Turn any expedition pack or daypack into a personal hydration system with the CamelBak 100-ounce UnBottle. A ideal option for backpackers who want to add easily accessible hydration to an overnight pack, the UnBottle comes with a series of clips that attach to pretty much anything, including a backpack, a jacket, or a golf cart. It even works for water sports, as it fits on the back of a personal flotation device or the deck of a sea kayak. The UnBottle is made of lightweight, abrasion-resistant materials, with an Omega HydroTanium insulated reservoir that helps keep liquids cool for hours. In addition, the bottle is easy to clean thanks to the integrated hanger loop, which allows you to hang the UnBottle upside down for drying after rinsing or cleaning. The UnBottle, which won the esteemed
Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice Award in 2002, carries a lifetime warranty.
About CamelBak CamelBak is the originator and world leader in hands-free hydration systems. The first CamelBak products proved to be extremely popular among mountain bikers and motocross riders, because it allowed them to drink without taking their hands off the handlebars in technical terrain. The product began to cross over into other sports when scientific studies showed athletes drank more fluids and performed better when they were a CamelBak. Since then, athletes from an ever-growing list of sports and activities began to use CamelBak hydration systems for their convenience and performance benefits. In addition to cycling, CamelBak offers hands-free hydration systems for hiking, running, snowboarding, and skiing. CamelBak's state-of-the-art packs and hydration systems have benefited athletes, outdoorsmen, and soldiers around the world. While CamelBak has grown tremendously since the early days, one thing hasn't changed--CamelBak still believes in the performance advantage that proper hydration delivers for just about any activity. The privately held company is headquartered in Petaluma, California.
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
I already own a decent day pack, and was looking for a hydration solution (water bottles are nice, but cumbersome to carry and require stopping to remove from side pockets to drink). My pack doesn't really have a good compartment for a bladder, and I was concerned that an unprotected bladder could get damaged by other items in the bag.
The UnBottle (I purchased the 3 liter version, but there is a smaller 2 liter version as well) is an insulated bag with a bladder insert - it's relatively light when empty and is easy to fill. The large opening seals nicely (a bit tough to open, but this is a good thing, as it avoids leakage). The opening also sports a plastic ring with a handle to facilitate filling - holding it by the handle allows the bladder to open as the water enters. The bag insulates pretty well - it kept water at a reasonably cool temperature even in high heat (90's) or in a hot car. The one drawback is that the drinking hose is not insulated - the tube can be snugged into the insulated bottle, but some part has to be exposed if you want to drink - that water gets hot fairly quickly. The bite valve with the lock is a useful feature, though - much less chance of leakage.
The size is as described - it's a bit longer than the bladder inside (as it has to be), and weighs 7-8 pounds when full - but that's mostly water weight (water bottles would be heavier and bulkier for the same amount of hydration). The UnBottle packs pretty easily - it can be folded to fit in a pack when empty, but it's really much easier to carry on the outside (full or not).
The UnBottle (has "snap clips" that allow it to be affixed to an existing bag (using whatever protrusions/straps are available on the bag) - although they are a bit widely spaced apart for my current bag (I have to scrunch the UnBottle a tiny bit to affix them). I was originally concerned that the plastic snap clips wouldn't be very durable, but they've lasted a summer field season without wear. The snaps can be hard to close, but that's a good thing (again) - the clips are secure and not likely to pop open accidentally. They're sturdy but flexible enough to be slid around straps or rings on the outer part of a pack.
The bottle also has a single carry strap, which is really not long enough to do much with (it's maybe 8 inches total length), but has snap closure so you can hook it around other items (I can hang it around one post of an adjustable headrest while driving, but it's not long enough to go around both). I usually use this to stabilize the bottle on the back of my pack - the strap goes around the top handle of the pack and keeps the bottle from leaning too far back. It's not long enough to sling over a shoulder, though, so it's not a good primary carrying solution. (I'm thinking I need to get a second strap to extend this one for short non-pack hikes).
I'm very happy with my purchase, with only two minor disappointments - the uninsulated hose means you get few swallows of rather hot water before the cooler water from the bottle gets to you, and the "carry strap" on the top is too short to be really useful.
