Best hydration bladders. In this review, we are going to have a comprehensive guide on the best hydration bladders. We also answer the following questions.
- How long do hydration bladders last?
- How can I make my bladder taste better?
- Are CamelBak bladders safe?
- How do I keep my hydration bladder clean?
Are you an outdoor adventure enthusiast? Since the introduction of hydration bladders also known as hydration reservoirs in the ’90s, they have grown to become very popular among hikers, trekkers, mountain climbers, backpackers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The main reason to why hydration bladders have gained this popularity unlike the common water bottles is because the user has easy access to water and you have your hands free when drinking.
Hydration bladders are very conducive for hiking trips of all durations mainly because they let you take small sips of water throughout the hike which is highly advised during exhausting activities as it makes sure that the water is absorbed into the body effectively and avoids any splashing sensation in the stomach.
How long do hydration bladders last?
This question may be answered differently, but the fact is, how long a hydration bladder lasts will depend on the size of the bladder and the rate at which you are drinking water. If you use good water, hydration bladders that are well maintained and kept contamination free can store water for long durations even months.
How do I keep my hydration bladder clean?
Cleaning a hydration bladder is easy, follow these steps
- After emptying the bladder always store it in a freezer rolled up
- If you’ve had the bladder filled with anything else but water, it’s important to rinse it with hot water and lemon to breakaway residue
- Don’t use soap to avoid after tastes
- Use green scrubber pads to prevent smells and molds
- Hang-drying works great
What are hydration bladders made of?
Hydration bladders are made of durable and tougher materials than the normal water bottles, this material is mostly plastic or polyethylene. Hydration bladders are also lightweight just like other hiking and running gear.
Best Hydration Bladders for Hiking, Hunting and Running
WACOOL 3L 3Liter 100oz
As one of the best hydration bladders for Hiking, Hunting and Running this WACOOL 3L 3Liter 100oz is 100% odorless and tasteless. This bladder is also made of BPA- Free EVA material. Many users have often referred the WACOOL 3L as the most rigid hydration bladder. You may ask yourself why? Here are some reasons
The Double opening design has effectively worked for high-end hydration systems, this is attributed to the fact that it allows refills in any condition, it’s also a high flow bladder and comes with a dust cover. The bladder’s mouthpiece has an auto-lock feature to eliminate leakages. Water is kept cool or warm thanks to the insulation hose and self-lock feature. How to Avoid Leakages To avoid leaking make sure the screw cap is securely closed tightly, clockwise twist tightly fastens the lid to levels that no leakage is going to happen. This is definitely one of the best hydration systems on the market. Features
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Source Outdoor Widepac Hydration System
This Source Outdoor Widepac Hydration System as one of the best hydration systems on the market has set a new standard and level in hydration. One factor that makes the Source Outdoor one of the best hydration bladders is the wide slide opening which adds convenience and effectiveness to draining, filling and cleaning, the opening is also leakproof. This bladder is a darling of many thanks to its low maintenance and care which is enhanced by the GrungeGuard technology. The Taste Free Technology makes sure water tastes like water, not plastics, it’s BPA and Phthalate free. This GrungeGuard Technology is also very effective in the prevention of bacteria growth in the reservoir and drinking, keeping you healthy and improving on the life of the system. Features
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Source Tactical WXP 3-Liter Hydration Reservoir
Now let’s look at the features that make this one of the best hydration bladders on the market, First is the Quick Mate Technology, the QMT hose fitting offer convenience by push of a button and there is no leakage. The hand-operated large NC Filler cap is airtight and low profile. Other features include the Widespac closure which opens wide and allows for easy filling, ice insertion, draining and cleaning. There is no plastic taste just that natural water taste. The GrungeGuard Technology for prevention of bacteria growth and easy maintenance Features
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This Source Tactical WXP 3-Liter Hydration Reservoir features a wide slide opening, screw cap opening and is easy to maintain and clean.
