what military-style hydration system do you use?

1

11x11x

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May 21, 2008
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I'm thinking about buying something like a Camelbak BFM 500 (as listed on their site). I want a pack for hunting that can hold 1-2 days worth of gear plus the intergal water bladder storage, etc. I already have a Camelback mule, and hawg, and want something to fall in between those, and my 3 day assault pack, and xl alice pack.

It's hard looking at pictures on the 'net to decide on making a purchase (specially a $$$ one like this). Any pictures would be a plus.
 
I have not seen that particular pack in person, but none of the photos or descriptions I found of it indicat it to have a waist belt. That pack seems over large not to have one. You might be better off with the Camelbak BFM (different than the BFM 500) or the Motherload. Both are a bit smaller, but they do have load-bearing waist belts.

If you feel you need the extra cubage, there are some other options than Camelbak, like the Code Alpha TacPack (3920 cu. in.). I think that Blackhawk also makes some larger military style hydration packs.
 
The BFM 500 does have a hip belt, see description here: http://www.skdtac.com/product_p/cbk.508.htm

It is hard to find that out though! Camelbak's own site doesn't mention it yet. They'll catch up. No one in their right mind would make a pack that size without one (...waiting now for everyone to show me loads of them...)

I'm after a BFM 500 myself - never quite been happy with my Maxpedition Vulture II. No internal frame (on a pack size that needs it if loaded heavily) and the water bladder pushes the back of the pack out uncomfortably into my back. Feels like strapping on a barrel. Shame because I like it otherwise. I've 'fixed' the water bulge by putting a stiff cutting board between the bladder and the back, but that's hardly ideal unless I actually want to carry a cutting board :rolleyes:

Hopefully, the BFM 500 will be better in these respects. When I've sold a knife or two I'll find out.

I bet there are some good deals around on the older BFM now though...
 
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11x11x said:
I'm thinking about buying something like a Camelbak BFM 500 (as listed on their site). I want a pack for hunting that can hold 1-2 days worth of gear plus the intergal water bladder storage, etc. I already have a Camelback mule, and hawg, and want something to fall in between those, and my 3 day assault pack, and xl alice pack.

It's hard looking at pictures on the 'net to decide on making a purchase (specially a $$$ one like this). Any pictures would be a plus.
Click to expand...

they're not as convenient as you'd think
 
I guess I'm old school. I drink water from a canteen rather than hydrate from a bladder. Mac
 
I like the simple slip in bladders and add them to my regular packs. One nice feature is the ability to remove and refill without have to unpack your backpack...that's sucks! Another reason why I still carry a water bottle even with a bladder. They are pretty convenient though and I've found it's easier to tell my kids to drink water while were hiking than having to stop and get the bottle out. Regardless, I much prefer to refill my bladder with a bottle...a lot easier unless you have a direct connect filter.

The smaller Camelbacks are pretty good for a day hike, job or bikeride.

ROCK6
 
I own the HAWG 500 and a Storm which i just slip into my MOLLE 2 Paratrooper assault pack for longer trips.
I had a look at the Trizip aswell.
Pretty sick pack for 1-2-3 hike.
 
pict said:
I guess I'm old school. I drink water from a canteen rather than hydrate from a bladder. Mac
Click to expand...

Thats nice, thanks for sharing... :jerkit:

I guess I'm "any-kind-of-school" because I've drank water from all kinds of sources...
 
mdauben said:
I have not seen that particular pack in person, but none of the photos or descriptions I found of it indicat it to have a waist belt. That pack seems over large not to have one. You might be better off with the Camelbak BFM (different than the BFM 500) or the Motherload. Both are a bit smaller, but they do have load-bearing waist belts.

If you feel you need the extra cubage, there are some other options than Camelbak, like the Code Alpha TacPack (3920 cu. in.). I think that Blackhawk also makes some larger military style hydration packs.
Click to expand...

I did some more research last night and discovered the BFM series to be larger then I first thought. There's a youtube video of someone product reviewing it. Ya, maybe the smaller Motherlode will work.
 
ROCK6 said:
I like the simple slip in bladders and add them to my regular packs. One nice feature is the ability to remove and refill without have to unpack your backpack...that's sucks! Another reason why I still carry a water bottle even with a bladder. They are pretty convenient though and I've found it's easier to tell my kids to drink water while were hiking than having to stop and get the bottle out. Regardless, I much prefer to refill my bladder with a bottle...a lot easier unless you have a direct connect filter.

The smaller Camelbacks are pretty good for a day hike, job or bikeride.

ROCK6
Click to expand...


I heard these style packs (motherlode/BFM) are popular with the younger Joes on deployment. I've done it all in the past concerning straight-up bladders, and attaching them to larger packs in various fashions. Was hoping to get something more directly tailored to the task.
 
Get a camelbak inline filter and pump kit for your hydration pack. Simple, easy and handy. Just walk until you find a stream, pulll it out, hook it up, pump up your bladder full, unhook and go! I really use mine a lot!
 
Can you tell me what you think of the the mule? I'm thinking about getting the 'mule 500' for single day walks with my dog and maybe as a 'light' edc/ghb. I wonder if it's too small as an edc. I'm currently edc-ing a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II and I want something a little smaller but with a bladder.
Sorry I can't be of any help with your original question...I do like the looks of the bigger Camelbaks...

Barry
 
munckmb said:
Can you tell me what you think of the the mule? I'm thinking about getting the 'mule 500' for single day walks with my dog and maybe as a 'light' edc/ghb. I wonder if it's too small as an edc. I'm currently edc-ing a Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon II and I want something a little smaller but with a bladder.
Sorry I can't be of any help with your original question...I do like the looks of the bigger Camelbaks...

Barry
Click to expand...

I prefer the camelbak hawg. It has a more practical design, and is roughly the same size. I ended up using it more for the pack, and ditched the bladder unless needed/wanted.
 
FWIW; Camelbaks (started in Mtn. biking world before military discovered them) are very durable. My 70 ounce bladder from a 1995 1st generation camelback just crapped out a couple of weeks ago cracking at the hard plastic cap/opening. I find that I never need the bigger styles with all the extra pockets and such for most rides/hikes but definitely get the largest bladder you can. Extra water is always appreciated even on short jaunts.
 
foxyrick said:
The BFM 500 does have a hip belt, see description here: http://www.skdtac.com/product_p/cbk.508.htm
Click to expand...
Okay! I thought that was a really odd omission for a pack that size, when Camelbak makes a number of packs small than that all with such belts. Its supprising that every photo of the pack I found, and every discription (including the photo and description on the CB website) did not show or mention the belt. :confused:
 
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