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- Nov 17, 1998
- Messages
- 3,296
Which company makes the best hydration backpacks? Eagle, Blackhawk, or Camelbak? Thanks.
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Hydration Backpacks
- Thread starter K Williams
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 29, 1999
- Messages
- 932
I have a camelbak HAWG.
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2001
- Messages
- 8,326
I carry my Camelbak transalp daily. It has really well thought out internal pockets, that just happen to hold my Glock in just the right angle for a quick draw. Imagine. I use it as a business briefcase. Just let me get a pen...
I may draw a bit of fire here, but, I think all three make good quality packs. I think at one time or another, Camelback has been tied into either Eagle or Blackhawk. Right now it is Eagle.
The main idea is to find a system that works best for your needs. When it comes to packs, one size does NOT fit all.
The main idea is to find a system that works best for your needs. When it comes to packs, one size does NOT fit all.
I have a Camel Back HAWG for sale if you are interested. I used it for a week long canoe trip and decided to go back to using a fanny pack. I had no complaints about the pack itself just prefer the fanny pack idea. Anyway you can read about it here http://www.lightfighter.com/item.html?PRID=907499 and I want $75 for it and will pay postal shipping in the US. akraven@alaska.net
RokJok
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2000
- Messages
- 4,198
Another manufacturer to consider is Gregory Packs. Campmor has a couple of their hydration packs for sale in the Hot Deals section.
Not sure about their current quality, but I have an old Gregory model called the Day & A Half Pack that I beat hell out of in my climbing days and still have it. It's in surprisingly good shape for the abuse it absorbed (just a few holes worn in the fabric).
Not sure about their current quality, but I have an old Gregory model called the Day & A Half Pack that I beat hell out of in my climbing days and still have it. It's in surprisingly good shape for the abuse it absorbed (just a few holes worn in the fabric).
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2001
- Messages
- 175
I have tried most hydration systems in one form or another and I must say that I much prefer the design and uses for the MSR Dromedary line of bags. The only drawback to them is that they aren't a complete backpack but I actually find this quite useful because I can lash any size I need onto my current pack instead of my pack being limited by my Hydration system. In my opinion they are built much tougher than any other system out there, metal grommets insteade of plastic etc..
Just my 2 cents worth though..
Just my 2 cents worth though..
Actually, a number of different brands each have excellent features that none of the others do.
Blackburn has the only mouthpiece that honest-to-goodness is easy to open with just your tongue but never leaks when closed, Blackburn also holds the most water and is easiest to fill all the way to the brim. It's pretty light for the amount it holds, too.
Ultimate has the only one which is honestly easy to clean inside. Ultimate also has the least slosh. Ultimate also has the best way to hold the tube in place near your mouth.
Osprey has the pack which rides most comfortably and stays closest to the body.
Platypus and Gregory have the lightest bladders.
Blackburn, Ultimate, and MSR have the best Durability.
Blackburn and Ultimate let through the largest water flow.
MSR has the best versatility.
Blackhawk has the pack with the most features. (Frankly, this is worthless for most real-world use. You either want to travel super-light, with something more minimal, or you want to throw your water bladder into your regular backpack, which is more full-featured and better designed.)
Camelbak has a real popular name brand and high price to impress everyone.
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So, in this sense, there is no single best. (Except Blackburn.
) You need to evaluate which features are most important to you, and buy accordingly.
Also, remember that (if you have the money and the need) you can use the mouthpiece from one, the tubing from another, the bladder from another, and the pack from another.
--Mike
Blackburn has the only mouthpiece that honest-to-goodness is easy to open with just your tongue but never leaks when closed, Blackburn also holds the most water and is easiest to fill all the way to the brim. It's pretty light for the amount it holds, too.
Ultimate has the only one which is honestly easy to clean inside. Ultimate also has the least slosh. Ultimate also has the best way to hold the tube in place near your mouth.
Osprey has the pack which rides most comfortably and stays closest to the body.
Platypus and Gregory have the lightest bladders.
Blackburn, Ultimate, and MSR have the best Durability.
Blackburn and Ultimate let through the largest water flow.
MSR has the best versatility.
Blackhawk has the pack with the most features. (Frankly, this is worthless for most real-world use. You either want to travel super-light, with something more minimal, or you want to throw your water bladder into your regular backpack, which is more full-featured and better designed.)
Camelbak has a real popular name brand and high price to impress everyone.
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So, in this sense, there is no single best. (Except Blackburn.
) You need to evaluate which features are most important to you, and buy accordingly.Also, remember that (if you have the money and the need) you can use the mouthpiece from one, the tubing from another, the bladder from another, and the pack from another.
--Mike