HikeArizona.COM

GOOD MORNING. I'm new to Hike Arizona. I live in California, but most of my kids and grandkids live in the Phoenix area. Over the years I've done a lot of hiking and was involved with Scouting for years. I haven't day hiked in a number of years and want to get a hydration pack. I'm 6'6", 240 lbs, and 62 years old.
I'd appreciate any suggestions?????

I've been through camelbaks and all sorts of other brands. I like the camelbak packs the best, but I like to use the MSR hydromedary bladders. I've found they are more durable and less puncture prone (plus when it gets hot you can wet the outside of the bag and evaporation will keep it cooler).

I prefer Camelbak's myself but one important issue to consider is fit. For a 6'6" person as yourself, you may have trouble finding a Camelbak that fits a longer torso, longer than 22". So go to a local outfitter and get someone to fit you. Perhaps Matt or other gear guru's would have alternate suggestions.

:mrgreen:

Ultimate Direction makes some packs that have fairly large suspensions. Trish is right though, it will help to have your torso measured.

In response to matt gilbert's reply:

Camelbacks, and their genre' are, for the most part, too heavy - not to mention that sizing would be an issue.

I'd suggest that you look for a 1 to 1.5 pound daypack - "long" sizes are available (with a hydration sleeve - Golite and Lowe Alpine come to mind) and then shop seperately for a bladder (if not included) meeting your needs.
http://www.golite.com/products/NS_prodd ... ber=PA5111

http://www.lowealpine.com/index.asp?CatalogCountry=2

I have an Ultimate Direction Warpspeed Pack. It is on the longer side for daypacks. The one I got came with a 128oz bladder as well. Here is a link to the older model though:

03 Warpspeed

Can't find a link to the model I have though.