Camelbak for Skiing

Guest2

Guest2

Guest2

Soldato
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I'm looking for a Camelbak for Skiing. I already have a Berghaus Cubic 20 bag but its too much hassle looking in my bag all the time for water

Would it be best to pay for a bladder (~£30) and put this in my bag, or just buy a Camelbak Mule (bladder with bag)

General recommendation on Camelbaks and hydration systems welcome, I know nothing about them
 
In my experience they are wonderful on the slopes!
I'd say if you have a small half decent rucksack already then just buy the bladder. If you see a bag and bladder you like then get that.

Big tip: After drinking, blow air back through the tube to clear it of water. If you don't, any water in exposed tubing will freeze and you may as well not have it with you!
 
Is it worth getting rubber tubing cover? A guy we met a couple of years ago had some tubing rubber around it - to stop it freezing I imagine
 
Whatever you do, make sure you get one with a large enough opening to wash inside. The older style couldn't really be washed and had to be kept frozen to avoid mould/bacteria etc... terrible design!
 
It will freeze if left in the open air. Many decent skiing rucksacks now allow you to run the tube inside the shoulder strap then out of a zip near your mouth. Works well for me. :)
 
AGD said:
It will freeze if left in the open air. Many decent skiing rucksacks now allow you to run the tube inside the shoulder strap then out of a zip near your mouth. Works well for me. :)
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I did think about this. Would it freeze if the tube isn't inside the shoulder strap? (or if tube insulation isnt bought)

I dont really want to buy another bag but suppose will have to it mine doesn't allow for things like this. As already said - no point in having one if it freezes up

Maybe just have vodka coke in it instead :)
 
When I went in January mine just froze inside the tube so I ended up just not using it. If you go in spring time it will be fine but if its winter you'll have to keep it warmer somehow.
 
When they remain unfrozen they are amazing, when they freeze up they are a nightmare, and caused be big issues before in a ski mountaineering race and one time when I nearly did something very stupid suffering from altitude sickness and dehydration caused by a frozen hydration system.

You can reduce propensity to freeze be rigorously blowing air into the tube, using neoprene insulators, keeping nozzle away from direct contact with the air, adding lots of energy drink powder to lower freezing points etc. But it will still happen. And when it does, you will curse and swear and claim never ever to use one every again, until you find yourself doing a trek in the desert where they are quite useful.



What is better is having a sports bottle that is held in a strap/holder around your chest or easily accessible form your back-pack, same benefits as instant access to drink but none of the draw backs.
 
Well mines great for mountain biking but not sure about skiing Lols. Also avoid cheep imitations as they taste of plastic.
 
I use a snowpulse ras backpack with a camelback unbottle, never bothered with the insulated sleeve and I've been out in circa -30 with no probs
 
Will Gill said:
I use a snowpulse ras backpack with a camelback unbottle, never bothered with the insulated sleeve and I've been out in circa -30 with no probs
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I was looking at getting the cabelbak unbottle. How does it fit in the Snowpulse Ras, i presume its insulated or the tube is in the shoulder?
 
In my experience I'd avoid any pack which has the hydration tubing exposed, because it will freeze during the winter months. You can end up wrecking bite valves as well if you chomp down and its frozen.

Personally I think Dakine make the best Ski/Snowboard packs, I wouldn't bother looking at anything else.

Ultimately it all depends on whether you want to be carrying water or other equipment as to how big a pack you need.

Personally, unless I'm going into the backcountry or doing a photo shoot I don't bother with a pack, I just carry a bottle of water in the side pocket of my snowboard pants.
 
Nexus said:
Personally I think Dakine make the best Ski/Snowboard packs, I wouldn't bother looking at anything else.
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Seconded, I have had my heli-pack for four years now and it gets a fair bit of day to day usage and its still as good as it was when it was new. I've never had the water freeze and I've take a fair few big tumbles and the bladder has stayed intact. Its very low profile but can hold a surprising amount of gear if you need the space. Cant fault it!

http://eu.dakine.com/p/ski/packs/guys/heli-pack
 
I would personally just get an insulated bottle and clip it to the outside of your bag with a carabiner or similar. No frozen water, no having to open the bag to get it and its cheaper and easier to clean.
 
Floyd said:
Seconded, I have had my heli-pack for four years now and it gets a fair bit of day to day usage and its still as good as it was when it was new. I've never had the water freeze and I've take a fair few big tumbles and the bladder has stayed intact. Its very low profile but can hold a surprising amount of gear if you need the space. Cant fault it!

http://eu.dakine.com/p/ski/packs/guys/heli-pack
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Is it this part that makes the tube not freeze - 'Insulated hydro sleeve'

Might have to buy one as 11l it more a sensible size for day skiing and £60 isnt too bad I suppose
 
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