Carrying Water.

[Longstrider]

I've been wondering about how best to carry my water requirements whilst on longer trips out.

As I see it the options basically boil down to to either rigid (or semi-rigid I suppose) containers such as plastic cans, empty pop bottles, or ex-army type canteens or soft bladder type water carriers.
I have always previously shied away from the bladder types, fearing punctures and splits (I'm a clumsy so-and-so at times) and relied on things like empty pop bottles for smaller trips or small-ish purpose made plastic containers similar to mini jerry cans.

If only ours was a cleaner world I'd look at gathering and purifying most of the water we needed as we went along, but other than carrying both filters and purifiers, then boiling the water I can see little option other than to take with us all we'll need. I have used filters and the like in the past, but quite frankly the water always tastes pretty foul to me afterwards anyway.

As I'll be getting to do a few overnighters/weekenders out in the woods with my girlfriend this year I'll be needing to carry a little more of the wet stuff than I have before. I'll most likely be carrying the majority of the water for both of us in order to keep her pack weight down to what she can cope with more easily.
The rigid containers are good, but they do take up useful pack space even when empty, but having no experience of the bladder type containers I'm wondering if they might be the way to go...

What do you folks use, and why ?

[Phil562]

I have used Camelbacks in the past but just for drinking on the move but I have recently been given, xmas pressie, an MSR Dromadery (sp) which is a bladder type carrier, which you can also buy further accessories.

Before this I carried various types of water bottles, but I have been converted to the bladder system.

It can sit in my bergan and will mold to space available, the only real way to puncture it, I reckon, would be to stab it with a sharp :rolleyes:

Then when you set up you can hang from a suitable point and use the tap accessory.

Top kit :D

[soa_uk]

I'm thinking about beginning to start playing with the concept of actually doing stuff :D

As part of a kit trial I took out a CamelBack UnBottle (bladder that fits in a pack) Often used it, but this time forgot to lock off the mouthpiece and it leaked :(

To fill my various stoves/boilers I'm trying some rigids - I've a Nalgene flask which is a *very* fast pourer, and will also be trying a 58 waterbottle.

I'm wondering about a couple of the Platypus 1l folding bottles - take little space when empty and would help carry quite a bit after you've Millbanked and Boiled and cooled if you're collecting on the way.

[bloodline]

I use a roll up water container for long stays you can hang it up and it has a tap when its empty it rolls up ive not tried to puncture it so i dont know how strong they are it was quite cheap and ive seen them in a lot of camping kit shops. for day trips or short trips I use the black army ones as I have a highlander rucksack and the side pockets are designed to take them. Im gonna get a couple of black plastic army ones about the size of a jerry can in case I go somwhere and resupply is a prob but with our rainfall I think thats wishful thinking.

[Graham_S]

i use an msr dromedary bladder. they're very tough

[Shewie]

I use a roll-up ortleib water carrier around camp - very tough I`ve had it about 8 years now and it`s holding up well.
If I`m planning to cover large distances on the trail then I`ll use a camelbak.

[steven andrews]

I use wide-mouthed 1 Litre Nalgene bottles.
They are very robust, don't leak and are very easy to clean.

[addyb]

I agree with Steven. I've used platypus-dromedary-water bag systems before, and I don't like them for a couple reasons.

1) Most of them are narrow mouth, which is a real b*tch to add snow to in the winter.

2) They like to freeze in the winter, including the hoses. Oh sure, you can buy an insulator for the tubes, but hey, when it's -25 in a Canadian winter, even that insulator won't stop the freezing. And then you can't drink from it.

3) Okay, I'm just adding this here for effect. I really don't have a third fact. :27:

Cheers,

Adam

[Phil562]

I agree with Steven. I've used platypus-dromedary-water bag .

1) Most of them are narrow mouth, which is a real b*tch to add snow to in the winter.

2) They like to freeze in the winter, including the hoses. Oh sure, you can buy an insulator for the tubes, but hey, when it's -25 in a Canadian winter, even that insulator won't stop the freezing. And then you can't drink from it.


Adam

The MSR has a wide mouth, same size as a Nalgene bottle, and if kept in your bergan should not freeze ;)

[Lone-Bushcrfter]

Well when i'm bushcrfting i use a plastic water bottle, dont think twice about it,

[zambezi]

The bladder solution is useful because it occupies negligable space when not in use and, as noted earlier in this thread, conforms to whatever space is left in your Bergan when full. I have never perforated a bladder from Camelbak, although if you think there is a risk of this happening, then opt for a bladder that comes with a cordura sheath. These can be strapped anywhere on the outside of your bag. A large mouth bladder is handier for filling and cleaning. See below.

