Water To Go!
Pick the right hydration gear and keep the agua flowing wherever you roam.
Things have come a long-way since the good ol' steel Boy Scout canteen. Today we have the luxury of hauling our water in a wide variety of high-performance vessels. Whether you're hiking in the backcountry or hucking your bike off a cliff, there's a bottle or hydration pack that makes it easier than ever to stay hydrated.
"Your body is kind of like a motor, and it needs lubricant. You can't run a motor without any oil in it," professional mountain biker Kirt Voreis says. "Same with water and your body. Stay hydrated and your muscles will work better and you can go a lot farther at a faster pace."
Voreis knows a lot about speed and the importance of regular hydration on performance. That's why we asked him to give us some buying tips. So read up, fill up and stay hydrated.
THE LOWDOWN
THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. Voreis says the first thing to think about is what activity you'll be doing most. For hiking or camping or hanging at the skatepark, a water bottle or canteen might be perfect. Just carry it in your band or toss it in your daypack. If you're doing something like cycling, snowboarding or kayaking in which you need your hands free, consider a hydration pack.
BOTTLES AND CANTEENS. "If you're hiking or going to stay in one area, the bottle is great," Voreis says. This is the cheapest option, too. A couple of buying considerations:
Weight: If you're backpacking, get something lightweight. There are even special collapsible bags that weigh next to nothing.
Taste: Sometimes cheap water bottles and canteens can give your water a strange plastic taste or hold the flavor of something you had in the bottle weeks earlier. Usually those made of very hard polycarbonate plastic are best. Look for the words "taste-free" on the label or ask a shopkeeper in an outfitter store for help.
Seals: Make sure the top screws or pops on tightly.
HYDRATION PACKS. Like a camel, these packs are equipped with a special bladder that lets you carry all your water on your body; you just drink it through a special straw. "It's secure on your back, and you don't have to take your hands off the handlebars to take a drink," Voreis says. Plan to spend $30 to $80 for one of these. When picking a pack, first think of how much water you'll want to carry and how long you'll be gone Some hold as little as 30 ounces; the largest can carry up to 100 ounces or more. Most hydration packs have pockets and room for other stuff, and some are as large as a big daypack. "Don't buy a big giant pack if you're just going to be doing jumps all day," Voreis says. "And if you're not going to do big epic rides, bring something small that'll hold just like a cell phone and a bar."
Finally, you want it to fit snug and not slung low on your lower back, otherwise it'll cause painful pressure and bounce around like crazy while you're moving.
IS A BLADDER BEST? Most manufacturers offer hydration bladders separately rather than built into a special pack. These run as low as $6 and are cool and versatile because you can use them in your backpack and move it to your daypack for shorter trips.
CLEAN IS KEY. This is probably the last thing you want to hear about (especially after having to dean your room, the dishes and Dad's car), but if you don't keep your bottle or hydration bladder clean you'll risk getting sick. "If you leave water in something for a while, it gets stale and you can also get bad bacteria in it," Voreis warns, if you're lazy, look for something dishwasher-safe. (It should say so on the label.) Bladder systems are notoriously tough to clean. The easiest are ones that have openings large enough for you to stick your hand inside. Some have detachable hoses, but to really get one clean, you may need to buy a special brush, which will cost you an extra $10 or so.
WHAT'S HOT
Our very own Gear Guy brings you some can't-miss picks.
