Derf Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 I have recently been contemplating buying a CamelBak, actually not a CamelBak per say, but something similar. I was thinking about using it for cycling, snowboarding, hiking, stuff like that. What makes me hesitate are the following things: -Cycling: when wearing a backpack, I sweat, so a CamelBak might be the same thing. -Snowboard: will it freeze up, do I need to keep it under my jacket? -Hiking: I usually have a backpack or lumbar pack with 2 Nalgene bottles. -Cleaning: how easy is it to clean? -Does it alter the taste of water? What to you guys (and girls) think? Pros? Cons? Any model recommendation? I was checking the models from Mountain Equipment Coop (particularly the Bushido model), and I can get CamelBak products at a discount from my local bike shop. Thanks for the feedback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P06781 Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 I been with a few people climbing and boarding and the plastic water tube and bite valve tends to freeze during winter activities. They make some with foam insulation along the sipping tube which helps to prevent this . Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbrsb Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 We went to Utah this summer to do some hiking. We had always used water bottles before. Since we would be in the dry heat, I wanted everyone to have enough water (myself, kids and wonderful sheriff.) So we bought them. They were great. They actually made us faster as we were not always stopping to try and get bottles out of the side, hard to reach, pockets of the backpack. Or refilling someone's bottle. My wife even admitted that she like it much better. I would highly recommend them. Clean up was easy. Jusk ask the 19-year old son to do it. He did a great job. They sell the brushes and chemicals. My daugher uses her's at band camp as she carries the base or tenor drums. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ak_rider Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 clean-up is pretty easy, since most of the resevoirs now come with large openings. as far as snowboarding goes, i have the snowbowl, it is insulated and helps keep the resevoir from freezing. With the tube and bite valve, after you drink just blow some air back through the tube which will clear the water from it and prevent freezing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skatha Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 I first bought a Camelbak way back in the early 90's...I only use water with them so clean up is usually just draining the water... On the bike, add ice cubes to your 'bak for a cool treat-nice cool back... Snowboarding-I use one with an insulated tube-I love getting water while I'm riding the lift without fumbling for bottles The new ones have a backpack with the reservior-much nicer than the fabric tube my first one came with-I stowe munchies and extra layers in mine during the winter while riding.. I caution people NOT to get the winter fanny pack Camelbak-I had one 3 years ago and I caught myself on the seat while trying to slide off the lift... Now I have the regular rucksack Camelbak for riding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Dold Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 I have the Camelbak "Mule" and I like it a lot, it's about the right size. I use mine with water and Cytomax powder, I don't know if the Cytomax does anything but I like the taste (seriously!). I don't clean it very agressively, I used to spend time cleaning it and drying it so that nothing would grow inside, but nowadays I just rinse the liner and put it in the freezer. I assume nothing gross can happen when it's frozen. Who knows :-) I do get ice in the hose on cold days, I think it would be worth getting the insulated hose. I hardly notice it when I'm riding or cycling, it's not very bulky, especially if you only put a quart or so in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skatha Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 Water expands when frozen-you might be working up to a cracked tube.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonerider Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 Water expands when frozen-you might be working up to a cracked tube.... If you think about it for a second, that will never happen. The ice will always expand down the length of the tube. It would only crack if the tube is sealed on both ends like a soda bottle. I have the Camelback ZOID with a neoprene insulated tube and a thick rubber cover on the mouthpiece, it only freezes when the weather gets particularly cold and windy - unless I wear it under my jacket and then it's fine all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Gendzwill Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 I have the Camelback ZOID with a neoprene insulated tube and a thick rubber cover on the mouthpiece, it only freezes when the weather gets particularly cold and windy - unless I wear it under my jacket and then it's fine all the time. What's cold enough to freeze it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonerider Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 What's cold enough to freeze it? Depends on the wind, but I would say if it's around 20F (-5-10C) if you are charging down the hill and don't have it tucked inside your coat. That's isn't particularly cold... but I don't think anyone would be surprised if stuff started freezing at like -15-20C when exposed to the wind. If you drink from it every 5 minutes it dramatically reduces the likelihood of freezing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Dold Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 Plus, like I've said before, with