Hydration pack recommendations.....

Monofletch

Monofletch

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I am looking for a new hydration pack. I am currently using a Cabela's Elite Scout pack with a big bladder. I must have the wrong model because the straps seem so damn small. I'm not a huge guy --5' 10" about 230-- and it really doesn't fit well.
I am looking at a Badlands Reactor. Has anyone used that one? What other packs do you recommend? I need water and just a tiny bit of storage.

THX
 
Well, I just ordered a Badlands Hyper Hydro pack...we'll see how that works!
 
Looks like I'm a little late on this, but honestly, I'd look for a pack that you like without a hydration bag, and buy an MSR Dromedary bag to go inside. They're leaps and bounds above the quality of any other hydration bladder, and they have lots of additional accessories you can buy (shower head, hydration tube, filter, etc.) They come in 2L, 4L, 6L and 10L sizes. They are made out of 1000D cordura with a waterproof lining inside, so they're incredibly rugged. They'll literally last you the rest of your active ourdoorsy lifetime.

You can also forgo the whole pack and just hook a guitar strap (or similar) to the eyelets on the side and carry them like a satchel. I find that the water on one side and a sling bag on the other is more comfortable for shorter hiking trips, since you don't have a fixed pack heating up your back and burning sweat needlessly. I actually heard of a guy who had one get run over by a truck while filled... The cap ($5 to replace) was all that broke.
 
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I like Camelbaks personally, but Dakine is a more affordable option. Are you using the packs for hunting? You can always put a Camelbak bladder into a pack that has a spot for a hydration pack.
 
Monofletch said:
I am currently using a Cabela's Elite Scout pack with a big bladder. I must have the wrong model because the straps seem so damn small. I'm not a huge guy --5' 10" about 230-- and it really doesn't fit well.
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230 lbs. at 5'10 gives you a BMI of 33. That's in the obesity range. It's still possible that the pack does have straps that are cut shorter than the norm, but it's also possible it doesn't.
If the pack you just ordered turns out to have the same fitting issues, I'd recommend going to a local outdoors store and trying stuff on in person in order to find something comfortable.

Grease said:
Looks like I'm a little late on this, but honestly, I'd look for a pack that you like without a hydration bag, and buy an MSR Dromedary bag to go inside. They're leaps and bounds above the quality of any other hydration bladder, and they have lots of additional accessories you can buy (shower head, hydration tube, filter, etc.) They come in 2L, 4L, 6L and 10L sizes. They are made out of 1000D cordura with a waterproof lining inside, so they're incredibly rugged. They'll literally last you the rest of your active ourdoorsy lifetime.
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The Badlands doesn't come with a bladder, so your advice has already been partially followed ;). The Source bladder that came with the Cabelas pack he already has is pretty good, though. Better than Camelbak, on the same level as Hydrapak and Osprey. If it's just being carried inside a pack, I don't think there's any need to get the MSR. The attachments are cool, but they're aimed at backpackers. Day hikers don't need showers or water filtration. (At least not when they already have a full 3L bladder, anyway.)

You can also forgo the whole pack and just hook a guitar strap (or similar) to the eyelets on the side and carry them like a satchel. I find that the water on one side and a sling bag on the other is more comfortable for shorter hiking trips, since you don't have a fixed pack heating up your back and burning sweat needlessly.
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This idea's interesting, though. Might be worth trying out.
 
This pack is for hunting, hiking, and biking. My "survival water" -I have covered. Plus I have 10,000+ gallons in the back yard. :D
 
I suggest the Camelbak TRIZIP. It has the adjustable futura harness and of course comes with a hydration bladder.
 
I ended up buying a Badlands Hyper Hydro hydration pack.

Now I have to buy a water bladder for it! What the hell! You sell your "water pack" WITHOUT a bladder!!! What a joke!
 
Dan57 said:
230 lbs. at 5'10 gives you a BMI of 33. That's in the obesity range.
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Not really. He could be a powerlifter. I worked with a guy in the Army who never worked out, but was a mesomorph, and very, very strong. He was 5'2" and 194 lbs, and was consistently at around 10 - 12% bodyfat.
 
Monofletch said:
Now I have to buy a water bladder for it! What the hell! You sell your "water pack" WITHOUT a bladder!!! What a joke!
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It's clearly stated in the Hyper Hydro's description that it comes without a bladder. It shouldn't be a surprise.
Regardless, the bladder that came with your Cabelas pack is good, so no reason to not just use that.

sodak said:
Not really. He could be a powerlifter. I worked with a guy in the Army who never worked out, but was a mesomorph, and very, very strong. He was 5'2" and 194 lbs, and was consistently at around 10 - 12% bodyfat.
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Yeah, that's possible.
My point was, that whether the weight comes from muscle or fat, (and it's not really any of my business which,) 230 at 5'10 is big. Which could affect pack fit.
 
You are right- I should have read more, but it's marketed as a HYDRATION PACK! Why not sell it complete and ready to carry water- It's sole purpose! It's just stupid.
 
Dan57 said:
230 at 5'10 is big. Which could affect pack fit.
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I am not "fat" or at least don't think so. Played football and worked out most of my life. I was 245 when I started basic training-- I left basic training at 240. I'm not in that good of shape now, but still....... My job requires me to walk most of the day, so it's easy to keep the fat off. :D

Cabela's use to sell 2 versions of the Elite Scout pack- I think mine is the "small" one. I have had it for years. It spent most of the time strapped to my treestand. I just recently started carrying it on hikes.


I received the Hyper Hydro. It is very nice. A lot like my Ultra Day pack. The hyper vent system is awesome! Every pack needs this!
 
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Monofletch said:
I received the Hyper Hydro. It is very nice. A lot like my Ultra Day pack. The hyper vent system is awesome! Every pack needs this!
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The more general term for what Badlands calls Hypervent is Trampoline Suspension. Companies that have packs featuring it include Osprey, Gregory, Deuter, Vaude, and DaKine.
... if you're interested in getting a smaller, larger, or just different pack with this suspension style.
 
I talked with Ryan from Vortex... Great guy--represents his company very well.
 
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