Although it took three years to develop, the CamelBak Relay water pitcher was worth the wait, primarily because of all the time you won’t spend waiting for it.
Camelbak Relay Water Filter Pitcher Features:
- Hydration Capacity: 10 Cups
- Dimensions: 9.5 X 5.75 X 9.75 in / 24.13 X 14.6 X 24.76 cm
- Bottle Material: 100% BPA-free Eastman Tritan Copolyster
- Double filter technology
- Spill-proof locking lid prevents leaks when filling or pouring
- Ergonomic handle design
- Dishwasher safe (except for filter)
- 100% BPA-Free
- Three color options
- MSRP $37
The Relay Delivers Clean Water in a Jiffy
When I first read the press release about CamelBak’s relay, it was like they had been an observer in my kitchen for the last few years. More specifically, they pegged all of the frustrations we have with our previous refrigerated water filtration system: it’s bulky; the lid doesn’t seal well; it spills easily if you try to pour water from the pitcher before the filtration reservoir is empty. Most of all, the filter mechanism is extremely slow.
Sure, in the grand scheme of things these are minor frustrations … but when your family goes drinks as much filtered water as mine, the prospect of a highly efficient and remarkably user-friendly alternative was a very attractive notion. Enter the CamelBak Relay.
The Relay was something of a skunk works project at CamelBak, who spent more than three years developing an innovative, category-changing product that also stretched the boundaries of the company’s existing product line. Throughout the process, they listened to complaints about traditional water filtration pitchers and sought to eliminate all of them.

Above everything else, the most noteworthy feature of the Relay is that it filters water at the speed of your faucet. There’s no more waiting for the drip, drip, drips to fill up the pitcher; as soon as you put water in the Relay, it’s ready to drink. You don’t lose any filtration quality, either, as the double-filter design removes chlorine, taste, and odors twice – once as the water goes into the reservoir, and again as it’s poured out.
CamelBak claims the filters have a four-month life span, which is nearly twice as long as most of its competitors. That’s a good thing, because replacement filters are sold as singles for $12 or in a 3-pack for $29 – price points that are more expensive than competitors also. The filters are the only components that aren’t dishwasher safe, as all the other parts are safe for the top rack.
CamelBak’s innovative approach is also reflected in a space-saving design that benefits from not needing such a large holding tank above the main reservoir. Fluid capacity is 80 oz, and the Relay fits easily inside most refrigerator doors. Side-locking latches snap into place to keep the lid in place and ensure spill-proof pouring.
The Good
- Fills at the speed of your faucet
- Ergonomic design easy to handle
- Leak-proof
The Bad
- Replacement filters are more expensive than comparable products (but they last much longer)
The Bottom Line
CamelBak’s Relay effectively reinvents the water filtration pitcher category; if you and your family consume a lot of water, this product definitely belongs in your refrigerator.
Buy Now: Available at Camelbak.com