As the downwind/racing season approaches, I am looking at hydration options. What is the consensus on hydration packs vs water bottle belts? The straight up obvious one is price point for a bottle belt but keen to hear other perceptions of what is the best option. Is it really worth all that money for a backpack with a bladder in it?

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Ulesys said..
Is it really worth all that money for a backpack with a bladder in it?

Yes

Vest pacs are so comfy no rubbing under the arms as designed better than the traditional camelback types almost forgot it's there.

+1 for VestPac

I prefer to use a bottle belt..

But if you choose to carry a bum-bag type PFD it's a but hard to have both unless you wear the PFD at the front..

I don't like wearing it at the front and I don't like the two waist belts..

So I now use the new bum-bag Camelbak drinking system that has room in it to store the PFD..

I have a few bum-bag type drinking systems and IMO this new Camelbak that's been designed specially for SUP is the best..

This looks interesting!

www.popularairsoft.com/news/its-skeletonized-bottle-holder


It looks like it would fit on your PFD belt.

Have to be equivalent in AUS/NZ.

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DavidJohn said..
I prefer to use a bottle belt..

But if you choose to carry a bum-bag type PFD it's a but hard to have both unless you wear the PFD at the front..

I don't like wearing it at the front and I don't like the two waist belts..

So I now use the new bum-bag Camelbak drinking system that has room in it to store the PFD..

I have a few bum-bag type drinking systems and IMO this new Camelbak that's been designed specially for SUP is the best..

hello DJ Just noticed that you talk about PFDs getting ready to do my first down wind run I always paddle solo usually in good weather, but now about to do downwind runs. Do most downwinders carry PFDs if so what types are best and whats the type of camel back that has storage for one?, sorry for all the questions did not realize people carried PFDs.

Yes to carrying a PFD and it fits with plenty of spare room in the waist Camelback.

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Desflurane said..
Yes to carrying a PFD and it fits with plenty of spare room in the waist Camelback.

Thank's what type do you recommend.

oh........that sort of drinking.....thought it was like beer before wine or wine before beer opinions

My current solution... which doesn't work at all in a hectic downwinder.

Vestpac, that is all you need to know.

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Stephenseals said..

Desflurane said..
Yes to carrying a PFD and it fits with plenty of spare room in the waist Camelback.

Thank's what type do you recommend.

I have a Hutchwilco, but DJ will be along to recommend one available in OZ.
They're cheaper.