Camelbak UnBottle

Review Date
July 1, 2008

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: brian sniatkowski(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $25.00 at Campmor

Summary:
The great thing about the Unbottle is that it instantly makes any pack a hydration pack. I use it regularly in my 25 year old LL Bean daypack.

For packs that do not have hydration compatible sleeves this is a very good choice. I've found that many of the non rigid alternatives do not work well, as they collapse and make drawing water difficult.

So if you do not have a hydration system compatible pack, the Unbottle is a great choice. For packs that have a hydration sleeve however I would save some weight and choose a Platypus or similar system.



For many uses there are many water bladders that will work well, but

Customer Service:
No experience

Similar Products Used:
Platypus hoser. Great for packs that have some sort of sleeve to store the bottle, however if you just stick it in any pack it will usually collapse inside and make drawing water difficult.

Review Date
September 15, 2006

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Reviewed by: M. Fowler(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $50.00 at REI

Summary:
I have tried multiple times to soak the nasty taste out of my UnBottle. I have tried soaking for several days in baking soda and water; lemon juice and water (that worked somewhat to reduce the taste). I like the design and concept, but I cannot bear the taste of the water, and certainly cannot use it for trail coffee or tea.
I have contacted the store (REI), and I have gone to the Camelback web page for hints. Now, after about 5 serious uses of the UnBottle, I will ask for my money back.

Review Date
November 14, 2003

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Bill_Abendroth(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $20.00 at REIoutlet.com

Summary:
I bought the Unbottle because REI Outlet was selling it for the same price as a replacement 100 oz bladder. The bladder is first rate. The large mouth make filling easy, as does cleaning--esp. important for guys. Mine has had lots of horrid crud growing in it, but I was able to clean out w/ the cleaning kit. I've even filled it with V-8 Juice. It cleans up nicely.

The problem with the Unbottle as a backpack tool is the insulating shell. It works great, protects the bladder--but I can't justify the extra weight. The plastic bladder is thick enough--just keep it away from pokey things. The handle & D-rings on the outside are handy--but you want 3 liters of fluid up against your back, not strapped to the outside of your pack.

So for car camping (or just plain camping) when weight is not an issue--go for it. But for backpacking--I'd go with just the bladder, and not get an Unbottle.

Customer Service:
Never had reason to contact

Similar Products Used:
M.U.L.E., Day Trekker, Classic, Camelback cleaning kit, and Raza 28--Yeah Baby!

Review Date
November 5, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: onesojourner(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $27.00 at bass pro

Summary:
over all i love this thing. never had a hydro pack before just nalgenes. the first few times i used it the plastice taste was pretty bad. i have either gotten used to it or its less prevelent. prob a little of both. the second little prob is the lid. its a little akward. make sure lid is on tight and the little peice of plastic that keeps it on the usit is not caught under the lid (that caused me a little prob just before a trip) other than that this thing is sweet. its kinda hard to fill all the way full with just a sink, but pull the bite valve out and connect your filter to it and you can pump this thing super full of water.

Customer Service:
emailed about the plastic taste gave advice within a day

Similar Products Used:
kust nalgene bottles

Review Date
May 16, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Northy(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from NYC, New York

Price Paid:  $33.00 at EMS

Summary:
I bought the UnBottle on Backpacker Mags recommendation. It won Editors Choice for a reason. Durable, insulated, large opening, and no leaks! The hose has a valve lock just above the bite valve. Nice features included are a filling "handle" and cap leash. Fits in a Gregory pack nicely. Buy the 100 oz for a few beans more. I used it in Canyonlands and Arches, Utah. You can never have enough water in the desert. It's not the cheapest bladder but the UnBottle is totally worth the extra clams.

Customer Service:
None

Similar Products Used:
Blackburn 100oz hydropack. Worked fine until the spring valve leaked.