Anyone bring a Camelbak into the park?

[mysparky]

We're going in August and from everything I've read, water will be our very best friend. So that DH and I don't get stuck carrying the water bottles, we're thinking about purchasing Camelbaks for everyone. There is a decent model for kids that, when filled, is still only about 3 lbs (kids will be 9 & 12 when we go).

I'm seriously not into carrying a backpack with us this time because I think it just encourages us to carry too much.

Anyone bring this type, or any type, of water hydration pack into the park with them?

[1Prince2Princesses]

Every time I go to the parks, I swear I'm going to buy these, then I forget before I go next time. I see people with them in the parks often, and I've talked to several people about them. They are a fantastic idea. Water is a MUST at any time of year in Florida, but in August... you'll wish you were a camel.

[BamaGirl]

We used a 3L camelback during our trip the end on July '06. We loved it!!! :love: It was great not having to carry around a water bottle. The night before we would fill it up with ice. Before we left we would add more ice and some water. Then everytime we got food I got some ice too so that we could fill the camelback up. The pack that we use also has 2 small storage compartments which was great for sunscreen and small items. The pack also felt cool on our backs since we tried to keep ice in it all the time.

I would get one since you are going in August. We will never go without one. I love having both of my hands free and still having my water with me. I used ours again the other day for a trip to the zoo with my 2 DS. It is great not having to pay the outrageous amounts for drinks in the parks.

[snugglepeas]

Last feb. I was in line for the Pooh ride and the man in front of me had one on and it was very easy to tell that it was beer in it not water, he must have started drinking it after he entered the park because he stunk of beer.

[mysparky]

LOL

Beer out of the camelbak? That is so gross!! I like my beer cold, fresh, non-flat and not feeling like it's been tossed around on my back. To each their own!

[ang]

OK, stump...

Where do you get this camelbacks...

How much do the hold...

Sounds great. We are going in August...I don't like carry water bottles...

Any info would be great.

ang

[mysparky]

I ended up ordering the camelbaks and I got them from ebags. I've ordered other bags from there and always been pleased w/ their prices, service, and delivery. They have a few of them on sale right now and they are also offering shipping for orders over $35.

I ordered 3 different types. One of them (called "Skeeter") is for my kids (9,10, 11). It holds 1 liter of water and, when full, weighs 2.8 lbs. There are no extra pockets to carry anything.

I ordered "Pixie" for myself. It also holds 1 liter and when full, weighs 3.2 lbs. It has 2 small compartments as well. Looks like it will fit the room keys, a few disposable wipes, park passes, 1 pair of sunglasses, and maybe 2 ponchos (if they're put back into the flat packaging).

I ordered the "Siren" model (currently on close out) for my 2 nephews. It holds 1.5 liters, and when full, weighs just over 4 lbs. It has 2 small pockets that should hold their poncho (if put into the flat packaging) as well as their room key and maybe something else small/flat like a washcloth (for those hot summer days!)

Purchasing all of the bags wasn't cheap, but I believe it will be a worthwhile investment. I want to make sure that we don't carry more than is absolutely necessary, I don't want to be the individual lugging around the water, and I want to make sure that everyone stay hydrated. I think this is these bags are the solution!

[perdidochas]

OK, stump...

Where do you get this camelbacks...

How much do the hold...

Sounds great. We are going in August...I don't like carry water bottles...

Any info would be great.

ang

Camelbacks (or their imitations) are available at Wal-Mart or at Sports Authority, and various places on the internet. They are sometimes called hydration backpacks.

[ang]

Thanks,
I am going to check these out...I looked at amazon....thanks so much for the info..

[Cmdbuddy]

If you're going to buy a hydration pack, go ahead and buy the Camelbak name brand. We've tried the cheaper versions, and wound up buying the Camelbak in the end. You won't be disappointed and it will last forever.

I personally own 4 camelbaks all for different things. I use one to hold my Search and Rescue gear too.

The great thing about Camelbaks is that it keeps you water cold for so much longer than a water bottle.

I haven't brought one to the park, but it's a great idea!

[2angelsinheaven]

We had considered these awhile back, now I'm thinking I'll go ahead and pick two up since we are in the parks so often and I know my one problem is I'm always running out of water or having to find some. Great idea!

[jaymie_g]

My son, age 11 years, got a one of these as a gift from my husband/his father who works in Iraq full-time for KBR on our trip last September. My husband bought it in Iraq at the PX (a military "Wal-Mart"). We were constantly stopped by other parents who asked where we got it. Almost 100 percent of those we stopped said, "I wish I had one of those for my kids!".

I would highly recommend them. As a matter of fact, I will be having DH pick up 3 more before his next trip home for the three girls! It was so fun and easy....and they drank water without me prodding them!!!!!

Jaymie

[Luv0Lea4]

We always carry a camel-bak, but instead of each of us carring one, we have oe person carry one, and then just refill it throughout the day, that is if you don't mind drinking after each other.

