MSR Hydromedary Bag Hydration Bag

I have one of these in my ''earthquake'' pack which stays in my vehicle 24/7. Perhaps it was the heat, perhaps it was a defect, but the tube connections at the bite valve and bag "melted". The tube was ok, the bag and bite valve were ok, but the stuff that connects the tube to them was a gooey sticky mess.

No problem I thought, I''ll get a replacement tube. I challenge anyone reading this review who doesn''t work for MSR to get a replacement tube for this bag. Apparently it can''t be done. So if any part of the fails you buying a whole new bag. That isn''t reasonable in my opinion. Sigh.

I had to buy this one as my last hydromedary bag started leaking... after almost 6 years of constant use. I''ve tried bladders from Camelbak (had three leak) and others, and none come close.

Pros:

*super, super durable.

*durable

*durable

*durable

*did I mention that durable is important?

Cons:

*A little slow on the refill at aid stations if you''re racing.

*Not clear, so you can''t see how much you''ve got in it. I solved by using a permanent marker to make fill lines on the outside and then you wet the outside a bit and you can see how much you have.

*I personally don''t like the bite valve as I like something more simple with max flow, but it''s easy to switch.

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First off, I got this bladder free. Not from the company itself, but from a company I worked for. I really like this bladder bag because it''s not made of the plastic that other bladder bags are made of, so there isn''t a "plasticy" taste to the water (or whatever is in it). The opening is the same size (maybe it''s a standard for all bladder bags?) as my water filter pump, so I can screw it right on the bag. The only problem is that the eyelet holes at the top aren''t big enough or in the right spot for my hydration pack (yes, it''s a different brand, but I wish it would have been more universal). Other than that I really like this bag. Read more of my review that I posted on my blog http://dailyvitaminf.blogspot.com/2011/07/m-and-best-way-to-hydrate-on-trail.html

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I hesitated in buying this because it is quite a bit more expensive than comparable bladders. However, the bladder is made of nylon fabric that seems to be EXTREMELY sturdy. I''ve filled it up several times now almost to 3/4 full and frozen it. The cap does freeze shut so I take it out about 10 minutes prior to filling it the rest of the way with water. Now I have cold water for at least 12 miles into a run. That''s very nice.

The drawbacks:

The mouthpiece does take some getting used to as the flow is lower than other bags.

The tubing at the bottom cannot be removed without water escaping from the bag (if this is what you''re looking for, the Hydrapak reversible has this feature.

I''m definitely going to switch to this bag since the material will withstand more abuse than plastic only bladders.

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The Good: I like the material better than a Camelbak. It seems more durable and I don''t worry about puncturing it when handling. I am not a gram weanie so I did not notice if there was a difference in weight. If there is a difference it seems minimal. I like that the opening is the standard 32 oz nalgene bottle size, especially since I have a Hyperflow, but I plan it to fill with the hose while still in my bag a lot of the time. I like the grommet holes. I tied a piece of paracord across and use the cord to hang it. Would like a set at the bottom as well to hang when not in use.

The bad: Biggest thing is the mouth piece. I don''t like that there is no cover for it. I replaced the MSR piece with a Camelbak and added the Camelbak cover. Also added the Camelbak valve and quick disconnect at the same time to facilitate filling from the hose. I also didn''t like that the collar around the opening spins. Its not a big deal but it seems to make it harder to get the lid on securely.

Summary: Like the bag, but didn''t like the mouthpiece or at least lack of MSR to have a cover for it.

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NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Two Piece Rocks Glass Set

These were a Christmas/Birthday gift for my husband; had to have 2 since he was born on Christmas. He loves them. The only problem I have with them is they are pricey for what they are. They are a rock glass with the emblem glued on. I could have purchased the rock glasses and emblems; glued them on myself, for 1/2 of what I paid. All in all though, they are a nice set.

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Stainless Steel Canteen Water Bottles (16oz. & 25oz.)

I read a review on this brand of stainless steel bottle elsewhere on Amazon (a different volume size)and the review said that the opening, or mouth, to the bottle was too large. While reading this review, I thought that that was silly. But once I received the bottle and actually used it, I knew what the reviewer meant. The opening is wide mostly to allow for the use of ice cubes. But they overdid it as the opening is double the size of most ice cubes. Because of this design, you cannot simply raise the bottle and drink from it, you literally have to tilt your head way back to get a drink. And then your nose is in the way and the drink spills all over you. I bought these bottles at the same time that I bought some other bottles (green bottle) just so that I could compare. And the green bottle is alot better. The Green Bottle has a wide opening for ice cubes, but not overly wide like this one, it comes with two lids, for carrying and for sipping, and is just a much better choice.

Encourages my second-grader to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Cuts back on the money spent on juice boxes. Love the clip attaches nicely to the backpack.

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I love this pair of ss canteens. My wife and I love the quality and now we can carry our distilled water everywhere we go.

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It is hard to drink from these without spilling on yourself. You can''t take a quick drink; it requires a bit of concentration due to the wide mouth of the bottles.

I bought 3 sets of these bottles, and myself and everyone I gave one to have the same issue with keeping them clean. I''m not sure what it is.. but it always smells moldy when I take a drink. Even right after washing it with soap and water. I''ve only EVER put water in this thing, so what gives?

