CamelBak used in the Hotter N’ Hell Hundred’s inspired by local Texoma man

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - With the heat and the length of the ride, one man saw the need for a way to carry water on the go.

Chip Filer, executive director of the Hotter N’ hell hundred, said the CamelBak was invented in 1989 by Michael Eidson, a young medical technician from United Regional Hospital.

His innovation marked the beginning of on-the-go hydration at the Hotter N’ hell hundred.

The CamelBak’s invention stands out as a legendary solution, forever linked to the scorching trials bikers face during the Hotter N’ Hell biking event. Filer said the young man who created it, Michael Eidson, was planning to ride in the 100-mile race at Triple H in 1989. He had the idea for something innovative to keep him hydrated on the go. So Eidson filled an IV bag with liquid, placed it in a tube sock, and positioned it in the back pockets of his jersey. He then used a hose and a clothespin to allow hands-free drinking during the event.

“The young man who came up with the CamelBak saw the problem back in 1989, and he was the first one to develop the CamelBak reservoir,” Filer said.

Filer said it took time for the invention to become a household name.

“The story is talking to the folks at CamelBak; he actually spent the next five years developing it and going out personally and selling it to bike shops before it really took off,“ Filer said.

Its popularity comes from how it meets an important need for bikers, hikers, and other outdoor-goers.

Chip said it’s especially important for bikers to hydrate during races at h-h-h. The temperature and humidity have a direct impact on how much water bikers need to drink. Oftentimes, it’s even recommended to drink water consistently rather than waiting until thirsty.

“I am sure the distance and the heat the young man was planning to ride had a lot to do with his decision to put that IV bag in a tube sock and throw it over his shoulder,” Filer said.

Now, the CamelBak has become a global brand, popularizing the product to the level that bikers all over the world have trust in it.

It’s just one of the aspects of Hotter’N Hell that connects Wichita Falls to communities everywhere.

Filer emphasized that as bikers prepare for this year’s Hotter N’ hell race, on top of hydrating, they need to eat a nutritious meal before the day of the race to have plenty of energy.