Beyond that, I would suggest that you carry two bladders. Partly so that you don't have "all your eggs in one basket" but also so that if you have just refilled a bladder and are waiting the appropriate contact time for the iodine to do its good work, then you still have a second bladder available to drink from in the interim.

http://www.fieldandtrek.com/showimage.asp?image=images/products/images/products/22706_l.jpg&title=Unbottle

[jdlenton]

I've been through quite a number of water carrying systems trying to find the one that works for me I’ve used pop bottles, sigg bottles, platipus bladders an old 3ltr !!!!!! Plastic wine barrel to carry enough water for some time.

The system I use at the moment is two platypus bladders one that holds 2 litters and the other holds 1.8 this way i can carry enough water so i only have to fill up once a day, these bladders fit in my bag (as has been said )in any space left over or in the pocket designed to carry then they even fit in the pocket on my baby carrying back pack so they function well with all I do.

I have never punctured a bladder but i carry a small repair kit it consists of a small tube of super glue and some high tack clear sail repair tape this can be used on lots of other things too and will make a bladder useable again in a very short time. One of the added advantages I have found with a bladder and drinking tube is when you leave them in the sunshine up a tree in summer you can get back to camp and have a nice warm shower before you have your dinner:)



Been a long day hope you can make some sense of this rambling I’ll shut up now.:tapedshut

James

[mark a.]

I use Platypus - I preferred it over the Camelback as I didn't need the sleeve/bag. However, it has a small mouth, so it's hard to clean properly and not as easy to fill in the field. Still, I find adding some boiling water (at the house before setting out) cleans it well enough before filling with cold water.

I've never had a puncture, and they do seem fairly tough (hence the fact that they can take the boiling water). My wife has one too, so when we're walking we have more than enough for both of us, and it provides a backup too.

I've also go a platypus water butt when camping, but haven't used it yet. It should be miles better than the cheapo hard plastic water butt we had before, which refused to pour properly.

[Lost_Patrol]

I find bladders are fine in use, but a real pain to maintain. Unless you're using it very regularly they need to be thoughly cleaned and dryed before storage. The tubes are almost impossible to dry and attract mould.

For most trips, bottles are an easier, if heavier, opion. They can be left with the tops off to dry themselves.

Just my opinion :)

[tomtom]

i use a 2 and .5 ltr Platapus, both have taken a battering.. and even when/if they do ever brake.. they come with a life time garentee so with care they will last you for ever.. they are very very tough and a plus is that they dont take up any room when empty unlike a solid bottle.. they get a thumbs up from tomtom and i would advice them!

[redflex]

The platypus etc was designed to be used on the move not for water storage.
I use Platypus for my drinking water as often walking some distance and like being able to drink with out removing pack etc
2 Nalgene bottles for cooking water etc found this works for me , mostly this has been in hotter parts of the world.

[monkey_pork]

Platypus all the way for me too.
I have killed one, but only in cruel and unusual circumstances. :rolleyes:

I might be naive here, (or scummy I guess), but I tend no to worry too much about the state of the insides of mine, but then, they are used pretty frequently, so even from wet, a quick rinse through (out onto the house plants) and a refil is about the only maintenance mine ever get.

They seem to cope being dragged in and out of bags ok, and my 2ltr bag survived being landed on, during a recent and according to eyewitnesses, spectacular off-road bicycle crash.

[Nemisis]

I found these bladder type bottles a while ago on the net but so far no luck finding a uk supplier http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/category.asp?category=Bags/Flexible+Containers a bladder with the nalgene wide mouth bottle cap best of both worlds
Dave.

[Graham_S]

i give my bottles/bladders a rinse through with milton fluid to kill off any nasties.

[Cairodel]

As well as other things, I use the bladder from empty wine boxes (5ltrs). Take up even less space than a platy when empty.
Quote from SWMBO inside the tent early one morning on a recent trip ; "What are you doing - what's that noise??" "It's OK, I'm just emptying my bladder into the drinks dispenser..!?! :eek: :eek:
Edit: forgot to add - when I get back, I rinse them with fresh (tap) water, then fill again either with a salt or bleach solution and empty. They're absolutely fine next time we go out after another fresh water rinse.

