Best water backpack?

[matt85]

after my last hunt in SA I realized I don't do well in temps over 90F without lots of water. thankfully one of my hunting partners allowed me to make use of his camelpak. so now ive decided I must have one of these water holding backpacks but I cant figure out what would be the best for me.

I know I need something that holds around 100 oz (3L) of water and is durable enough to ride on my back (or a trackers back) on a hunt where every thing has thorns.

can you please recommend something?

thank you
-matt

 

[Royal27]

Matt,

I use a camelbak. The water bladder is 3l but the pack is the size of what I call a normal daypack. Great for little stuff or the jacket. It is big enough that I can pit my jacket I. If I get hot etc...

 

[brushmore]

Camelbak is by far the best from my experience and specifically the "mil spec" ones. I prefer the "Ambush" model.

 

[matt85]

Royal which one do you use? I looked at some of the ones that look like normal backpacks but the reviews often said the material was weak and would wear out quickly.

-matt

 

[Royal27]

I will send you a picture of it. I got it at REI. I've had it for two years now, two trips tp Africa, two elk hunts, two deer seasons, and I put weights in it for walks.

I've used the heck out of it and still going strong. The bite valve did split, but that was about a $5 replacement part.

 

[ActionBob]

Matt I agree with the Camelback recommendations. Try to find one that is comfortable and allows some airflow between it and your back. Don't go too big, but big enough for a camera and to pack a jacket, maybe some snacks and a flashlight. Just don't overload yourself too much, stay with a daypack type size for Africa.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

You might also look at Eberlestock
https://www.eberlestock.com/H1 Mini-Me.htm

I don't have the H1 Mini-Me model, but a do have the H2 Gun Runner

 

[ChrisPy]

I have been using the camelback for some time now. The only problem I have with it is regulating how much I drink. I can't see how much water is left and empty it half way into a hike up the mountain, things are better now just a learning curve

 

[spike.t]

there you are @matt85 all you need

 

[matt85]

there you are @matt85 all you need View attachment 46819

Spike im concerned the bottles clinking together in my backpack might make too much noise. do they make larger bottles?

i was looking at this bag: http://shop.camelbak.com/rim-runner-22/d/1315_cl_4731

but ive read a great number of reviews saying the material its made from tends to rip or just wear threw very easily. that ambush bag looks pretty good except it doesnt look like its got extra room for an additional water bottle. i like to pack an extra water bottle just in case someone else needs water.

-matt

 

[Royal27]

 

[matt85]

i looked on their website and on amazon and it looks like you cant find that pack any more Royal.

-matt

 

[Royal27]

i looked on their website and on amazon and it looks like you cant find that pack any more Royal.

-matt

Check rei.com. maybe it wad exclusive to them?

 

[ActionBob]

Royal that looks exactly like Ann's pack... she hauled it through some nasty bushes in Zimbabwe, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the East Cape and used it as a carry on for two flights over and back... It has held up well and holds just about the right amount of water, camera and extra lenses, video cam, jerky and candy She fed the whole crew lunch out that thing a few times, up on top of a rock watching elephants mid-day.

 

[zephyr]

Beware getting a pack that the shoulder straps are too thick as they may impede your gun mount unless you hand the pack to a tracker before the last stalk.
When in Africa last, I was there in mid September with the days temp getting to 100+*f . I would first thing in the morning before showing for breakfast drink 32oz of water with a Nuun Tablet a hydration product.
https://nuun.com/
I brought a pack with a hydration unit but it never got out of the truck. Would drink a bottle of water while we were kitting up and then when it was offered . Swallowing the 32ozs first thing in the morning kept me in front of the dehydration curve

 

[Nicholas Barcomb]

I don't go anywhere without my CamelBak. I have 3 single litre packs and a large gallon pak that I use for travelling.

 

[Royal27]

i was looking at this bag: http://shop.camelbak.com/rim-runner-22/d/1315_cl_4731

I know it looks a little different, but I think that is the same as mine. I looked more closely and mine does say rim runner on it. Like I said, mine has been bullet proof and plenty of room without being too big or heavy. It never left the truck in Africa, but elk hunting I wear it from daylight to dark.

She fed the whole crew lunch out that thing a few times, up on top of a rock watching elephants mid-day.

And I will bet that lunch was much appreciated! !!

 

[matt85]

i went ahead and ordered the green version of this backpack. between a $100 gift card and free 2 day shipping for a trial membership the total price was $5.00!

Camelbak is by far the best from my experience and specifically the "mil spec" ones. I prefer the "Ambush" model.

-matt

 

[huntermn15]

You can't go wrong with a Camelbak, I have used them for what seems like forever. I use a Mule now, and just packed mine for my September 1st departure from Alaska for my September 3rd arrival in RSA. The key is, remember to drink before your thirsty!

 

[zephyr]

the most import part of this conversation is to do what ever you have to do to stay in front of dehydration, it is easier to stay in front than to try an recover.