I''ve been drinking less water because of these bottles. I think I''d be better off using plastic bottles, and recycling them.

I''m ashamed to say, this is one step I don''t think I can take for our planet.

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I don''t really understand the problems a couple of people reported drinking from these; I drink from mine all the time, sometimes while running (ultra-marathons), with no problems at all. The mouth of the bottle is a little larger than average, which is great because you can fit a brush in easily to give them a thorough cleaning. I also like that even the caps are steel (the cap bottom anyway, which is the only part touching your water), so your drink never touches plastic at all.

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Deuter Streamer Tube Insulator Hydration Pack Save 10% off

Used this on a hike up Mt. Monadnock in 20 degree weather. The summit was probably around 0 degrees or below. Tube never froze. Easy to zip on/off.

Deuter streamer tube insulation does it''s job. It fits into my northface junction hyration pack well. If you want to go mountain biking with heavy mud conditions this will definitely keep your streamer tube and mouthpiece clean and free of all outside particles.

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Crocodile Creek - Jungle Animals Drinking Bottle (1037-8) Save 5% off

We''ve had a couple of these from this brand but this particular pattern comes with a cap that will not stay on the bottle. It just pops off constantly and we''ve tried several in this pattern with the same problem. Annoying.

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Liquid Logic 17-Ounce Splash BPA Free Water Bottle

This water bottle was bought so I could switch it out with my other ones and it is fine for that purpose. It isn''t very big so I find I am refilling it more often than my others. The cap is a little different with the spring hinge that pops open when you press the button. This doesn''t bother me but the cap, although on a spring, is floppy when opened and bumps me in the bridge of the nose when I am drinking always making a wet spot there. Also, the button itself rubs on your chin a bit while drinking. The button does have a metal hook that can go over it to prevent the cap from being popped open by jostling around in a bag or by accident which is a nice feature but I rarely use it.

Not sure if it''s dishwasher safe (directions weren''t specific) but I have washed it in the dishwasher and it''s fine so far. I''ve only had it a couple months so I don''t know how durable it is.

I like the color (pink) that I chose.

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Condor MOLLE Tactical H2O Pouch (Multicam)

I just received this item today (within the projected delivery dates) and I have to say I rather impressed. I figured I''d use this review to give a more detailed product description since the one provided by the seller wasn''t very detailed. There are some cool features to this carrier that I think need to be mentioned.

This is the first time I''ve purchased any Condor equipment and I have to admit this H2O Carrier seems very well made and looks like it''s durable. It is definitely made of a Nylon/Cotton blend (Mil. Spec) and the stitching of the carrier is very precise throughout. I''ve done a little research about Mil. Spec. stitching and this looks like it falls within the standards but I''m not 100% certain. All I can say is that it looks very durable and gives no indication that the carrier will suddenly fall apart at the seams in the near future.

This carrier is well insulated. From the pictures provided by the seller I couldn''t tell if the lid of the carrier was insulated or not. I can now tell you IT IS. The entire section that holds the bottle is insulated. The insulation is about 1/4" thick on lid, sides, and bottom of this section. The front pocket is not insulated however. There is also a grommet on the bottom of the bottle section so excess water can drain out.

I have to admit that this carrier is a slightly bigger than I thought it would be despite the fact that the seller''s dimensions are about right. This EASILY holds my 32oz widemouth Nalgene bottle. There is even a little extra room to hold a Nalgene with the narrow/tall mouth or any other larger bottle. Both zippers seem to be of high quality. They interlock well and form a tight seem.

There is plenty of MOLLE webbing and it does include 2 MOLLE straps to attach it to your backpack or waist belt. On the front of the pocket there is a webbing but it''s made out of the Ny/Co camo fabric that makes up the body of the carrier and not the traditional MOLLE webbing found on the rest of the carrier. The D-rings used to connect a shoulder strap, etc. are made of metal, not that cheap plastic. A nice touch. On the lid of the carrier there is a Velcro strip used to attach a patch of some sort. Also, there is a 1 X 2" piece of webbing stitched to the top of the lid that has a Velcro closure on one side. This would be a perfect place to put your water purification tablets or anything small you want to put in there. Another nice tough.

On a final note, this is the first multicam item I''ve purchased and I think it''s great. I''ve always like the woodland camo pattern but I must admit this multicam looks really cool and I can see how it can work incredibly well in any non-arctic environment.

Like I said, I just got this and haven''t field tested it yet, but that will be taken care of in a few weeks when I hit the trails. As soon as that happens, I will be sure to include an update of this review if there is anything I feel needs to be mentioned. In the meantime, if you have any questions please feel free to ask in a comment.

i attached two on my ILBE and it works out pretty well. they seem pretty sturdy and well sewn. condor is a great brand if you want good prices.

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Klean Kanteen Wide Insulated 16 oz. Save 23% off

I only use this for water and it keeps it cold. I do not normally liked to drink water but now I do since I put ice cube with it and it keeps it really cold for a long time. I wished the size is larger since I take it to my tennis games. I bring along another water bottle so I can add water to the Klean Kanteen.

We have been using these bottles for our 3 kids for 2 years. It keeps water cool and and has no health hazards. We bought 3 more bottles this year and we are sure that we will keep using these bottles in future.

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