: The lightness and compactness of this hydration belt. The Podium Flow is just right if you're looking for a companion that hardly adds any additional weight while at the same time offering enough space – namely four liters in total – for the essentials.
Moreover, this space is extremely cleverly divided. With two split main compartments and two smaller front pockets, organizing personal items is a breeze. Whether keys, wallet, snacks, or tools – everything finds its place. The additional loop at the bottom even allows for a pump to be securely attached. So far, my travel pump has always stayed in this holder.

Tech Specs

What also impressed me from the start is the carrying comfort. The bag fits comfortably around the hip and does not interfere during rides on the trail. You can focus entirely on the riding experience without having to constantly think about the gear.
At least downhill, because uphill, depending on the load, the Podium Flow can become somewhat uncomfortable. If you have too much weight in the bag, the belt exerts an unpleasant pressure in the abdominal area on steep uphills. But that is probably the case with any hip bag. Therefore, it should not be overloaded.
The Air Support back panel probably contributes a bit to the comfortable carrying feeling even on longer rides. Covered with a breathable mesh fabric and equipped with body mapping technology, it fits perfectly to the shape of the back. On hot summer days, however, one still sweats moderately under the hip bag.

The bottle holder, including the supplied 620 ml drinking bottle (not shown in the pictures), enables you to drink while riding. However, a point of criticism can be raised here. The twist mechanism of the bottle for opening and especially for leak-proof closing requires, due to its stiffness, both hands. But you can also simply use a different drinking bottle and place the supplied one – which by the way comes with a protective cap against the ingress of dirt – in the holder on the bike. In terms of size, however, one should not go far beyond the specified dimensions. Firstly, because - as mentioned above - the heavier weight when riding uphill is unpleasant and secondly, because one may feel a larger bottle now and then in the spinal area. That's why during my rides, I always drink from the smaller bottle from the hip bag first.

Conclusion: Overall, the Camelbak Podium Flow 4 hydration belt is a great option for anyone looking for a lightweight and compact solution for their most important items while riding. Despite minor weaknesses, it convinces with high wearing comfort and well-thought-out functionality. Especially the two side pockets offer many options for organized storage of mini tools, bars, mobile phone, keys and the like.