Hydration packs

FWIW, take a look at the Platypus Insulator. I've used mine for close to a year now, and IMO, it's the best. I dislike drinking warm water unless I have to when it's "Florida hot" on the trail. With the Platypus, not only is the bladder insulated by a really nice pouch, but the hose is, as well. Works a treat. It has a grab handle at the top, loops for lashing, and it slides into the hydration sleeve of any pack. Another thing that drew me to the Platypus is the composition of the bladder, itself. The top zips open wide so that I can zap the water with a Steripen (after filtering from a water supply in the field). Also, unlike my previous Camelbaks or Hydrastorms, I never get the funk that grows at the bottom of the bladder.

CAS0455-ONCO.jpg


Well, that's my bladder experience. HTH.

Chris
 
Last edited:
Good to know any bladder goes! That way I can focus on the backpack, knowing that most (all?) bladders will work.
clapping.gif
 
LUW said:
Very soon I'll have to upgrade/trade my old backpack, and was thinking of getting one that accepts a hydration pack. And here's my doubt: doesn't the water get warm in the pouch behind your back :rolleyes:? Sorry if this sounds dumb, but I've used canteens my whole life, I never used a hydration pack, so I really don't know what to expect.
Click to expand...

Some packs don't insulate bladders as well as others. I had a Maxpedition Falcon-II backpack, and while a great pack, it doesn't insulate as well as my Camelbak military HAWG does. When you try on packs in the store, just look at the bladder pocket and check how well it's insulated.

If I want to keep water nice and cold for a good while (excellent for long hikes in hot weather), I freeze about 0.5-1L of water in the bladder itself the night before (leave cap open, lay bladder flat, and tilt fill port area so it's upright and won't let water freeze in the port to block filling). It takes much longer to melt one solid chunk of ice than it does to melt a tray worth of ice cubes, and you don't sound like a walking cooler while hiking :)

But in general, while I do enjoy sips of cold water while hiking, I don't really mind ambient temp water from poorly or uninsulated bladders.
 
WolfTracker said:
FWIW, take a look at the Platypus Insulator. I've used mine for close to a year now, and IMO, it's the best. I dislike drinking warm water unless I have to when it's "Florida hot" on the trail. With the Platypus, not only is the bladder insulated by a really nice pouch, but the hose is, as well. Works a treat. It has a grab handle at the top, loops for lashing, and it slides into the hydration sleeve of any pack. Another thing that drew me to the Platypus is the composition of the bladder, itself. The top zips open wide so that I can zap the water with a Steripen (after filtering from a water supply in the field). Also, unlike my previous Camelbaks or Hydrastorms, I never get the funk that grows at the bottom of the bladder.

CAS0455-ONCO.jpg


Well, that's my bladder experience. HTH.

Chris
Click to expand...

:eek: Nice!!!!!! :thumbup:
 
If you're interested in trying these out for cheap, walmart sells a 2L bladder in a pack for something like $15. It gets the job done. I wear it under my jacket when hunting, throw it in the boat when fishing, etc and it makes a nice "afternoon walk" pack. Has a little pocket or two for keys, phone, fire kit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top