We all need to drink, but how to make it maximally effective, especially on our adventure trips ? Constant removing of the pack from our backs is not really comfortable. Luckily there is solution which is called - hydration packs. These allow us to drink without need to constant and annoying removing of our pack from our backs. What does it actually allow ? These hydration packs would not work without compatible hydration bag aka CamelBag, which is practically bag for liquids (water resorvoir) that allow us to drink while we are walking/running. How does it work ?
With innovations to the future
It all started in 1988 with Michael Eidson from Texas during a bicycle race. The prototype consisted of medical tubing and a plastic intravenous drip bag stuffed into a sock and attached to the back of a shirt. Michael then founded CamelBak, company that specializes in production of hydration packs. It was his mind, his passion and especially skillful hands that constructed a tool, without which many people can not imagine their functioning. In theory, we know how it works, but how does nowadays construction differs from the original one ?
Water reservoir and tubing
Theoretically no, but practically yes. There is still water reservoir (bladder) and a tube, everything is just bit more neat. Nowadays camelbags are made from rubber or other flexible plastic. These materials are the best choice thanks to their durability and functionality. At the bottom of the water reservoir is plastic part for tubing connection. Tubing goes throught the opening in the pack up to the shoulder strap where is attached. The end of tubing features valve, which is practically shut-off switch. How do we pour liquids inside ? The top of the bladder features wide-mouth opening large enough for pouring of liquids as well as for its cleaning. The last important features are clips that stabilize the water reservoir in required position. The question is - can we place such reservoir in any pack ?
Be careful !
Before you choose water reservoir, make sure your pack is actually compatible with such bladders. It should be stated there and if not, you should be able to find out easily. Now when we are sure we have compatible pack, we can start selecting. CamelBags differ mainly in sizes. We can get 1L size as well as 3 liters reservoirs, which provides enough of liquids for the entire day. Of course, the larger size, the heavier the bag will be. We must not forget cleaning. Otherwise we would encounter an unpleasant odor or intestinal problems. Wide-mouth opening allows easy cleaning so do not forget about it.