mrstang01
Member
Which camelbak do you guys recommend for use during rifle class?
Also, who's got the best prices on them these days?
Thanks!
Also, who's got the best prices on them these days?
Thanks!
Camelbak questions
- Thread starter mrstang01
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BerettaNut92
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Goshdarnit, my first reply got lost... :banghead:
I'd get something light with a small pocket like:
I have a HAWG and a Motherlode, both are overkill for gun skul. Keep all your other junk in your range bag and just keep water in the Camelbak. IF you wanted to be majorly tactical you could still get the Eagle AIII pack but throw the hydration system you already have in it.
Don't know where's the cheapest but Lightfighter is good people.
I'd get something light with a small pocket like:
I have a HAWG and a Motherlode, both are overkill for gun skul. Keep all your other junk in your range bag and just keep water in the Camelbak. IF you wanted to be majorly tactical you could still get the Eagle AIII pack but throw the hydration system you already have in it.
Don't know where's the cheapest but Lightfighter is good people.
Double Naught Spy
Sus Venator
I, too, have a HAWG and think it is a nifty doodad as you can carry a bunch of stuff in it, much of which you might not need for rifle class. I used the HAWG and two bladders so as to carry both water and Gatorade, then a small first aid kit, spare handgun, ammo, snacks, etc. I basically used mine as a gear bag for pistol class at TR and did not wear it while shooting.
Something to keep in mind is that there are a variety of off brand similar products that are much cheaper in price and probably will do just fine for your needs, assuming the hydration system isn't what you need for everyday work, going into battle, etc. Moreover, if you really prefer the Camelbak bladder and valves, you can get them to fit in some of the off brand varieties.
Something to keep in mind is that there are a variety of off brand similar products that are much cheaper in price and probably will do just fine for your needs, assuming the hydration system isn't what you need for everyday work, going into battle, etc. Moreover, if you really prefer the Camelbak bladder and valves, you can get them to fit in some of the off brand varieties.
mrstang01
Member
Double Naught (BTW, I love that handle, good ol' Jethro!),
Do you have any off-brands that you specifically recommend? I've been thinking about some kind of hydration system for use around the compound instead of the old cooler in the truck too, if that helps.
Thanks guys, keep em coming!
Do you have any off-brands that you specifically recommend? I've been thinking about some kind of hydration system for use around the compound instead of the old cooler in the truck too, if that helps.
Thanks guys, keep em coming!
Glockster35
Member
You could try a hydrastorm by Blackhawk, or go to places like REI.com or my personal favorite sierratradingpost.com.
If you don't know Sierra Trading Post is IMHO the best place to buy clothing on-line. Their stuff is always on sale, and most of it is seconds...I have never bought anything I couldn't wear.
If you don't know Sierra Trading Post is IMHO the best place to buy clothing on-line. Their stuff is always on sale, and most of it is seconds...I have never bought anything I couldn't wear.
I'll second glocksters recomendation on sierra trading post, also check out the rei.com outlet, and some of the bike bicycle gear places (nashbar.com & performancebike.com), as all of them have hydration systems, and if you look around you can find something on sale. Also there were some on special at blackhawk's website too.
I use just a plain Unbottle with a homemade suplex backpack/pouch. That way I can pull the bladder out and toss it in my backpacking backpack or in a day pack. Also, The shoulder straps on the pouch are both wide enough to distribute the weight well and very thin, so they don't interfere with shouldering my rifle.
Glockster35
Member
BWC, we must shop at the same places, because I was thinking of adding Nashbar and Performance Bike to thte list.
Try sportsmansguide. I noticed that they have the 67 ounce bladders for about $5 each. They have the wide opening like the newer Camelbaks.
Here are some links:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=77390
Here are some links:
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=77390
Glockster35
Member
The new Camelbaks have a much larger opening then the one show from Sportsmans, I have two I got for the kids that have the large mouth on them, and they are a nice feature.
BerettaNut92
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The big wide openings are nice...Atek3 has one on his Stealth. If my HAWG or Motherlode are fully loaded I can't get a full bladder down there without great difficulty.
Fudgie Ghost
Member
No matter what you get I highly recommend the cleaning brushes, (1-for tube 1-for bladder) as well as the hanger/dryer that is available as well. Any latent moisture in those things becomes a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, fungus, etc.
jthuang
Member
If you're going to use a hydration system during a class, I suggest one of the low-profile ones (e.g. Camelbak Stealth). For most shooting classes, a MULE or HAWG is not enough capacity to replace a range bag. So use your regular range bag for storage of food, ammo, hearing protection, etc. but use a low-profile hydration system. No need to carry a range bag AND a huge hydration pack.
BerettaNut92
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Kevlar, do you drink on the job? 
Poohgyrr
Member
Hey, what about valves??
I understand besides the "bite" valve, there is a regular type turn on/off valve that won't let your water out if you somehow sit or lay on it type of thing...
