Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting How do you carry water?

I am looking for something other than a camelback when hunting to carry only for a day's worth.

Ideas?

thanks

Platypus 2 litter bags work fantastic.

Platypus 2 liter bags for light duty, MSR Dromedary 6L for heavy work.

Exactly what I use. Those Dromedaries get chunked around in the truck and the canoe. The platys go in my pack. They sell a patch kit for the platys but I haven't needed it yet, but they won't last forever. They are so light you can carry an empty spare in the bottom of your pack. I carry at least one, sometimes two qt gatorade bottles, they weigh less than half what a Nalgene does. A Nalgene (maybe the steel version) is worth carrying in the winter so you can have a hot water bottle in a sock to sleep with.

I carry a plastic 16 ounce water bottle that my Coke came in, works great. I've never had a problem with finding good water to drink in Alaska.

I have numerous bladders and size them to the available free water in the area. I also carry aqua mira drops (haven't converted to tablets - yet). I carry bladders from 45-105 oz.

As an aside, I use the 1/2 gallon juice bottles for water in my 4 wheeler supported base camp. Again, treating with aqua mira drops as necessary.

Platypus bags last forever. I have two 2L bags (my standard load) that are going on 11 years.

I use Camelbaks. I use the military line as they seem to be built tougher and they come with the tube covers, bite valve covers, and hydrlock valve. (a valve to keep it from leaking from the bite valve and lets you put an adaptor in so you can backfill it with a water filter) I'm using the Ambush with the 100 ounce water beast reservoir) I've had mine for about 5 plus years with no problems and 2.5 years of that I was using it every day for surveying.
I don't know how hot it is or where you hunt but for me 100 ounces goes from a half a day to a day for me. They make different sized bladders for your needs.
I'll also use 1 quart Nalgenes to carry Gatorade in. I get sick of just drinking water out there.

2 Nalgenes, 3 if really hot, or limited water. This works well for me - I fill in the next stream I come across and drop in a water treatment tab. By the time I'm through the next bottle, the treatments done, and I start the process over again with the new empty.

Gatorade bottles will save you near a half pound

True, but I like the flexibilty and durablity of the Nalgenes, and I don't worry about the extra weight.

Platypus 2-3L bags do everything I need,even for a warm day in the deserts of Death Valley. Haven't busted one yet. E

You must not be old yet! The 32oz Gatorade bottles are pretty darn tough. I have one going on it's 3rd year. It's one of the cheapest ways to lose 5-7 ounces, more if you carry two bottles, from your pack.

Where would the Platypus 2-3L bags be availible?

thanks

Any of the better equipped back packing stores. I get mine from REI. The larger online store should have them. E

All my Nalgenes are sitting in the "gear not used" box.
32oz gatorade bottles are the way to go!

got mine at backcountryedge

http://www.backcountryedge.com/platypus-tank-08.aspx

I like the soft plastic nalgene bags, same size mouth/lid as the 1L bottles. Lately the tall 1.5L water bottle from the grocery store is getting refilled and tossed in the pack, they fit very well.

I carry water couple of ways. I like the one liter Platypus flexi bottles. I carry one in each cargo pocket of my hiking pants.
Another way is to carry a two liter recycled coke bottle. I made a over the shoulder carry strap out of para cord and nylon strapping. Cheap, comfortable, works great.

Nalgenes, at least the older style, are made with water tight lids. Not all other bottles are. So, if you're winter camping the added weight comes with the knowledge that you can fill the Nalgene with hot water and throw it in your sleeping bag without worry of waking up with a wet bag. I carry a Nalgene or two, mostly because I know it'll serve double duty, worry free.