Just wondering if theres certain hydra paks that are a lot more suited for long paddles or downwinders. Do they chaffe you up if you dont wear a rashie? Cheers in advance
I love the Kole gear waist packs but it seems that a lot of people have had issues with the bladder bursting. Mine has been fine though, perhaps there was a bad run from production.
Heaps of people here now using the Vest Pak as well.
I've been using a camelbak Octane LR with the lumbar reservoir which is is very comfortable on long runs (20k +) keeping the weight down on the hips instead of sloshing around higher up. It's very light and being backpack format it's got a little bit of storage, also leaves enough room around the hips to wear a waist pack PFD (when required by local marine safety regs). Also good and secure on downwinders. I've been very happy with it but I'm thinking of updating to the more sup-specific camelbak Baja (similar format, also has lumbar res).
I'm a big fan of the backpack style of hydration packs, not to keen on having the waist belt type, but it should come down to a comfort thing for you cranedog. Try them on and see how the feel, but definately get a 2L bladder regardless of the brand you buy. Nothing worse then not having enough water. Also check out the bite valve, locking mechanism & where the bite valve sits when set up. You don't really want to stop paddling to have a drink.
Hi HC, do you have any idea on the cambak cost?
Also the Tahoe looks good as well
Phill
I have recently got a Camel bak Baja which is especially for SUP and I have found it brilliant. I always wear a rashie but it is very comfortable and I like the bladder being low on your hips.
Filling the bladder is difficult as you have to fill it in the pack as the opening is too tight to fit the bladder in full. This is pretty poor for a very expensive camelbak as you would of expected this to be sorted in product testing.
That said it has change the way I have been able to paddle. In addition to 1.5L of water there are plenty of pockets for snacks, keys, cellphone, sunblock etc. The gimicky paddle holder is actually quite useful too and the straw is able to be positioned so you can take a drink hands free.
Despite its cost I would recommend it as it has been the perfect addition for me and opened up new destinations for touring.
I would be interested if anyone else has one and if the elastic oversize pouch on the back fits an inflatable PFD.
Having just pulled my Camelback Classic out of storage, one comment I'll add is to NOT buy a hydration system with any metalwork if you think it might get wet. Saying that though, this particular Camelback has given around five years of good service, trail running, mountain biking, outrigger paddling and more recently SUP - so it's earned its cost. The Camelback bite valves are my favourite, and have had some other brands leak on the car seat when transporting, and has been comfortable in a variety of uses. The only time i found it anoying was during OC6 paddling when for some reason, the shoulder straps would come loose and fall down.
Otherwise, no problems except the now corroded and stuck zipper on the very useful pocket. I guess I have to get another now...
Just got the Camelbak Baja and can confirm that despite claims from Camelbak, it really doesn't fit an inflatable PFD. You can jam it in the tiny cargo space in the back but as soon as you hit the water it would most likely free itself and float away. So in other words, the only time you'd really need the PFD, it would probably be swimming away from you at a rate of knots.
But as Upwinder says, you really don't want to be fumbling about in your backpack trying to retrieve a bumbag PFD, then attach it around your waist, then release the Velcro to unfold the PFD, then pull it over your head and release the gas canister. All when in an emergency situation. When you really need it, much better that it is already around your waist and ready to go.
