SPX, Petaluma CA: CamelBak Products has announced two new technologies to keep troops hydrated and provide maximum mission flexibility in evolving environments.
The new technologies are part of CamelBak's ongoing aggressive research and development program, which recently produced the industry's first chemical/bio-resistant hydration-on-the-move system.
The two new products, the CamelBak WaterBeast reservoir and the CamelBak Low Infrared Reflective (LIRR) system, were both created based on specific feedback CamelBak solicited and demand from combat troops.
The WaterBeast reservoir delivers a hydration system more than 30-percent stronger than any standard hydration unit on the market, providing more rugged and durable systems that deliver mission flexibility for any duration, environment or engagement. Once the unit goes into production, all standard CamelBak reservoirs will be WaterBeasts.
CamelBak's LIRR system features special backpack material and hardware that dramatically reduces infrared signature in the near-IR light range (0.7 to 1.3 microns) to maximize stealth in the field. Infrared levels are reduced to provide soldiers with the best chance to evade detection and increase survivability on tomorrow's high-tech battlefields.
“The WaterBeast reservoir and LIRR systems set the standard for military and law enforcement hydration systems,” said Chuck Hunter, senior vice president and general manager of CamelBak Product's Military Government and Industrial units.
“When a one-day mission turns into a one-week operation, troops need insurance that they will never lose one of their most valuable resources on the battlefield — water. The WaterBeast reservoir and the LIRR systems are the tools they need to stay hydrated, alert and alive.”
Both of the new products feature CamelBak's antimicrobial protection to keep water free of bacteria and fungi. By using a permanently embedded silver-ion treatment, CamelBak eliminates 99.99 percent of common bacteria and fungus that can accumulate on unprotected reservoir and tube surfaces.
After exhaustive research, CamelBak determined that silver-ion was superior to any antimicrobial treatment available today. In independent tests, it was 200 to 10,000 times more effective in reducing bacterial growth than any competition.
“Military feedback is the cornerstone of CamelBak's R&D and determines where we invest our time, dollars and focus,” said Hunter. “Unlike others in the business, we don't develop unneeded products simply for marketing sake. Low infrared reflection, antimicrobial protection, chemical/biological reservoirs (CBR4.0 systems) and more rugged and flexible design are all modifications answering the specific challenges that law enforcement and military troops face in the field every day.”
The WaterBeast reservoir and LIRR units are both currently in production and will be available in early 2005. The CBR4.0 system is in use around the world and available now. CamelBak Systems are used by military and law enforcement in more than 40 countries worldwide, as well as in ongoing Tsunami relief efforts.
