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Last year I carried a good sized backpack with my water and other essentials. I found it to be hot and too big to carry the whole day which kind of bothered me. At night I didn't bring it along because I didn't feel it was necessary.
This year I'm debating on whether to buy a smaller Camelbak or not using one at all. Thoughts?
Post by Vw'ndeadchick on Feb 27, 2011 14:47:56 GMT -5
i think a backpack in general is too much for the heat... i have a nalgene equivalent of a camelback, its lighter and smaller than a camelback and the water pouch is insulated to keep it cold. i alternate between that and a smaller yet hemp bag...
try a track/running back, a few of my guy friends carry something like that it seems to work well for them
Post by plasticpepper on Feb 27, 2011 14:49:56 GMT -5
I can't imagine not carrying a bag at Roo, but then I'm a girl and we carry bags everywhere so it stands to reason it would be more necessary for me at Roo too.
But really, I think carrying a bag of some sort is fairly crucial for everyone - no matter who you are you need water and sunscreen plus phone/camera/wallet/guide/whatever. And chances are there are a few extra things that you could really use. I feel like anyone who doesn't bring any sort of bag is going to end up depending on their friends (or...the kindness of strangers) - constantly borrowing your friend's sunscreen or asking them to carry something for you in their bag or whatever. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing if your friends are cool with it - I have no problems carrying things for people or sharing my sunscreen or whatever (although I do also tend to mooch off of other people's sunscreen if someone's got it out already or whatever...).
BUT I would think it's easier if you have a bag with you, especially if you're going alone or planning to spend a lot of time by yourself. I say get a small Camelbak - solves the water issue and the bag issue at the same time, plus having a backpack keeps your hands free and Camelbaks (especially the smaller styles) tend to be very streamlined and sit close to your body, so it's not some big bulky heavy thing that's going to be annoying to carry or get in the way when you're packed in at the front of some show.
Post by arlenefavreau1 on Feb 27, 2011 14:54:23 GMT -5
I carry the big camel back Arlene carries the smaller one and all I can say is I'm glad I do cuz Arlene has run out of water a couple of times and I've had to give her the use of mine while we watched the rest of the set.
This will be my first Bonnaroo but for any other festival I always carry one of the smaller camel-bak packs. Basically holds water and some essentials and isn't bulky.
Thanks for the input. I've been looking at the MULE model trying to determine if it would be too bulky. It does have a good amount of storage space and a big bladder. Is there one that is slightly smaller or would you say the MULE is a good option? Thanks!
Post by Vw'ndeadchick on Feb 27, 2011 15:20:01 GMT -5
that looks like its slightly bigger than mine. its got a storage pocket on the front where mine has a bungy strap. mine holds easy 3 liters of water, you should good with that
I use this for biking during extremely hot iowa julys during ragbrai, it doesnt bother me so it should be perfect for roo.. its a bigger style than most of you seem to suggest but i think its a decent buy..
Post by yfoogsittam on Feb 28, 2011 9:30:57 GMT -5
To reiterate what everyone else is saying, yes. get a camelbak with pockets. That is the best thing you can carry. mine is shown below. I never felt like it was a bother at all, except maybe late night for dancing and partying, but thats when i probably needed it most. I could imagine a compact camelbak would still be pretty easy to walk around with all day. it was well worth it imo.
Not too off topic hopefully, but this is the pack i got last year (free, via bonnaroo kindness!). It was the most awesome thing ever, and i still use it on day hikes, etc. What im curious, is: are there any good ways you can think of to add pockets/storage for just a camera/map or something?
-should i just put it in another bag? -wear two packs, basically? -is there a cool attachment that could clip on to somewhere?
Last year, i stuffed everything i needed into cargo pants, but the camera kind of banged around m leg too much for my liking and weighed my shorts down so i had to keep pulling them up.
^^ it took me a minute to figure out what you meant...lol. Guess I need more coffee. I have an off-brand camelbak that I use for hiking, probably will use it this year, as it has storage for the essentials and a strap...but I do find that it leaks a bit - usually after I take a drink. Does anyone else have this problem and what do you do about it? It's not enough to make me not want to use it, and water dripping on me would feel good on a hot june day, but it can be annoying.
I can't imagine not carrying a bag at Roo, but then I'm a girl and we carry bags everywhere so it stands to reason it would be more necessary for me at Roo too.
THIS. I'm going with three other girls so even if we have one bigger bag to tote around, we could all take turns and what not. But I, myself, NEED something. I hate just wandering around with my camera on my wrist or money stuffed in my pocket. I'm an obsessive chap stick and Aveeno lotion user (hate when my hands get super dry).
I speak up for the guys that use a daypack. I always bring mine during the day, as it has a couple spots for water/spritz bottles, an area for a camelbak bladder, and room for anything I want to bring (toilet paper, camera/phone, blanket, alite chair, etc).
I've never felt like it was too hot, and the straps are padded so it's comfy all day. I manage weight, and it's never felt too heavy unless I'm refilling used up plastic water bottles to bring back to camp.
My friends do same, though they'll switch up to camelbaks for night time. Walking into centeroo without a piece of gear you want/need really sucks, especially if you're in BFE GA...
