Camelbak

A

acwire_2125

Joined
Mar 23, 2006
Messages
546
Helo guys, Was just wondering, would those Camelbak made for military use be good when used during hiking? What colour would be preferably bought for use? Thanks!
 
Maybe it's just me but I've never seen the need to have an IV line running directly to my mouth. I can see it for the military, in a combat situation you wouldn't want to have to fiddle with a canteen.

Maybe my pace is too slow, my pack too light, and nobody is trying to kill me, but it's never been too much of a hassle for me to get a drink while hiking. I tried out a bite valve adapter for the platypus bags. I never really took to it as a can't-live-without-it feature. Mac
 
The military Camelbak's are just like the civie ones, as far as the bladders are concerend. They just have different pack styles and subdued colors. And yeah, they are great and can be much more convienient than a canteen or water bottle. I use both, just depends I guess.
 
I love mine. For a day pack they may be all you need and you can fit ice cubes in it. If you will need to purify water take along a water bottle too.
 
For hiking, they are a convenience, especially in more humid climates. When desert hiking, I found I was more likely to frequently sip h2o from a bladder valve than when needing to pull out a bottle.

I've grown so accustomed to one that they've almost become a necessity when I'm riding. (road/mtn.)
 
I have gotten to the point they are a must have item. When I ride my mtn bike, hike, motorcycle, or hunt, I love being able to just get a drink. Bow hunting this is really nice, since it makes no noise, minimal movement. I am now to the point that I don't buy a pack unless it can take a bladder, or comes with one.

I also find that being able to sip while hiking or riding keeps me hydrated better than when I used bottles/canteens.

--Carl
 
I have used one for military use for the past many years, I like the "HAWG" model. Carried one on many deployments, it can be handy, to keep the troops hydrated. This model holds much gear for a day hike+. You can buy a civy HAWG but the carrier is not the same as a military HAWG. They can be expensive to buy. As far as the bladder goes, there are better ones, Source brand is one I have used.:cool:
 
Maybe it's just me but I've never seen the need to have an IV line running directly to my mouth. I can see it for the military, in a combat situation you wouldn't want to have to fiddle with a canteen.
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Sorry it is just you :D . No they are a much smarter way to hydrate. You will drink smaller amounts more often which is better than just randomly chugging from a canteen. I remember the days of being forced to chug 2qt canteens in seconds! More than a few people in the armed forces have been killed that way. The military models tend to be more rugged and have a better shell, carrier, whatever. Don't count out other companies too, but camelback makes the largest variety out there. I like the MULE the best, extra pockets but still small enough to put in a larger pack.
 
Thanks guys! From wad I know, the Military models by Camelbak use Condura 1000D while those of the civilian models use other not-so-good-but-good-enough material. I have come across a Camelbak ThermoBak 3L. Wad do you guys think of this model? Is it good enough for hiking, paintball, Kayaking? Will the material of the military camelbak be able to withstand bashing into jungles?

acwire
 
Since I've been using Camelbak's reservoirs (old ones as well as the newer Omega style) I've found it very difficult to return to using nalgene or any other container.

It's great to be able to hydrate during a hike without having to fiddle with the pack or stop to take a drink, and as previously mentioned, you're more inclined to drink regularly as a result rather than hold off due to the hassle of the aforementioned stopping and fiddling.
 
You posted about Blackhawks pack in another thread, have you considered their military STRIKE packs. I happen to have one and I did quite a bit of research into the camelbacks etc... but found the blackhawk bag to be much better. It is better designed with internal pouches and ports for radios (can actually be used for a 2nd resivior) and antennas (hmm maybe your IPOD headphones could trail out of one). This link shows one at 50% off right now if you dont like it look around the sight they have other models. Oh yeah blackhawk also has a lifetime warranty. just my .02. http://www.blackhawk.com/product_detail.asp?product_id=3046&d=
 
Those who criticize the bladders mistify me.

they are the best invention for outdoor play or work since boots.

the convenience factor for keeping hydrated is off the charts.

Skam
 
skammer said:
Those who criticize the bladders mistify me.

they are the best invention for outdoor play or work since boots.

the convenience factor for keeping hydrated is off the charts.

Skam
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I agree! It allows one to carry a hell of a lot of water comfortably. My wife and I use hydration packs (Ultimate Crank Tanks) for cross county skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. We also wear Ultimate Torso packs for carrying a bottle with orange juice which is our preferred sport drink. Most people don't carry/drink nearly enough water on their outdoor forays.
 
Ok, some one up there said Blackhawk, I saw a video the other day and it really proves the waterpacks from Blackhawk are indestructable! They are squased under the tyres of a car, thrown from the roof of a 3 story building and the bag still hasen burst! It still can be used! Can Camelbak take such damage? Any one can justify it?
 
For some of us who have not used this
yet, please give some detail about cleaning
and use in cold weather.

If you are interseted, here is the Background on
why I ask about cold weather.

A friend of mine went deer hunting, planning to
use a Camelback in a Small pack. He got this
idea from Cycling. He had only been in the woods
a few times before, and he had no book learning
on woodlore, hunting, or survival.

I made some survival suggestions (e.g. bigger pack, gps)
and he took many of them; he then bought the small pack
with Camelback. The Camelback tube froze, even though
he tried to insulate it. He had no small or medium sized
water containers on the trip.

Side note:
His gps, maps (2 kinds), and his attention to staying found
worked quite well. Apprarently he did not need the bigger
pack, with extra clothing.

frank
 
fnc,
I've not had that problem but the temps in the mountains here in the PNW don't get as cold as it can in parts of the country that have real winters. Camelback and a company called Backcountry Access make freezeproof hydration packs. The one BA makes is called the Stash Pack and it does appear to work as advertized. They are designed for carrying skis but for those who don't ski it could be used to carry a really big knife;)
http://www.bcaccess.com:16080/tech_library/product_reviews/stash_telemark.php
 
Cleaning is easy. (At least for me since I only use water in mine.)

You can use water alone, water with a teaspoon of chlorine from time to time, effervescent denture tablets and/or a variety of other means including bristle brushes for the reservoir and tube.

I've not had the problem with the delivery tube freezing (though I've had that many times with water bottles).

There are various solutions including the tube insulation available from various companies as well as keeping the delivery tube (and even the reservoir if necessary) insulated under your outer garments.
 
cheung_victor said:
Question for you guys, do you bring a canteen as well as a hydration back with you when you go to the bush?
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I always carry a nalgene water bottle filled with O.J. in a Ultimate Torsopack in addition to the hydration pack.
 
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