Camelbak - ThermoBak 3L or Stealth 2.1L?

[threeseven]

Hey, everyone. The time has come to purchase a new Camelbak, and I was hoping I could run some questions by anyone who has experience or opinions regarding either of the two models I have been considering. I will be using the Camelbak as part of my field gear in an Army Reserve unit and also when I am hiking/running/riding/exercising. The fact that it will be worn under a pack/webbing, and the comfort issues that arise as a result of this, is obviously of concern to me. The two models I've narrowed it down to are the Stealth and ThermoBak, with each seeming to have seperate desirable features unique to them.

Stealth

The Stealth has the advantage of being specifically designed for use under a pack and web gear. It also features the Omega reservoir, which looks like a tasty piece of kit indeed. The disadvantages as I see them are the somewhat limited 2L capacity, the higher price and the fact that it only comes in black - official Mall Ninja uniform colour. I'd really prefer an olive drab one, not only because I'd feel more comfortable being seen running/exercising in public in an olive drab Camelbak, but also because it blends better with our DPCU pattern.

Main Advantage: Slim profile, Omega reservoir.

ThermoBak

The ThermoBak offers an extra litre of water as it's major advantage. I've only owned 2 litre Camelbaks in the past, and I've found them to be a little lacking. I've also been told by many people who own 3L Camelbaks that the extra litre will be appreciated. The ThermoBak not only comes in olive drab, it features additional fixtures for attaching to webbing... though I'd probably just wear it UNDER my webbing and pack the majority of the time. For people who've owned the 3L ThermoBaks before... are they too bulky to wear in this fashion? Whereas the Stealth has the slim profile, the ThermoBak is not only thinner, it has a higher capacity. Surely this leads to comfort problems when under gear? The ThermoBak is bereft of the Omega reservoir - is this a big deal?

Main Advantage: Higher capacity.

When it comes down to it, I am far less concerned with the colour of the model than it's ability to fulfill the requirements I ask of it. In the end - I'm willing to pay that little bit more for something more suitable. I guess what I'm asking is:

1. How useful is the Omega reservoir? What advantages does it have over the regular reservoir? Keep in mind the Camelbak may need to be refilled on the move/in the field.

2. How important is the extra litre of fluid? I know that 1 litre = 1 hour of activity (roughly), but has anyone found that 2L just wasn't enough or that 3L was too much, etc.

Thanks for your time. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

 

[Kevlarman]

Have you seen the Camelbak Viper?

http://www.camelbak.com/mil/cb_prod.cfm?catid=6&product_id=159

3 liter capacity and comes in woodland, desert, and black. I want one, and will get one as soon as my 5-year old Storm wears out (more).

 

[jthuang]

I have the older Stealth w/o Omega Reservoir so I'm at a loss to help you.

However, must you wear it under your pack? Dunno what kinda gear you're issued but that can't be comfortable. Are you not allowed to lash a stand-alone hydration system (e.g. Camelbak Unbottle) to the outside of your issue pack?

 

[threeseven]

Kevlarman said:

Have you seen the Camelbak Viper?

I did have a look at that particular model and, for all intents and purposes, it would seem to be a Stealth with additional side sections for storage. The only thing I'd carry while exercising is an MP3 player, which would be attached to my arm anyway. In the field I would have my webbing for storage, so at this stage the Stealth would probably still suit me better than the Viper. The Viper would be very nice as a standalone Camelbak worn with no extra pack or storage gear, though.

jthuang said:

However, must you wear it under your pack? Dunno what kinda gear you're issued but that can't be comfortable. Are you not allowed to lash a stand-alone hydration system (e.g. Camelbak Unbottle) to the outside of your issue pack?

Possibly, but with that arrangement as soon as I ditch my pack, I also ditch my water. Generally if it's a drop pack situation, you don't have time to go detaching the Camelbak from your pack and reattaching it to your webbing, and you just don't know how long you might be away from your pack and thus, away from precious fluid of justice. I handled the Stealth in a store tonight and it really is a very slim design - I am told that when filled, it expands out to the side only. It always stays the same depth against your back. It seems like it would be quite tolerable under a pack. I also had a play around with the Omega reservoir and it has a very strong, very positive seal and cap mechanism. It's also big enough to shove handfuls of ice in there for when you feel like being pampered

I had a look at the catalogue in the store which, bizarrely, is more recent than the website that I checked LAST NIGHT for specifications. It informs me that the Stealth actually is available in olive drab. I guess what's left to discuss is - is 2 litres enough?

 

[ocabj]

I have a Viper 3L and a Thermobak 3L. The small pockets on the Viper work well for my iPod.

If I were being deployed, I'd go with a standalone and also use the Camelbak Hotshot (2L) which is designed to attach to your rucksack via D-Rings and/or velcro attachments.