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April 16, 2008
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Which hydration pack will prevent liquids from freezing while skiing?
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Menace Hydration Pack (courtesy, Camelbak)
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What is your recommendation on a hydration pack that will keep fluids from
freezing? Ideally it’d be small enough for resort use, but big enough to carry an
extra layer, snacks, goggles, and possibly the option of straps for ski/board
carry.
— Tony
Montreal, Quebec
Do you have a question of your own?
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 Well, you have to keep in mind we’re talking about hydration packs that are
insulated, not heated. So if it’s cold enough, and you are out in the cold long
enough, anything is going to freeze.
One suggestion is the Camelbak Menace ($80; camelback.com), which is a pack-sized
hydration pack, meaning it can carry a bladder AND extra clothes, snacks, etc. It
has about 1200 cubic inches of space in fact, which is pretty generous. And it
has straps and buckles to accommodate skis or boards. So it’s a versatile pack.
It even has a pocket for your iPod!
To keep your liquids…liquid, it’s insulated, and has an insulated tube slot as
well. So it will do about as well as any out there at keeping things in an
un-frozen state.
Alternatively, you can use any hydration pack and then take extra steps to
insulate the bladder and supply line. The Platypus 1 Holster ($17;
platypushydration.com) comes with a 34 ounce bottle and an insulated cover. Add
to it the Platypus Bite Valve and Drink Tube Insulated Kit ($16), and you’ve got
a pretty good solution to cold temperatures.
And…did I say not heated? In extreme conditions, it would make sense to
me to add a Jon-E Handwarmer ($25 for two; cabelas.com) to your pack. Stick it in
next to the bladder, and you’re in business!
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