The issue I always had with my Camelback style bladder systems was keeping that feed tube clean. If you aren't careful about cleaning from time-to-time you can get mold inside the tube. But, I do love the convenience of not having to stop and get a bottle out of the backpack sleeve.

Camelbak tubes are made of polypropylene, so for a budget option, you can buy regular polypropylene or vinyl tubing for cheaper. The inside diameter of a standard Camelbak tube is ¼" or ~6.35mm. You can usually find vinyl tubing for sale by the foot at most hardware and aquarium stores.

This is something I struggle with because I can’t reach the bottle and I hate having it on my shoulder strap. Thanks for the tip

@HikingADifferentPath

3 жыл бұрын

No joke, the struggle is real. So glad it was something that can help you out.

Great idea. I have always used a platypus bladder with tube and bite valve. I loved being able to drink water without digging out a bottle. Problem with that system is you need t put the bladder in your pack and a way to exit the tube. Your system is a lot better. Love it.

@HikingADifferentPath

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it helpful. Anything to get you further up the trail.

I don’t have the problem of not being able to reach my bottle. I have a Gregory pack that has horizontal pockets for water bottles. If i had an upright pocket I would definitely do this. Looking forward to watching your hike. Blessings Chopper

@HikingADifferentPath

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

I love this setup!!! Also love how you explained your reasoning for carrying the larger size bottles. It’s your decision and not the “herds mentality”. Yes...from Georgia through the first 100-150 miles of VA, water is very plentiful, keep the larger bottles, maybe just not completely fill the second one. Now...after the Triple Crown...water sources starts to spread out a bit, so you will be happy with your decision. Great job as always!

@HikingADifferentPath

3 жыл бұрын

Too kind Kamper. I still get amused by the reactions of others when I pull my pack out or on. They see the big bottle, then the hose and bite valve and they are instantly intrigued and want to know more. It ain't new but it ain't common either.

I like to move water bottles to shoulder straps/chest to get weight off my back, just put a piece of 3/16 bungee cord around 12 inches long and make a loop & knot on shoulder strap daisy chain, then slip in Bicycle water bottles into loop, those bicycle water bottles have an narrower width somewhere near the top and your loop should fit in that section snug then bungee stretches over the bottle when putting it on.

This is a pretty "Smart" hack! 😂 Thanks for sharing!

@HikingADifferentPath

3 жыл бұрын

Haha! Worthy pun, sir. Shocked I didn't think of it.

Love it!!!!!!

@HikingADifferentPath

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, again, nothing original but I love it too.

Neat idea. Thanks for sharing! Stay on the path! Monk

@HikingADifferentPath

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Will do!

THIS is a good hack . the only problem is as you draw water it creates a vacuum in the bottle making it difficult to drink through the tube.. you need to make a tiny hole in the cap to relieve the vacuum and some sort of a one way valve so the water doesn't leak out when you put the pack down . this is from experience with this system before i ever saw this video and did this on my own

@HikingADifferentPath

3 жыл бұрын

Good tip. I've just been hitting the bite valve and letting air go back into the bottle. Works fine but the drilled hole would be a better way. The seal on the tube in the tip has thus far been so tight I don't get any leaks. Something to watch for. My pack is Dyneema so I don't have to worry about the water leaking being a concern.

@thawk5987

Жыл бұрын

Not sure if you'll see this but do you have a video/picture of the one way valve you used? This is the one weakness of this system that I've wondered about.

I like😊👍🏼

A bag works great at the end of the day, but myself being a gram winnie as well, I opt for one large and one small Smart Water bottle, no bag. Quick fill during the day while hiking and plenty of water at the end of the day for cooking etc.

@HikingADifferentPath

3 жыл бұрын

Gram weenies unite! Great tip Chuck. Thanks.

Would be nice to see how the tube went into the cap...

@HikingADifferentPath

3 жыл бұрын

It ain't a task for Hercules but it will take a tiny bit of doing. Again using a little liquid soap will make that process infinitely smoother.

My level of excitement for your trip is increasing as I'm sure yours is too. What are you doing to prep in the last month and a half you have before heading out? Any unexpected surprises along the way? Keep us updated and I'm looking forward to following the trip (and living vicariously through you).

Aren't you creating a vacuum in the water bottle as you drink?

@HikingADifferentPath

Жыл бұрын

Yes and no, The drinking action does create a vacuum but biting on the bite valve allows that to release so it's all good.

Your "hack" is very similar to another guy who posted a video of this 3yrs ago. ^^