Camelbak

fnc said:
For some of us who have not used this
yet, please give some detail about cleaning
and use in cold weather.
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An insulated tube helps somewhat, but in cold weather you have to blow the water out of the tube back into the reservoir after each drink you take. Another thing to do is to keep the tube tucked into the front of your coat.

Will
 
I have had my camelbak tube freeze. I was snowboarding in Virginia at the time. Not a problem on the west coast mountains since it doesn't seem to get as cold.

Still, I'd like to get some sort of insulating sleeve for the tube. Sometimes I will fill the bladder with ice and water. The first sip is ususally warm :barf: because a section of the clear blue tube is exposed to the sun.
 
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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Always. I have had too many mishaps with leaking hydration systems, so keeping the reservoir part full, and a full canteen, all my water is not lost. A canteen is also more useful around camp for cooking purposes.

Will
 
I have the omega thermobak, wouldn't go into the woods withou it.

for starters, it has a much bigger mouth, allowing me to stick my hand inside for easier cleaning. It also has a locking mechanism on the bite valve to prevent leaking. It has afforded me many comfortable knights as a pillow. it comes standard with an insulative sleeve. I wear it even around camp and as far as I'm concerend, better suited. all I have to do is squeeze the bite valve and I have water, release and waterflow stops. no screwing or unscrewing lids.

I have dropped my system from various heights, guess what it works fine.

as far as running over, havn't tried it. however, would a nalgene bottle hold up? nope.

I havn't used it in extreme cold, yet, so I can't claim anything yet. however, it has worked fine here in my local mountains covered with snow.

nope, I won't go without my thermabak

Thermobak_Omega_Coyote.jpg
 
My $0.02...

I have had several and they are great for day use and if you are not going to refill in the field repeatedly by dipping in a water source. This might be accpetable if you are using a filter.

I find Nalgene bottles more convienent, especially since I do chemical purification. Having to wait 30 minutes, I drink on one while waiting for the other to be ready. They are also easier to clean, stronger, and saves on space by nestling in a metal cup which I always carry. Its also nice that I can carry just one when walking away from camp and not having to carry a backpack.
 
Keep in mind that whatever is used prehydration is important. The water carried should be used to sustain fluid levels during outdoor adventures. Drink a lot of water well before you even leave the house and on the trip to the trailhead. Then you only need to sip at regular intervals to keep hydrated.You'll also find your energy level a lot higher from the get go.
 
Talos is right on about prehydration above. When you're feeling thirsty, you are already starting to dehydrate.

About the pack, I have and highly recommend the Camelbak Mothelode. I have it in ACU or digital cammo.

Excellent 1000 denier build and quality.

cliff
 
I"ve been using a Camelbak Unbottle (3L) in an Osprey pack whenever I go on outdoor video shoots. I find it helps me keep up my pace when I'm shooting outside all day in 90 degree+ weather. I usually fill it up with ice, then water and that keeps me going for a full day. I think the part that helps me the most is the fact that I'm constantly taking sips throughout the day. I have to keep on reminding the rest of the crew to drink water instead of passing out.
I also use a Nalgene pack with 1.5L bladder, but I go through that too fast.

I just bought a Camelbak BFM, which is a 'military' camelbak. As acwire mentioned, the main difference between civvy and military camelbaks as far as I can tell are the materials used. The military camelbaks are significantly heavier. The BFM is over 5lbs empty! With the current trend towards Ultralight backpacking, it makes sense for them to differentiate the lines. The military Camelbaks also have drain hole grommets which I haven't seen on civilian camelbaks.

Theoretically, the heavier materials used should last longer, but in my experience, construction details such as stitching methods and quality play a bigger part in longevity.

I usually rinse out the bladder and hose with a little dish soap and water, After extended use, I'll scrub it out with the brush, rinse, then let it stand with about 1L of water and baby bottle sterilising tabs, then dry.

Nope, haven't had a leak yet.
 
Ok, any experience with CamelBak Thermobak? The design is about the same as Thermobak Omega but it has a exposed screw cap. Do you think an exposed screw cap will be a hindrence during bush clearing in the jungles?

NOTE: I will not be using the waterbag in cold regions!
 
I have been using a Camel back for quite some time now, and could never go back to bottles of water.

It is very important to stay hydrated, especially on hot days while hiking etc.

Your body doesnt sweat all at once every so often,
so why should you hydrate that way?
Take a sip here and there, keeping your mouth and throat moist.

Only drawback to the bladders, is that its hard to tell how much water you ahve left when its stuffed in the pack.

~John
 
Talos said:
Keep in mind that whatever is used prehydration is important. The water carried should be used to sustain fluid levels during outdoor adventures. Drink a lot of water well before you even leave the house and on the trip to the trailhead. Then you only need to sip at regular intervals to keep hydrated.You'll also find your energy level a lot higher from the get go.
Click to expand...

Yup. It is much better to carry water in your gut than in your pack.

Will
 
Surprised it hasn't been mentioned but the weight of the water centered over the spine and disributed from shoulders (light weight) to waist (heavier) is much more convenient than I've ever been able to put the same amount of water bottles.

I also agree with all comments about freq. of hydration.

I wear my cml bak whenever possible.
 
Any one here wears a Camelbak to work/school? I thought of wearing it under a suit also. Do you think it is possible?
 
acwire_2125 said:
Any one here wears a Camelbak to work/school? I thought of wearing it under a suit also. Do you think it is possible?
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With water readily available I don't know why anyone would want or need to wear one at work/school. I could see it if you worked out on a road construction site or something like that, perhaps.
You could probably wear one underneath a suit (again, why?) as long as you don't mind looking a bit deformed.
 
My camelbak HAWG is my EDC, and I use it when I backpack. just an amazing pack!!!! You can fit many textbooks in there if you need to as well. Not as many as one of those huge LL Beans but enough to get you through a day of classes

acwire_2125 said:
Any one here wears a Camelbak to work/school? I thought of wearing it under a suit also. Do you think it is possible?
Click to expand...
 
I already have a Camelbak Demon as my EDC backpack, but I was looking for something a bit more suited for hiking/backpacking. I am strongly leaning towards a military Hawg, but I was wondering if anyone here had any pictures of the inside compartments of the pack. I have been looking for pictures online of the inside of the Hawg for as long as I can remember, and I have never encountered any.

Thanks to anyone who can help me here.
 
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