11 August 2009
Silly Cambelbak Meter Not So Silly
Posted by admin under: Equipment .
Okay, at first when I read over at the GearJunkie site that there was a review for an electronic device that will connect to your Camelbak hydration backpack I thought it was another one of those silly things that can just as easily be done by simply looking inside your backpack.
On second thought, though, the fact that the reviewer says that it not only tells you how much is left in your reservoir, but can also help predict how much time you have left until it runs dry based on your usage habits on your hike, I have to admit I think it seems like a fairly decent idea. I know when I was hiking with my Venture Crew last monthand we were running low on water I knew about it because I was using water bottles and could see it, but if I’d been relying on my Camelbak knock-off I probably wouldn’t have realized it because I was just so hot and tired I wouldn’t have wanted to stop and take off my backpack to keep checking on my water level which may have let me run completely out of water with a long way to go. That would have made an already difficult situation much more so, perhaps even dangerous if it was for an extended period.
Obviously, the look and see method is still viable, but the convenience and predictability associated with this new piece of equipment have changed me from my natural scoffing instinct to one of acceptance. Personally, though, I’ve got higher priorities for my $30 so I’ll let this opportunity pass, but if you’ve got the cash and want to optimize your hydration on your hiking trips I’d say this is something to look into. The Camelbak site doesn’t seem to have it available for sale and Trailspace ndicated it is becoming available on October 15th.
- CamelBak Agua Vest
- Hooked on Kid Camping
- Less Backpack, More Backpacking
- Girl Scouts and Venture Crews
- For When You’re Walking Wet
