by Canski1 » Mon Dec 05, 2005 11:30 pm
Hi,
I have a BCA Stash pack. I love it. As for balance, it is so close to you, you don't even notice it's there. It's a very thin pack and the straps hold it close to you. I have only experienced some freezing once when it was really cold: -20C. I just pressed on the tube a bit and it loosened up.
If it's really cold, put the pack on under your jacket for a bit and it will warm up again. (Just make sure it doesn't cool your back down.)
I find it's very well made and works very well, too.
Another trick is to put fairly warm water in it in the morning. That takes a lot longer to freeze up in the tube and warms you up when you sip.
They make several sizes.
One last one, if it's really cold is to put a heat pack like you can stick in your gloves or boots into the strap compartment where the insulated hose goes, and that will keep the hose from freezing. I've never had the bladder freeze because there's so much movement and more warmth on the back.
They had it before camelbak.
cheers,
canski1