Hydration packs - whatcha use?

T

Trout Tamer

Joined
Jan 20, 2004
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The recent mountainbiking thread prompted me to consider getting a hydration pack. I've never owned one before, but I can see the definite benefits. I've been looking around the web and like the specs of the Camelbak Hoss and HAWG and the Fox Portage.

These models appeal to me because my survival instincts and training :thumbup: compel me to carry more than a tube of squeeze gel and Swiss Army knife when out in the woods :D The HAWG has ~ 800 cubic inches of spare capacity, the Hoss has 1,400 cubes and the Fox Portage has ~1,200 cubes. All three models carry a 100 oz. bladder.

Now, let's talk price :rolleyes: The Camelbak models are $100 and $140 from REI, whereas the Fox is a relatively inexpensive $80. I trust the Camelbaks are high quality items, and when it comes to wilderness gear, we all know to buy quality. The Fox, although a better price-for-size, is unknown to me as a brand.

So, I have three questions for y'all-
Have any of you used Fox brand products before? If so, how is their quality?
Those of you who do use hydration packs, which brands and model/s do you like?
 
Camelbak Ambush for little jaunts when I'm not straying too far from my truck (mushroom hunting, walks with the kids, etc.)
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Camelbak HAWG for longer dayhikes and "close to civilization" overnighters.
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I picked up a Mule for cheap at a retail clearance sale. Not adequate for winter, but should prove fine for summer jaunts:

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When more gear is needed, I use a Max Vulture, which has a sleeve. Heavy but has proved durable thus far:

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Depends on how much you want to carry. I'm a fan of hydration packs that have a flap with compression straps so you can stow rain gear or a fleece or other bulky stuff. You can use that space with a waterproof stuff sack if you want more weatherproof storage.

I have Platypus Typhoon that is out of production, but there are plenty more like it.

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For really ulralight stuff, I have a Salomon Raid Revo 15 Set (these names!) on order. Just 8 ounces with a Platypus bladder and a couple big mesh pockets to stow stuff.

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i carry a hawg, will throw some pics up later.

its a pretty nice pack for the money
 
I have a Camelbak Rim Runner and a HAWG. The HAWG I found on sale through either here or Knifeforums a few months back. ($50!) I've yet to use it, but it is a Blackwater edition with the Military version of the Camelbak.

The Rim Runner I've had for about 2 years, it serves as my BOB, and just used it the weekend before last on a hiking trip. It definitely carries more stuff and has better organization than the HAWG. (The HAWG does have the molle attachment points on it, but I have not found the gear I need yet to use them.)

The HAWG is going to get a semi work out this week as I'm taking it with me to PWYP.
 
i use a CAMELBAK H.A.W.G. for mountain biking and day hikes.. i love it.. and i use a CAMALEBACK woodland, in mossy oak, for hunting...:D
 
I love my CamelBak Ambush. I have it in the coyote color so I can go hunting with it and hit the hiking trails too. It can carry PSK items and other amenities such as Power Bars, a small roll of TP, a First Aid Kit, and I can even stuff a lightweight rain suit in it too. It has MOLLE straps on it so I can carry more stuff on the outside of it if I want to.

I also have an earlier version of CamelBak that is just a bladder carrier for a 70 ounce bladder (the model name is the Omega). I rigged it so that I can strap on my PSK which is a MOLLE compatible pouch. The set up is great for a fair weather day hike. I don't like to carry my PSK in my pocket, so I really like how I rigged it to carry the PSK.
 
I use Hydrastorm Tsunami or Cyclone for training and local hikes. These packs are super durable and can take a lot of abuse; should last a long time. For serious SUL (super-ultra-light) backpacking I use either the Fanatic Fringe Thompson Peak Pack (9.5 oz) or Alpine Trail Pack (7 oz) depending on how much gear I need to carry. Platypus hydration bladders are carried in the mesh pockets on the outer surface of the packs.
 
Thanks for the replies and pics, y'all, keep 'em coming in :thumbup: I'm gonna dig around the 'net for a Camelbak Rim Runner and see what range of prices and availability I can find.
 
The North Face all the way. The packs are SOO much more comfortable than Camelbak. Also, I like the Nalgene bladders better than the camelbak ones.

For hydration and nothing else, I use the Dogfish. If you want to carry more, there are lots of options. eBags.com has them on the cheap because they have the closeout colors and whatnot. I picked up a Dogfish for like $40 there.
 
Check out the new Octane's by Camelbak. they compress better than a hawg when you don't need the extra space and expand to fit all that extra gear on longer hikes or winter hikes. Since they are new you won't find them on sale though. As far as quality goes, I have had several camelbak's and they are rock solid and have great customer service when I had a leaky cap.

Here are some reviews of the Fox.

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Water_Carrier/product_122783.shtml
 
I love my Camelbak H.A.W.G. it was their largest pack that they recommended for biking, now supplanted by the H.O.S.S., but I think that the H.O.S.S. might be a bit of overkill for what I use it for. It's not too big for trail riding, and has JUST enough space for day hiking if I bring by big ol' binocs. Plenty of room w/o them. Everything cinches down nice and tight so it doesn't sway around on technical trails. You can find last-year's models in bike stores for $75. Esp. look in stores that specialize in road bikes - if they have 'em, they're too big for roadies and they can't move 'em, so look for even better discounts. Dick's has 'em for $85.
 
I have always wanted a camelback, but the cost is just too high for me. i picked up some High Sierra packs at sams club. there are great packs for day hikes, they have a good amount of storage space and a 2 liter hydration bladder and made out of rip stop. the best thing about them was that they were only $20, so for the price of 1 camelback I was able to outfit the whole family.

http://www.highsierrasport.com/ItemDetail?itemNum=68401
 
Wow. I knew that Camelbak bladders were tough, but.... damn. That was kinda cool.
 
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