Anyone dive with a Camelbak?

[bushman66]

CamelBak® - Pakteen

Hopefully this isn't a stupid question (I'm a new diver), but does anyone use a Camelbak strapped to their rig? Seems like you'd even be able to drink underwater, not to mention if you are stuck on the surface for an extended period waiting for a pickup...

This Pakteen seems perfect, its small and compact (50 oz) with loops that would make attaching it to your BCD or BP/W a piece of cake.

 

[Scuba.com]

I've never tried this, but had another customer ask about this recently. It seems to me the pressure exerted on the bladder at depth would cause it to leak, but that's just a guess. There used to be a product called the Skuda (I think it was called) that connected to your 2nd stage at the hose connection that served this same purpose, but I've not seen that for some time and don't know if it's available any longer.

 

[herman]

They use to be marketed under the name SCUDA (self contained underwater drinking apparatus). I tried it with a standard bladder and hose, the kind used for hiking. It worked fine but in the end was more of a pain than it was worth. For long duration tech dives I could see it's use but for rec diving, it was not worth the trouble.

 

[paddler3d]

It seems to me the pressure exerted on the bladder at depth would cause it to leak, but that's just a guess.

The pressure acts on air spaces. I would be surprised if it leaked. We don't leak when we dive. You burp a camel back, or similar, so that it doesn't slosh around on your back.

Unless your diving dry without a pee valve, just camel up before you get in.

To me it sounds like one more thing to deal with and get task loaded with.

 

[diver 85]

Never have had the need for UW refreshments---but let us know how it does--you might make me thirsty for something.....

 

[Karibelle]

I have a Platypus water bottle that I can fill partially, remove any air, and put in my BCD pocket. While on the dive, I drink if I want to.

 

[Ripple in still water]

Hmmm, nice anti-DCS accessory for long dives?

 

[kanonfodr]

While I haven't used a Camelbak per se, they do come in handy on longer dives. My buddy and I carried Capri Suns in our pockets that we drank at the halfway point of a 2-hour long bottom time. Hydration can really help on those longer dives, and I've seen pictures of guys strapping bladders to their stage/deco bottles.

Makaha 11 Nov 2010 on Vimeo Check out the end of that video

Peace,
Greg

 

[Blackwood]

Deep Sea Supply makes one that's designed to fit on doubles bolts. I have one. Stuck it in the freezer and forgot to take it with me, and now it leaks.

Since then I've brought Capri Suns like KanonFodr.

 

[RJP]

My buddy and I carried Capri Suns in our pockets that we drank at the halfway point of a 2-hour long bottom time.

+1 on Capri sun in drysuit pocket.