I am looking for a hydration system to take on my Oct/Nov Zim elephant hunt. Camelbak comes highly recommended, but I have a real problem shouldering my rifle against a strap with any thickness. They have two simple hydration systems with very thin straps, but they are red and/or blue in color. I'd like something in earthtones or camo. Any suggestions?

There are fanny pack hydration packs available and all are available in both subdued and camo. One thing to remember is to select an outer cloth that is QUIET while you carry it.

I have no reference/links but a google search should turn up what you need.

since a camelbak system will be on your back, i doubt the color makes much difference(unless you are forced to run and therefore show your back to the pursuer). also i am not sure that color makes much difference. many animals are color blind. think blaze orange required in many states. also think of the many different colors of coveralls worn by trackers on game farms in RSA. as far as the shoulder strap,, you could probably use only 1 strap. even the 3-4 liter systems will weigh less then 10 lbs.- about the weight of your rifle on the other shoulder.

SBT

IF you drink enough Gin and Tonics at night, and enough at lunch, you do not need a hydration system...

PLUS the tonic helps with malaria.

Check out the Badlands packs and hydration systems.

Tony, you're the man!

I recall some of the names of the hydration systems I've used for carrying water on late season elephant hunts. All are recomended. Here's the list: Pearson, Oriah, Tiangwe, ...

JPK

Slip one of the trackers a few dollars and have him carry a backpack with bottled water in it. Also he can carry your extra rifle. This saves you the trouble of buying a system and you don't have to lug it around. The less you have to carry the happier you will be.

SBT,

I have had the same issue with shoulder straps that you mentioned. I got a little creative with my favorite hunting vest, 2 grommets, cable ties, and a replacement hydration pack bladder and hose system from Cabelas for about $15.00. I now have the perfect (for me) hunting vest with hydration. I use it mostly for bird hunting and can carry enough water for me and the dogs for some fairly long hikes. I would not hesitate to use this for big game hunting especially for the type of adventure your are planning. The plus is that I don't worry about commercially available colors on the standard packs.

Good hunting,

375er

A porter. Make that two porters.

SBT-
I found a camo insulated pouch at Cabela's with a velcro loop on it that would accomodate either one of those bicycle-type water bottles or a nalgene bottle. I would just slip it on my belt, centered in the back, when we left the truck and frankly I hardly ever noticed it was there, unless I tried to lean against something and then I'd just slide it a little to the side.

It held plenty of water for me on a PG hunt but may be insufficient for something like a "forced march" elephant hunt.

My large hunting pack also has a camelbak in it which I used for my primary water source, although it stayed in the truck for the duration.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Regards,
SV

SBT:

Check out the Camelbak "Chaos" pack. It comes in a dark tan/earth brown color and is fairly low profile.

I am in the same boat as you. I got this pack for an upcoming elepahnt hunt in Zim but now am not so sure I will use it. I have developed plan "B" which is to carry 1 water bottle on my ammo belt. I found that the Maxpedition mini RollyPoly pouch fits nicely on my belt and holds a Nalgene or similar bottle easily accessible. I don't want to have to stop and ask the trackers for a drink. I will have them carry my spares and when we all stop I can replace my empty bottle for a full one that they will be carrying.

www.maxpedition.com

Just a thought.

Regards,

RCG

SBT,

FWIW, I would never wear one of those damned cumbersome contraptions while hunting. I have seen them and the mere sight of such a thing and the thought of one strapped and sloshing around me has scared me off of them.

Just carrying a rifle, ammunition, knife and rangefinder is enough for me. The trackers carry the rest of the gear, including the H-2-O.

We have never run out of water carried by our trackers - although we have admittedly cut it close a few times!