[babymay]

I am glad to hear we can bring ours. How bad does the water in the parks taste?

[OKW Lover]

Umm, you're going to Disney World, not some desert. There is plenty of water available at WDW. Drinking fountains everywhere you look. And lots of spots where you can buy a bottle of water if you want.

You won't have a problem finding something to drink.

[kmccain]

If you are interested, all Camelbak's $30 or more are in sale $10 off at Dicks Sporting Goods. I tried to get the link from couponcabin to work also but it didn't. :confused3

I did get one for DH to take on our trip in August. He will probably need it but might not take it. He thinks it will be cumbersome and hot. I was thinking about putting ice in it to keep him cool.:scared:


Thanks for all the suggestions!

Hope this helps! :goodvibes

Good Luck! :thumbsup2

[perdidochas]

Umm, you're going to Disney World, not some desert. There is plenty of water available at WDW. Drinking fountains everywhere you look. And lots of spots where you can buy a bottle of water if you want.

You won't have a problem finding something to drink.

Bottled water at the parks isn't cheap, and it takes away from enjoyment time to wait in line to buy water. Orlando water is horrible tasting. Carrying your own water is a good alternative for some of us.

[babymay]

Orlando water is horrible tasting. Carrying your own water is a good alternative for some of us.

That is what I thought. Looks like I will be buying jugs of water to fill the Camelbak.

[GraysMom]

We first took a Camelbak about 6 years ago and it really works out well. We use one that has a fairly large storage compartment (for wipes, jacket, ponchos, snacks, park maps, etc) and one small outside pocket. It also has a nylon stetch cord on the outside which works well for drying out wet ponchos after those afternoon rain showers. I am very picky about my water since it's mainly what I drink all day, so we stop and buy gallons of spring water at the grocery store and keep them cool to start with. At night we fill the water bladder about halfway with fresh water and prop it up in the freezer so we have a nice chunk of ice to keep the water cool (just make sure you pull the straw and cap off when freezing so the straw part doesn't get frozen in the ice block). In the morning we just fill the bladder the rest of the way with cold water and we're ready to go. It's really handy in lines when you're getting close to boarding since you don't have to fumble with bottles and caps. Like a PP said, it also keeps your back considerable cooler as well. We usually buy our Camelbaks at bike shops since DH uses them alot while biking.

[Joy]

Excuse me for popping in here... Do you have to take the camelback off when you get on a ride?

[2angelsinheaven]

Here is a question... I would think wearing this would cause one to be warmer because I know when I carry a backpack my back can get pretty warm. So does this bag "sweat" I would hate to have a wet shirt because of the temp difference between my body and the cold water causing it to sweat condensation.

[BillyRayJimBob]

I bought the MULE off of an ebay vendor for $56 new. It has a raised area where it contacts with your back and a mesh over it to supposedly keep you from sweating. Its called "air flow" or something like that. I haven't used mine in the heat yet, so I don't know how well it will work. You can check out their website (camelbak.com) for the promotional spiel. Or you can check out eopinions.com to see what people have to say. Generally, reviews are very favorable. I don't think the "airflow" feature comes with every model. Best to do the reasearch on the one you want.

[donac]

We have done this several times. LAst time we all had one. We would fill it with ice in the morning. Add a bottle of water at the park and had cold water all morning long. At lunch we would add water and ice from a restaurant or from the hotle if we went back for a swim.

Many of the newer ones are very insulated and your back doesn't get too wet. It does cool you off. You treat them as any backpack on a ride. Sometimes you have to take it off and sometimes you don't.

It is great to have water whereever and whenever you want. We love them and we all have them. Mine holds 3 liters but with the great insulation I only have to put ice into it once a day.

[mysparky]

I purchased the camelbaks a while ago, but there's one thing that I don't know how to deal with. There's no cover for the mouth pieces so when you take the pack off and throw it down by your feet, isn't the mouth piece on the ground as well? I've been looking for some type of cap to fit over it (like a plastic cap from a Poland Springs bottle), but haven't had any luck.

Any suggestions on the best way to handle this?

[trustknoone]

To answer the question about the exposed mouthpiece. Camelback makes a cover for these. It looks like this

http://www.rei.com/product/709998?vcat=REI_SEARCH

We all have them, DH has the mule DD8 has the minimule its a little long but she's diabetic and carries her own snacks and supplies and she says it feels great its the only bag awe have ever gotten her to willingly carry. She also carries her raincoat and autograph book. It weighs about 7lbs fully loaded.
I have the Camelback reservoir in a Mountainsmith lumbar pack which I adore. I don't like backpacks. If you want to see what the Mountainsmith looks like click here.

http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/packdetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__ProductID=MS5014


Hope this helps someone.

Oh yea the Mountainsmith has its own cute little flip out raincover.

Angela