Camelback recomendation

[NHdisneylover]

I have been looking around online and am overwhelmed with options

My DS12 would like a camelback for Christmas or his birthday. He wants it for bike riding, which he is doing more and more of. It needs to have enough storage for his cell phone, keys, and a small snack (granola bar, etc). He is growing quickly so he does not need a child;s size, but I don't want anything really big either (he is very thin). So, those of you who use these, can someone PLEASE recommend one? And also is there a better place to buy it (online if possible)? Finally, what things would it makes sense to buy to go with it?

Thanks for the advice

 

[bigbabyblues]

My DH has two, he uses the 70 oz. the most. We've taken them hiking and to WDW. Both packs (the other one is not much bigger than 70 oz) have a couple of pockets big enough for the things you mentioned. We got them from REI.

This is similar to what we have:
http://www.rei.com/product/811615/camelbak-magic-hydration-pack-70-fl-oz-womens

ETA: I've carried the one this size hiking with no problems. I'm not sure how big your DS is, but I'm 5'2, weigh about 95 lbs.

HTH!!

 

[NHdisneylover]

My DH has two, he uses the 70 oz. the most. We've taken them hiking and to WDW. Both packs (the other one is not much bigger than 70 oz) have a couple of pockets big enough for the things you mentioned. We got them from REI.

This is similar to what we have:
http://www.rei.com/product/811615/camelbak-magic-hydration-pack-70-fl-oz-womens

ETA: I've carried the one this size hiking with no problems. I'm not sure how big your DS is, but I'm 5'2, weigh about 95 lbs.

HTH!!

Thanks My son is about your size so it is great to know it would fit okay too

 

[MistressMerryweather]

You should go onto zulily right away. It is a deal a day(rather 72 hours) site. Camelbak came on today and will be on Sat and Sun as well. Stuff sells out fast, but I believe most is 50% off. Some of them say, "womens", but I can't imagine a difference(shape-wise), especially for a boy.

They also have water bottles, stainless, kids and stainless insulated.

 

[NHdisneylover]

You should go onto zulily right away. It is a deal a day(rather 72 hours) site. Camelbak came on today and will be on Sat and Sun as well. Stuff sells out fast, but I believe most is 50% off. Some of them say, "womens", but I can't imagine a difference(shape-wise), especially for a boy.

They also have water bottles, stainless, kids and stainless insulated.

Awesome. Thanks for the tip

 

[3boymthr]

One recommendation - there are a lot of different brands out there besides the original Camelbak. My kids are Boy Scouts so they have them for outings. One has a knock off and the other an original. Stick with the original just because it's much easier to get replacement parts - the bite can get stretched out and pieces can get moldy if not dried properly . Another reason to stick with the original is the bladder parts come apart more easily for cleaning and filling and also don't leak as easily (again )

My kids also have the 70 oz reservoirs. I'm surprised at the amount of stuff they can stick in the packs even though they aren't very big. For comparison; generally lunch, compass, small first aid kit, map, poncho.

ETA - aside from Zulily other great places to shop for them are Sierra Trading Post, Bass Pro Shops (they have all the replacement parts), Campmor, LL Bean, Dick's and as previously recommended REI.

 

[NHdisneylover]

One recommendation - there are a lot of different brands out there besides the original Camelbak. My kids are Boy Scouts so they have them for outings. One has a knock off and the other an original. Stick with the original just because it's much easier to get replacement parts - the bite can get stretched out and pieces can get moldy if not dried properly . Another reason to stick with the original is the bladder parts come apart more easily for cleaning and filling and also don't leak as easily (again )

My kids also have the 70 oz reservoirs. I'm surprised at the amount of stuff they can stick in the packs even though they aren't very big. For comparison; generally lunch, compass, small first aid kit, map, poncho.

ETA - aside from Zulily other great places to shop for them are Sierra Trading Post, Bass Pro Shops (they have all the replacement parts), Campmor, LL Bean, Dick's and as previously recommended REI.

Thanks I HAD been told by a few people to stay away from knock offs; I guess this is one time when the name really does matter It's nice to know you can fit so much stuff in the 70 ounce ones as well.