Camera PV 2007 » Digital Camera » Hydration Systems / Opinions ??
Hydration Systems / Opinions ??
Question:
>Hydration System:
Try the Jandd (Santa Barbara, CA) hydrapack. It accommodates two (!) bladders when you need them, has a large zippered pouch as well as a large net pouch. The straps are solid. You can put whatever bladder you wish in it. They are generally 2/3 the price of a Camelback.
Response:
>Even though it has >a platypus bladder(which I ain’t all too crazy about)
What don’t you like about Platypus ? I’ve just bought one of their bladder & hose kits to sew up into my own backpack design. Anything I should be aware of ?
Response:
> >Even though it has >a platypus bladder(which I ain’t all too crazy about) > What don’t you like about Platypus ? I’ve just bought one of their > bladder & hose kits to sew up into my own backpack design. Anything I > should be aware of ?
The platy seems ok, but camel’s bladder and hose *looks* tougher, and feels to be made of a thicker, more pliable plastic. I haven’t heard of any rupturing problems with platys or camels. I took a really bad fall just recently(ended up spraining my ankle good) and in this fall I did a few somersaults backwards down a hill, hitting rocks and roots the whole way down, and my bladder didn’t have any problems. The bite valve lets you get all kinds of H2o. On the minus side, it’s just bout impossible to get ice-cubes in the thing(so prefilling and chilling is required). I also am having a hard time finding a brush that will fit the narrow neck of the bladder for cleaning. What I found irritating about ems is that even though thier pack has a platy bladder, the only cleaning stuff they sell is for camels. If I ever have a problem with the platy, I’ll replace it with a camel. Chris — my employer does in no way agree with or endorse/condone any of my views, advice, or otherwise stated in this post or any other. Any opinions expressed are strictly my own. *Anti spam measures have been taken, email address is
Response:
Sorry, I don’t have the original thread. . . I have a Gregory, sort of. See, I liked the bag – nice size, features and construction – so I bought it. The bite valve bit. It always leaked on me. It was so pitiful that it couldn’t dangle down _at all_. I exchanged it for three (count ‘em) different ones. All had the same problem. I called Gregory. They said they were aware of the problem and were making changes to it. The new design would be out in 6 months (this was two years ago, mind you). They said I could try to boil it in water (!!) to fix the problem. That made it worse. Well, faced with a wet leg during winter riding was not pleasing, so I exchanged the bladder for a 90oz Camelback. Works great – no drips for two years now. Not sure if they ever changed their design or not. I have the platypus setup for hiking and I really like it too. I’d look at both. I bought the Camelback MULE for my girlfriend and it seems like a great system as well (as far as the pack goes). That company knows what they are doing. — John Langowski
Response:
Hi, I just bought the cameback "MULE’ from performance(last years model) it retailed for $69.99 and I got it for $30.00 on a closeout about a week ago. I love it and would recommend it highly! They had plenty of them left! The sales person said that he preferred last years because the shoulder straps had much nicer padding! JOE MAZZATESTA
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hydration System: > After some reviews I have narrowed my choice to the following: > 1. Gregory Baja > 2. Camelback MULE > 3. Blackburn ??? > I would appreciate your experiences with any of the above products. > I cannot seem to find the Gregory Baja in any of the Major mail order shops. > Would appreciate any info. on stores that carry them. > Thanks in advance.
I just bought a system not too long ago, and even though it isn’t on your list, maybe you might want to try it on along with the others. It’s an EMS(eastern mountain sports) hydration pack. Even though it has a platypus bladder(which I ain’t all too crazy about) the pack itself(like all things ems that I own) Is pure quality. It’s a long, low slung pack, so it doesn’t throw off your c.o.g., and the bladder holds a good amount of fluid, though I never fill it full. I’d have to guess that the volume of fluid it holds is between 60 and 100 fl oz. When I bought, I was looking for something that would not only hold a good amount of water, but also hold a pair of binocs, tools, and the occaisonal digital camera or gps. Which it does. I have always liked the quality of EMS stuff, good stiching, nice fat pads,(but that means more heat, too) and a few of my friends have EMS tents and hard packs, and they swear by the stuff. I think my pack was between 60 and 70 bucks USA. Give’m a look, they’re worth it. Chris — my employer does in no way agree with or endorse/condone any of my views, advice, or otherwise stated in this post or any other. Any opinions expressed are strictly my own. *Anti spam measures have been taken, email address is
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hydration System: >After some reviews I have narrowed my choice to the following: >1. Gregory Baja >2. Camelback MULE >3. Blackburn ??? >I would appreciate your experiences with any of the above products. >I cannot seem to find the Gregory Baja in any of the Major mail order shops. >Would appreciate any info. on stores that carry them. >Thanks in advance. > Blackburns have cheap narrow shoulder straps with pseudo padding (just a mesh), and I dont personally like their gulp valve. > Can’t comment on the Gregory but I would take the MULE over any blackburn > anyday. > Try both the camelback and a blackburn on, and fill em up with tools or whatever > (might get strange looks from LBS guy, but only if you walk out without paying > for it all!); I think that will make up your mind. > If however you can stand the discomfort of the blackburn, performance is selling > the Raceday model (holds maybe a little less than a MULE) for half price. > And the top tip I keep giving for buying camelbacks: If you dont have any great LBS loyalties (sounds like you dont as you mentioned mail order) try ski shops. > As its the summer any that are open are having sales, I got a MULE half price > ($37 inc tax). > dave
While I have no experience with the Gregory the have an excellent reputation for well thought out gear. I have used the others you mention and they SUCK! Ultimate is the brand that is superior to those in most respects. They are supremely comfortable and carry lower on the back for a lower CG.