Advice On Hydration Vest/Pack

**jhaquett** · 06-24-2009, 04:59 PM

Hey guys,

I am currently looking to upgrade my vest. I am really into the vests that have a combination backpack (for day hikes - nothing too serious), and within the backpack a specific place for a water bladder. I also want to have the ability to separate the pack from the vest. Has anybody used these in the past and does anyone have any suggestions/advice towards purchasing one?

A few of the models I am considering:

William Joseph Exodus
William Joseph Escape (discontinued model)
L.L Bean Rapid River Vest Pack
Patagonia Vestpack

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Gracias!

**troutbm** · 06-24-2009, 09:32 PM

prehydrate and save your efforts. Rule #1, A seriouse day of trout fishing should ALWAYS start with prehydration !

**Scott V** · 06-25-2009, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by troutbm

prehydrate and save your efforts. Rule #1, A seriouse day of trout fishing should ALWAYS start with prehydration !

If you prehydrate does this mean you go fishing without any extra water?

**Terry Thomas** · 06-25-2009, 08:36 AM

Fishpond is producing some great products as well. Check out the Shooting Star Chest/Backpack.
T.

**SLOwag** · 06-25-2009, 10:51 AM

I bought the Unbottle several years ago and attached it to my mesh wing shooting vest, it's just what I needed. I wanted something that could be moved from vest to pack to pack depending on what I was doing and what I was wearing that day. It also saved me from permanently attaching it to any one vest or pack then wishing I hadn't at a later date.

Even if you don't go this route, it's great to have as a backup device when extra water is needed. They have 70 and 100 ounce models.

http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recre...ttle-70oz.aspx

**jhaquett** · 06-25-2009, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by Terry Thomas

Fishpond is producing some great products as well. Check out the Shooting Star Chest/Backpack.
T.

Thanks, I have checked those out and I like the Fishpond Double Haul if anyone has experience with that.

To the previous poster; prehydration is important, but I assure you that rehydration is more so. Therefore, I like to bring water on my hikes during Nor Cal summers...

To each his own, however.

**Scott V** · 06-25-2009, 03:50 PM

I have the Fishpond high country tech pack and love it. The only thing I do not like about it is the front pack sticks out pretty far and makes watching your step a little tricky when rock hopping. But other than that it looks as if it is brand new and I have taken it on a lot of hikes. I use it almost every time I go out, the only time I do not use it is when I am on my float tube. top notch quality.

**Fats** · 06-25-2009, 09:55 PM

My vote goes for FishPond as well... My wife loves hers... I love mine. I forget the models we have. Hers is smaller, mine is the big one (I carry the lunch and all the extra gear) I have a hard time going back to the vests now.