hydration setup for backpack

[O6nop]

I acquired a backpack from a guy that owes me money, and I want to put it to good use - for me.
It is labeled: Level III Assault backpack - Mil-Spec Plus - Enhanced Tactical gear

The attached label lists the features, and one is that it is Hydration System compatible. This sounds great! My question is, where does it go? The picture points to the top of the back pack, but it's a small picture.
Does anyone have one of these that can tell me where it goes? What size will it take and does it secure in place well?
Is this a good pack? it seems rugged and has a lot of MOLLE straps on it

[jmorris]

Usually there's a pocket just inside the top of the pack, on the strap side. Mine had little toggles that helped hold up the bag and a slit that the hose ran through and along the strap.

[speepdaedeesi]

plus one for the above comment

dont know how much experience youve had with hydration systems but just a little tip, dont put anything other than water in it, unless you want it to taste funky.

i would google that model backpack or even shoot an email to the company and ask them what hydration system will work for it before you buy something online without getting to test fit it first.

ive been away in the army for a while now and dont know if the surplus stores around houston sell hydration bladders, but i do know that they are plentiful online.

good luck with it.

are you just making a bug out bag, or do you plan on using it for anything specific

[gigag04]

Is this it?

http://sap075.channeladvisor.com/p-65-l ... kpack.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Judging from the description there should be a small pouch against the inside of the pack, on the side that runs against your spine. I have two packs that are similar. Also it may have a pouch on near the top - I have one pack like this.

There should be a small opening to run the hose and mouthpiece out of the pack and then attachment points on the shoulder straps. I usually run mine down the left side (used to go right but this allows me to keep battle grip on rifle).

As for bladders, I prefer the camelback variety due to ease of disassembly, cleaning, and availability of extra parts. Others chose Nalgene or other brands. In my experience you get what you pay for in this arena as the pricier bladders have anti-microbacterial linings that keep things cleaner.

After use I pull the mouthpiece off and allow them (I have a couple of bladders) to dry. I usually insert something in the bladder to allow the corners to dry by keeping it from sticking to itself.

[O6nop]

plus one for the above comment

dont know how much experience youve had with hydration systems but just a little tip, dont put anything other than water in it, unless you want it to taste funky.

i would google that model backpack or even shoot an email to the company and ask them what hydration system will work for it before you buy something online without getting to test fit it first.

ive been away in the army for a while now and dont know if the surplus stores around houston sell hydration bladders, but i do know that they are plentiful online.

good luck with it.

are you just making a bug out bag, or do you plan on using it for anything specific

So, I guess it goes in the compartment directly contacting your back....?

I agree, water only!

I've googled everywhere, even watched Youtube videos and haven't found one that actually demonstrates how to use the hydration system (e.g. where bladder goes, tube and mouthpiece, etc.). Some sites sell them with a bladder but they are shown outside of the pack or not shown at all. I'm not sure what the company name is, it's not very specific, I guess it's Mil-Spec Plus but they are just the wholesaler, so not 100% sure. Cheaper than Dirt sold a lot of them, too. Just thought someone here might have some detailed info.

I'm not sure what I might use it for, like I said I kept it in lieu of payment when some one I knew skipped out on money owed me. (I kept a lot of other good stuff, too. Didn't come close to payoff, tho'.)
Could be a BOB...already have one, tho'... I'm looking to get more active, so hiking, adventure, maybe even some militia excursions, I figure whatever I might use it for, a hydration system will likely come in handy.

[O6nop]

Is this it?

Yes, pretty close! Thanks for the info. I'll see what I can figure out from there.
I didn't see any opening for the tube, I assume it should be at the bottom. The fastener to open/seal the compartment is a strip of velcro. Does that sound like the right compartment? There seem to be some loops I could use to run the tube through, but I don't know much about hydration systems.
Thanks for your reply, you must have sent it as I was writing my last reply (I type slowly and carefully )

[jmorris]

Is this it?

Yes, pretty close! Thanks for the info. I'll see what I can figure out from there.
I didn't see any opening for the tube, I assume it should be at the bottom. The fastener to open/seal the compartment is a strip of velcro. Does that sound like the right compartment? There seem to be some loops I could use to run the tube through, but I don't know much about hydration systems.
Thanks for your reply, you must have sent it as I was writing my last reply (I type slowly and carefully )

I have three with bladder pockets and all the slits are at the top. On two they aren't really a slit but two overlapping flaps.

My suggestion is to go to Academy or such and look at a backpack that comes with a bladder. They have several under their store name.

[C-dub]

Take it to a hiking, camping, outdoor store and they should be able to help you determine what size bladder it can hold and show you how to setup the tubing.

I have a 3 liter bladder that I used inside a backpack to hike around the Rio Grande National Forest in southeastern Colorado. It works very well. I also have a pouch that holds the same bladder that I have used on my bicycle and motorcycle on a couple long rides. (~200 miles) I do have to stop when on the motorcycle, but it is handy and being loaded with ice cubes to keep the water cold also helps keep me cool. I wore it over my shirt, but underneath my jacket.