I can't imagine not carrying a bag at Roo, but then I'm a girl and we carry bags everywhere so it stands to reason it would be more necessary for me at Roo too.
THIS. I'm going with three other girls so even if we have one bigger bag to tote around, we could all take turns and what not. But I, myself, NEED something. I hate just wandering around with my camera on my wrist or money stuffed in my pocket. I'm an obsessive chap stick and Aveeno lotion user (hate when my hands get super dry).
Soft hands. A girl with rough man hands = yuck
Hmm not sure on the camel pack vs soccer bag vs backpack just yet someone sway my in a direction
I could never do a camelback. Those goofy looking tubes are just to much.
I'm fine with my purple metal water bottle. I also have a messenger bag that I have been carrying with me since 98. I don't know what I'm going to do when the day comes to get rid of it.
Post by guitardevil on Feb 28, 2011 12:15:02 GMT -5
I am always going into centeroo with my girlfriend, and I am always the one carrying the bag. A medium camel-bak style by High Sierra with large storage pocket and small storage pocket and net works perfectly.
this
got my water, snacks, flashlight, toilet paper and all other necessities all in there.
THIS. I'm going with three other girls so even if we have one bigger bag to tote around, we could all take turns and what not. But I, myself, NEED something. I hate just wandering around with my camera on my wrist or money stuffed in my pocket. I'm an obsessive chap stick and Aveeno lotion user (hate when my hands get super dry).
Soft hands. A girl with rough man hands = yuck
Hmm not sure on the camel pack vs soccer bag vs backpack just yet someone sway my in a direction
It's also super uncomfortable when your hands start to crack because they're dry. The amount of travel lotion in my purse right now is ridiculous. I think it's about FOUR tubes.
Hmm not sure on the camel pack vs soccer bag vs backpack just yet someone sway my in a direction
Why do you want someone to sway you? So you have someone else to blame if the choice doesn't work for you?
Just take a couple of minutes to think of the benefits of each and then try it out. The real test comes when you're at Roo and how well you thought that out.
Otherwise suck it up and think for yourself; there's plenty of pros/cons listed right here. It's a personal choice...
The main suggestion is whatever bag you bring, make sure you can put some extra water in it. And if you don't bring a bag of any kind, bring water. See the common idea here? As long as you have water you'll survive all other "woulda/coulda/shoulda's" aside....
Hmm not sure on the camel pack vs soccer bag vs backpack just yet someone sway my in a direction
It's also super uncomfortable when your hands start to crack because they're dry. The amount of travel lotion in my purse right now is ridiculous. I think it's about FOUR tubes.
True. Mine only seem to do that in the winter and started a year or two ago. I fear I might be getting old. Old at 27 yikes what am I in store for!?!?!
Hmm not sure on the camel pack vs soccer bag vs backpack just yet someone sway my in a direction
Why do you want someone to sway you? So you have someone else to blame if the choice doesn't work for you?
Just take a couple of minutes to think of the benefits of each and then try it out. The real test comes when you're at Roo and how well you thought that out.
Otherwise suck it up and think for yourself; there's plenty of pros/cons listed right here. It's a personal choice...
The main suggestion is whatever bag you bring, make sure you can put some extra water in it. And if you don't bring a bag of any kind, bring water. See the common idea here? As long as you have water you'll survive all other "woulda/coulda/shoulda's" aside....
Well its not that I cant think for myself, I am just capable of that, it is just actual experience is always a good gauge to use
Post by Mista Don't Play on Feb 28, 2011 15:06:08 GMT -5
If you decide to use a camelbak then I'd go for a smaller one, you want to avoid anything big and bulky. But if you would rather just use water bottles you can save a little cash and have something smaller by going with the soccer bag.
I have a Camelbak Cloud Walker that I've used for the past few years - multiple fests, both big and small, it's also my go-to carry-on when checking baggage, and plenty of other random uses. Mine's a little older, and from what I can see in pictures, seems to be smaller than the newer models, but it sort of rides the line between the bulkier models and the more minimalist ones!
I've brought my camelback to roo the last couple of years and I find I just don't use it. It is very hot to wear during the day and I just bump into people with it dancing in crowded tents. I wear cargo shorts and stuff everything I need in my pockets and go. I never really used most of the junk in my pack anyway. However I did camp in tent only so it was easy to go back to camp if necessary. Plus if you don't wear a pack, security basically just waves you through.
I am always going into centeroo with my girlfriend, and I am always the one carrying the bag. A medium camel-bak style by High Sierra with large storage pocket and small storage pocket and net works perfectly.
this
got my water, snacks, flashlight, toilet paper and all other necessities all in there.
I have the exact same bag. Works perfectly. Not too bulky, but enough room to fit the essentials. If you don't want to pay full price on a Camelbak, I'll vouch for the High Sierra knock-off.
Post by Laggy.RETURNS on Mar 2, 2011 21:55:26 GMT -5
I usually carry a bag. It's kind of a pain, but I like to have a blanket to sit on. Also need it to carry my water bottles, sanitizer, TP, and any swag I pick up in centeroo
