Camelback or Hydrastorm? Does it matter?

[Lightning_Man]

OK, so I think it's time to buy myself a bladder system. Anyone have any reason to prefer one brand over another?

[azsarge]

Camelbak.

1.  I like the hydrolink feature.  The removeable bite valve comes in handy for cleaning.

2.  Parts availability.  If you NEED to, you can run to REI, Popular, etc to get new parts.  Sure, they will be the blue civilian versions, but they will work.

Get a Military Omega reservoir, which has a larger opening than the longneck that makes it easier to clean.  I like 3 litre, but a 2 litre will work if you carry an extra source for long trips.  The civilian versions are blue and come uninsulated.  The Military version is black, has an insulated tube, hydrolink system, and a bite-valve cover to keep your grill free of mud when you take a sip.

I DISlike the hydrastorm for a few reasons.  

-The tube screws on to the bladder, and these threads can strip.  

-Parts are hard(er) to find.  

-The bite valves do not let as much water through.

Check them both out first to make the right choice.

Oh, and do not get a camelbak carrier unless you really like a particular design.  A bladder alone and a different carrier is the best choice.  For PALS attachment, the BattleLab HPP is cool.  For PALS/stand alone, the SDS (gag) Sandler is a GREAT buy for 19 dollars.  It can be used alone or attached to a MOLLE/PALS rig.

[busta_cap]

Hydrastorm is BHI, camelbak is my preferance because they seem to have more options and better quality materials.

[leadmagnet]

I haven't tried the Camelback but I do have the Hydrastorm Tsunami.  I just replaced the bladder, tube and bite valve for around twentythree bucks.  There was no problem locating the items.  (I let the bladder and tube get funky).  I don't like the hydrastorm bite valve and frankly I'm not sure I'd like any of the other bite valves either.  It does pop off and on easily though so being able to guzzle your water is no problem.

Lead

[azsarge]

You found replacement parts for your Hydrastorm locally?

They are easy to find online, but locally you have to go to a tactical gear shop that sells BLACKHAWK! gear to get parts for a HS.

CB parts can be found at any outdoors-type store.

[leadmagnet]

You found replacement parts for your Hydrastorm locally?

They are easy to find online, but locally you have to go to a tactical gear shop that sells BLACKHAWK! gear to get parts for a HS.

CB parts can be found at any outdoors-type store.

Dude, where I live there is NOTHING locally.  The parts were merely keystrokes away though.

Lead

[chainsaw]

basically(sp?) CB > Hydrastorm  I.E today I needed a new tube and mouthpeice so I go to Popular and what do they have? Look at that a new inlatied(sp?) tube with mouth peice 15 dollars. I picked it up works perfectly. Clear and simple you want parts and quality get CB.




NOTE: I tried very hard to spell correctley and use propper grammer as I am trying to do from now on.  

[azsarge]

NOTE: I tried very hard to spell correctley and use propper grammer as I am trying to do from now on.  

I can tell. :lol:  

Regardless, you DO provide a good illustration to the point I was making earlier.  Then again, I can't really say I've ever needed a CB replacemnt part ASAP.  SO, your best bet would be to just buy one you like based upon the knowledge you can acquire online and through checking out other peoples.  

Same goes with any piece of kit.

Jeff, have you registered on the LightFighter forums yet?  After reading there, you won't ask airsofters for gear advice anymore! :lol:

[Lightning_Man]

LOL Sarge!

Don't supose you know off the top of your head if DBT carries the actual bladders or not? I see the carriers in the catalog but no bladders. I would be fine with the civillian bladder, I just want to be sure I have a black tube rather than a blue one.

[azsarge]

LOL Sarge!

Don't supose you know off the top of your head if DBT carries the actual bladders or not? I see the carriers in the catalog but no bladders. I would be fine with the civillian bladder, I just want to be sure I have a black tube rather than a blue one.

Give them a call.  I have purchased bladders from them before, both CB and a Hydrastorm for a buddy.  As with any decent mail-order retailer, they have more items than are listed in the catalog or on the website.

When I was in there the other day, a guy bought a set of PVS15s.  They aren't on the site, or in the catalog!

[Patty o' Brian]

I prefer to use a platapus. you can use camelback parts, and it is really easy to fill. I have not used it during airsoft but when i go hiking MT. Kimbal thats what i bring.

[TimW]

I also carry Camlebak Hydration reservoirs. Omega in 102 and 72oz sizes, and I think I have some of the old long-necks in stock.

[azsarge]

I prefer to use a platapus. you can use camelback parts, and it is really easy to fill. I have not used it during airsoft but when i go hiking MT. Kimbal thats what i bring.

I thought I had seen the worst funk possible in a hydration system until I saw a Platty that my cuz left water in for 2 days.  2 DAYS!!  Black mold like you would not believe.

In a CB, I can get away with 3 days in the field without cleaning it.  That and mine is just an "old" style.  Now, they have some fancy lining that prevents growth even more!

But yes, a platypus is easier to fill if you are dipping it in a creek.  I have no problem at all getting the water in the fill port of my Omega. I guess if you will be filling your bladder alot during earthquakes, you can't go wrong with the platty!

[Lightning_Man]

Thanks to Tim for squaring me away with the camelback and sling.

I wish I could remeber the brand my old sling was, even with instructions it took me a while to figure this one out.

[cmptrdewd]

You really can't beat CB. I just got a 3 liter longneck (mistake) mil style CB and love it. I got one of those cheapo bladders from Wal*mart and it leaked just after about 5 uses. I say CB but it's up to you.