CANTEENS
BSA Canteen ($18) Your dad probably carried one of these when he was a Scout. This one is a taste-free plastic rig with an 80-ounce capacity. (www.boyslife.org/links/scoutstuffor 1-800-323-0736)
Ultimate Direction Lexan Canteen ($7) We love this because it has the old-school canteen shape but is made of a high-tech polycarbonate plastic that's super durable and dishwasher-safe. Weighs less than 5 ounces and carries 28 ounces of water. Also taste-free, (www.ultimatedirection.com or 1-800-426-7229)
WATER BOTTLES
Nalgene water bottle with BSA logo ($10) It's tough to beat the classic Nalgene bottle. This 3-ounce polycarbonate wide-mouth model holds 32 ounces, has a grab-loop top and is tough as nails. Taste-free, too. (www.boyslife.org/links/scoutstuffor 1-800-323-0736)
Mountainsmith Buzz ($40) Great for day hikes, the Buzz can carry two 22-ounce water bottles (included in price) low and secure on your waist. It weighs just 7 ounces and has three zippered pockets for your goods, (www.mountainsmith.com or 1-800-551-5889)
SLIP-IN BLADDERS
Platypus collapsible water bottle ($9) and large hydration bag ($12) At less than 30 grams these collapsible, taste-free water bags are tough but way lighter than hard bottles. Stick one in your pack, your jacket or wherever. Available in two sizes: one liter (34 ounces) and two liters (80 ounces). (www.boyslife.org/links/scoutstuffor 1-800-323-0736)
Gerber Liquifusion Semi-Rigid Reservoir ($27 to $29) This rig might be the easiest-to-clean bladder on the market because it's totally dishwasher-safe. It's semi-rigid, too, which makes it easier to fill and prevents the bag from slouching and sloshing inside your pack. Taste-free in two sizes: 70 ounces and 100 ounces. (www.knifecountryusa.com)
HYDRATION PACKS
Camelbak Cloudewalker ($60) The Cloudwalker insulated hydration pack is one of the best-selling on the market because it holds just enough water (70 ounces) and up to 1,282 cubic inches of gear, making it a great substitute for your old daypack. (www.camelbak.com or 1-800-767-8725)
Helly Hansen Hydrator Pack ($50) The Hydrator is a compact pack that's great for intense workouts. It will hold 72 ounces of water, and the back panel is lined with mesh and Helly Hansen's LIFA fabric to wick the sweat off your back. (www.hellyhansen.com or [425] 378-8700)
OTHER STUFF
SmarTube ($16) This creative screw-on drinking tube turns most any water bottle or canteen into a hydration bladder. (www.bluedesert.co.il)
Guyot Firefly ($22) Check out this ingenious replacement lid with LED lights of various settings that turn your wide-mouth Nalgene bottle into a cool camp lantern. (www.guyotdesigns.com)
Do Drink the Water…
…but make sure you treat it first. Learn the best way to purify water in the field at www.boyslife.org/links/purifywater.
THIS GUY'S GEAR
Name: Kirt Voreis
Job: Professional Mountain Biker
Age: 32
Home: Bend, Ore.
Kirt Voreis probably would have been a pro skateboarder, but a bad wipeout at age 18 caused him to switch gears and start mountain biking. At first Voreis rode his bike mostly as transportation while he hunted and collected snakes. Then around 19 he tried his hand at racing. He started winning, and the rest is history. Since then, Voreis has excelled at all styles of riding, from cross-country racing to downhill to freestyle and jumping. Though he's still a top finisher in most every event he enters, these days Voreis is just as stoked to share his love of cycling with fans on his All Ride Tour, which is hitting 20 cities this summer. For more info, check out www.KirtVoreis.com.
WHEN KIRT'S IN THE SADDLE, HERE'S THE STUFF HE COUNTS ON:
Camelbak HydroBak and M.U.L.E. ($30 and $85; www.camelbak.com or 1-800-767-8725) "If I'm filming freeride or big drops, I usually run a small pack like the HydroBak. It's svelte and gives you some protection for your spine it you flip and fall on your back. For longer cross-country rides, I use the M.U.L.E. It carries more water, and I can put Clif bars and tools in there in case anything happens on the trail."
Bell Faction ($35; www.bellbikehelmets.com or 1-800-456-2355) "This half-shell is a pretty versatile helmet. You can wear it on cross-country rides, use it for downhill and skatepark stuff. It's just sierple and durable and has protection pretty much all around your head."
Santa Cruz Nomad ($5,700: www.santacruzmtb.com or [831] 459-7560) "My Nomad is pretty moth an all-around bike. I can jump it. cross country ride it or bomb down gnarly chutes and rocky sections."
Fox Racing Launch Knee/Shin Pad ($70: www.foxracing.com or 1-888-369-7223) "Knee protection like these pads is key because when you fall, the first thing you go to is your knees. You can't really feel these pads because they're really lightweight."