[soa_uk]

I found these bladder type bottles a while ago on the net but so far no luck finding a uk supplier http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/category.asp?category=Bags/Flexible+Containers a bladder with the nalgene wide mouth bottle cap best of both worlds
Dave.

I've spoken to the manufacturer; who referred me to their UK distributor...
First Ascent (http://www.firstascent.co.uk/nalgene.asp).

Try via there (usual suspects listed)

Price List (PDF) (http://www.firstascent.co.uk/pricelists/nalgene.pdf)

[Nemisis]

Sadly the price list has everything exept the cantenes listed
Dave.

[soa_uk]

Sadly the price list has everything exept the cantenes listed


Diffidently... might I suggest a direct approach to the distributor then?
Or, ask outdoorcode to approach them... he's not doing much :D

[philm4]

I try to take as much water as I can reasonably carry and IMHO water bladers are easiest from a packing perspective, but also take a very small light filter about the size of 4 pens with me, I dont know where it was from and is only good for 60 litres and takes ages to pump and cost about £15. I have been out on a long hot day without it miles from a fresh water source burning up and out of water and both my wife and I were quite ill afterwards and we were carrying 3 litres each at the start. Any safe water would have been very welcome at that point, I think this is essential kit for any long hike.

[warthog1981]

I use a green 5 litre petrol can bougth just for my water with freash water written all over it

[Brixton]

I use a green 5 litre petrol can bougth just for my water with freash water written all over it

You must be reeeeeeelly strong!
and what a size backpack!

Sorry

Anyway to address a couple of previous issues
and I am not a platypus sales man
If Its a cold day I fill my 2 platypuses with hot water. I keep my platypusses /Platypussi? at the rear of my backpack I then find that the heat warms me up first thing on a cold day and later on the heat from me keeps the water liquid (I know the UK is warmer than Canada)
Re. drying so they don't go manky
I store mine in the house opening down on a wall mounted CD holder and as for the tube I take the mouthpiece off and spin it round a few times and the centrafugal force chucks the water out.
I've had mine for a couple of years with no probs apart from I used to use it for orange squash when taking scouts out. It's now dyed permanently a sort of green-yellow. If observed I have to answer lots of questions about why I am drinking urine

[Longstrider]

Blimey! 3 pages of answers! :)

I think that I'll be trawling round the shops to look at wide mouth bladders before long, but I will probably have to either buy them in bulk or stick to a rigid container for the bulk of the water as I'm looking at carrying at the very least 5 litres. I do, after all need enough for 2 people for a weekender, (and we like our tea!) :rolleyes:

I like Warthogs thinking. As long as I can find something similar that I'm convinced won't leak (I've had more than one petrol can that piddled if you tipped it up) I think thats what I'll end up carrying most of our wet in.

Thanks for all the input guys. :You_Rock_

[pierre girard]

I've been wondering about how best to carry my water requirements whilst on longer trips out.
What do you folks use, and why ?

I used to just carry a cup - but with the advent of giardia (transported to our area from europe in 1973) I started to carry a water filter and canteen. For many years I carried a WW II Brit army canteen, These work fairly well and are easier to carry than the US ones, but cannot be heated due to the enamel (well, they can be heated once).

I now use an experimental US army extreme cold weather canteen. Got ten of them for $50 and have been reselling them for $15 apiece. It is fairly small in size for carrying a quart - and having double walls with an inert gas inbetween. Acts something like a thermos and keeps water from freezing far longer than a regular canteen. Keeps coffee hot for a long time too.

For mealtimes while canoeing I just bring a canvas bucket and use the filter to fill it.

PG

[warthog1981]

try axminster tools thats where i got mine from no leaks


Blimey! 3 pages of answers! :)

I think that I'll be trawling round the shops to look at wide mouth bladders before long, but I will probably have to either buy them in bulk or stick to a rigid container for the bulk of the water as I'm looking at carrying at the very least 5 litres. I do, after all need enough for 2 people for a weekender, (and we like our tea!) :rolleyes:

I like Warthogs thinking. As long as I can find something similar that I'm convinced won't leak (I've had more than one petrol can that piddled if you tipped it up) I think thats what I'll end up carrying most of our wet in.

Thanks for all the input guys. :You_Rock_

[Kirruth]

Personally, I use a couple of 1 litre military style canteens (one for drinking from, one for collecting water with), a filtering water bottle (filters out iodine as well as nasties), and a camelback, mixing and matching as needed.