a Camelbak and a pair of Depends, you never need to go to the lodge, or even stop at all. heh Freezing the tube in the freezer hasn't been a problem yet but I (usually) remember to drain the tube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeW Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 got two of camelbak backpacks. forgot which model but one of 'em got insulated water sip which really helps from preventing freezing. i mostly use 'em for dirt bike motorcycling. they're damn worth every pennies, i swear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dantheman0177 Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 I have two different models. I don't know what they are called, but the first one my girlfriend got me for kayaking. It has a 2 ltr bladder and a couple of small pockets, so is really handy for paddling and mountain biking. However it has an exposed tube and a tendancy to freeze up when boarding unless I wear it under my jacket, and that just causes more problems than it solves in my opinion. The second one I got while I was in the States this year just before SES, and it has about 1.5 ltr capacity and an insulated tube and nozzle. I used it every day, and there were a couple of cold ones, and I never once had a problem. The only thing that doesn't make it versatile for biking and paddling is that the nozzle hangs down and has a cover, so to drink, you have to use your hands (not exactly easy when riding or paddling in a race). I also have a similar setup built into one of my day packs, and I think that is a fantastic idea for hiking. Again, the lack of insulation is a problem in the alpine, and you can't solve it by putting the pack under your jacket, but it is otherwise a great idea, and the capacity is usually higher than the standard hydration systems alone. I hate to break it to you, but I think you will find it difficult to find one single model to meet absolutely all of your requirements, but if you are able to compromise on a couple a little bit, then there is definately a product out there for you. Otherwise, just go for total overkill like me and get three! As they say, he who dies with the most toys, wins! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derf Posted July 25, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 Thanks for all the replies, it seems pretty unanimous: -It is good and practical -If it doesn't have an insulated tube, it will freeze in the winter -It is easy to clean dantheman0177: I am curious, why do you say it creates more troubles than it solves when wearing it under your jacket? Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack M Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 with a Camelback is it makes the chairlift ride kind of uncomfortable. Unless you can sit in your corner of the chair (left corner for regulars, right corner for goofies), it forces you to sit bolt upright, and it's hard to relax in the chair while wearing it. Otherwise the thing is pretty much a godsend. Cleaning is easy. Mild soap and water once or twice a season. Rinse with a baking soda and water solution before each trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjl Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 I've got the insulated tube and in my opinion it does nothing - if the bite valve is frozen the rest of the tube is also, whether the neoprene sheath is on or not. What works for me is to blow air back into the tube after drinking (until you hear the first bubble in the reservoir) so that there is no water to freeze, and to clear the bite valve with a little bite/sip every 10-15 minutes in case some water sloshes up the tube and down to the valve. The main reservoir has never frozen on me in the backpack. The reservoir lays on the flat side of the backpack, so it rests right next to your back (separated by one layer of backpack material, your jacket and other clothes) and gets a lot of heat - I think you would need to be in some pretty awful conditions for it to freeze there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bschurman Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 If you use a little mouth wash and water once or twice a season it'll clean out the microbes and it won't leave a foul after taste like soap, vinegar or bleach can. I don't know about the little tablets that Camelbak sells but the real enemy is moisture. If you keep it dry nothing is going to grow in there. ->Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pm_wizard Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 I have a basic camelbak (1 - 1.5 li) and I find all I have to do is to take a sip every 10 - 15 min to keep the mouth piece from freezing. I then get a bit of slusshy water when I suck in the first time. Other than that, I do (definately) wear it under my jacket, and as Jack pointed out, it is a little awkward on the chairlift, especially first time up when it is full! I always take it when I am going to be any distance froma drinking water source. