Hydration Bladder--Which one to get?

Ray Settanta

Ray Settanta

Joined
Aug 30, 2012
Messages
1,487
I've always used canteens but since my new pack comes set up with a pocket and holes in the flaps, I would like to try a hydration bladder. What are the top two or three that I should look at? Thanks.
 
Camelbak bladders are an old standby. Platypus bladders are light and seem to perform well for many folks, the Big Zip one with the big opening is particularly popular. If I were going back to bladders, I'd probably go with that one. If you have an Osprey pack, their stiff-backed hydration system seems to do well too. I think mtwarden uses one, maybe he'll chime in.
 
I love my ospreys! Camelback is good for anything and spare parts are sold in many places
 
I use the Camelbak Armorbak system myself and love it. It's shorter and has a lower profile than most reservoirs but still holds 3 liters. Large mouth opening too. The quick-attach buckles on the carrier work great not only for molle webbing but anything that has loops. I use the reservoir only inside my larger packs but on short day hikes I'll attach the whole carrier to the outside of my small packs (in order to save room on the inside) as shown in the photos:

camelbak1.jpg


Profile:
camelbak2.jpg


And just the reservoir:
camelbak3.jpg
 
Source makes some good bladders, I've had a couple. not perfectly taste free, but not as bad as some others (and I'm sure they are better now) and they are at a reasonable price. Depending on your bag, and the setup, think about how you are going to fill it, and weather or not a quick detach hose will be important, If you like Ice, then a zip top is good, and if you are looking at a screw lid, many, but not all fit the "nalgene" standard which means MSR and some other filters will screw on. You might want to start with a cheaper one just to see how much capacity reasonably fits, as well as how it rides once its half full. I've had some carriers that were not so great once the sloshing started.
 
I use a platypus 2L in my pack. It works perfectly with the platypus gravity filter system that I carry. I also carry an extra 1L nalgene bottle just in case.
 
Any ideas where one can get a filter for their hydration bags? Apparently MSR is no longer making their in-line filter.
 
danpass said:
[...]
I say the mil one because it already comes with the insulated tube. Helpful against sunlight.
Click to expand...

Easy trick without adding weight and bulk of the insulated tube: blow your water back into your bladder. Works in the heat and cold :thumbup:
 
Other bladder tricks I learned along the way:

Fill your bladder with 1L of water, lay flat with lid open and propped up out of reach of water (and no water in hose), freeze overnight. Fill before your trip. If you're using an insulated bladder pocket, you have cold water all day.

After you've filled the bladder, invert and put pressure on the bladder to push air out through hose. Sloshing eliminated.
 
Look into this one. Fake audience but good product.

[video=youtube;4d_SuiTlB7w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d_SuiTlB7w[/video]
 
Get a Osprey pack. If you are in hot area get the trampoline back. It's a life saver. Lifetime Busse like warranty.

You can swap out the bladder with a GEIGERRIG if you like that pressurized stuff. I personally don't care for that.
 
For backpacking, the Platypus Hoser. Not only do I like it best, it's light and inexpensive, too. Only real negative is the bite valve, IMO. I use a replacement valve sold for Deuter bladders on mine.
For dayhiking, being able to pack the bladders that have a larger opening with ice is a nice feature in hot weather.
 
I'd recommend Camelbak. I love their packs and hydration systems. The parts available make for easy replacement and upgrades affordable.
 
If you just want to try a bladder to see if you like it, with minimal expense, consider the Outdoor Research unit from Walmart. You can always upgrade if you like the concept and it works for you. If not, you haven't spent much.
 
Codger_64 said:
If you just want to try a bladder to see if you like it, with minimal expense, consider the Outdoor Research unit from Walmart. You can always upgrade if you like the concept and it works for you. If not, you haven't spent much.
Click to expand...

+1 on this. If/when you do upgrade then yeah look at Camelbak. I used them for years without issue. Rugged and reliable, in my region water is the most important thing in your kit.
 
I've only ever used the Camelbak bladder, and more recently the military version with the insulated drink tube. They've served me well and never had a reason buy another type (never bought one separately, just came with packs).

I value durability in a water bladder more than weight savings -- a broken bladder is about as useless as can be and could put you in a bad spot if in the backcountry.

Not to say other brands aren't as durable, only that I would trade any weight for durability. I also like that more accessories are available/ compatible with Camelbaks
 
gadgetgeek said:
Source makes some good bladders, I've had a couple. not perfectly taste free, but not as bad as some others (and I'm sure they are better now) and they are at a reasonable price. Depending on your bag, and the setup, think about how you are going to fill it, and weather or not a quick detach hose will be important, If you like Ice, then a zip top is good, and if you are looking at a screw lid, many, but not all fit the "nalgene" standard which means MSR and some other filters will screw on. You might want to start with a cheaper one just to see how much capacity reasonably fits, as well as how it rides once its half full. I've had some carriers that were not so great once the sloshing started.
Click to expand...

This!!! Says everything I was gonna say!
 
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