Camelback or bottles?

[Shaun]

Hi everyone, Im getting my kit together for March. Has anyone used a camelback water system? Any advantages over using just bottles? Thanks.

[Gazza]

Congrats on doing the Camino, an experience like no other I have experienced.

I used bottles as most do. I saw a few with Camelbaks. I guess in the end it is personal pref. But a couple of tips that I heard as we chatted to users. The need to keep Camelbacks clean can be a pain (already cleaning clothes) & also don't fill them right up - simply carrying too much weight. Only semi fill them, but then you need to access yr whole pack when you top them up along the way.

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Shaun ~
You're about to discover there are two kinds of pilgrims in the world -- those who insist on using Camelbaks and those who believe all Camelbak users are crazy. I've used Camelbaks on my three caminos and am part of the former group. Gazza correctly describes the common criticisms made by bottle-users, but I've just never seen the problems they describe. Here's how I suggest people use their Camelbaks:

• Buy a 2-liter Camelbak brand bladder. The brand is important because Camelbaks are treated to resist algae growth and the tubes are blue to exclude UV light (which encourages algae growth). The best size is 2L because it's a day's supply of water, allowing you not to worry about finding water during the day and being of moderate carrying weight. The weight frankly is not a big deal -- it's heavier in the morning when you're fresh and gets lighter through the day until it weighs almost nothing by the time you stop for the day;
• Fill the bladder each evening from bottled water. Local water sources may or may not be potable, so I avoid it completely (others drink it and are fine). Spanish bottled water comes in 1.5L bottles and is not too expensive if you buy it in grocery stores. If you fill your Camelbak once each day that removes the need to access the inside of your backpack except once at night when it's already opened anyway;
• Never ever ever touch the inside of the Camelbak or put anything inside it other than water (like ice or beer or soda pop). Consider it a water bladder only, and any contamination from hands (or dirty hands carrying ice) compromises the sterility;
• I prefer to start the day with a full Camelbak because I know my consumption will be approx 1.5-2L through the day. Since the water is sterile, just add more bottled water at the end of each day.
• After your camino, thoroughly drain your Camelbak and hang it upside down with the lid opened. Once it's completely dry you can close the lid and store it indefinitely with no problems.

The primary advantage of Camelbaks is that your water is very handy -- it's at the end of a tube that is attached to your chest or shoulder strap. You can easily sip water all day without stopping. People who carry bottles often have a hard time accessing them from their packs' bottle pockets, which are usually located above their hips and to the rear, out of sight and hard to feel. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked by other pilgrims, "Could you grab my water bottle for me?" or "Could you replace my water bottle in my pack for me?" or "Could you hold my walking sticks while I grab my water bottle?" All of these access problems mean a lower likelihood of staying hydrated.

This year I walked with a pilgrim from Israel who'd just been discharged from the Israeli Army. She told me Camelbaks are the hydration method of choice by the Israeli Army -- which is no small recommendation -- and she used hers throughout her camino and later walking to Rome. If the cleanliness and weight issues were truly a big deal, why would the pros use them? They're widely used here in the NW USA for snowboarding, mountaineering, and even marathon running. So I know I'm not alone in saying they work for me and I recommend them for others, too, as the best strategy to solve one of the biggest issues for pilgrims -- staying hydrated and healthy during a significant physical ordeal.

Hope this helps you make your choice!

[Shaun]

Thanks for that you guys!
Its great to get opinions from the field. My rucksack has a dedicated pouch inside and an exit flap for the use of a Camelbak, so i think thats what I'll go for this March.
Another question for you, if that ok? Is a base layer, fleece, and a wind/water proof jacket enough protection for a March walk?
Regards, Shaun

[Gazza]

Husky, this is what makes this forum such a great place to gather info. As I said I was re-iterating what camel users had said.

You have nearly converted me. I gather from yr post that you don't "clean out" the bladder at all - is that right??

Shaun - that clothing will be ample. You will find you MIGHT need the fleece some mornings & perhaps to sleep in if there are no blankets. But during the day you shouldn't need it.

[HuskyNerd]

I've never had to clean out my Camelbak -- I've simply never experienced the algae problem that some have described. Same with my son who's done 2 caminos and my sister who walked her first camino this year. I've heard of people who put ice in their Camelbak, or wine. I think any non-sterile water in the bladder is a very bad idea.

Shaun, I agree with Gazz that you're probably fine with the layered approach. This May/June I did find myself sometimes a little cold in the mountainous areas of the camino as I started out in the mornings. I found myself wishing I'd brought a heavier fleece as my warm layer. Even more importantly I wish I'd brought a stocking cap for the cold/foggy breezes, particularly at Foncebadon.

Buen camino!

[Leslie]

Hi Sandy,

could you give a recommendation in the brand that you use? I have one but it does not have a blue tube, I only use it one day at a time out hillwalking - my other half complains about a strange taste from it, but I don't notice. It is much easier when out than bottles.

Thanks

[HuskyNerd]

Certainly, Leslie. I use Camelbak brand. Here are details from our REI catalog: CamelBak Antidote Reservoir - 70 fl. oz. - Free Shipping at REI.com.

[soul surfer]

HuskyNerd,
I too like the guys below thank you for the valuable info on equipment. I am planning my Camino around April and if memory serves me correctly the backpack I have chosen (Osprey Atmos 35) may have come from you on my research here
Didn't know about the protection a blue tube can give.

Good luck on your Camino Shaun.