I first got a CamelBak Reservoir as a Christmas gift from my brother. It was part of a backpack set, and at first I primarily used it to stay hydrated on the ski slopes. Then after seeing some friends on the trail using their CamelBak bladder in their daypacks and even backpacking packs, I’ve been using it on EVERY hike.

All you have to do is fill it up with water, put it in whatever backpack you’re using, then head out on the trail or ski slopes. Staying hydrated is the key to keeping your body and mind healthy on long hikes and backpacking trips. With my CamelBak reservoir in my pack, the water is literally in front of my face, so I have no excuses.

Ever since I started using my CamelBak Omega 3 Reservoir I found that I stay extremely well hydrated on the trail. The reservoirs come in multiple sizes – I have a 100 ounce reservoir (3 Liters capacity), which I find to be more than adequate on most long day hikes. Several of my friends have a 70 ounce reservoir and that seems to work well too, especially if you don’t tend to get thirsty.

Some Hiking Lady tips:

• Get a “Thermal Control Kit” for cold conditions. Water that stays in the tube can freeze in cold conditions, so use a sleeve cover when I ski and snowshoe.
• Get a bite valve cover. I like to put my backpack on the ground when I take a break, have lunch, etc. The CamelBak tube has a tendency to get friendly with the dirt. I don’t like to drink dirty water, and the bite valve cover does the trick to keep the dirt out.