(Possibly stupid) Skiing Backpack Question

Intelligence and practicality levels are all switched off, but is there any reason why a Camelback Blowfish would be unsuitable to take away skiing with me?

I’m not thinking for hydration purposes (that’s what the slope cafes are for after all!), just as a practical pack to carry bits and pieces in!

Can’t see why not. Might be a little big for day to day use and a little small for back-county off piste but should be fine. Camelbaks actually work quite well for hydration too as you can take a gulp without faff. Only really works in warmer weather, but that’s when you need it most. Better than paying £4 for a can of Coke, too

I’ve skied with my Camelbak Mule before. Tube freezes when it’s proper cold so no good for drinks, but it’s a handy size for essentials.

Used to ski with my Camelbak, Blowfish too. Very handy.

If, after you’ve drunk, you blow the liquid remaining in the tube back into the bladder, the tube doesn’t freeze up.

TBH, I used a Camelback for a couple of years skiing, then realised it was just allowing me to carry around loads of crap that I didn’t need, and what I did need fitted in my jacket pockets. There’s possibly a lesson there for using one when biking too…

I’m too jealous so refuse to help.

TBH, I used a Camelback for a couple of years skiing, then realised it was just allowing me to carry around loads of crap that I didn’t need, and what I did need fitted in my jacket pocket

I must admit I did the same. A lot depends on the resort, the weather and how near the hotel is. Sometimes you need extra layers and snacks but mostly its not needed.

As IHN, if you are resort skiing I can’t see the need for any sort of backpack really.

Just end up carrying clutter you don’t need.

Having said that, if you do use one, can’t see why a camelback blowfish wouldn’t work.

Can see the carrying clutter you don’t need argument (much like when packing that extra waterproof when out on the bike!) but saves more money being spent so that’s all good.

Sandwicheater – I’ll send you a picture from the pistes to thank you for your input 😉

For years I carried a sac with spare jumpers, goggles, a drink etc. This year I realised that most stuff I genuinely needed fitted in my pockets. It was much nicer than carting a sac around.

IHN – Member
If, after you’ve drunk, you blow the liquid remaining in the tube back into the bladder, the tube doesn’t freeze up.

Genius – why did I never think of that?

If, after you’ve drunk, you blow the liquid remaining in the tube back into the bladder, the tube doesn’t freeze up.

I found that never really worked. there was always a few drops left that would freeze quite quickly. The only thing I found that worked was to keep the tube full and remember to take a little sip regularly. It still froze eventually in really cold weather, though.

I’m too jealous so refuse to help.

I travel to Meribel this afternoon for a week! 🙂

I’m jealous too, but I always wear a mini Camelbak under my coat, so it never freezes. Hydration purposes only, so probably of no use to this conversation!

I can understand the need for carrying equipment when out in the wild, but like a few others posting here, I don’t feel the need for anything that I can’t fit into the pockets on my jacket when on the pistes.

Not jealous either, cos I’ll be in the queue at the Albertville péage in around 24 hours. Not hoping for the best conditions in the forthcoming week, it’s going to get warm. Still, it suits the kids.

Use a Mule all the time.

Never thought about blowing it back in, I’ll have to try that next time.

I’m a thirsty bugger, nice to keep sipping away whilst on the lifts on the way back up.

Plus it always gives you a little more back protection. I don’t wear the full back protector as I wonder where you’d stop with protection equipment, but quite a few years ago, I had a silly off on a t-bar with my Dad. Somehow, to this day I can’t work it out, one of his ski’s caught me in the back. Bashed me up pretty bad. I know with a back pack I wouldn’t have had a problem.

Just keep water, my shades, spare fleece, bobble hat for when I stop for lunch and a bit of sun cream….although I will say you find yourself a little forward on the ski lifts.

TBH, I used a Camelback for a couple of years skiing, then realised it was just allowing me to carry around loads of crap that I didn’t need, and what I did need fitted in my jacket pockets. There’s possibly a lesson there for using one when biking too…

TBH I can’t remember when I snapped the chain and got a flat on my board.

I have used a small one under my jacket with a bit of food or lunch – you do get some funny looks making lunch on the floor of a long cable car ride.

For winter hydration, Camelback sell tubes insulated with a neoprene sleave and with a rubber cover for the bite valve. Combine this set up with the blow-back technique and you’ll be fine to -10C or so. A small pack like a Blowfish should be fine for comfort and is perhaps better than stuffing goggles, buff, munchies, wallet, phone and ski lock into your pockets. Naturally, you can then add a spare layer, spare gloves… and all the other stuff that isn’t essential but you might eventually need, one day..
Or take up off piste skiing and carry a full pack with all your kit, all of the time. That’s simplest for me.

For winter hydration, Camelback sell tubes insulated with a neoprene sleave and with a rubber cover for the bite valve. Combine this set up with the blow-back technique and you’ll be fine to -10C or so.

was going to say exactly this. Never had a problem with this setup.

although I will say you find yourself a little forward on the ski lifts.

first time we went out skiing with ours, my mate went for a drink whilst leaning back on the chair lift. Resultant pressure in the camelbak bladder meant a scene like one of those ‘dog drinks from hose pipe’ videos on You’ve Been Framed 🙂