Hydration daypacks

[SDU]

For hot weather I find if you freeze the 1/2 filled bladder & top it up before leaving it stays cool for most of the day.


Maybe it'll work for beer too

[Ghost Lemur]

Went in to RRSports today to have a look at the Camelbak range that's advertised on their website. But they didn't have them in the Colombo St store that I could see.

They did have the Dakine Nomad. Looks bloody small tightened up and hanging on the rack, but supposedly has a total capacity of 19 litres, with 3 of those being the reservoir. Looks good with some nice added features (lined sunglasses pocket, ability to strap a helmet to the outside). Plus it's $10 cheaper than the MULE which only has a 9-odd litre storage capacity, and much cheaper than the HAWG (which is the step up from the MULE with 15 litres storage).

Might go have a second look this weekend and verify that the storage figures on it are correct. But it's the current front runner on my list.

[far queue]

Went in to RRSports today to have a look at the Camelbak range that's advertised on their website. But they didn't have them in the Colombo St store that I could see.

Try Rebel Sports, they used to have a good range of Camelbaks, I assume they still do.

[bert_is_evil]

I got a cheap one from torpedo7 to use for trail running and mountain biking, the red colour came out of it and ruined several shirts and the bladder only lasted a couple of weeks before it emptied itself down my back at an inopportune moment.
In other words pay the extra bucks for a decent brand
Also look for one with a large opening so you can get your hand in to clean it.

[Ghost Lemur]

Thanks BiE. I'll cross the Torpedo7 off my list.

[Wolf]

I got a cheap one from torpedo7 to use for trail running and mountain biking, the red colour came out of it and ruined several shirts and the bladder only lasted a couple of weeks before it emptied itself down my back at an inopportune moment.
In other words pay the extra bucks for a decent brand
Also look for one with a large opening so you can get your hand in to clean it.

Thanks for the warning. I was looking at some of the hydration packs in Doyle's Sports here in Hamihole and was recoiling at horror at the price tag but you've successfully put me off looking for cheaper alternatives. Hadn't thought about the cleaning issues but I'll bear it in mind from now on. Cheers.

Ignoranus (n): A person who's both stupid and an asshole

"...both stupid and an arsehole", surely - BDOTGNZA

[SDU]

When looking at the packs awhile back I noticed that some of the hiking/cycling ones were not made with as heavier a fabric and did not look as robust in the stitching as some of the brands made pacifically for dirt bikes / MTB.
My fox one has taken the knocks well over the years & I stuff the poor thing with heaps.

[far queue]

Also look for one with a large opening so you can get your hand in to clean it.

I've never cleaned one yet. I only ever put water in them, no additives, and always keep them stored in the freezer. The cold temps stop anything from growing, and I've been using my oldest one for about 7 years now.

[bert_is_evil]

I've never cleaned one yet. I only ever put water in them, no additives, and always keep them stored in the freezer. The cold temps stop anything from growing, and I've been using my oldest one for about 7 years now.

Hey that's a good idea, never thought of freezing it

[bert_is_evil]

"...both stupid and an arsehole", surely - BDOTGNZA

Duely noted and corrected, damn american english creeping into vocab

[warewolf]

Been using a Reservoir Dog for a few years now; very happy with it. Chose it because I figured an mtb pack designed for an active ride would be suitable for trail riding. Works well, carries all I need for a day ride (tools, food, water, first aid kit, jumper etc). It's big enough to carry gear for two people on a day tramp, but small enough not to be cumbersome.

Re: hydration bladders themselves, I've destroyed three platypus bladders. They've all developed pinholes and leaked. Despite being hard on them (they get used as a hot water bottle when camping, and are often folded up and stuffed in a non-hydration pack) I'm not the only one, so the NZ distributor is replacing them..."lifetime guarantee" it says on the packet. I've now got a camelbak and have heard they're the only durable brand on the market.

Baby utensil sterilizing tablets are supposed to be good for warding off the nasties.

Generally I'll drink less than 1L per day. More heat, more work and consumption goes up. That's with suitable cafe stops throughout the day. Summer enduros can need 2L per 90 minutes.