I asked my SIL what to get my newly minted Eagle Scout nephew for Christmas. She said he asked for a double size camelbak hydration backpack. I'm looking on their website and they have about 30 different models. I suppose I am looking for a good camelbak for hiking and camping. Any suggestions?
a gift certificate....
i use camelbak's at work, they are made out of thick material so they are very durable, altho i have a normal sized one, wish it held more water.
> I asked my SIL what to get my newly minted Eagle Scout nephew for Christmas. She said he asked for a double size camelbak hydration backpack. I'm looking on their website and they have about 30 different models. I suppose I am looking for a good camelbak for hiking and camping. Any suggestions?
It depends on what sort of hiking and camping; if he tends to car camp and then take dayhikes, then a hydration backpack is what he wants, as all he would be carrying is a lunch, the water, a first aid kit and a few survival items. In any case, a 2L reservoir is all that is necessary. The 3L usually just adds extra water weight when a refill using a filter would be better. That said, if he specifically wants a double size, he probably means a 3.0L. If he's not worried about weight it might not be an issue; I usually try to keep my pack below 25lbs, though with the bear canister it can get to 30.
For the Camelbak packs, I like the Cloud Walker, though I've never worn it for extended periods, just in REI.
Overall I'd recommend an Osprey daypack like the Syncro 20 with a 2.0L reservoir, but it's not what he specified, so that might be a risk.
Thanks.
Dude, just buy the bladder. Most new packs have a spot for the bladder. Don't buy the brand name. It's too expensive for the SAME thing. Academy had hunting backpack with bladders for $40. There is enough room to add a second bladder and it holds a bunch of water.
