Great little pack. Is it big enough for a three day hike? Also, what is the verdict on canteens vs bladders? Are they useful or hype?

The Eagle A-III is a great pack. I have one and I also have the Blackhawk vesion. Yes it is plenty big enough to hold enough for a three day hike but you may find it lacking in the comfort department as it has no frame. I believe eagle sells an insert that acts as an internal fram of sorts. In any case they are great packs that are virtually indestructible. If you're going to buy one shop around. I've seen the prices vary from $80-$130.

Brian

Hydration systems definitely are the way to go. Whether in a pack or on your back, a hydration system (Camelback, Hydrastorm, Source) are easier to access, keep the liquid cooler (or warmer as the case may be), and more comfortable than canteens. Hydration systems also are probably quieter than canteens, since there's no sloshing around of fluid.

I've had canteens and I've had hydration systems and I'll stick with the system!

Best Regards,

atty_guy

The new Eagle A-III packs are hydration system-compatible and have a holding pouch for the Camelbak (or your favorite hydration system) in the main pack and openings for the drinking tube. I have an older A-III pack that was not Camelbak-compatible and so I had a company that specializes in repairing and modifying outdoor equipment, Specialty Outdoors, add the pouch and opening for me. The pack's useful life has been extended and the quality of work was very good.

I don't think there is a definitive answer on canteens vs hydration systems. Unlike Atty guy, I tend to prefer canteens, retro type that I am. Camteens are simple, easy to improvise, and less "fiddly" than hydration systems. The tube is convenient in open country, but try hiking through brush, or climbing, and it will get shredded within a quarter mile. In really warm country, you are likely to be hiking with at least a gallon of water, so you will need to supplement the H system with some C's anyway...

Resupply w/additional water?!? Where's the helo? Where's the water buffalo?

You make a good point. And while I prefer the HS to the C, I can think of a couple of courses I took in which I was carrying both a Camelbak and two to five quarts of water in canteens. I think the answer is, as always, "it depends." Depends on what you like, what you need, and what you are doing. . . .

I prefer Camelbaks over and above! They hold a large amount of water, they transport it comfortably, the water is readily accessible, it doesn't slosh or bounce on your hip, and many models make great backpacks. They are available in many sizes. I have several models; one will hold 3 x 100 oz. bladders. With 300 oz. of water you should be good to go for quite some time.

One caveat... ensure that you get the newer models with the large opening. This makes it easy to clean and fill. I also prefer the military models that have a protective covering over the tube so that it doesn't get shredded when going through brush. You can buy the bladder or tube sock separately and add it to other models.

Although you can’t boil water in your Camelbak...