Hydration packs (Camelbak, etc...)

S

Squid

Joined
Jun 21, 1999
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358
As an avid hiker, I like to take many day hikes. I've been using a Mountainsmith lumbar pack with water bottle holsters to carry my gear, but lately have been eyeing the offerings by Camelbak. I know they are quite popular, and their popularity is even growing with LEO and military community.

I've been researching all of the brands - Camelbak, Gregory, Blackburn, Platypus, Mountainsmith, etc. Which brands and models do you all use? I'd like to hear any good or bad things you might have to say about your hydration packs.

Please share your thoughts!

(FWIW, I'm leaning towards a Camelbak HAWG.)

 
I used a camelback for a long time, and picked up a competitor that I didn't bother to remember when the camelback decided it didn't like sitting on the roof of my car as I drove away.

I frequently wear a backpack. It was a bad habit I picked up working campstaff, and I stuffed the camelback in there. For warm weather, I love that combo. I probably wouldn't pay for a camelback pack while my old knapsack is still functioning.

In cold weather, I'd stick to the lumbar. I found that in aerobic activities in the cold, I needed my back clear to evaporate what sweat I created, and if I didn't, stopping was hazardous to my continued enjoyment of life. The extremem cold weather track record of the camelbacks and similar devices are mediocre at best, anyways.


Stryver
 
I use a 100oz. Camelbak Bladder in a Blackhawk Industries"3 day assault pack". Works great!!!

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Big-Target>>>>>>SI VIS PACEM PARA BELLUM
 
BUT! how do you keep them clean and not growing nasty stuff in that perfect warm moist environment??

confused.gif
conrad
 
Conrad: I rinse mine out, then empty it as best as possible. Then I push the tube into the bladder via the hole used for filling. The tube being inside keeps the bladder open enough to dry between uses.

[This message has been edited by Joel Stave (edited 04-13-2000).]
 
Camelbak has a new line of gear specifically aimed at the military/LEO market. See: http://www.maximumgear.com

I've been testing one of their MotherLode systems as a SAR pack for the past month or so. At a shy under 2000 cubic inches capacity, a very nicely designed ruck. Don't know if they're on the market yet, but Blackhawk should be stocking them.

Joel
 
I've owned a smaller Mountainsmith pack for mountain biking, as well as a Camelbak Trans Alp, and both are great little packs. Some of the Gregories would be my next choice for a larger-sized pack, because they seem like they have a slightly more accomodating suspension system for carrying larger loads. The Camelbak HAWG and MULE both carry quite a bit of stuff in a smaller package, so they should work great if you're working "high speed, low drag". For carrying a "regular" sized pack, though, I've been very happy with the Trans Alp.

Conrads, there is a number of products available through bike shops that help keep Camelbak-type hydration bladders dry and clean, from "expanders" that keep the bladder open and allow good drying, to small brushes for snaking through the mouth tubes.

Most cyclists and mountain bikers I know have taken to two basic methods. A full bladder kept in the fridge, or an occaisional soaking and/or rinsing with 50:50 mouthwash. The mouthwash kills most germs and "nasties" that may start to set up house in the mouth tube or corners of the bladder bag. Other methods, such as a touch of iodine or bleach, premixed in larger, safe quantities and added to the bladder, work as well, but you won't have that minty fresh aftertaste. I kinds like that cinammony stuff myself.
wink.gif


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Don LeHue

Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings...they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
 
I've been using a 70 oz Camelback bladder in a Blackhawk Camelback cover for two years now and I love it.

The Blackhawk cover is essentially a rectangular Cordura bag with four ALICE clips and a nylon tube cover. With this setup I have great flexibility. I can attach it to ALICE suspenders, I can attach it to the outside of my large backpack, or I can just drop the whole thing into a daypack.

The main advantage of the Camalback is that you drink more frequently because it is so conveinient. This was proven in some field test, I think with skiers. By drinking frequently, you remain hydrated (obviously) and performance really improves. If you've ever put off drinking for even a few minutes because it's difficult to draw your canteen, or because it's difficult to drink while walking, you know what I mean. I just proved this to myself yesterday on a turkey hunt. I went through all 70 oz pretty quick, but I felt great. The other two folks with me were carrying more water in canteens, but they drank much less, and suffered a bit.

A note on competitors to Camelback. I think many other brands have great carrying systems, hoses, valves, etc. but be careful of what material they use for the bladders. Some, like Platypus, use an extremely noisy, crinkly material that will drive you crazy if you walk with it on your back. Some othesr use VERY thin metalized Mylar that will puncture easily. Just be sure you know what you are buying before you plunk down your money.

 
Platypus 1 Liter. Carry it either in hydration pocket of pack or in a pant leg that I cut and attached backpack strap on to to create a poor man's Camelbak.
 
Here's my question:

If you could only have one, and planned on using it for hiking, camping, and hunting, which would it be. Just the camping and hunting? Thanks.

Erik

[This message has been edited by edenver (edited 04-13-2000).]
 
Great gear discussion. I have a Camelback "mule" and am thinking about getting a camelback "hawg" for the longer hauls. Think I can put a poncho, poncho liner, survival and first aid gear, and of course food/water inside the "hawg".

I have been pleased with the camelback design and construction... When on longer hauls, I attach it to the top of my pack. When I doff the pack, I put it on...

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Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
Camelbak also has a series of packs they call "The Ascent Series". Basically, they're larger capacity hydration packs. Not as streamlined as the other Camelbaks - more like your traditional backpacks. They look interesting, but I like to travel fast and light, so I think I'll stick with the traditional Camelbak design.


 
And this one time, at band camp.....

A buddy of mine were on an early May scout and we stopped to get rehydrated. Unfortunately, he had washed out the water bladder with dishsoap but didn't get it rinsed out very well! Not to cool, unless you enjoy the squirts.

We were able to get enough water from grape vines to drink and to boil up a groundhog. And, as a plus, we were able to wash up nicely with the sudsy Camelback. ;')
 
My Camelbak MULE (100oz.)holds my Maxi Kit.
The Maxi-Kit is my 2nd line survival pack and
is denoted in Ron Hood's Woodsmaster Vol #3.
The Camelbak works well with my PUR Scout and is safe for use with iodine. The best source
I've found is www.geared-up.com Jason
 
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