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Thread: Any old school guys here who prefer a canteen to a Camlebak?

  1. #1
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    Any old school guys here who prefer a canteen to a Camlebak?

    At a very basic level, I agree with having some way to carry water. Hydration was always preached in the Army and you never know how long a mission will take. Now that I'm retired, I see it a bit different as a civilian. I still train when I can. I still try to stay hydrated to the point that it has become a firmly ingrained habit that I walk around with a water bottle of some kind. (or Gatorade as it is right this moment) I have water in the garage. I have water in each vehicle... bla, bla.

    However, I do not keep my Camelbak on my vest. I have it still, and can sling it on my back if needed, but as a civilian, my priority is the safety of my family. I don't look upon my vest now as a I did "full battle rattle" back then. I can see me having to respond to an active shooter, or maybe even a coordinated terrorist attack, but any firefight I get into will most likely be just that, a firefight. Bad guys shoot at me, I shoot back. It may last 30 seconds, 20 minutes, or 3 hrs, but unless the country descends into a full on civil war, or we suffer an invasion, I will most likely never again get into a battle where I must stand my ground, (unless I'm home) or I must take an objective.

    I have my Camelbak ready and waiting, but I keep it separate from the vest itself. I have water all around me at most times, and this way I can use the Camelbak even when there is no violent threat... without looking like I'm ready for war. I have several canteens, but only the one Camlebak. I also sometimes use the Camelbak when I'm away from a water supply like off roading in the Jeep just because it's easy, but it's not the same.. (even though the Jeep carries water)

    I will eventually either get a second bladder for the vest, or more canteens so I can dedicate the Camelbak to the vest, but I actually prefer canteens much more. Grabbing the bladder hose is easier, (while moving or under fire) but it just never feels the same as taking a break for a moment and unscrewing a canteen lid...

    Anybody with me here?
    You know what I like best about most people?

    Their dogs.

  2. #2
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    I keep two of the nalgene 1 qt canteens on the waistpad of my hiking rig, still rock the 2-qt with the strap if its just a day hike.

  3. #3
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    Got tired of carrying water bottles on the sides of my pack. Plus I don't have full motion in my left arm and can't get the left side bottle out with my left arm, which leaves me with only 1 liter unless I stop.

    Went to an integrated hydration pack and love it. And I can keep the mouthpiece in my mouth if both hands are full.

    Love it and would never go back; although, if I need to pack more the 3 liters I will also carry bottles to refill the bladder with.
    Last edited by austinN4; 02-27-17 at 11:57.

  4. #4
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    Water bottles and lifestraw for most hikes.

  5. #5
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    I pretty much use both to compliment each other. On day hikes I use the older Camelbak Mule, but I've switched over to using Source bladders. No more funky plastic taste! I keep a Nalgene Oasis Canteen as a backup and as part of a compact cook kit with USGI canteen cup and canteen stove. My EDC pack also sports a Source bladder and an Oasis or two.

    http://www.nalgene.com/bottles/oasis/

    They even come in Foliage and Coyote Brown for those of us that have to color coordinate!

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...oop_bw_c_x_1_w

  6. #6
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    I also use Nalgene bottles, but may try a Camelback soon.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by 3 AE View Post
    .........., but I've switched over to using Source bladders. No more funky plastic taste!
    Had not heard of those. Thanks! Gonna give one a try to replace one of my Osprey Hydraulics bladders.

  8. #8
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    Great question and something that I've thought about recently. Some people prefer canteens because they just work, don't have to worry about leaks like you would with bladders. I like the weight distribution of the bladder

    Some backpackers prefer water bottles on long through hikes, they can't afford a leak

  9. #9
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    I like bladders for their convenience but I still bring two 32oz Nalgene bottles on hikes in case the bladder breaks and for cooking. Bottles/Canteens just work better for some thing. I like the Nalgene bottles because they're graduated, this good for cooking with.


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  10. #10
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    GUILTY! I have used Camelbaks and will continue to do so, but the good ol' handheld canteen can't be beat.

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