dekindy
03-12-2011, 11:36 PM
I have a Camelbak Slipstream that has 50 ounces capacity. I purchased it because I needed at least three bottles capacity so that I could skip 1 rest stop on the Ride Across Indiana.
The Slipstream gives me 2 bottles capacity + the 2 bottles on my frame is 4 bottles in total. I need 3 bottles capacity to skip one rest stop and 5 bottles capacity to skip 2 rest stops so the Camelbak does not meet the latter requirement.
I am considering a Hydrapak Avila that gives me 70 ounces capacity and would get me to the necessary 5 bottle capacity. In addition I like the following features that the Hydrapak has and the Camelbak that I already own doesn't:
- Insulation around the reservior to keep the water cooler. I wonder how well it works? The Camelbak has no insulation but does keep water colder than a bottle, especially if I remember to blow the water in the tube back into the bladder after each drink.
- Quick release feature on hose. The Camelbak is virtually impossible to remove and reinstall the hose.
- Top and bottom hose routing option and easier routing of the hose. The Camelbak is very cumbersome to install and remove from the pack and it has to be done everytime you fill the bladder unless you want to take a chance on getting the pack all wet.
- Bladder is easy to disconnect hose and remove from pack and has a folding end tab that makes it easy to fill the bladder. The Bladder also turns inside out for easy cleaning.
- The hose is difficult to place in and remove from it's holder when I get a drink. The Hydrapak has a simple magnet attachment that makes it easy and simple to get a drink.
In short, the Hydrapak design addresses all the shortcomings of my Camelbak. I can get by with the Camelbak and already have an insulated hose and cleaning kit and accessories. I have not looked at the new Camelbaks but it appears they have been redesigned but I have not got the details yet.
Should I switch to the Hydrapak or has the Camelbak been redesigned to address it's shortcomings? My LBS treats me very well and has Camelbak so I would like to do business with them if possible.
The Slipstream gives me 2 bottles capacity + the 2 bottles on my frame is 4 bottles in total. I need 3 bottles capacity to skip one rest stop and 5 bottles capacity to skip 2 rest stops so the Camelbak does not meet the latter requirement.
I am considering a Hydrapak Avila that gives me 70 ounces capacity and would get me to the necessary 5 bottle capacity. In addition I like the following features that the Hydrapak has and the Camelbak that I already own doesn't:
- Insulation around the reservior to keep the water cooler. I wonder how well it works? The Camelbak has no insulation but does keep water colder than a bottle, especially if I remember to blow the water in the tube back into the bladder after each drink.
- Quick release feature on hose. The Camelbak is virtually impossible to remove and reinstall the hose.
- Top and bottom hose routing option and easier routing of the hose. The Camelbak is very cumbersome to install and remove from the pack and it has to be done everytime you fill the bladder unless you want to take a chance on getting the pack all wet.
- Bladder is easy to disconnect hose and remove from pack and has a folding end tab that makes it easy to fill the bladder. The Bladder also turns inside out for easy cleaning.
- The hose is difficult to place in and remove from it's holder when I get a drink. The Hydrapak has a simple magnet attachment that makes it easy and simple to get a drink.
In short, the Hydrapak design addresses all the shortcomings of my Camelbak. I can get by with the Camelbak and already have an insulated hose and cleaning kit and accessories. I have not looked at the new Camelbaks but it appears they have been redesigned but I have not got the details yet.
Should I switch to the Hydrapak or has the Camelbak been redesigned to address it's shortcomings? My LBS treats me very well and has Camelbak so I would like to do business with them if possible.