I understand besides the "bite" valve, there is a regular type turn on/off valve that won't let your water out if you somehow sit or lay on it type of thing...
jthuang
Member
Yeah, the newer CB and HS units come with those locking valves. I only have experience with the HS locking valve as all my CB gear is kinda old and from the pre-locking valve days.
The HS locking valve works as follows: in the "lock" position, water cannot flow through the valve. To unlock it, you move the valve outward from the stem (basically, you just pull on it). To re-lock it, you push the valve back down onto the stem.
I'm curious to know how the new CB valve works. I can't say I've had too many leaking problems with any of my CB gear so it might not be worth the upgrade.
The HS locking valve works as follows: in the "lock" position, water cannot flow through the valve. To unlock it, you move the valve outward from the stem (basically, you just pull on it). To re-lock it, you push the valve back down onto the stem.
I'm curious to know how the new CB valve works. I can't say I've had too many leaking problems with any of my CB gear so it might not be worth the upgrade.
CZ 75 BD
Member
TimW
Member
For a gun class, low profile is the way to go...Thermobak, MULE, VIPER, Ambush will serve you fine. HAWG, Motherlode or BFM are just way too big for that purpose.
The Camelbak hydrolock system is very secure. There is a physical valve that one moves to "off" to close the tube off. It's very secure. I wish I could say the same for the Hydrastorm product.
I was out running around the border one weekend and was using a Hydrastorm Torrent Extreme in my backpack. This was the first real "hard" use I had given it. About 1/2 hour into our excursion, I was sucking about 1/2 air and 1/2 water. I thought I hadn't bled the bladder completely so I stopped, removed the unit from my Becker Patrol Pack and bled the air out of it.
About 10 minutes later, same thing.
Turns out it was the push/pull (on-off) bite valve that is the heart of the Hydrastorm system...it was leaking air into the unit at the point where the valve came "out". Unless I pulled tightly on the valve to "seal" it against the vavle-stem, it would leak air. Needless to say, I was less than impressed.
I've another Hydrastorm unit (Tsunami) that this hasn't happened to, but I've only worn it for light hiking around Phoenix.
In addition, I find the screw-tops of the Hydrastorm units even harder to thread on than the Camelbak ones (their "older" longneck reservoirs, not the new Omega). And that's saying a lot.
Once I get rid of my last Hydrastorm unit from my inventory, I am eliminating Hydrastorm units from my items for sale.
The Camelbak hydrolock system is very secure. There is a physical valve that one moves to "off" to close the tube off. It's very secure. I wish I could say the same for the Hydrastorm product.
I was out running around the border one weekend and was using a Hydrastorm Torrent Extreme in my backpack. This was the first real "hard" use I had given it. About 1/2 hour into our excursion, I was sucking about 1/2 air and 1/2 water. I thought I hadn't bled the bladder completely so I stopped, removed the unit from my Becker Patrol Pack and bled the air out of it.
About 10 minutes later, same thing.
Turns out it was the push/pull (on-off) bite valve that is the heart of the Hydrastorm system...it was leaking air into the unit at the point where the valve came "out". Unless I pulled tightly on the valve to "seal" it against the vavle-stem, it would leak air. Needless to say, I was less than impressed.
I've another Hydrastorm unit (Tsunami) that this hasn't happened to, but I've only worn it for light hiking around Phoenix.
In addition, I find the screw-tops of the Hydrastorm units even harder to thread on than the Camelbak ones (their "older" longneck reservoirs, not the new Omega). And that's saying a lot.
Once I get rid of my last Hydrastorm unit from my inventory, I am eliminating Hydrastorm units from my items for sale.
Skunk, yep, I drink on the job. As I work for UPS (sorting packages), it's pretty physical and I get hot and thristy real quick. I only carry water in my CB, as it'a a dog to clean if it gets sticky inside (Gatorade etc are a no no). Funnily enough, I always get asked if I have alcohol or drugs in my CB; yep, I work that fast!
I once had problems with the bite valve banging against my chest and it would sometimes dribble water onto my shirt. I got the CB locking valve and all is well. As stated above, it's a simple lever that blocks the flow of the water. Pull it towards you and it's off, push it back up and it's off. I like it because it is very secure; it won't disengage unless you want it to.
I think I want to get a Camelbak Viper soon. Pretty much the same thing as the Storm (i.e. no frills), but it does have a small pocket in the carrier. I usually stuff my keys inside with the bladder, but I'm afraid that I might poke a hole in it sooner or later. Besides 102oz > 100oz.
I once had problems with the bite valve banging against my chest and it would sometimes dribble water onto my shirt. I got the CB locking valve and all is well. As stated above, it's a simple lever that blocks the flow of the water. Pull it towards you and it's off, push it back up and it's off. I like it because it is very secure; it won't disengage unless you want it to.
I think I want to get a Camelbak Viper soon. Pretty much the same thing as the Storm (i.e. no frills), but it does have a small pocket in the carrier. I usually stuff my keys inside with the bladder, but I'm afraid that I might poke a hole in it sooner or later. Besides 102oz > 100oz.
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