NebraskaWhitetail
New Member
........well, OK, maybe it's not that big of a secret, but it is something helpful that you may want to consider for future turkey and deer hunts.
My dad and I hunt turkeys in an area where we do alot of walking and are usually quite a distance away from the truck. Often the weather is warm, and accordingly, we sweat alot and get thirsty.
We were always having trouble finding ways to carry enough water to stay hydrated and wanted find a more-convenient way to getting a drink without having to take our packs off everytime to get out the water bottle.
You've probably all seen these hydration systems made by companies like Camelbak and others for backpackers. They have a flexible water reservoir with an attached hose that ends in a mouthpiece "bite valve". Some turkey backpacks even have pockets of sleeves for a hydration "bladder" now. But if yours doesn't, you are still in luck. Camelbak has come out with what they call the "Unbottle". It's a 100oz reservoir that had its own insulated sleeve. The sleeve protects the bottle from sharp objects in your pack that could puncture it and also provides insulation to keep the water cool. I put one of these in my backpack and run the hose out of the top of the pack, over my shoulder, and attach the bite valve to one of the shoulder straps. When I want a drink, all I have to do is put the valve in my mouth.
I can tell you from experience that it has made an incredible difference for me to have an easily accessible water supply. I just take a few sips from the hydration system as needed and I don't have to unload my pack everytime anymore. I've found that I can stay out longer and not get thirsty because I'm doing a much better job of keeping myself hydrated.
A basic hyrdration system like Camelbak's Unbottle can be obtained pretty inexpensively. It has been some of the best money I've ever spent on hunting gear, and it can also be reused during deer season if you carry a pack to your stand or blind like I do. The UnBottle also has a nylon handle so it could be hung from a bow hanger or a screw-in tree step is you are a stand hunter.
The last time I was at Cabela's, I noticed that they are starting to carry camo Camelbak hunting packs that have hydration systems. So evidently more and more hunters are discovering these great items! It's defnitely something to consider.
My dad and I hunt turkeys in an area where we do alot of walking and are usually quite a distance away from the truck. Often the weather is warm, and accordingly, we sweat alot and get thirsty.
We were always having trouble finding ways to carry enough water to stay hydrated and wanted find a more-convenient way to getting a drink without having to take our packs off everytime to get out the water bottle.
You've probably all seen these hydration systems made by companies like Camelbak and others for backpackers. They have a flexible water reservoir with an attached hose that ends in a mouthpiece "bite valve". Some turkey backpacks even have pockets of sleeves for a hydration "bladder" now. But if yours doesn't, you are still in luck. Camelbak has come out with what they call the "Unbottle". It's a 100oz reservoir that had its own insulated sleeve. The sleeve protects the bottle from sharp objects in your pack that could puncture it and also provides insulation to keep the water cool. I put one of these in my backpack and run the hose out of the top of the pack, over my shoulder, and attach the bite valve to one of the shoulder straps. When I want a drink, all I have to do is put the valve in my mouth.
I can tell you from experience that it has made an incredible difference for me to have an easily accessible water supply. I just take a few sips from the hydration system as needed and I don't have to unload my pack everytime anymore. I've found that I can stay out longer and not get thirsty because I'm doing a much better job of keeping myself hydrated.
A basic hyrdration system like Camelbak's Unbottle can be obtained pretty inexpensively. It has been some of the best money I've ever spent on hunting gear, and it can also be reused during deer season if you carry a pack to your stand or blind like I do. The UnBottle also has a nylon handle so it could be hung from a bow hanger or a screw-in tree step is you are a stand hunter.
The last time I was at Cabela's, I noticed that they are starting to carry camo Camelbak hunting packs that have hydration systems. So evidently more and more hunters are discovering these great items! It's defnitely something to consider.
