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Not sure if this is a stupid question or not but is there a camelpack-type bag out there that condensate as much as others? I used a camelpack my first year at roo and by the end of the day everything else I put in my backback would be soaked due to the condensation dripping off the water bag. Is there a way around this that I've just been too stupid to not figure out?
I have one that looks like a bookbag and keeps the water part separate from the other 2 storage areas. $30 at Walmart and I've had it for two years now and use it almost every weekend (as a bookbag though, I call it my "partypak")
Post by plasticpepper on Jun 1, 2013 17:00:07 GMT -5
For me, I'd say luxury. I have a Camelbak Charm (which only has a teeny little pocket apart from the compartment for the bladder) but I never really use it, what I usually carry is a Coleman brand one that I got from Target last year for around $30 I think.
Pros: The obvious - not having to deal with the water lines as often. I also end up staying better hydrated because I have more water and the bite valve is always right there so I drink without really thinking about it.
Cons: I am so not a backpack kinda girl at concerts. I am a crossbody bag girl, and I hate having a backpack on in a crowd - it feels so bulky and cumbersome, even though my faux-Camelbak is pretty small and realistically not bulky at all. I also don't like having all my stuff on my back like that - when I used to carry a crossbody bag, I could always just reach in and grab whatever I needed, now I have to take off the faux-Camelbak and hold it in front of me while I try to get my stuff out. Which bothers me enough that I end up going without whatever I wanted from my bag a lot of the time. Also the fact that I drink more is a little bit of a con too - tbh I prefer to keep myself slightly dehydrated at Roo so I don't have to visit the portos TOO often and having water so convenient all the time sort of thwarts that plan because like I said, I drink without thinking about it.
On the whole, the pros obviously won out for me because I did end up making the switch and used my faux-Camelbak all Roo last year (and plan to do the same this year). But really I was fine without it too, so it's definitely not an essential for me.
Post by monkybunney on Jun 1, 2013 17:32:13 GMT -5
I'm gonna agree w/ plasticpepper. I've survived a couple of Roo's without one including Brutalroo 2010. I just jam a few water bottles in the pockets of my cargo shorts. I absolutely hate wearing a backpack at Roo, inevitably my shoulders get sore and setting it on the ground means I have to keep track of it with the crowd jostling around me. But this is just, like, my opinion man. I know others find them invaluable but I certainly wouldn't say it's an essential piece of gear to have at Bonnaroo.
i don't know if i'd ever make it without me camelback! or "hydration pack" i should say. can load it with ice and have super cold water, less filling station mess, can't lose it (nearly as easily anyway), more options for contraband, no plastic bottle wastage, i wouldn't go without it. *in my humble opinion....* i also like having storage capacity, and HATE having stuffed pockets at roo. i'm sure you'd survive without one without too much difficulty, but hydration is paramount. 1st order of business at roo. just don't go without water!
There's another thing...having a CamelBak makes it harder to lose stuff (or easier to lose all of your stuff at once, I guess, if you want to look at it that way.)
Point being, though, that assuming you can keep track of it, you don't have to deal with a lot of loose objects…none of those bewildering, corn-addled scenes where you frantically slap your pockets wondering what became of X, and whether you still have it.
Especially your keys and phone…CamelBaks tend to have phone pockets and key clips.
I love my camelbac/back-pack combo... I have three liters of water and plenty of space for a towel, frisbee, suntan lotion, extra shirt, phone, snacks, first aid items (mostly for other people I see in need) , and a beer or two if I can sneak it in . The big thing is to not take more weight then you can handle.
Also...don't forget your backpack at your feet after a headliner. Chances are you won't find it when you remember later
Post by RxMarky Mark on Jun 2, 2013 7:19:53 GMT -5
Essential for me, for several reasons. 1) Bladder typically holds 3L of water. 2) You don't have to carry a bottle around with you. A bottle that only holds 500ml of water and needs frequent refilling. 3) You can share water with your friends. Its Roo, its all about sharing. 4) Camelbaks also have pockets for bringing add't items into Centeroo like sunscreen, hand wipes, snacks, gum, etc. I have one of the smallest Camelbak's available. It has pockets just big enough for travel sized containers, which is perfect for Roo. 5) You can more easily sneak stuff into Centeroo.
I'm headed to my first 'Roo this year! The only thing I don't have yet is a pack - I like the idea of a Camelbak, especially the size considering I loathe the idea of hulking around a bunch of crap all day, but I'm really not a fan of the rigid back panel. And like plasticpepper, I'm more of a crossbody girl. Any recommendations for a good, close-fitting crossbody, or should I stick with a traditional (very small) backpack?
I had one last year and I was always hydrated and always happy.
One major advantage/good idea with it was to clip my flashlight and mini-purrel bottle to the straps of the camelback so I could have them ready at all times for porta potties and finding shit. Flashlight on the camelback also is great because for some reason people will always move out of your way if you use a flashlight to illuminate where you are going in a crowd.
I'm headed to my first 'Roo this year! The only thing I don't have yet is a pack - I like the idea of a Camelbak, especially the size considering I loathe the idea of hulking around a bunch of crap all day, but I'm really not a fan of the rigid back panel. And like plasticpepper, I'm more of a crossbody girl. Any recommendations for a good, close-fitting crossbody, or should I stick with a traditional (very small) backpack?
