exo 3500 water woes

[old_coyote]

Hey guys,

I getting pretty thirsty as I can't seem to find a great way to haul water while hunting. Sure, I have found a handful of decent ways to tote h20, but I am not satisfied with any of them. What do you guys do?

Current options:
1. I have strung some para-cord between the "tabs" sewn on the back of the bag and used a carabineer to hook my 3L camelback to the taught para-cord. Downside is that it isn't quick to remove when filling.

2. I have rested my bladder on top of the pack horizontally. Downside is that the noise of the water sloshing around drove me crazy and it is kinda awkward to move it when you need to lift the lid. Plus I would rather have my bladder aligned vertically.

3. I have slid my bladder in one of the long side pockets. Downside is that I had to counter-weight the water with gear in the other pocket which was great until I drank the water and then was weighted the other direction. :/

4. I have tried running no bladder and just use the h20 pockets. Downside is that I can't reach them while hiking. :/

I was thinking of trying the Platypus Big Zip as that should be able to slide thru "tab" (see option #1) but that doesn't help easy in/out.
http://www.amazon.com/Platypus-Big-Hands-Free-Hydration-System/dp/B00H733XRK

Was thinking of running a water bottle pocket on my hip; but many seem to be set up for MOLLE and that doesn't let me carry 3L at a time.

My goal is to find a efficient way to run a 3L bladder (might upgrade to a MSR Hydromedary) for durability PLUS a Nalgene for sport drinks.

Any thoughts? What has worked for you?

Sincerely,

A. Parched Hunter

 

[Poser]

I do option 1. (Paracord + carabiner) with a Geiggerig bladder. I do have to to remove the bag partially from the frame to get to the bladder for refills but that's usually only once a day and not a big deal.

 

[Hungarydog]

I carry a 1 liter cheapo water bottle (Dasani usually ) in each side pocket and when i need extra, a 4 liter tanker on top between the bag and lid with the over the top strap through the handles

 

[dotman]

Option #1 and quick connects in the drink tube. Use a Sawyer mini or squeeze filter and filter clean water into your bladder thru the quick connects. Never have to remove your bladder again. You can also setup a gravity filter system to fill your bladder while you do something else.

 

[doverpack12]

Just like dotman. That system works with any bladder.

 

[Upcountry]

I posted my solution way back in the "eco mountain pack" thread... See this link...
http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?17063-exo-mountain-pack/page73

 

[choovhntr]

Have you tried putting it in the front stretch pocket? you could run some para-chord from the daisy chain to daisy chain and hang it. then use the outside compression straps to keep it from sliding around. Would allow for easy access and would be centered on the pack. the only downside I see would by having the weight further from you back if the bag is full.

 

[idcuda]

I hang mine in the long side sleeve. I use a Night Ize gear tie to hang it. Works great and it's quick and easy to remove for filling.

 

[jr87mustang]

I use the Kuiu bladder holder and a Platy Big Zip connected to the sewn in tabs. Slides in and out easy and the Kuiu bladder holder has quick connects on it to make it fast as well. Weighs next to nothing, costs almost nothing.

http://www.kuiu.com/hunting-backpac...ar_86004_color=Grey&cgid=pack-system#start=14

 

[DWinVA]

I hang my Camelback bladder on the frame with paracord and use quick connector to pump water into from my pro hiker filter. Works great.

God Bless.

 

[westrnwild]

So I have a camelbak with the plastic lip on it. Most new ones have this..either way I hook the lip over the top load self strap that comes on the pack to secure meat...just make sure the strap is tight and it won't sag...keeps water next to frame..I just move it on top if I get something down

 

[jherald]

I made a diy bladder hanger similar to the kuiu design. Works very well.

 

[steveo]

Exo sells a bladder hanger that go in the pack or between the frame and pack. It clips to the existing holders. I have used one for two years and am happy with it.

 

[old_coyote]

Hungarydog: good call. as they say: keep it simple, stupid. I might be over thinking this whole thing... my good buddy Ian who is a Billy goat of man and has killed lot of critters in the WA, ID and AK just carries clear cheapo Gatorade bottles in his pocket/pack.

JReeves: I forgot about your DIY pouch! That thing is great! Also, would love to see some details (pics/size/etc) on your extra pocket (PM me when you have the time). You should send to Exo too. getting some added ci's on the 3500 would be great.

Choovhntr: for some reason it never occurred to me to try the stretch pocket; that might be the ticket. I use that pocket for my map, and that is about it and it is EASY in/out.

Fun thread. I might be starting one about a few other 3500 quirks.

 

[sneaky]

Guess I'm just an odd ball, I use the bladder carrier that EXO makes and don't worry about it. You can get straps for it as well so when you want to spot and stalk and take your water with you you can. I swear, sometimes it seems like people are trying to overthink things.

 

[jwatts]

I use either the bladder carrier that Exo sells, or the rear stretch pocket. If I have a decent load and have the bag pulled tight I get nervous about having the bag tight against the bladder. In those situations I put the bladder in my stretch pocket. Otherwise I keep it in the bladder carrier.

 

[7-Pointers]

I made my own KUIU-like bladder sleeve as well...used an old silnylon rolltop drybag, sewed on some 1" webbing, hung with replacement tri-glides. BOOM! Only trouble was that I paid $17 for parts and spent 4 hours on a product I could have bought from KUIU with 3 clicks for $15

 

[7-Pointers]

I have the Exo Slurpy Stalker with straps if anyone wants to buy it. Went with the DIY sleeve instead since it was lighter. PM if interested.

 

[Jarrod Renaud]

I use the Exo Slurpy Stalker with a 3L Platypus, just hang it between the frame and pack. Super easy. When Im hauling meat I just stuff it in the front stretchy pocket.