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[at-l] my hydration system



Dan answers Coosa's question about why I chose Camelbak for Gutsy:  

Initially I wanted to use Platypus because we have several of their bottles 
which could be used with their retro-fit tube/mouthpiece, but I looked 
through the comments expressed on AT-L, and found several complaints about 
Platypus leakage problems, both in the bottle and the mouthpiece.  At the 
outfitter's store where we shop the only brands I saw were Platypus and 
Camelbak.  I liked this barebones model with just a 2-liter 
bladder/hose/mouthpiece.  It's designed to fit inside or attach to the 
outside of another pack, so it has no carrying system.  It can be carried in 
a fanny pack, top part or main part of a backpack, and it has 2 grommets at 
the top corners to fasten it to the pack if desired.  The bag is a strong 
rubberized fabric.  She loves it and that makes us both happy!  :)

We had already tried using Nalgene's sip straw for the wide mouth bottle, but 
there are a couple of problems with that.  First, because the straw extends 
only about 6" above the lid, the bottle must be removed from the carrying 
holster before use, a major drawback for some people.  A long tube (at least 
24") on the Camelbak solves that problem.  Secondly, the rigid Nalgene bottle 
requires a vent valve so air can replace the water drawn out.  Nalgene's 
lid/sip straw does have a valve but it doesn't allow enough air flow, and 
makes it difficult to use without unscrewing the lid a couple of turns.  The 
collapsible bag of the Camelback eliminates that problem.  It doesn't roll up 
when empty, but is perfectly flat.

Thank you to those who contributed information.

Firestarter

>>Okay, so tell us WHY you chose the Camelbak over the other brands, Coosa
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