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dantheman0177 Posted July 25, 2005 Report Share Posted July 25, 2005 dantheman0177: I am curious, why do you say it creates more troubles than it solves when wearing it under your jacket? Fairly simple - if it is completely under your jacket, you have to open the jacket to get to your drink, which is not too good on the really cold days. Otherwise you have to run the tube outside and affix it somehow, which isn't so bad, except that it defeats the purpose of having it inside in the first place, because it allows the opportunity for freezing. Also, the tubes on occasion can leak, and that is very unpleasant under your jacket! On the positive side, although most resorts are fairly relaxed about hydration systems, there are still some that don't allow riding on lifts with packs, and this includes even small drinking packs. Something to do with the risk of getting caught on the lifts. So having it under your jacket just circumvents this issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k_t Posted July 26, 2005 Report Share Posted July 26, 2005 I have two Camelbaks. The Mule for biking and the Zoid for boarding/sking. The Mule is nice because I have it in the pack that has enough pockets to carry tools, couple of energy bars, wallet and tube. The Zoid is a lot more compact and is not as bad a ride on the chair lift as some of the others. My theory (which seems to work) is that if you get all of the air out of the bladder after filling it, there is less likely to be anything nasty growing in it. Just fill, seal, turn upside down with the tube connection at the top and drink until you get all the air bubbles out. Then replace it in the pack normally. I do not like nasty, moldy water (water is all I put in mine) and have only to clean them about once a year at most.<O:p</O:p I will not get on my bike without one.<O:p kt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boostertwo Posted July 26, 2005 Report Share Posted July 26, 2005 I have a C-Bak Snowline, which is low-profile so it fits under your jacket and has the insulated hose and bite valve. I never use it when riding inbounds, as I'd rather not sling around any more weight and bulk than I have to (I usually ride with a camera), plus there are plenty of places to grab a quick on-mountain drink where I ride. I do use it when busting backcountry dayhikes. I do use the C-Bak Hawg on long, dry mountain bike rides. The Hawg is great for carrying extra layers, power-up bars, maps, etc. and holds enough H2O for an all-day blaster in the desert. <img src="http://tinypic.com/9g9eo2.jpg" alt="The C-Bak is very helpful on long, dry bike rides. Poison Spider Mesa, Moab, Utah"> Sorry. Couldn't resist. B-2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans Posted July 27, 2005 Report Share Posted July 27, 2005 Use this product for 7 years now, in summer for hiking in winter for snowboarding. In the chairlift, if you secure all the straps no problems. I have no problem wearing it in the chairlifts, you get use to it wearing a little bubble on your back. Freezing? never had a problem with it, even with -15 celsius wearing it all day, using it on a regular base, say you drink every 20 minutes a little, mostly in the chairlifts. I wear over my jacket not under it. Only had water in it. Just big enough to put my cam or camera in it and some chocolate bars and bread with cheese. I just clean it directly after a day with water, hang it out with that blue plastic reservoir dryer. Never have used soap. Just my experience with this great in use day backpacker. Greets, Hans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skatha Posted July 28, 2005 Report Share Posted July 28, 2005 I stick mine on a dryer when not in use-My first one I kept in the refrigerator filled with water-no bad tastes there. I got mine before all the fancy cleaning devices, so I never risked anything but water.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fleaman Posted July 28, 2005 Report Share Posted July 28, 2005 I have a few bladders and a few different packs. I bought an ASOLO pack last winter and I love it for biking. I only cost me $65 CAD with a 2L bladder and tube. It is big enough for 2L (I am a big thirsty guy) and my bike gear such as tools, tubes and a first aid kit. There is still room left for a light lunch and some shirts. I put my bladder in my baby carrying backpack that way I can drink and so can my daughter, she loves drinking out of the tube. She always runs to it when I have it sitting out getting ready for a bike ride. I have contemplated using my bladders in the winter to snowboard with because after a day of riding I find I am really thirsty but I am not smart enough to drink some water before I hit the beer, then after a few on the way home (using a Designated Driver) I have a huge headache and am done for the night. I also have been wondering if anyone uses the sanitizer used in winemaking and beer such as Star san or similar stuff to clean out the tubes or bladders? Here is a recent pic at 8000 feet at Cathedral Lakes Provincial Park. I hiked with my daughter up there, it was a good climb, but we both enjoyed hands free water(well sort of, I lost the bite valve at the campground and had to use a chip clip to pinch off the hose so it didnt leak.) We saw lots of wildlife on the way up to the Rim including a cougar and mountain goats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jutta Posted July 28, 2005 Report Share Posted July 28, 2005 water or other liquids handy while out and about. I've had a basic (no pockets) camelback for years, mostly for biking, but also used it on the slopes. It wasn't insulated, but as long as I remembered to take a sip at the top and bottom of each run plus during the lift ride, freezing wasn't really a problem, not even during a 0 degree (F), very stormy day at Zermatt. Last year I bought the "snowdawg", less because it's insulation (even though it works great!!), but because I wanted some extra storage room and I got it on sale for $55. I liked it so much, though, that it went right along to Moab a few weeks ago: just take off all the insulation (or simply use another bladder, for some reason we've accumulated a bunch of extras...) and you've got a "regular" camelbak setup. (BTW: nice pic, boostertwo) For me personally this is the only way to stay properly hydrated while boarding - who wants to spend time getting off the board and into a lodge just for a sip of water? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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