By Mark Anders
Things have come a long-way since the good ol' steel Boy Scout canteen. Today we have the luxury of hauling our water in a wide variety of high-performance vessels. Whether you're hiking in the backcountry or hucking your bike off a cliff, there's a bottle or hydration pack that makes it easier than ever to stay hydrated.
"Your body is kind of like a motor, and it needs lubricant. You can't run a motor without any oil in it," professional mountain biker Kirt Voreis says. "Same with water and your body. Stay hydrated and your muscles will work better and you can go a lot farther at a faster pace."
Voreis knows a lot about speed and the importance of regular hydration on performance. That's why we asked him to give us some buying tips. So read up, fill up and stay hydrated.
THE LOWDOWN
THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. Voreis says the first thing to think about is what activity you'll be doing most. For hiking or camping or hanging at the skatepark, a water bottle or canteen might be perfect. Just carry it in your band or toss it in your daypack. If you're doing something like cycling, snowboarding or kayaking in which you need your hands free, consider a hydration pack.
BOTTLES AND CANTEENS. "If you're hiking or going to stay in one area, the bottle is great," Voreis says. This is the cheapest option, too. A couple of buying considerations:
Weight: If you're backpacking, get something lightweight. There are even special collapsible bags that weigh next to nothing.
Taste: Sometimes cheap water bottles and canteens can give your water a strange plastic taste or hold the flavor of something you had in the bottle weeks earlier. Usually those made of very hard polycarbonate plastic are best. Look for the words "taste-free" on the label or ask a shopkeeper in an outfitter store for help.
Seals: Make sure the top screws or pops on tightly.
HYDRATION PACKS. Like a camel, these packs are equipped with a special bladder that lets you carry all your water on your body; you just drink it through a special straw. "It's secure on your back, and you don't have to take your hands off the handlebars to take a drink," Voreis says. Plan to spend $30 to $80 for one of these. When picking a pack, first think of how much water you'll want to carry and how long you'll be gone Some hold as little as 30 ounces; the largest can carry up to 100 ounces or more. Most hydration packs have pockets and room for other stuff, and some are as large as a big daypack. "Don't buy a big giant pack if you're just going to be doing jumps all day," Voreis says. "And if you're not going to do big epic rides, bring something small that'll hold just like a cell phone and a bar."
Finally, you want it to fit snug and not slung low on your lower back, otherwise it'll cause painful pressure and bounce around like crazy while you're moving.
IS A BLADDER BEST? Most manufacturers offer hydration bladders separately rather than built into a special pack. These run as low as $6 and are cool and versatile because you can use them in your backpack and move it to your daypack for shorter trips.
CLEAN IS KEY. This is probably the last thing you want to hear about (especially after having to dean your room, the dishes and Dad's car), but if you don't keep your bottle or hydration bladder clean you'll risk getting sick. "If you leave water in something for a while, it gets stale and you can also get bad bacteria in it," Voreis warns, if you're lazy, look for something dishwasher-safe. (It should say so on the label.) Bladder systems are notoriously tough to clean. The easiest are ones that have openings large enough for you to stick your hand inside. Some have detachable hoses, but to really get one clean, you may need to buy a special brush, which will cost you an extra $10 or so.
WHAT'S HOT
Our very own Gear Guy brings you some can't-miss picks.
