Water bottle carriers...

Sufler

Sufler

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Oct 15, 2005
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Two Maxpedition and one Camelbak water bottle holders later - I just can't get used to them. They're uncomfortable, bounce around, and hurt your shoulder after a while - bottles aren't easy to get into either with the zippers and everything. I've really tried to like them and attempted a number of different mods. A 99 cent draw string bag has become a better alternative that can actually carry more gear too. Anyway... just thought I'd share.

:)
 
This is incredulous!!! How can this be? They're so popular and trendy - the latest 'must have' gear item. How can you *not* just love 'em?!?!? NEWB!!!!

Meh. Don't worry about it too much. This type of stuff has been around for ages and time usually only presents a "new" spin on an old need - carrying water in a convenient manner. I do like the insulated Nalgene bottle carriers for my winter camping/mountaineering, but that's a different set of requirements than general "water toting'.

I've been using the larger, more convenient water reservoir/drink-tube solutions for a long time (they were introduced ~15 yrs ago - maybe longer). It's hard to argue with 100oz of water in a safe, light-weight carrier with a nice, long drink tube which enables me to drink on the move - what an awesome innovation. Whether it's a CamelBak or Platypus (or whoever) brand, i think most do an excellent job in above-freezing conditions. Water bottles have some advantages though, but usually i take my big reservoir (and 3Ltr MSR Dromedary bag as backup if i'm gonna be out for more than a day).

Hope this helps.....
 
I use camelbaks for longer hikes and range days. For short hikes and such it's hard to beat a G.I. canteen.
 
Equinox bottle bag (http://www.equinoxltd.com/the-gear/bags-and-pouches/bottle-bag.cfm). Rugged, simple, holds a Nalgene/Guyot-standard/Klean-Kanteen40 nested in a glacier cup. Drawstring at top, no zippers. Loops for threading a belt/strap. Rings for a shoulder strap.

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I had a Maxpedition bottle holder and didn't like it, due to the bouncing. It got replaced by a Jumbo Versipack S-type, which holds the bottle, and lunch, or a camera, or whatever. It doesn't bounce around, and it's not as hot as a backpack. The perfect compromise, I think, between a small backpack and a lame bouncy bottle pouch.
 
To clarify - I had two of the Maxpedition bottle holders and one of the newer Camelbak water bottle holders too. I've had a Versipack also. I realized recently that anything that is supported by a single strap on a shoulder won't work for me. I have a Camelbak MULE, but some times think it's too much for a single day hike - but, maybe I'll have to reconsider this.

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Have you tried carrying water on your waist?

I also hate carrying anything with a single shoulder strap like a versipak. I have a nalgene pouch from HSGI i carry on my belt for short hikes or use a Mule for day hikes.
 
jwaj said:
it's hard to beat a G.I. canteen.
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+1 for that. I never have liked the camelback things, and I never found it inconvenient to take out a canteen. I realy like my canteen cup as well. Seams the right size to me.
 

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A waist stabilizer strap to keep it on your back helps a lot. Doesn't take weight off the one shoulder-strap but makes a big difference when hiking.
I found the zipper designs to be a pain. The Tad Round Pouch fixed that.
 
I bought a Blackhawk Water Bottle holder recently. Instead of hanging it from a shoulder strap, I wear it on my belt like a canteen and it works well for me like that.
 
Is there any way to hook a straw to your Nalgene bottle? I thought I saw there was one at one time, but don't see such a product available any more.
 
A long time ago I found this 10mm wetsuit cover for a nalgene bottle...that was uh....1991 if you would believe it. Cheap too considering it was from REI. I still have it...built like a tank. Stitches are all intact. No wear through. At the same time, I got a draw string bag with belt loop. They both still work well.

What pains me to no end is that I did not buy the store out of these things!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! The 10mm wetsuit cover goes all the way from the rim to the bottom and then there is a sewn bottom of 10mm material as well. I cannot find a single one anywhere online. I would have to go to a wet suit maker and have them made...and since many are now using dry suits.....10mm material is hard to find. (muttering under his breath..). I have a ti snowpeak 750 ml cup and lid under them with a silicone cup/bottom cover as well.
 
broe said:
A long time ago I found this 10mm wetsuit cover for a nalgene bottle...that was uh....1991 if you would believe it. Cheap too considering it was from REI. I still have it...built like a tank. Stitches are all intact. No wear through. At the same time, I got a draw string bag with belt loop. They both still work well.

What pains me to no end is that I did not buy the store out of these things!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! The 10mm wetsuit cover goes all the way from the rim to the bottom and then there is a sewn bottom of 10mm material as well. I cannot find a single one anywhere online. I would have to go to a wet suit maker and have them made...and since many are now using dry suits.....10mm material is hard to find. (muttering under his breath..). I have a ti snowpeak 750 ml cup and lid under them with a silicone cup/bottom cover as well.
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You sure that is not just a beer cozy? Haha.
 
I like my Maxpedition Bottle Holder For Short hikes & fishing trips ! I do not like it for long hikes, the strap really bites into you neck/shoulder after a while.
My 10x4 Bottle Holder -
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i use the maxped 12x5 primarily laced on to a bigger pack...also does duty solo with a bottle of booze and cigar smoking gear...now i also use a maxped m5 with a gi nalgene canteen and that usually is on a belt...
 
I have a Maxpedition and think it's a real pain in the ass. I use a tac-tie on the bottom PALS webbing just to keep it from sliding and moving all over the place. I use a Maxpedition 1 1/2"
shoulder strap with a Maxpedition strap pad. I going to buy a small Camelbak hydration pack to use on short hikes.
 
thebrain said:
I recently got this setup but I have not had a real chance to use it ,but talk about sturdy. The USGI canteen holder has a fastex buckle and a draw string.
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These surplus carriers are the most useful. I use the one quart attached to my pack. When I only want a bottle, the two quart is flat and has a wide strap. With the strap adjusted short and carried across the neck, it lays nicely against the body and doesn't flip or bounce too much even if you run.


This is my setup with two one quart canteens. One also has a metal cup

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Pic of the two quart off the web.

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