Camelbak Hydration Systems

[Bringer]

Stupid question maybe, but is a camelbak or other bladder style hydration system issued by the Forces?

I‘m just trying to decide if I want to sell my 2L pack to a buddy before I leave for Basic, or if it would be better to hang on to it.

Thanks.

 

[Doug VT]

Not issue yet but maybe in the near future!

 

[Gryphon]

best hang on to it, but be sure to ask if you can use it on ruck marches,or in the feild. I know when i did my basic one of the instructors worked for a camelbak type company, and we got a discount, but not all instructors might allow it..


And TMK, you get Camelbaks if you go on tour

 

[The_Falcon]

They plan on issuing a ton of new items in cadpat including camelbaks heres the article in the maple leaf http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Community/MapleLeaf/vol_6/vol6_14/vol6-14army.pdf , you can see a pic of one (plus the new cadpat boots) they plan issuing them within the next year or so, so that means it will be about 2-6 before combat troops ever see them. As for wear one now with your unit, it depends on the individual unit. Those of us that have in my unit wear them, it should not be a problem at your home unit as long as you don‘t have an orange one.

 

[Korus]

Anybody have any comments or suggestions regarding camelbacks in the wintertime? I‘ve heard that if you keep it under your jacket, and route the hose close to your body/under your armpit that it won‘t freeze up...

 

[Paras]

Hey Korus I went to the Arctic last year and the best fuking piece of kit i had was my camelbak,no joke bud.Thermal canteens will keep the liquid in it warm BUT the lid will freeze and you have to warm it up to get it off.About where to wear it ,wear it over your first layer (like over your t-shirt or polypro).Itll never frezze.

 

[chrisp1j]

You may also want to get a thermal hose cover so that the water does not freeze in the line enroute to your mouth(it will always be exposed at some spot). I‘d also reccommend picking up a ‘flow valve‘? (not sure what its called), which will prevent any dripping from the bite valve (since its winter, you will want it close to your body when you sleep, and there‘s nothing worse than waking up with 2 litres of water in your bag).

 

[Armymedic]

I tried it under my parka but over my IECS fleece for a winter ex. I was successful in a nav march and x-country skiing on the boards with it. I don‘t have the flow shut off valve and my fleece got damp where the nozzle was, but not much more then the accumilation of my sweat either, so... Hydrated I was. In the tent at night I hung it up and it didn‘t freeze, thanks to those good ptes on stove watch.

 

[elscotto937]

I picked up a similar kit from MEC last year and it has been the greatest piece of kit I owned. I wore it under my parka and there was no leakage, even when I carried my radio on my back. I think I was very lucky. Another option is to have the bladder attached to a sling of sorts and carry it under your parka, roughly about rib cage level, that way there is no interference between kit you may have to carry on your back. Like I said I think I was very lucky not to have it leak when I wore a radio / rucksack over top.

 

[luck881]

On a related note;
My camelback flow-valve snapped off right where it fits into the rubber tube, rendering the whole thing useless. Does anyone know of any chain stores (or kit-shops)in Canada that might carry replacement parts for camelbacks? Ft. Drum is a long drive for a $10.00 piece of kit...

 

[leopard11]

the camelback website sells all the parts for its systems (cant rememeber the url rite now) and drop zone tactical sells camelback stuff also.

 

[leopard11]

http://www.camelback.com/mil/military.cfm
http://www.army-surplus.co.uk/Merchant2/4.13/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=1&Category_Code=C1

if above website does not work try this one and link ureself to the hydration point:
http://www.army-surplus.co.uk/government.htm

 

[luck881]

much appreciated leopard11, I saw their website but I was hoping for a fast-fix(walk to the store, no e-commerce) Looks like I‘m going to ‘Drum... Oh well, I‘ll get some gloves while I‘m there. Thanks,
Ian.

 

[Paras]

Hey theres a store that sells Camelbak‘s and all their repair crap in Ottawa if it helps.Its called R.Nichols

 

[slans]

If you are interested in purchasing a nice CamelBack I got mine at Wheelers.

http://www.wheelersonline.com/1-CP-Header.asp

Thx For the Trick In going to try this for my Ex‘s this winter.

 

[luck881]

Excellent Paras, I‘m in Ottawa this weekend. Can you give me a hint on where to find R.Nichols? Thanks.

 

[Paras]

K Luck881 its off St-Laurent,on Industrial Rd.Almost directly in front of Capones restaurant.Hmm its quite close to the Science and Technology museum.It sells some pretty neat stuff like rucks,assault vests and such.If you need more precise directions just tell me.

 

[csura2]

I‘m looking to buy a camelbak to use in the field. I know which one I think would be best suited for the field (Uplands Camelback).

This is the link for it : http://www.camelbak.com/rec/cb_prod.cfm?catid=6&product_id=165

It‘s designed for hunters, meant to be worn underneath of their clothes. Ideally it would fit under my shirt and under my webbing. Does anyone have any suggestions or experience regarding specific camelbak‘s that are compatible with the webbing system?
Thanks.

 

[meni0n]

I got the one from peacekeeper with 3L. You can also check out seals action gear for camelbaks.

 

[chipdudeman]

Forget the overpriced camelback name brand. Try looking on the Mountain Equipment Co-op site for similar products but alot cheaper