That said, for all that, I had a 2 litre pop bottle which served very well for about a year, so there we are.

[Mat]

I use a Platypus type bladder called a Flexi Flask http://www.thegorgeoutdoors.co.uk/acatalog/The_Gorge_Outdoors_TFO_Flexi_f lask_hydration_systems_91.html . I like these because the bladder stands upright inside your pack using an internal tube to get to the bottom of the bladder, meaning the water is drawn form the bottom (see a piccie on the link if my description doesn't make sense). I've always thought that as the drinking tubes on the Platypus and Camelbak join at the bottom and outside of the bladder there was a bigger chance of a leak.

A small disadvantage I find with bladders is that if you are not careful where you site the mouthpiece it can sometimes come into contact with the ground when you take your pack off. Not a major issue but something to be aware of.

Mat

[Lithril]

I've tried the flexiflask, had one for a few years but last year decided I needed something a bit bigger so bought a 3L Unbottle (http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/Cat/109885?Ref=). Fantastic, the wide mouth makes a massive difference to cleaning although the bite valve is still a hassle. Don't think I'd go back to a solid bottle again due to the space they take up. I still find 3L is no where near enough so it depends on what I'm doing, if I've got the car then its a 20 gallon container in the boot.

[leon-1]

I have a number of carriers for water, rigid walled are British Army water bottle, Nalgene 0.5L and Nalgene 1L. Flexi Walled are, Liquipak 7L (it is old but still going), Camelbak 3L, Platypus 2L, Platypus 1.5L and 2X Platypus 1L bottles.

One of the Platypus 1L sits in a bag with my millbank bag and a purification kit and is only there for emergencies, but I will also be carrying a Katadyn Mini or PUR Explorer (no longer available) for purification.

Hard bottles are good on a belt, but drinking straws are very handy to have and more accessible when you are walking in some ways. Flexi walled stuff has the great factor that they pack flat when empty which means that you can carry empty packs to a site and fill them when you get there and they take up virtually no space.

The flexible bottles are also quite robust.

[soup_monger]

I use a 3 litre Karrimor "Source" bladder style carrier and I have found it to be far better than rigid carriers as I can squish it into a side pocket on my rucksack. With my Wetterling axe on the other side (inside the pack) and my tarp and hammock in the other side pocket it's perfectly blanced without being top heavy. I know that Karrimor have a free repair service for rucksacks so I would expect it to be the same for their other gear.
As for punctures, I'd have to deliberately stab through my rucksack and the tough cordura outer cover and the internal bag.
I'm not going to try but I reckon it would be difficult to do by accident. Also, having the drink tube over my shoulder and the hands free mouthpiece is perfect.
I've never considered going back to rigid carriers since I got the Karrimor, 6 years ago.
Hope that hepls
Cheers

[tagnut69]

The best tip I can give for storing your bladder, when it is empty, put it in a carrier bag and keep it in the freezer. No more mouldy pipes and does a prety good job of killing bugs too. And too clean milton fluid is good and denture cleaning tabletts.

[bowman]

Is it just me, then? I have been using Sigg aluminium bottles for over 10 years and have to say I love them to bits. My regular 1 litre bottle has suffered many heavy blows (including rolling a good way back down Striding Edge on Helvellyn) and is still watertight. I have tried bladder-type containers but just prefer the Siggs. I also like the character that a beaten-up old Sigg bottle develops through use and wouldn't be without one of my old ones.

Note: I have just read through this and apologise for getting sentimental about a water container - good grief.

Bowman

[soup_monger]

:D Nice one Bowman!

[Hawthorn]

I use an Ortlieb 4L (with shower attachment and soon to get a drinking tube) which is kept in my pack, and I also have a 1L British Army canteen which is close to hand for drinking on the move and also security against any punctures (however unlikely as the material is seriously tough) on the Ortlieb. I refill the canteen from the Ortlieb once I've drank it.

I used to use a Camelbak but found it to be slightly impractical as it isn't as easy to use around camp and when rolled down is bigger than the Ortleib which carries twice as much water. When I was trekking through the Sinai desert I had a platypus as a reserve to my Camelbak. Most the people I went with had a Platypus as a main bottle but 90% of them ended up being punctured or simply started leaking.

This experience taught me to look carefully at what I carried what is essentially our most important resource in.

Big thumbs up for 4L Ortlieb and 1L canteen