I'm going to Cameroon in January. Lots of walking. Any recommendations of a hydration pack?

quote:

Originally posted by RAC:
I'm going to Cameroon in January. Lots of walking. Any recommendations of a hydration pack?

I suggest you do some research on what is available, and take whatever meats your requirements in quality, content and size.

A lot of options - I have used platypus for maybe 15-20 years or so? As a matter of fact I still use the original one I bought - I have never had a leak (knocks on head). I do not use a single, large reservoir with a tube. I used to, but found I drank the water too fast. I typically carry two .5 L bottles in a fanny pack and another 1 L in the lid of my backpack.

I have no idea how you will plan to carry, etc, but my vote is for platypus. They are also quiet since they compress as you drink them.

Mine has always been one of the trackers carrying a pack with a whole lot of bottled water, but I'm kind of old fashioned.

For that kind of heat consider one of the minimalist style bladders that runners are wearing for ultras, etc. Several companies make them, definitely not hunter specific. Or the small Camelback might be another option.

I've used two on four trips there.

KUIU 3L hydration and bino harness combo works great.

Also, the Camelbak "Sabre" (i think) which is a minimalist hydration rig. Not a backpack at all, just 2L of liquid and a pouch to hold it.

Kuiu

https://www.kuiu.com/search?q=hydration

That KUIU bino/hydration rig looks great.

But I'm not sure I'd want all of that gear strapped to me while marching around in 100F degree heat.

I'm susceptible to "surprise" dehydration. It sneaks up on me. I don't feel thirsty, so don't stop the march and get water from the trackers.

But it turns out that I do need more water than I'm drinking, so I often end up feeling dizzy and chugging a couple of liters when we stop, which is not the best way to manage it.

I have never used a camelback-type system, but it looks very convenient, and I think I'll have to give one a try on this next safari.

quote:

Originally posted by crane:
For that kind of heat consider one of the minimalist style bladders that runners are wearing for ultras, etc. Several companies make them, definitely not hunter specific. Or the small Camelback might be another option.

If you do make sure you fill it and use it at the range to be sure it doesn't effect your shooting.

I have been using a Camelbak MULE for this purpose for about 15 years. I've carried it hundreds of miles with no issue at all. It carries a three-liter bladder and has a couple relatively small pockets for gear you'll need during a day hike/hunt (first aid kit, snacks, gadgets). The current MULE is more geared towards biking, but the new Camelbak Ambush is pretty close to what I have. I'd give that a try if I was in the market now.

Let the crew carry the water but do make sure when you leave the safari vehicle that they have it. I don't think you need to carry anything extra on your person. Your job is to walk and shoot when the time comes. Your crew will do the rest.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:
Let the crew carry the water but do make sure when you leave the safari vehicle that they have it. I don't think you need to carry anything extra on your person. Your job is to walk and shoot when the time comes. Your crew will do the rest.

Mark

This ^^^^^

Carry your rifle, period. I also found when I have carried a C-bak, it changes my LOP

+1 I've never carried water. The trackers and skinners all carried it and made it available to me when needed.

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:

. . . but do make sure when you leave the safari vehicle that they have [water].

Mark

Spoken like a man whose crew has run out of water.

So have mine. More than once.

Which makes the KUIU rig even MORE interesting.

Just ordered the whole bino/hydration rig for testing.

It's actually a lot lighter in weight than I thought it would be.

I drink before leaving camp.

Never while out on foot, regardless how long.

And drink when I get back to the truck.

Same goes for my PH.

Generally, if we have non hunters, who we call hangers on, the water in the backpack is finished within a couple of hours of a walk anyway!

Then the fun starts!

Complaints non stop!

Bloody city dwellers!

Went chasing bushbig once on what should have been a short hike, but it wasn't. It was a long hike up some steep hills in October heat, but no one took water because this should have been simple. I got in trouble. It comes on fast. From then on, I chug a liter of water every time I leave the gari and make sure that a tracker has ample water in a backpack before setting off.

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Went chasing bushbig once on what should have been a short hike, but it wasn't. It was a long hike up some steep hills in October heat, but no one took water because this should have been simple. I got in trouble. It comes on fast. From then on, I chug a liter of water every time I leave the gari and make sure that a tracker has ample water in a backpack before setting off.

I live and hunt a lot in the desert. I had an experience like yours on an oryx hunt once in August (100 degrees), wherein a stalk took much longer than required and I had no water. Things got bad that day. It made me very leery of heading off into the bush without my own water supply. I'd rather carry that extra 6 pounds on my back than go through heat stress/stroke.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Generally, if we have non hunters, who we call hangers on, the water in the backpack is finished within a couple of hours of a walk anyway!

Then the fun starts!

Complaints non stop!

Bloody city dwellers!

Haha!

Very funny.

But to be clear, I hardly ever complain.

I usually just lose consciousness and fall down.

quote:

I drink before leaving camp.

Never while out on foot, regardless how long.

And drink when I get back to the truck.

Well, we can't help it if you're half camel!

For us fair skinned, blond, blue eyed European sorts, we need the extra help.

If you have to pack your own water, you booked with the wrong outfitter, your indigenous staff will pack your water in bottles furnished by the outfitter. Be careful where you get your water..

All you need to carry is your gun and a small amount of ammo, but that too can be optional, but I suggest one carries his rifle, it may come in handy and, in a hurry, on rare occasions...

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
Mine has always been one of the trackers carrying a pack with a whole lot of bottled water, but I'm kind of old fashioned.

me too...

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
If you have to pack your own water, you booked with the wrong outfitter, your indigenous staff will pack your water in bottles furnished by the outfitter. Be careful where you get your water..

All you need to carry is your gun and a small amount of ammo, but that too can be optional, but I suggest one carries his rifle, it may come in handy and, in a hurry, on rare occasions...

What Ray said....

quote:

your indigenous staff will pack your water in bottles furnished by the outfitter. Be careful where you get your water..

That's a true statement. I had an outfitter that cleaned used disposable water bottles, refilled them, and sealed them with a little super glue. If you get the wrong water, like I did one year in Zim, it can be a disaster. I ended up with a parasite that took two months to finally kill. Not accusing anyone else and I'm not going to name names. Just make sure that the water bottles are brand new and not re-used.

I prefer to carry my own water along with a few survival essentials and would recommend an Osprey Duro 1.5 hydration pack. I have literally carried mine for over 1,000 miles, including pacing four Leadville 100-mile races as well as a lot of hiking and hunting it carries what I need, does not get in the way, and does not get too hot. That said, I prefer a Nalgene bottle and also carry iodine tablets if I am truly off the beaten path, as I have had hydration bladders fail, and I have never had a Nalgene go south.