Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
I am looking at buying a hydration pack for roo. My thinking is actually filling it with water to sip on during all the partying at the shows. I would like one with some storage space to carry other things like a camera, snacks, etc.
Any recommended packs? List your good/bad experiences.
Are they even a good idea or a waste of time/money?
Post by Lucid Interval on Mar 16, 2006 11:54:29 GMT -5
They are definately a GREAT idea. I have a really basic Camelbak and it has more than paid for itself. I'd get one around 2 liters, not too big or small, and they make alot of different models everything from really small lightweight ones to fullsize backpacks. If you keep it clean and dry when its not in use you wont have any bad experiences at all. Keep the pouch open and hung up somewhere so it stays dry when its not in use. Dont put anything in it other than water (im sure you could rinse it out and be fine but theres always a chance it could get sticky and moldy) They actually keep the water cool in the pack too, the first few sips will be warm from the hose outside the pack but i was suprised that the water stayed a pretty cool (not cold) temp without any ice.
Post by melikecheese on Mar 16, 2006 17:11:46 GMT -5
Yeah I have used a camelpak for years, I love it. It is SOOOOOOOOO much easier to have the water on your back and you can sip on it real easy. I recommend a small on with not much pack space so your really only carrying the water a few other goodies with you. You will be very very very happy if you get a hydration pack.
I've owned camelbaks and they're OK, but I've had problems with leaks. For a long time Camelbak had the hydration market cornered, but now there are many worthy competitors... I think the best hydration packs are ones with NALGENE brand bladders. The nalgenes have hoses that are detachable via a swivel clip where it connects to the bag, making it much easier to remove and clean. It looks like the clip could easily break or leak, but I've been abusing mine over 2 years and it still works great with no leaks... and the fill cap is way easier to screw on and off. the bite valve is better too! so I like it a LOT more than my camelbaks. And I've heard the same from friends who have ditched their camelbaks for nalgenes.
Nalgene does make some hydration packs under their own name, but they also supply bladders to other brands like REI and North Face for their hydration packs
If you already have a backpack you like, or even a camelbak that you want to upgrade with a better bladder, I suggest buying a Nalgene bladder by itself and just slipping it into your existing pack... this is their biggest and best one, and it's only $25: www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/subcategory.asp?categorysubcategorycode=65
For bonnaroo last year I got a knock-off camelbak; its made by a company called "High Sierra". I've had it nearly a year now it it has served me very well. It holds two liters of water and has room for extra stuff. It will carry a camera and snacks without problem, for the most part the only thing i used it for besides water was to carry around my schedule and a watch (i hate wearing them on my wrist). It has yet to leak or cause a problem. My friend and I were waiting for Herbie to come on last year and he leaned over to me and said, "these things are the greatest investment I ever made." The only problem I found is that i tend to drink the water a lot faster, due to the convience of it and the fact that it is basically coming in through a straw. Nonetheless, buy one and it will be your best friend.
Last Edit: Mar 22, 2006 17:40:54 GMT -5 by clutch - Back to Top
I got my camelback from ebags.com last year before the festival and it was the best purchase I made for the trip... they had one on sale at the time that was discontinued so it was pretty cheap. I tried to tell my friends before hand but they wouldn't listen so they ended up lugging around warm water bottles or buying ones in centeroo while I was all set, the water really stays cool in there. It was really light and small but had enough room for my cash, car keys, poncho, a couple baby wipes, and I strapped my disposable camera on the back with the bungee cord (easy access).
Another plus - one night I filled it up with margaritas (I buy the cuervo mix with the tequila already in it) and never once during the day or night did they sniff it or say anything about bringing in a already full camel back at the gate. So if you want to bring your own alcohol in it would work.
Last Edit: Mar 22, 2006 17:52:37 GMT -5 by Tara - Back to Top
"I can resist everything but temptation." - Oscar Wilde
Another recommendation: bring powdered Gatorade. Throw that in the bladder at your campsite, then mix with the water once you get inside Centeroo.
A Camelbak (or whatever brand) is not just recommended, it's required gear. Go big with the bladder, and all the ones I've seen have pockets and places for storing sunblock, a snack, camera...