Delaware Valley Orienteering Association

Topic created by kathyu on Tue May 26, 2020 at 2:11 pm

kathyu
Num Posts: 671
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Hickory Run Sand Spring
First O: 2004

I've hesitated to get a Camelback or similar because I thought the water would be warm and taste funny.  But if it could also hold my phone, car keys and wallet, I might consider it.  Thefts from cars are common around here at trailheads. Recommendations?

Reply by chand on Tue May 26, 2020 at 2:20 pm

chand
Num Posts: 135
Primary Club: WPOC
Fav map: French Creek Central
First O: 2007

I've given up on the bladder part but I kept the camelback.   I reuse 20 ounce soda bottles and cram them in...I can fit two or three in my smallest pack

Reply by ErikEddy on Tue May 26, 2020 at 2:57 pm

ErikEddy
Num Posts: 409
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Mount Penn Antietam
First O: 1998

I don?t really like the bladder either. Packs like the ones by Ultimate Direction have bottle holders on the shoulder straps. The bottles it comes with are nice. Minimum pack for storing the essentials and can also hold a bladder If desired

Reply by furlong47 on Tue May 26, 2020 at 5:01 pm

furlong47
Num Posts: 354
Primary Club: SVO
Fav map: Fair Hill 1:15,000
First O: 1994

It does kind of get warm (or at least room temp) and it does taste a little rubbery. But when I'm orienteering and it's hot and I'm thirsty, I really don't care. You could probably put ice in it, I've just never tried. The hose and bite valve eventually get kind of gross even if you empty and do your best to dry it after each use. You can buy spare parts to replace them.

I have a small one that I wear for orienteering or running. It's not big enough for a wallet or phone when the bladder is in it and full. It has a little pocket that can fit my car key on a carabiner (but not all of my keys) a spare compass, and a whistle. It didn't come with a chest strap which is annoying, so I borrow the one from my big Camelbak to keep it more stable on my shoulders.

I have a bigger one for rogaines or hiking that holds more water and has room for snacks, extra socks, some first aid stuff, a phone or camera, etc. 

Reply by rgbortz on Thu May 28, 2020 at 8:57 pm

rgbortz
Num Posts: 188
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Stuckey Pond
First O: 1986

Love my Camelback Rim Runner. Can carry anything needed for a 24 hour rogaine under any weather conditions, including an additional two water bottle pouches and more. Drink doesn't get too warm with air padding on back. Shouldn't be drinking cold fluids anyway when under extreme exertion.  My Backsplash model is bladder in pack only, perfect for regular events but no other holders. Look them up, models to suit practically any desire.

Reply by Guy-O on Fri May 29, 2020 at 1:58 am

Guy-O
Num Posts: 356
Primary Club: HVO
Fav map: Spackman Creek
First O: 1982

I got a Platypus for water waaaaay back in the 90's.  It's really only for water, but the bladder is a clear plastic that doesn't impart any taste -- I remember the guy at Campmor saying that that was an advantage over Camelback.  It does tend to warm-up as there isn't much insulation around the bladder.

Reply by shiatsuron on Fri May 29, 2020 at 4:42 pm

shiatsuron
Num Posts: 47
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map:
First O: 2004

I use a hip mounted water bottle for shortish event and anything longer than 1.5 hour it's a CamelBack or some other bladder type afair. It doesn't taste real rubbery. Maybe a little. But like Julie said, when you are hot & thirsty, it doen't matter. Water only. Cleaning it with a little brush is fine. I use OneStep. It's the stuff home brewers use to clean their brewhouses with. The hose is right in front of me, where it's easy to get to and take a sip often. Better that way than a big gulp. Ice... no! All it does on a hot day is make your back wet when it sweats. Just make sure if you get one IT DOES NOT HAVE A MAGNETIC HOLDER. Need I say more.

Reply by BRycharski on Fri May 29, 2020 at 8:05 pm

BRycharski
Num Posts: 198
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Rutgers Preserve
First O: 1976

Hi Kathy I have owned a cameback (early 2000's) and now (since 2018) have bought a day pack at Walmart on sale. I now prefer the day pack for two reasons.  I can cram 3 or more water bottles (and/Or a 40 ML sippy refillable bottle) in the day back and have one standard water bottle in a side web holder.  One just has to teach one self to blindly reach back to the day pack bottle (out of sight) while on the move - or just stop and unbelt the pack, when I get to the third bottle I know its important to conserve water or get back to the POV car for H2O reserves.  The second reason I like it is I also found that Laura or Cliff snacks are good while running or hiking, and there is plenty of room for that in a std day pack along with a spare compass and gloves and Dvoa hats as needed.  Good Luck! 

Reply by kathyu on Sat May 30, 2020 at 7:30 am

kathyu
Num Posts: 671
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Hickory Run Sand Spring
First O: 2004

Thanks to you all for the thoughtful suggestions.  I am liking the idea of carrying bottles in my day pack.  This is timely because I think the days of water on the course are over.  You guys are the best.  See you in the woods.

Reply by KathleenG on Fri Jun 26, 2020 at 1:02 pm

KathleenG
Num Posts: 104
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Elk Neck
First O: 1998

I had a camelback, which I used on birding expeditions.  I found it inferior to a day pack because all the space was taken up by the bladder, making it hard to carry anything else, like snacks, bird books, bug repellent....  I tried it biking as well and didn't like it for that either.  I found the hose tended to come unclipped, and hang down dribbling down my leg, or bumping up against things, or tangled.  Much prefer a fanny pack with a bottle holster (or two).