I have a Camelbak.. and I never use it at Roo. I'm sort of addicted to the lemon shake-ups the vendors sell. Might try the Camelbak this year though, since I'm planning on making my own lemon shake-ups in camp. I generally prefer not to have anything on me when I go into Centeroo, other than maybe my Crazy Creek chair clipped to my belt.
Essential. Unless you want to constantly be buying water bottles, lemon shake ups, or standing in line at the water station waiting to fill up a small water bottle every hour.
I have one that I use for cycling. It's 100 oz, and has several pockets. OK. I lied. I have two. I am planning to bring them (one for me, one for my son), but I don't know if we will use them all the time.
It is probably too late to get one this year, but I would encourage interested shoppers to consider Nashbar.com. They sell cycling goodies, and will occasionally knock 20% or more off their prices, which are already competitive. Amazon uses them as a vendor.
Post by TheCappCopter on Jun 21, 2013 18:45:47 GMT -5
I've found it essential but I'm someone who tends sweat a lot in the heat. Add in a lot of people along with other factors and without having that reservoir of water I'd be miserable. I have also found the extra room in the Camelbak to store a rain jacket and other things that would usually overfill in your pockets is really a nice thing to have as well. Camelbaks are simply the name brand option you can find less expensive options with excellent quality on outdoor sites.
I've found it essential but I'm someone who tends sweat a lot in the heat. Add in a lot of people along with other factors and without having that reservoir of water I'd be miserable. I have also found the extra room in the Camelbak to store a rain jacket and other things that would usually overfill in your pockets is really a nice thing to have as well. Camelbaks are simply the name brand option you can find less expensive options with excellent quality on outdoor sites.
Agreed with all that. I sweat a lot as well, so hydration is a bigger focus for me. With the Camelbak, I drank easily twice the water I did last year even with me taking steps to keep up with it. Also, like you said, the storage space is great especially for the small snacks that otherwise end up crushed in your pockets by evening time. Lastly, for the record, I had a Bass Pro Shops pack that odysseus recommended. It was $35 plus tax and worth every penny.
I filled up a five gallon water jug once I arrived at roo. I drank a gallon of water in camp before noon each day. I was well hydrated before I even left camp and carried two 24 oz water jugs into centeroo every time I went in. I didn't need a camelbak when I went in but I can see how it would be way more convenient. I was in access though so I was close enough to go back if I really needed too. I guess it just depends on how far you are from centeroo.
My son and I each brought a knockoff version, but they never left the car or got filled. I used a regular backpack with a side-zip laptop (insulated) compartment that we took turns carrying. Filled that with 8 cans of beverage, threw sunscreen and a few PBJs in the main compartment, and brought a few bottles of water each that we refilled at the water stations. Never had to wait more than a minute, just refilled whenever we passed one, and it was nice and cold. If anything I was usually overhydrated, and I sweat a LOT. They are essential for many, but we just managed better without.
Post by geddyrhoads on Jun 21, 2013 20:40:40 GMT -5
This was my first year going to Bonnaroo and decided not to buy a camelback but take a large water bottle instead. From this experience alone next year I will bring a camelback.
Post by crazykittensmile on Jun 21, 2013 20:56:20 GMT -5
The water stations were great this year. Sometimes the water smelled/tasted like eggs, but the pressure was strong enough to keep the lines down to a minimum.
Post by dreamingtree on Jun 21, 2013 20:58:44 GMT -5
I have one and have used at it one Roo (out of 8). I really didn't like carrying it around. It felt heavy and uncomfortable. I guess I am not a backpack person, so I don't think i will ever use one again at Roo....
The water stations were great this year. Sometimes the water smelled/tasted like eggs, but the pressure was strong enough to keep the lines down to a minimum.
Much improved from previous years.
OH GOD I had egg water for all of Macca. It was terrible. Had to chew gum and shoot vodka to get the flavor out of my mouth.
Post by Od Lid Johnny on Jun 22, 2013 1:04:19 GMT -5
Wow, I guess you hate eggs?
I've never used a camelback in my 5 Roos. I just bring a water bottle and refill. I am a minimalist with very little requirements to operate. I tend to have to slow myself down rather than prepare to prolong my energy.
Post by divemistressofdark on Jun 22, 2013 1:32:46 GMT -5
Since I don't camp (long story involving being a local) I have to haul all my crap on my back. In previous years I've rented a locker, but as local shuttles dump you off on the far side of What it's too far to hike just to drop off or get a bottle of water or whatever.
I have a Eureka totally waterproof dry pack, which rocks so hard - people pour beer all over it or whatever and my stuff stays dry. Usually freeze a couple of bottles of water and throw them into a small lunch cooler from REI - they stay mostly frozen for hours. So I'm ahead at least a few clams and can then put whatever cold water I can get later into that same cooler. Works pretty well, have been doing it for years.
THis was my first year taking a camelbak. I had a TETON brand 70 oz. Filled it twice daily and it was Perfect. never had any hydration issues. I was also impressed that it kept my water cool all day. it fit well under my regular back pack. I had 10 gallons of fresh bottled water from home so I had plenty to drink and never tasted roo water.
. The big thing is to not take more weight then you can handle. 
