Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board CamelBak on Baldy in Dec.?

Question: Would it be too risky bringing my camelbak on Baldy for the 23rd? I really like having it but am I better off with water bottles in neoprene sleeves? Don't want no frozen h2o...

Thank you!

I say bring it. It looks like the weather won't be too cold on the 23rd.

Thanks, GM.

An insulated tube makes a big difference.

MC..Monday at Baldy I just had a insulated tube and had no problems..Wish I could go on the 23rd but when you guys hit the trail at 6am I'll be leaving for Los Osos.. maybe next time

mark

No need for an insulated tube if you remember to blow the liquid back into the bladder after drinking---works for hot climate hikes too so the first liquid out of the tube is not too hot!!!...................steve

I also prefer having the tube and fully understand your question.

In my experience the tube freezes mostly on the backpacking trips during the morning and evening hours (except when I am in very cold or extreme altitudes). With that said, for the most part I am able to use it during the day.

As I climbed bigger mountains I was struggling with the bring--don't bring question. So I recently switched to a new system.

I bought a small light weight (1 liter-34 oz) platypus that has a cap and a tube. I take that plus my two naglene bottles. In this I can pour water into it and use it if if the weather permits but I still have the naglene as back-up. I can also use it for powered water and other drinks. Moreover, the weight is so light that even if it is inoperable, I am not concerned about the extra weight.

The interesting thing--on one very cold night I had placed a naglene bottle inside my backpack in my tent. I also had the platypus with some water in it and the cap on. In the morning the naglene was frozen solid. the platypus was also frozen but due to its flexibility I was able to break up some of the ice and free enough water to use while melting snow.


Final answer--My guess is given the day temps you will be fine but it is always a good idea to also have a small bottle of water as a back-up.

My two cents

Have fun!

Thanks all!!! I had bought an insulated tube before my Kili climb but last minute I exchanged it for several neoprene sleeves to host my nalgene bottles. This was at the recommendation of several high altitude climbers. Repurchasing an insulated tube for my 3L camelbak is an option but I'm kind of liking your idea, Lori, a lot...

MC

Wow -- I thought that I was the only one who subscribed to the various exchanges between the Platy and the Nalgene bottles! Lori and MC, this mixed system of using both has worked very well for me, too, because the Platy also can fit sideways in a fannypack and be used to pour into the single Nalgene bottle that hangs at my side, allowing for powdered mixes AND a nicely distributed weight of the 2ltrs of water (rather than trying to carry extra bottles)Also, I have found that the Platys don't go foul the way some of the Camelback pouches have.

PS., MC, Froggie is honored to see his sign-off on your posts -- he says that he will take royalties in cookies

B

On a day hike you will be fine with a Camelback especially if you blow the water back into the bladder. Your tap water is prob in the mid-50's when you fill your camelback so it will have to be cooled down to below freezing before you even start to have difficulty. I have been on Baldy in all kinds of conditions and rarely had difficulty with it freezing. I use my camelback on Whitney in the winter on multi-day trips which requires more attention and still been pretty ok with the blow back method. An insulated tube helps a lot too.

Your Camelback will be fine on Baldy. My insulated tube froze above 18,000 feet on the Kili climb, when the high temp for the day was 28 degrees F. A fellow hiker loaned me a Nalgene bottle to use (with unfrozen water in it).

Thanks Scott L and JohnG. Sounds like my camelbak without insulated tube will be o.k. on Baldy (I'll use the blow back method). Will get to a sporting good store when I return home. Heading south to H.B. early a.m.

Bee, tell Froggie he can use one of mine... An even exchange.

Some person made fun of/criticized my insulated tube and I must have gotten rid of it. I wish I had it over turkey weekend. My .02, insulated tube = water! I don't mind extra weight so I will carry a thermos from now on. Until I figure out some way to insulate that water tube...which I will sooner than later. If this nice weather holds, it is a non-issue.

Blooty next time someone makes fun of your gear tell him that's how I roll. Your unique gear is what makes you YOU! If I changed my gear everytime Arthur or Laura made fun of it I"d have no gear. Let's see DOORAG, or the Ralph Lauren POLO beanie......I told them if they keep it up I"m climbing with a Hello Kitty Ice Axe next time.......LOL Be You.....Merry Christmas...

I like that! Maybe I will get out the knitting needles and make some tube socks.

k I've had my line freeze two different times. The line is insulated and I do blow the water back. It still freezes. Maybe I need a new one. All I know is it sucks having no water. Carole's line froze to on San J. The thought that next time we would try to rap one of the foot warmers around the line to keep it from freezing. Don't know if it will work or not but it is a cheap fix. Will keep you updated.

Jeff, did you ever see the climbing trip I did with nothing but Old Navy? (Cracks me up when...)

You're right, if it works for you it works.