Losing a water bottle?

[desdemona]

Has this ever happened to you? (And what to do about it?)
I hiked up a crest (about 7600 from 6000 or so). Anyway at the top, well actually not sure where but that's the best guess, I lost a water bottle from a side mesh pocket. I wasn't too well the next day, but got over it ok.

Anyway, I definitely do NOT want to do that again. I think it slid out at some point.

There are side compression straps could hold the bottle better, but you have to take the pack off to drink. I thought of maybe putting velcro straps across, so it might stay in better and also be able to be removed easier.

Any thoughts on this? I know you guys (gals) have good ideas.

Thanks,

--des

[mudhead]

Dummy string. Or

Thin shock cord to tighten up pocket. Or

Different size/shape bottle.

[DAKS]

carry a water bladder also. you don't necessarily have to carry one with a drinking tube, but just a collapsible bladder in your pack that is filled. always have a back up!

[envirodiver]

They make holsters for water bottles that attach to your pack, usually the hip belt. Works great and keeps the bottle close at hand. I find that I drink more when the water is close at hand rather than in my pack.

[jersey joe]

Or use a gatorade bottle, this way, if you lose it, no big deal.

[desdemona]

Or use a gatorade bottle, this way, if you lose it, no big deal.

The point though is NOT to lose it. Getting that dehydrated is really nasty.
Don't want to repeat that.

Nice suggestions though everybody.
I think the shape or size might have been an issue (taller vs wider), string shock cord could work, and the holsters is a great idea. The bladder isn't a bad idea either. Thanks.

--des

[Allen66]

Or use a gatorade bottle, this way, if you lose it, no big deal.

No big deal except for all the plastic bottles layin around.

[fehchet]

carry 2 bottles

[fiddlehead]

get a new pack. One you can trust. That's what i'd do anyway. i don't want any doubts as to whether my gear can handle the situation i put myself into. I don't carry much water. If i only have one bottle, i am not going to lose it.

[gungho]

This is why I opt to use a hydration system with a drinking tube. works best for me

[GratefulHike]

I have had the same problem with my water bottles, I just haven't permanently lost them. I use really cheap little carribeaners.

[Two Speed]

I use (2) one litre bottles, one in each side mesh pocket. Been using this method off and on for two or three years and haven't lost one yet.

Des, one thing I do is to try to match the shape of the bottle to the shape of the pocket. So far the Aqua Fina water bottles are my favorite. Even doing that I find that occasionally an empty bottle will start to work it's way out of the pocket, so again, this is one of those little things that every hiker has to work out to their own satisfaction.

Short version: there really isn't a "right way" or a "wrong way" but there is a method that will work best for you.

[jersey joe]

No big deal except for all the plastic bottles layin around.

Less plastic laying around than if you lost a nalgene.

[AlwaysHiking]

Less plastic laying around than if you lost a nalgene.

Trash is trash is trash. Doesn't matter what it says on the outside of it.

[Midway Sam]

get a new pack. One you can trust. That's what i'd do anyway. i don't want any doubts as to whether my gear can handle the situation i put myself into. I don't carry much water. If i only have one bottle, i am not going to lose it.

Seriously!? You would buy a new backpack just because your water bottle fell out once? I'm not knocking ya, but to me that seems both extreme and wasteful.

[jersey joe]

Trash is trash is trash. Doesn't matter what it says on the outside of it.

Of course, no one would dispute that.

[Pony]

Coleman makes a small biner that is connected to a plastic circle clip that fits around the top of a 20 oz pop bottle. I got one for Christmas, but I tied it to some paracord to hang my food bag with.

This happened to me once, but luckily it was on a day hike and I was able to retrieve the bottle the next day.

[atraildreamer]

Coleman makes a small biner that is connected to a plastic circle clip that fits around the top of a 20 oz pop bottle. I got one for Christmas, but I tied it to some paracord to hang my food bag with.

Wally World has them too...a couple of buck for 2. Easy enough to make your own using a small biner and nylon cord.

[notorius tic]

Carried the same Gator AIDE bottle for about 750 miles an Zeppherhills makes a great 14 oz botttle made of some indostuctable stuff.. Carried that 1 all the way an in the end had Niner an a few others carve there initials in it got it placked<: This thing froze heated an got dropped like 764643545687 times.. But still keept a platty 2liter in my pack just no water cooking fill ups from long water points ect.. Its all about CHOICE

[notorius tic]

Heck Niner would only drink 8z a day even on long treks 18 mile days Hes a Camel im a Water Drunkerd out there.<: I freaked in PA no water for 18 miles sometimes longer hall if you miss an its freaking 100 dgs... Pa sucked last year...