I don't want to carry water period... I do carry or should say I bring along premeasured packets of gatorade..If 6 bottles of water I have six packets in trackers pak... I just add to water when drinking...
Before we lock & load, I have one mixed up and drink around half or more before the marathon starts...
Hydrating before is a great help and one never gets that cotton mouth feeling that water will not cut... but the gatorade with the balanced salts do...
Scott dont worry about the unit... Concentrate on your rifle and not to worry about the weight hanging on you back or hips...

Mike

Scott,

The idea was for you to find a bargain hunt. Now your going to buy stuff you really don't need? Come on!

Mark

As stated in previous post, I race bicycles. we depend on proper hydration. (hydrate or die). Carrying water on your back does not slosh around, the bladder keeps the water very quite. Drinking enough water is a key to a long day. I really don't belive a suppliment is required but if it makes you drink more go for it. The ONLY negative to a pack is it can change your LOP. I will usually give mine to a tracker when we are close and move to the front. I also put my sat phone in the pack, if you ever need a sat phone it will probably be whilst in the bush, not in camp or in the cruiser.

The best hydration system in Zimbabwe is Zambezi. Loaded with carbs, minerals, electrolytes and other good things that are good for you - it's a pork chop in a can/bottle.
If you're really stout, you can carry a camelback or other portable hydration system, but beware - water weighs 8lb/gal and everybody I know bitches about their 8 lb rifle. Seriously, it does get very heavy and will really keep you sweating as your back can't "breathe" while you're wearing it. My recommendation, have the asst tracker carry a couple of bottles of water and make sure the PH has some Zambezi on ice for when you get back to the truck.

You do not need one hunting with Nixon. The water is excellent and he will have unlimited bottle water for your hunt. Keep in mind Nixon's concession borders South Africa. He has no problem getting supplies.


dale

I've used camel back systems extensively in the Middle East. Shouldering a rifle while wearing them has not been an issue.

One thing too remember for all Packs Camoflage, at my last recollection is illegal in Zim , Moz and even South Africa by Law

Yeah Yeah I know you get away with it in SA, I am stating the law ,

So do not get into a discussion with ABEL Mugabe or whoeever if it is camo or not,

I had a young appy come through Zim with me, and I warned him beforehand about Camo, outside Mount Darwin there has been a roadblock so longs they actally have a veggie garden by now,

Of course the first thing that came up, was THE CAMO CAP IS ILLEGAL, this was a Gucci or some expensife brand name, I took it off the young mans head and gave it too th copper, and apologised profusely, whilts telling the little @#$$ to shut the F#@$#$ up about his cap or I leave his ass right there

quote:

Please Recommend a Hydration System

Skinner: Las Vegas at the Hofbraus House I presume?

MY oh MY, I can certainly have aemployment application sent too that manufacturer

Is it the manufacturer or the girl that you want the application sent to? Or both? Looks like she'd have a hard time balancing all of those big mugs without the big. . . .

The wife got me a Camelbak M.U.L.E. for Christmas that I've worn on a few trips. It's worked out pretty well. It's nice and compact, sturdy, and comes in desert camo. It's got a few small pockets for miscellaneous gear (my Contender fits nicely in the main one) and a 100 oz. bladder. The pack is pretty narrow, so slinging a rifle isn't too bad, and shooting with it on is a non-issue to me.

Look at http://www.1sks.com/store/camelbak-thermobak-3l.html

Thanks all. While I'd prefer Skinner's recommendation, mouse93 referred me to exactly what I'm looking for.

Ah...reminds me of this past Oktoberfest in Munich. I was well, um, hydrated during that trip.

SBT just a note on plastic taste of the water from the new camelback - try this to get the plastic smell out of it;

get some bicarbonate of soda powder and put a few tablespoons of it in the camelback and then add a couple cups full of water, close it up, shake it up a little and leave it to sit for a half an hour. empty and rinse it out. It should be better.
You can repeat the process and even leave it overnight with the bicarb in it.
When you pack to bring it out, you can even fold it up with some dry bicarb powder in it for the journey which you can rinse out when you get there.