CANTEENS
BSA Canteen ($18) Your dad probably carried one of these when he was a Scout. This one is a taste-free plastic rig with an 80-ounce capacity. (www.boyslife.org/links/scoutstuffor 1-800-323-0736)
Ultimate Direction Lexan Canteen ($7) We love this because it has the old-school canteen shape but is made of a high-tech polycarbonate plastic that's super durable and dishwasher-safe. Weighs less than 5 ounces and carries 28 ounces of water. Also taste-free, (www.ultimatedirection.com or 1-800-426-7229)
WATER BOTTLES
Nalgene water bottle with BSA logo ($10) It's tough to beat the classic Nalgene bottle. This 3-ounce polycarbonate wide-mouth model holds 32 ounces, has a grab-loop top and is tough as nails. Taste-free, too. (www.boyslife.org/links/scoutstuffor 1-800-323-0736)
Mountainsmith Buzz ($40) Great for day hikes, the Buzz can carry two 22-ounce water bottles (included in price) low and secure on your waist. It weighs just 7 ounces and has three zippered pockets for your goods, (www.mountainsmith.com or 1-800-551-5889)
SLIP-IN BLADDERS
Platypus collapsible water bottle ($9) and large hydration bag ($12) At less than 30 grams these collapsible, taste-free water bags are tough but way lighter than hard bottles. Stick one in your pack, your jacket or wherever. Available in two sizes: one liter (34 ounces) and two liters (80 ounces). (www.boyslife.org/links/scoutstuffor 1-800-323-0736)
Gerber Liquifusion Semi-Rigid Reservoir ($27 to $29) This rig might be the easiest-to-clean bladder on the market because it's totally dishwasher-safe. It's semi-rigid, too, which makes it easier to fill and prevents the bag from slouching and sloshing inside your pack. Taste-free in two sizes: 70 ounces and 100 ounces. (www.knifecountryusa.com)
HYDRATION PACKS
Camelbak Cloudewalker ($60) The Cloudwalker insulated hydration pack is one of the best-selling on the market because it holds just enough water (70 ounces) and up to 1,282 cubic inches of gear, making it a great substitute for your old daypack. (www.camelbak.com or 1-800-767-8725)
Helly Hansen Hydrator Pack ($50) The Hydrator is a compact pack that's great for intense workouts. It will hold 72 ounces of water, and the back panel is lined with mesh and Helly Hansen's LIFA fabric to wick the sweat off your back. (www.hellyhansen.com or [425] 378-8700)
OTHER STUFF
SmarTube ($16) This creative screw-on drinking tube turns most any water bottle or canteen into a hydration bladder. (www.bluedesert.co.il)
Guyot Firefly ($22) Check out this ingenious replacement lid with LED lights of various settings that turn your wide-mouth Nalgene bottle into a cool camp lantern. (www.guyotdesigns.com)
Do Drink the Water…
…but make sure you treat it first. Learn the best way to purify water in the field at www.boyslife.org/links/purifywater.
THIS GUY'S GEAR
Name: Kirt Voreis
Job: Professional Mountain Biker
Age: 32
Home: Bend, Ore.
Kirt Voreis probably would have been a pro skateboarder, but a bad wipeout at age 18 caused him to switch gears and start mountain biking. At first Voreis rode his bike mostly as transportation while he hunted and collected snakes. Then around 19 he tried his hand at racing. He started winning, and the rest is history. Since then, Voreis has excelled at all styles of riding, from cross-country racing to downhill to freestyle and jumping. Though he's still a top finisher in most every event he enters, these days Voreis is just as stoked to share his love of cycling with fans on his All Ride Tour, which is hitting 20 cities this summer. For more info, check out www.KirtVoreis.com.
WHEN KIRT'S IN THE SADDLE, HERE'S THE STUFF HE COUNTS ON:
Camelbak HydroBak and M.U.L.E. ($30 and $85; www.camelbak.com or 1-800-767-8725) "If I'm filming freeride or big drops, I usually run a small pack like the HydroBak. It's svelte and gives you some protection for your spine it you flip and fall on your back. For longer cross-country rides, I use the M.U.L.E. It carries more water, and I can put Clif bars and tools in there in case anything happens on the trail."
Bell Faction ($35; www.bellbikehelmets.com or 1-800-456-2355) "This half-shell is a pretty versatile helmet. You can wear it on cross-country rides, use it for downhill and skatepark stuff. It's just sierple and durable and has protection pretty much all around your head."
Santa Cruz Nomad ($5,700: www.santacruzmtb.com or [831] 459-7560) "My Nomad is pretty moth an all-around bike. I can jump it. cross country ride it or bomb down gnarly chutes and rocky sections."
Fox Racing Launch Knee/Shin Pad ($70: www.foxracing.com or 1-888-369-7223) "Knee protection like these pads is key because when you fall, the first thing you go to is your knees. You can't really feel these pads because they're really lightweight."
By Mark Anders
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