I know nothing about CamelBaks. I have seen exactly one in real life, and that was probably ten years ago. This isn't a "should I get one" or "are they better than bottles" post. This is information gathering in it's purest form. Here goes:

Are there standalone ones in addition to ones that fit into backpacks?
How do you clean them?
What sizes do they come in?
Are the various manufacturers designed fairly similarly, or are there major differences in design?
Can you put liquids other than water in them?
What is the life expectancy of one?
Are they all backpack set up, or are there other types, such as butt pack ones?
What else should I know that I haven't asked about?

Yes. They make stowaway packs that can go into non-specific packs or even on the outside. They also make fanny packs and a whole range of pack sizes from basic water-only paks to full suspension gear.


Typically you load them with warm water and soap, use a scrub brush to get all the surfaces, hardware, and tube clean. Then you rinse, put in another batch of water, this time with a cleaner tab - making sure to expose all items including the tube and bite valve. Drain that water, rinse, and fill with water.


The packs themselves come in a wide range of sizes, and the reservoirs go from the 1liter range to the 3liter range, but some packs have room for several bags in a system.


Like all things in life, this is in the eye of the beholder. Camelbak makes a superior product and the military uses them I believe (or used to). There are other companies that produce them, but Camelbak focuses on hydration systems. The designs are similar, but it's the details that always kill ya....


Sure... I'd avoid anything that spoils like milk or OJ. Generally water, iced tea and gatorade are fine. But water is preferred and aftertaste, smell, etc. are concerns as are proper cleaning.


All reservoirs in the 2006 lines from Camelbak have a lifetime warranty due to the toughness and antimicrobial properties. Tubes and valves - depends on use and exposure, but I should think 2 years for those parts under moderate to heavy use, perhaps up to as much as 5 years.


Fanny/butt packs, backpacks, stand-alones, slingpacks... I've seen quite a few variations.


That they are cheap enough to just go get one and try it out to see if you like them. $20-$25 is not uncommon for the smaller hiking/biking packs. www.camelbak.com is a great place to start if you want to see models and such. The latest ones are highly impact resistant and tear resistant.

> Are there standalone ones in addition to ones that fit into backpacks?

Camelbaks (generic: hydration systems) are a major product category. There's something in just about any configuration you can imagine. There are many "backpacks" designed just to hold the bladder. Or maybe bladder plus a little. There are also units, e.g, Camelbak's "unbottle" designed for going into another back pack, e.g., internal/external frame.

> How do you clean them?

If one only adds water, pretty much the only thing that needs to be done is to dry. Can also add a little bleech to water to flush. Best drying uses special "drying hangers" that keep the bladder open.

If you add something to your water, e.g., gator/kool-aid, it's more difficult to get the taste out. Some say it never goes away. Camelbak offers special tablets for cleaning; probably not needed except in extreme cases.

>What sizes do they come in?

Bladders are generally from about 1 liter to 3 liters. The purpose-built packs range from zero storage to the low 1000s of cubic inches of additional storage space. As mentioned above, units can be added to "expedition" backpacks.

>Are the various manufacturers designed fairly similarly, or are there major >differences in design?

What's the best flashlight, knife, firearm?! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Many feel that Camelbak is the best overall brand. Their military/police line is more rugged than their consumer line. Note that common model names between the two lines are often quite different. High end "tactical gear" manufacuturers offer some high end capable products. Some of the lower end stuff may use cheaper materials ("plastic taste"), suffer manufacturing quality problems and/or not be rugged enough for common use.

From personal experience I regretted an "Outdoor Products" hydration purchase (for my son for bicycle use). Went through 4 bladders - all of them leaked, either at purchase or after just a few uses.

>Can you put liquids other than water in them?

Yes. Electrolyte-replacement additives are common. Some use them for hot beverages. Use of other than water complicates clean up/out somewhat.

>What is the life expectancy of one?

Recent comments here indicate about 2 years for a bladder under frequent/heavy use. Replacement bladders and/or parts are generally avaiable. The packs should last longer.

>Are they all backpack set up, or are there other types, such as butt pack ones?

Wide variety. Backpack, fanny pack, shoulder sling. And this.

>What else should I know that I haven't asked about?

Most folks who try one never go back. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

...some thoughts.

Hydration bladder systems like CamelBak are great for taking quick sips and for carrying water high up on your back. you can carry quite a bit

Drawbacks -- harder to load than a bottle -- its a flexiable bag. They sometimes leak or break, though not often. Must be dried between uses and may hold onto the taset of your beverage.

Overall, highly reccomended. I have both a butt pack and backpack model. ( They also make it easy to carry everything esle along on a hike.)

TRO