We are hiking at Zion and around Moab in late June this year (family of 5). The Misty Mate cooling misters have been recommended. They're not cheap - $20 apiece and up. But if they're worth it that's fine. Are they actually better than a regular old spray bottle? Anyone out there have experience, good or bad? Thanks so much.

I'm probably the one that recommend them. Yes a spray bottle will work. We bought two for $24 at Costco and so they have been well worth the money. Also check Wal-Mart. I usually carry mine and spray DH when he needs it, so one for two or four people would probably work.

One nice thing about the misty mates is the fact that it uses a lot less water for a longer period of time. It's a very fine mist. A spray bottle will be a heavier mist so you will have to carry a lot of water to last for a couple hour hike. Once you pump the misty-mate bottle then you can just turn the valve when you want a mist. You can keep the mist just spraying for a long time and just hold the tip where you want the spray, ie your legs, arms, face, neck.

A tip for both...use ice cubes in the water for a cooler mist.

Utahtea

That makes sense. Perhaps I will, as mom, carry one for everyone! Or dad and I each will carry one....You are a great source of info! Thanks!

No problem. One thing to keep in mind with the misty-mates or spray bottles is to re-apply sunscreen often so you don't burn! Lots of in Utah Have a good time on your trip!

Utahtea

Another thing to keep in mind from my experience with the Misty Mate-- The tiny hole that sprays the fine mist can get clogged with tiny grains of dirt or sand quite easily (especially when the kids are dropping it in the sand). It's important to keep the water and tube clear of dirt. Maybe your can also carry some kind of very thin needle or wire to clear clogs.

OKay, I am intrigued. I went to the website and stil want more info about this thing. Which model are you referring to? The 10 oz? And do you have to pump it to make it work or what?

This is the ones I have.

http://www.mistymate.com/mmp16.html

You fill it with water (and ice) and screw on the top black pump part. Pump it until it builds up presser and then when ever you want some of the mist, you turn the (white) valve near the tip for mist. Near the tip is also a metal clip to clip on your shirt, jeans or backpack.

I don't go hiking in the summer without mine.

Utahtea

lvk: thanks for that tip re bringing a small wire. Did the kids find it operable themselves? Did it make a difference overall? thanks!

I just use an old windex bottle on the beach but hiking I'd want something more high tech. Every little ounce counts when you are hiking.

My kids were grown and out of the house before I discovered the misty-mates, but I would have love to have them when our boys were younger.


Depending on your children's ages, you might have to do the pumping for them, but that should only be a few times in a couple of hours. My 15 month old grandson didn't have any problems turing the spray on and off. He was playing with it more than really using it but it kept him entertained & cool in the backpack! I used mine to keep his Mommy cool on the hike to Emerald Pools in Zion.

http://aidan.lithium.com/aidan%20pic..._6789_8721.JPG


Utahtea

The Misty Mate is very expensive on the internet but they have them at my local Wal-Mart for $10 for the small and $14 for the large.