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!!
Post by questionablesanity on Mar 13, 2009 15:34:06 GMT -5
I plan on buying some form of a hydration pak for the roo. I've found several camelbaks on sale on amazon. Does anyone have any opinions of any other brands?
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
JHOinTN
Bleary-Eyed Bonnawook Resident Prince Licker
Dearly Beloved, We are Gathered Here Today to Get Through This Thing Called Life
Post by candyflippedaround on Mar 13, 2009 16:44:40 GMT -5
i bought a camelbak because ive wanted that brand forever and finally had a real reason to buy one. I would say if you arent obsessed with name brands and want to save money there are other options that work just as well.
I bought a $30 knock-off from Wal-Mart, and it survived two Bonnaroos. This will be its third.
My best friend actually bought a Camelbak, and she regretted it because it was so much smaller, much more expensive, and didn't have enough room to hold extra stuff.
I started using hydration systems from various companies in 1998, while in the military, and still use them regularly for hiking and motorcycle riding as well as auto races and music festivals.
From my experiences I would say that Camelbak vs. other brands depends on how much use you expect to get out of it. If you are not going to use it very often I would say save the money and buy whatever you can find at a reasonable price. If you are going to use it a lot watch for specials and invest in a quality Camelbak that fits your needs as they come in a variety of sizes and configurations.
My Camelbak holds enough water and everything I need for a whole day at Bonnaroo, a day hike, or a day out on my motorcycle. I purchased it on Amazon for $75, have used it over 100x, and with proper care it still looks and functions like new. From my experience the other brands generally do not hold up to this kind of repeated use.
I prefer the camelbak brand bite-valve over the off brand's. Camelbak has a simple design, no springs or hard plastic. Plus they have a shut off so when you set the pack on the ground (and on the valve) water doesn't leak out all over the ground and your pack.
Oh, and they have like, 100 different pack designs. Small, medium, large, no pockets, 10 pockets, too many pockets.....
Last Edit: Mar 16, 2009 6:54:29 GMT -5 by pisgah - Back to Top
I got a Camelbak HAWG for 59.99 (no tax/free ups shipping) from www.sunnysports.com They have a huge selection and seem to be cheaper than Amazon. (Although free shipping is only at $50+.)
Post by superfluous on Mar 16, 2009 10:28:01 GMT -5
I have Camelbaks and purchased them on ebay, they are really very reasonable on there. Even if you settle for a used one, the sell sanitation packages and new mouth pieces/new bladders.
Post by shagadellic on Mar 17, 2009 8:59:21 GMT -5
I've found that Magellan outdoors camelbacks have worked wonders for me. I'm on my second pack, the first one(bought in 2006)was great for festival days, it's been through a Wakarusa and an ACL, as well as various activities around austin. The only issue is the mouthpiece which does leak a little, but the new one has a new style of mouthpiece. The old one is still in use by the wife. The first one was 25 bones the new one was 40 but much bigger and more pockets....picked them up at target
I bought an off-brand hydration pack from Target last year and it worked great! Has lots of pockets which was super nice. I would highly recommend it!
It's really similar to this one, it's the same brand: tinyurl.com/cw6v8p
that's the one I have! And I'm the reviewer on there.
My mouthpiece broke the first day and that was a bummer. However, I was a little unsure if I'd like it anyway so had brought my big Nalgene. There's a mesh-ish pocket in the front that was perfect for my water bottle - I could put it in and take it out even while the pack was still on my back. So all's well that ends well, right?
But yeah - the size and number of pockets was perfect.
I happened to get a nice Jansport for school this year with scholarship money and it has a bladder pouch and tube holder-thingies. I usually carry a blanket, food, jacket for night, etc with me, so having a fullsize backpack with a hydration bladder is great. It didn't come with the bladder, so Ijust picked up a 3L Camelback bladder for $30, and I'm set. I may get another cheaper bladder for beer from Walmart or something.
Hang around Steep and Cheap. They've had some kickass Camelbaks on there for insanely low prices. I have the add on that shows me the new deal on the bottom bar of my web browser at all times, so as long as I'm browsing the internet I won't miss anything. That site has changed my life.
Post by krunchykat on Mar 19, 2009 20:25:27 GMT -5
I bought a smaller day pack and a hydration bladder at walmart last year. I think I spent about $23 on the combination. The day pack is great because it is smaller than a full size backpack but larger than most camelbacks. It held everything I needed for a full day in centeroo. The mouthpiece on the bladder was a little stiff but not bothersome. If you plan on using the pack/bladder a lot you want to go with better quality, but for Roo and a couple of other outings a year something cheaper would work just fine.
What makes the difference as far I am concern is the quality of the bladders. I have had two knock-offs and my current Camebak and I can safely say I would never go back to the knock-offs. Granted you still need to make sure to keep the bladder and tubes clean, but the knock-offs are more high maintenance from my experience.
Post by questionablesanity on Mar 21, 2009 19:15:19 GMT -5
Thanks for all the info. I just bought a camelbak mule and luxe for myself and girlfriend. I bought them both on sunnysports.com. I only paid $100 for both of them and cleaning kits. I really checked out all of the off brands at target and walmart and there is no comparison.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
Post by OneCoolHippie on Mar 26, 2009 15:47:51 GMT -5
Are there any benefits outside of the obvious? I know you have to empty them when entering Centeroo, is the case the same from when you want to leave? I for one get kidney stones so I need at least three liters of water per day. The only reason I think one would be cool is because you don't have to refill it as often as a thermos and because it doubles as a small bag. What if I already have a small bag and a thermos though? I have a pink thermos with a gel that keeps drinks cold, but I was also thinking of investing in a more masculine/cool one from either bonnaroo, whole foods or nalgene. Anyway if anyone can please let me know if you think they or knockoff brands really would be useful for someone in my situation, or if you think I should be fine sticking with what I already have. I have no idea... I guess it is all a matter of personal opinion, but since I was only diagnosed with kidney stones this year I am curious as to how I should prepare my drinking habits for Bonnaroo.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
Post by OneCoolHippie on Mar 27, 2009 4:47:20 GMT -5
Well gee, thanks guys. I had always heard about that with dromedary backs and thought that it would indeed somewhat defeat the purpose.
I need to be getting a new Urologist though. My old one seemed to either retire or move away unfortunately. Nice guy too. I am sure you are right about the vessel, I just need to figure out what works for me. Thanks again! Especially considering that come to think of it, I should be having another scan soon to check on whether or not everything is staying clear.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
Post by sthomas1312 on May 4, 2009 17:14:53 GMT -5
I heard leading up to last year's Roo (my first) that a Camelbak was a necessity etc. I never even filled it up one time at Roo. I took a few frozen/cold bottled water in my backpack into Centeroo everyday, and it was plenty.
I bought the cheap one at Walmart 3 years ago (middle sized) and I've used it like crazy at lots of festivals... just wash it out right when u get home.
Works perfectly.. and is slim enough but i can still clamp in a rolled beach towel and carry by camera, money, etc in the pockets.
Glad I didn't waste money on a brand name.. i noticed the new ones Walmart has this season are even sportier.
I snagged this bag for last year's 'roo and it worked perfectly, I carry this thing with me just about any time I go do anything outdoors now.
It is a High Sierra Soaker 70. It's 3L and only has one pocket, but there was enough space in there for food and other necessities to get me through a whole day in Centeroo.
