New Water Reservoir for First Trip Explorer

[Scott Teaschner]

I just wanted to share some pics of a new 50oz. Antidote Reservoir by Camelbak. I needed a bladder for my new to me First Trip Explorer from Bison Gear. I searched and found Camelbak just introduced this smaller water bladder. I just went down to our local hiking, camping, climbing and skiing store called Sunlight Sports. They had them in stock for $30.00 and they fit perfect in the side pocket. I mean perfect like it was made for it zipped it up to the hose ready to rock and roll.

 Water is esential in these parts but until now it was mostly big bladders 100oz. or bigger. Even when I carry a bigger pack I hate to carry all that weight in water. So the bladder is uasally half full just taking up space. We carry light weight pumps and can fill our bladders in any small trickle in the mountains. It is way better to carry the small pump than a ton of water. Also these systems are compatable with disconnects to punp water in to the bladder with out having to take it out of the pack. Just connect pump hose to bladder hose and filler up.

 I have found stores like Sunlight Sports here in Cody WY to be essential for quality back country gear. They are more geared hor hikers than hunters but they really have some nice stuff to make back country a little more enjoyable. I remembered the first time I stuck my head in there I turned up my nose and went granolas I am out of here. Since then I met the owners and Wes has really turned me on to great gear. My Jet Boil is one them. So I hope This helps some of you out and if you need some thing that may not be local give Wes at Sunlight Sports a call and tell him I sent you. Here are pics if the nice fit for smaller packs.

 
Just a real nice size!

   
Fit perrfect.

   
Zips up to the hose perfectly!

[onewhohasfun]

Hey Scott, which pump would you recommend?

[Scott Teaschner]

You cant beat the Katadyn Hiker Pro. Its light easy to care for and by far the best seller at about $80.00. It is the one I have used with great results. I really want to look at Vario Microfilter I like the fact it has pump handle that looks a a little more user friendy. The Katadyn gets a little tireing when filling camp water. But it boils down to size and weight and I want to see this pump in person. They will have them at Sunlight in the spring when the camping season starts. But you cant go wrong with the Katadyn just always looking for a better mouse trap.

[caihlen]

And if you don't want the weight of a pump I highly recommend a Steri-Pen.  Light weight and easy to use.  I've used mine for the last 4 years excusivley and have yet to have any issues.  I change the batteries every year.

Outstanding here in the northern Rockies.

Your  mileage may vary....

[Scott Teaschner]

Its just hard because I do consume a lot of water and its not always convient to sip out of stream. I can fill a bladder and go half a day before filling. I usally fill mid day at luck nap time and then climb and hike with no worries. Its just how I like to roll.

[German Dog]

Looks good Scott.  I just got a Bison Gear pack, Lost River for Christmas and boy are they nice packs. Looking forward to putting it to work.

I've got the Katadyn Vario and it works really well. A little on the big side but works nice and since I use Nalgens it screw right onto the bottle.

[Scott Teaschner]

Thats what I was concerned about if it was a liitle big. I have not had a chance to compare they dont have them yet at the store. The pro hiker is kind of a pain to pump. I liked the handle on the Vario.

[Over&Under]

Thanks for sharing his Scott.  I have a Badlands Moster with a very small bladder compertment and was literally jut going to post a head on what others have used.  This appears to be just he ticket.

[Over&Under]

Thanks for sharing his Scott.  I have a Badlands Moster with a very small bladder compertment and was literally jut going to post a head on what others have used.  This appears to be just he ticket.