Re: [Paddlewise] Water Carrier

At 10:56 21/03/2002 -0800, Rob Baran wrote:
>Hello, I'm new to the list. I was wondering if anyone knows of a reliable 
>and affordable collapsible water carrier in the 2-5 gallon range. I'm 
>considering a Baja trip next month.
>Thanx
>Rob Baran
  I use a "Dromedary" bag by MSR (this is in Scotland - I don't know 
whether they are available in the US). It's heavy duty cordura-type 
material with a food-grade polythene lining, has eyelets and webbing to 
allow it to be tied down,  a large screwcap with a pouring nozzle, and 
seems very robust and reliable. It was expensive,though:  the equivalent of 
about $45, for the largest size which takes 10 litres (a little over 2 
gallons - "imperial" gallons, that is - good grief, perhaps they should be 
called "post-imperial" gallons :-) So that probably does not qualify as 
affordable, especially as you are going to need more than one to carry 4 -5 
gallons.

I've also used the "Platypus" range of water bottles, which have proved 
very tough and quite long-lasting, and can be had at fairly reasonable 
cost.  I'm not sure whether they come any bigger than 2 litres, though.

The cheapest option I have tried is empty ( or rather emptied ;-) ) 
bladders from wine boxes, which are surprisingly tough. They can be a bit 
tricky to fill up (and not just immediately after finishing the wine). I 
have had one burst on me once when I dropped it - full of water, I'm happy 
to say. Better have a few parties, Rob, if you need to get through 5 
gallons of wine in the next couple of weeks :-)

An acquaintance of mine used to bring along a leather wine bladder-bottle 
he bought very cheaply in Spain: you know, the type you squeeze and squirt 
into your mouth.  I don't know how long it would last in damp sea air, 
though, and I suspect it leaked.

Nick

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