Camelbak or Granite

Item: Granite Tactical H2O

Price Range:

Make:

Dimensions:

Weight:352gm/12.4oz

Features: Holds 100 Oz Or 3 Liter Hydration Bladders, Closed Cell Foam Insulation, Closed Cell Foam Insulation, 500 D Cordura® Nylon, Pals Webbing Throughout, High Output Hydration Ports, Internal And External Zip Pockets, Quick Release Shoulder Straps, Haul Loop, NIR Enhanced Concealment, Meets infrared reflective specifications exterior fabric and hardware, & #8 RiRi aqua zip zippers

Design Intention/Application:

Multifunctional is a beautiful term in the gear world. When one piece of kit can serve two purposes, both space and weight are saved. That is exactly why this hydration carrier by Granite Granite gear is a soldier's best option when it comes to hydration. 

See, service-members are issued Camelbak reservoirs and carriers, that are designed to be shoulder carried like a backpack. It is not possible for these units to be molle mounted on load bearing equipment (lbe) easily. This is where the Granite Tactical Gear H2O comes in.

The adaptability of the "H20"'s soldier straps eliminate the need for separate reservoir bags. Its straps, are constructed simply of thin and flexible 500D nylon. When used in combination of their quick release buckles, these straps can quickly convert from shoulder straps, to molle weaving straps. Their long length means is an added benefit. In backpack mode their is plenty of room for adjustment and in lbe/molle mounted mode, the length allows for easy and quick mounting as well as tight drawdowns to prevent gear from flopping allowed. In both modes, the excess can be tucked up into the middle  column of PALS webbing to leave a neat appearance.

Other brands of hydration carriers have little extra room and either small or no pockets. However, this is not the case with the "H2O" as it has two pockets and plenty of extra space. The two pockets are only X inches by X inches but can fit                  . One is on the outside and one is on the inside of the main compartment. The main compartment itself can hold a 300oz/3L bladder full and still have some room for other small items such as a multitool. Be careful not to put anything too small inside there as there are small holes in the bottom corners (about the diameter of your pointer finger). These will be discussed at the end.

If that isn't enough room, it has x rows by x rows of pals webbing to attach anything and everything which is a huge plus. On mine, I have the Source Universal Tap Adapt (UTA) in a molle sheath for quick access. 

Now for the small stuff. It has #8 RiRi aqua zip zippers as well as "high output hydration ports" located on the bottom. Honestly, I am not really sure what they were intended for (I am assuming they are for multiple bladder tubes), but they would serve as very large drainage holes. Lastly, it has closed cell foam insulation, and meets infrared reflective specifications exterior (whose, I'm not positive, but apparently it meets somebodies, I guess the military's).

Superior Hydration: Source vs. Camelbak

Review/Comparison:
     Many individuals who are not into gear probably know the name Camelbak when it comes to hydration. Due to its popularity, it is the only name out there and as a result is often considered the "go to" bladder on the market. While I understand why this is the case, I due believe the Source brand has better bladders. 


     To start off, Source bladders have an easy access slider, which allows the bladder to open from the top and the owner to fit their whole arm inside in order to clean the interior (even though it is supposed to be designed not to be cleaned). Camelbak bladders do not have this feature, causing the owner to engage in the time consuming and in my experience, less effective cleaning measures (using vinegar or purchasing Camelbak brand cleaning solvent).


     In my experience, the cap on the Source bladders is much easier to remove. It has beveling on the cap, allowing for a better grip. Camelbak caps always give me  a hard time. At first, they turn slowly, and as one applies pressure, the cap opens. It is a like opening a food jar that has been closed too tightly. Source bladders simply open smoothly.

     Next, both of the disconnects on the tube (the bladder end and the bite valve end) have quick disconnect buttons and sealed valves. This allows for two things; one: for the user to disconnect and connect tubes/accessories without much physical effort and two: it allows them to do so without losing all their water. It also minimizes the risk of leakage (i.e. the tube disconnects at the bladder connection point). While Camelbak's tubes do disconnect, the valves do not seal, meaning the bladder will loose water when there is no tube connect. Also their tubes are so hard to remove. One must press down on the button with sufficient force for the tube to separate. 


     This brings us to the bite valve. Source's newest Helix bite valve is simply superpub. First off, the cap fits snugly and never comes off. Camelback valve covers never fit securely, and pop off, exposing the bite valve to the elements and allowing it to collect dirt. Source's Helix valve operates by turning the bite piece, allowing water to flow freely. The nature of the valve allows one to drink without chomping on the bite valve. Consequently, this also means the owner does not have to squeeze the valve and risk have water dribble everywhere except for the container they are trying to fill. 


     This brings us to the last noteworthy features. Source has the most useful accessory ever; the Universal tap Adaptor, aka the UTA. This accessory enables the user to fill the bladder without removing it from their hydration bladder carrier. UTA's connect to the drink tube at the bite valve end, and have a large rubber receptacle which can adapt to a hose or spout of any kind (including water bottles). All one must due is turn on the spout, faucet, hose, or squeeze the bottle. 


     Best of all the Source bladders are at the same price-point of their more popular competitor, Camelbak. Checkout the links for more. 


Links:


     Photos
     Source Products
     ITSTACTICAL Review- while a review, it is a incomplete comparison as well
     Milspec Monkey Short Demo