hydration bladders

[blind-dog]

I've got a 70oz camelback,and the water just tastes like crap. Is there anything I can do to get it to maybe resemble water?

[+Amazingracer]

Clean it out. I dont know withwhat though. Maybe some of the camelbak owners can offer more help. Cause I know what your talking about. When you first get a Nalgene Bottle the water tasts horrible but after some cleaning it tatstes normal.

 

Happy Hunting

-Amazingracer

 

"Life is tough, life is tougher if you're stupid." -John Wayne

[+Dave_W6DPS]

Check out this site for good advice on how to maintain their stuff:

 

http://www.camelbak.com/rec/clean.cfm

 

In particular the instructions under the cleaning link for how to "freshen" your pack.

 

Personally, I prefer Nalgene hydration packs. I try to clean thoroughly immediately after use, and store it DRY.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Dave_W6DPS

 

My two cents worth, refunds available on request. (US funds only)

[flat_lander]

All you need to do is fill it up and add a tablespoon or two of clorox. Let it sit for a little bit to kill off all the nasties and then rinse a few times. Problem should be solved.

[+briansnat]

Buy a Platypus bladder. I had several Camelbaks and replaced the bladders with Platypus bladders. It was worth the expense to me. I couldn't stand the plastic taste and nothing I did, bleaching, baking soda, rinsing, washing, was able to get rid of it.

 

"An appeaser is one who keeps feeding a crocodile-hoping it will eat him last" -Winston Churchill

[+honeychile]

. . . also helps. I put a few tablespoons in, let it sit a while, then flushed the bladder. It helped quite a bit.

 

[mudda_UBER]

I've been happy with the Platypus bladders that I've got. I think the bite valve has a gross plastic taste though. Usually I just screw on the cap and take it out of my pack when I need a drink instead of using the tube. I just like them because they hold a lot of water and they take up little space.

[+georgeandmary]

Fill it with beer.

 

george

 

Pedal until your legs cramp up and then pedal some more.

[+Faderaven]

Be aware I'll need to stuff it with all the crap I usually carry.

 

Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore

[+TRIOGEO]

I use a BLACKHAWK INDUSTRIES CYCLONE backpack and hydration unit. Blackhawk gear is heavy duty gear that is built to perform and last. The Cyclone holds two 100oz bladders with routing for both hoses, and has them housed away from your gear in a separate pouch. Here is a list of what I carry while caching with my family:

 

For the TRIOGEO family (wife, 3 yr old, and me) we take:

 

Blackhawk Industries Cyclone (100 oz H2O x 2)2400ci of storage (with side packs)

Magellan meridian Gold

Case for Gps (on shoulder strap)

Cell phone

Whistle (on shoulder strap)

First aid kit

Leatherman tool (on shoulder strap)

Spare socks (for everyone)

spare Shorts (for everyone)

Spare t shirt (for everyone)

Diapers

Wipes

Toilet paper

Lighter

Firestarter

Signal mirror

Compass

Ziplock bags

Pens

Cahce pages

Notebook

Emergency blanket (large size - for shelter also)

Flashlight (X2 - Surefire 8ax and 2D flood)

Chemlight sticks (keeps child amused at dusk)

Cache items (for trade)

Zip ties

50' of climbing rope

100'of paracord

Carabiners

Large plastic trash bags (for trash and panchos)

Digital Camera

Small binoculars

Frs radios

Spare batteries

MRE's (emergency food)

Snacks & light food (we have lunch/dinner while out)

Glock entrenching tool (camp shovel)

Glock model 27 .40 S&W (in M16 magazine pouch)

 

Seems like much, but packs all together in a nice little package that we can take anywhere. Living in South Florida, we see sudden and violent weather changes, and having my family with me on all of our caches, I like being prepared!

 

Besides, I have the light pack, the wife carries the child when needed! LOL

 

Don't by from Blackhawk direct though, look around first, you can get them for less from most LE / Mil suppliers.

You can see the Cyclone at:

http://www.blackhawkindustries.com/product_catalog.asp?option=search&searchterms=cyclone

 

[This message was edited by TRIOGEO on March 24, 2003 at 07:37 PM.]

[flat_lander]

I've got an Arc'teryx RT55 pack which has a dedicated space for a water bladder and outlet to run the drinking tube to the shoulder strap. I've been very happy with this pack so far. I think that all of the RT (Roll Top) line from Arc'teryx are water bladder compatible.

[+Faderaven]

TWO 100 oz. bladders?

Heh. I live in Jersey I doubt I'll ever need that much water.

 

Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore

[+briansnat]

quote:

---

Any recommendations for a bp with a bladder?

---

 

I have an Arc'Teryx Spear 25 with a hydration sleeve. I purchased a Platypus bladder to go inside. A actually I purchased several Platypus bladders in a few different sizes so I can choose the size appropriate for my trek.

 

It's a very nice pack. I would recommend the Spear 25 to anyone who travels fairly light (that leaves out TRIOGEO). In addition to the water bladder, there is enough room to carry everything one would need for a summer dayhike.

 

Personally, I find the Spear 25 to be a bit small for my needs because I use my daypacks for snowshoeing and winter hikes (I always bring plenty of extra clothing) and I'm usually carrying extra stuff for my wife and daughter. Because of this, I'm looking for a larger daypack. Some good brands and ones that I am considering are Mountainsmith, Dana Designs, Jack Wolfskin, Gregory, Osprey and Arc'Teryx. Just check the manufacturer's website to make sure the pack is hydration compatible.

 

"An appeaser is one who keeps feeding a crocodile-hoping it will eat him last" -Winston Churchill

 

[This message was edited by BrianSnat on March 25, 2003 at 03:18 AM.]