Bladder or bottle

SUN_HIKER · Joined: 05 Dec 2003 Posts: 1057

I have a habit of carrying more water than needed. Figure on my return I can always dump it but I'd like to be prepared just in case. I always carry at least 100 oz. and on longer hikes a bladderpus or two. When I did the Hermit trail in April this year I carried 300 oz., half way we stashed 100 oz. (but the trick is to remember where you stashed it - on our return it seemed every turn and rock looked the same and just as I was ready to give up of ever locating the stashed bladder I found it). I'm also a firm believer of adding electrolytes directly into my bladder. Like Diane stated I prefer the brand GOOKINAID E.R.G. it comes in different flavors. I found that the "Lemonade and the Citrus Flavor" are my favorite since they are not so sweet. I tried several other brands in the past and they are just to awefully sweet for my taste. Usually I order oneline (hard to find in the stores) and order several 1 gallon tubs at a time because I go through them quickly. I found it makes a world of difference for me on endurance etc. while hiking plus it makes the water taste better. Here is a link to the web site for Gookinaid:
http://www.gookinaid.com/Uses/uses.html
http://www.gookinaid.com/Electrolytes/electrolytes.html

Gabriele Smile

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

Gookinaid is good stuff. I've bought it at REI, which still sells it, AFAIK. Don't know about Popular, but I'm sure someone here does.
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desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

Water bladders work great. I usually have a MSR bladder/ bottle that works with my water filter on extended trips. Nalgene (also fits the water filter) always is handy to have some elctrolytes and sharp things tend to not puncture them! I like the wide mouth of Nalgene as they double up for carrying food / soups etc
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JW · Posted: 12/15/2003, 4:49 pm Post subject:

I always take a 100oz bladder as a minimum for any hike. Usually, I carry all additional water in bottles, as a back-up, especially for summer hiking and desert hikes over three hours. I always plan my water supply to return to the TH with a 50oz surplus.
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snick33 · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 67 Location: Scottsdale Arizona

I don't feel quite so "over prepared" with two gallons now.
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Guest · Posted: 12/15/2003, 6:56 pm Post subject:

Diane, Could it be ElectroMix you are talking about? I discovered it last summer. Very mild lemon lime flavor. Water didn't quite cut it for long runs but I couldn't handle the sweetness and the high sodium content of the other drinks.

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

http://www.gookinaid.com/Uses/uses.html

http://www.gookinaid.com/Electrolytes/electrolytes.html

Looks like some good stuff. A bit pricey, but I may give it a go.

How about HIKES Cindy? I heard it's good on HIKES too.

hehehe (duckin and runnin)

Shihiyea · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 1135

Gumby swears by gookinaid! Laughing

For what that is worth!

Guest · Posted: 12/16/2003, 3:38 am Post subject:

New Years day, Tom. You'll see. I'll be there.

Lizard · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 200 Location: Phoenix, AZ

I am a bottle user for reasons of simplicity. As Randy pointed out, the bladders with their associated tubes, etc. are more complicated and therefore have more possible points of failure. Heavier too. You also can't mix up Kool-aid or powdered Gatorade in a bladder.

I do carry a 2.5 gallon water bag for backpacking trips in the desert though.
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evenstar · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 5548 Location: SCW by way of CA

When I ran the SF Marathon Gookinade was what was available along with water. I'd alternate between that at water every two miles. Good stuff.
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Guest · Posted: 12/16/2003, 3:00 pm Post subject:

sam_hikes · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 383

evenstar · Joined: 03 Jan 2003 Posts: 5548 Location: SCW by way of CA

Only problem I've found with Camelbak, and I have both 70 oz and 100 oz both with wide opening, is that you have to be careful how you tighten the cap; it can be over as well as under tightened. Once It's full and the cap in place I lay it on the counter and lean on it with my hands....heavily....and make whatever adjustments may be needed to prevent leakage.
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John Richardson and Richie Rich, El Perro de Playero
http://members.tripod.com/~evenstar/index.html
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When the Man waked up he said, "What is Wild Dog doing here?" And the Woman said, "His name is not Wild Dog anymore, but the First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always and always. Take him with you when you go hunting."
--Rudyard Kipling, from Just So Stories, 1902

nasbond · Joined: 20 Jun 2003 Posts: 24 Location: Winslow, Arizona