Recommend a light weight hydration pack?

G

GEC

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May 8, 2007
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I have a Molle Hydration pack setup now, but it can be to big for day hikes. Even when it is empty it can be heavy, but it so durable too. So I figure this will now be my BOB. So now I'm looking into getting a regular hydration pack that is light but yet has enough room for the 10 essentials without going overboard. something that will be good for dayhikes and maybe overnighters too.
What do you guys use for hydration packs? I'm looking into all brands and setups now.
Suggestions?:confused:
 
Take a look at camelbak


I am using an older model M.U.L.E. the wole pack with my essentials only weighs 2 and half pounds without water.

However the new camelbaks have went down in quality a lot. But the ones sold for military and government sales are still well made. So I would look at those models
 
there are a lot of good hydration packs out there these days....

i have a camelback H.A.W.G.... it's a great little pack.. i use it primarily for mtn.biking, as well as some day hikes....
 
Camelbak has so many size and style choices now, there is one for everybody. They can get pricey though. So what I use now is an REI hydration compatible pack with a Camelbak insert.
 
another for the camelbak hawg.

very nice little bag for day hikes

cheers
JC
 
camelback viper is a very well made pack. small, lightweight, has some storage, and is made of cordura. I got one very cheap on cabelas website just because it was woodland camo. They were on clearance awhile back, might give them a look. Its a 100.00 pack, think I paid like 50 for it.
 
Speaking of the Camelbak MULE referenced earlier - here's mine - tested on a showshoe last weekend:

SANY0023.jpg
 
I've tried a couple of hydration bladders (including a camelbak) and they've all leaked at the point where the tube connects to the bladder, even when it appears to be on fairly securely. Not a lot, but enough to get the bottom of the bag a little wet. Is there any secret to fixing this? Silicone sealant?
 
WOW! A lot of you guys use hydro packs. I going to look into one of those mules and hawgs when I get the chance. Thanks for the quick replies guys.

Brians: How did the testing go for the M.U.L.E? Was it enough room for everything you needed for a dayhike and possibly a overnight?

Burncycle said:
I've tried a couple of hydration bladders (including a camelbak) and they've all leaked at the point where the tube connects to the bladder, even when it appears to be on fairly securely. Not a lot, but enough to get the bottom of the bag a little wet. Is there any secret to fixing this? Silicone sealant?
Click to expand...

Burncycle: I went to a heavier type of bladder. It is not the regular blue one that comes with it. The color is like a dark gray color and the bladder is a lot thicker. My friend got it from a military base BX or PX. The quality is a lot better IMO. Thanks for the pic too. It really puts things into perspective for my decisions.
 
Check out the REI Flash. It's much cheaper than a Camelbak ($25?), holds more gear, is lighter, and is well made. I've used one for about a year or so with no problems. That said, the Camelbaks are nice as well, if those appeal to you more.
 
+1 on the flash. I got one a few months ago because I needed a small packable bag.
 
j williams said:
camelback viper is a very well made pack. small, lightweight, has some storage, and is made of cordura. I got one very cheap on cabelas website just because it was woodland camo. They were on clearance awhile back, might give them a look. Its a 100.00 pack, think I paid like 50 for it.
Click to expand...

The Viper gets my vote. You have a little storage and it moves with you. It is what I wear on the range. I have never used any other Hydration systems besides Camelbak and with the way their customer rocks I will continue to do the same.
 
brians said:
Speaking of the Camelbak MULE referenced earlier - here's mine - tested on a showshoe last weekend:

SANY0023.jpg
Click to expand...


That is one of the newer version that I am not crazy about, however the military/government version is made out of better material like the older ones.
 
As far as quality and light weight goes, Deuter packs are tops.
Style and price? Dakine has some great options too.
Both are worth checking out.
 
I love Camelbaks asymetrix packs. Little bigger than the Mule and hawg, desgined more for hiking vs biking (if that the guy at Sport Chalet told me is correct). Very comfy and fits everything I need.
 
Camelback Striker or Badlands Reactor.

Have both and use them weekly for day hikes and hunts.

Badlands has the best warranty in the business.

"Our Warranty

We don't care what happened, or whose fault it was, we will fix it for free forever. We could care less if you bought it at a garage sale or a gear swap, as long as it says Badlands on the pack it's covered. All we ask is that you use and abuse your pack as much as possible so we can learn how to make better products. "

http://www.sagecreekoutfitters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=P1025&Category_Code=HP

reactorBL.jpg
 
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