Camelbak Unbottle DIY

Don't want to pay money to have a snazzy Camelbak? Leaving on a week long camping trip in less than a week and realized you really wanted a convient way to carry 100 oz of water? I take a bladder for a Camelbak, and make a backpack sleeve for it.

Step 1 Get a Bladder

I don't recommend DIY-ing this part, as most glues and plastics aren't food safe, and you will be filling this with water. I didn't have time to get one shipped to me from the internet, so I went to a local camping store and bought one there. I purchased a 100 oz bladder as the price difference as compared to the 70 oz is a few dollars, and you don't have to use the full capacity if you don't need it. Mine was $27.

Comments

[GVDub]

Reflectix makes aluminized insulated thermal mailing pouches. They would be a perfect addition to this project.

[mightysinetheta]

Good tip, Thanks!

[jujubeetuna1]

Try adding a small piece of rope making a 1 inch loop and stitch it in the top center of the pack. Use the hook above the filling port and it will bear most of the weight plus hold it firmly in place. I think the velcro will eventually loose its adhesiveness. What do you think?

[mightysinetheta]

That would certainly work, and is how most of the "real" camelbak packs work. (from what I could tell from scouting them out at REI) The Velcro did eventually lose its stick, particularly when i left it out one night that had low temperatures; the Velcro popped right off. If i had to do this again, I'd use a loop. As it is, I've been using this one in bags with the right aspect ratio to let it sit in the bottom, which works. (messenger style bags are good for this, as are large backpacks, depending on the size of the bladder.)

[froldt]

Great project! I actually have a Camelbak, but it is a cheapie that Mom won at some mountain biking thing. If yours was made out of some neoprene-type material, it would be better than what I have. Basically mine is a neoprene sleeve that the bladder fits into (old style of filler), and the top of it velcros. If I can find some neoprene, I will make one, but using your design!

[mightysinetheta]

Yeah, that would totaly work, just make sure the fill port can't slip thru the hole if the material is stretchy.

[onodevo]

This is a pretty sweet project. I have the unbottle and I find that not being able to remove it from the insulation annoying. This makes it easier to clean.

[sgt.paper]

i bought one 70oz bladder at walmart for 10 bucks

[xsmurf]

The bladder is around 10$ at Mountain Coop. Definitely worth it! Plus then you can use you favourite riding backpack ^.