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THE ORIGINS OF CAMELBAK: AN IMPROVISED SOLUTION FOR ENDURANCE Michael Eidson, a dedicated cyclist, found himself facing the challenging “Hotter’N Hell 100” race, a grueling 100-mile road race spanning four days in the scorching summer heat of Wichita Falls, Texas. Recognizing the crucial need for water during the race, Eidson, an emergency medical technician, devised a spontaneous solution. He filled an IV bag with water, placed it inside a conventional white tube sock, and ingeniously tucked the entire setup into the back of his bike jersey. Completing the innovation, he draped the hose over his shoulder, securing it with a clothespin, thus giving birth to hands-free hydration. This pivotal moment marked the inception of CamelBak.
A THIRST FOR INNOVATION Jeff Wemmer, an ardent cyclist and CamelBak enthusiast, was so impressed by the product that he took it upon himself to distribute packs at races. This passionate advocacy led to his eventual employment by CamelBak. In 1993, during challenging times for the startup, Wemmer embarked on a cross-country journey, reportedly visiting bike shops from Florida to California, promoting the product from the back of his motorcycle. Each order he faxed back to the factory played a crucial role in sustaining CamelBak during its early years.
CAMELBAK: A RECOGNIZABLE BRAND TODAY While CamelBak has evolved significantly since the days of an improvised IV bag in a tube sock, its foundational values remain unchanged. The company’s journey from a single motorcycle-riding sales force to a household name underscores its commitment to courage, conviction, and imaginative solutions. CamelBak not only pioneered the hydration category but has also emerged as the world’s foremost maker of hydration solutions.