CamelBak Crux 1.5L Reservoir – AW19
As one of the best hydration bladders on the market this CamelBak Crux 1.5L Reservoir – AW19 will deliver up to 20% more water for every sip, it easy to refill thanks to the ergonomic handle and comes with an on/off lever for leak prevention. You also get a Leak-proof cap that opens and closes with ease and a big bite valve which self seals after each sip eliminating drips. Features
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Platypus Big Zip Water Reservoir
This Platypus Big Zip Water Reservoir is your best choice for a hand free and taste-free hydration. Other features that make this one of the best hydration bladders include :
The Standard Valve has a 1/4-inch drink tube, its easy to clean and has a low profile design. This hydration bladder works great for hikers, bikers, backpackers. Features
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FAQs
- How should one store their hydration bladder when not in use?
Ensure that your hydration bladder is clean and fully dry, roll it up and keep it in the freezer. This is to ensure that nothing can grow in it. If your freezer doesn’t have any free space, keep it anywhere dry.
- Can I put in other drinks in my hydration bladder apart from water?
Yes, you can. However, ensure that you clean your hydration bladder thoroughly after you’re done with your drink to avoid leaving a lingering flavor of the drink in the bag.
- How frequent should I clean my hydration bladder?
It is advisable that you read the specific care instructions provided after buying your hydration bladder. On that note, you aren’t required to wash your hydration bladder too frequently. However, if you will be regularly putting sugary drinks in the hydration bladder you will be required to clean it frequently. In addition, if you still notice a chemical flavor in your water after using your hydration bladder a number of times, it may be appropriate to increase the frequency of the washes to be able to get rid of that taste.
- How am I supposed to clean my bladder?
It is essential that you keep your hydration bladder clean at all times. Below is the cleaning procedure to follow:
- Soak the hydration bladder in a mixture of hot water and baking soda roughly around 30 minutes.
- Take a toothbrush or any other small brush and gently scrub the inside of the bladders reservoir.
- Rinse it with hot water together with a non- chemical soap. Ensure that it is properly rinsed off all the bleach before resuming use.
- Once you are certain that the reservoir is clean, air dry it so that no moisture is left trapped inside the bladder.
Factors to consider before buying the best hydration bladders
Are you looking for the best hydration bladders to keep your thirst at bay on your next outdoor activity? There are various factors to put into consideration before buying your hydration bladder. We have outlined some of the main features you will need to look out for when making your selection.
- Capacity and profile.
Most of the best hydration bladders come in 2L and 3L, however, you may also find smaller or larger capacities.one of the most apparent effects of the storage capacity on the hydration bladder is its weight. The larger the capacity of your hydration bladder the more weight you will be carrying around when your hydration bladder is full. Always ensure that you find a hydration bladder that meets your specific needs. A hydration bladder that carries a lot of water may weigh you down when embarking on a short exercising session, however, one with a small storage capacity can fail to keep you hydrated over long distances.
1/1.5 L hydration bladders. These types of hydration bladders are most preferred by kids and commuters. They are suited for quick hikes and trail runs.
2 L hydration bladders. They are the most common size. They are ideal for running, hiking or snowboarding. They are perfect for those who don’t like filling up their hydration bladders regularly. They offer a good amount of water for a day.
3 L bladder. They are the most adaptable hydration bladders of all. They are most ideal for athletes who don’t want to have to refill regularly and require large capacities of water. The capacity of these hydration bladders gives you a choice of carrying small or lots of water.
The profile of the bladder should also be considered as some are wide while others are tall. Most backpacks and hydration packs come standard with a sleeve that will be able to accommodate your bladder therefore always ensure that you check the size of this to ensure that you get the right fit. Slender profile bladders tend to be more comfy for carrying as they tend to sit better against your back.
- Ease of cleaning.
Maintaining your hydration bladder clean can turn out to be a hard task, mostly if you use sugary drinks in it. The three main parts of a hydration bladder that require to be kept clean are the mouthpiece, the hose, and the reservoir. Prior to purchasing a hydration bladder check and see how simple it is to disassemble and clean.
Many hydration bladders have parts that tend to be difficult to clean and dry; this makes them a good place for bacteria to grow. For those who only put water in their hydration bladders, regular cleaning is not necessary.
A number of the hydration bladders with wider mouths can be turned inside out and placed in a dishwasher, therefore, making it easy to clean. Other hydration bladders require a separate cleaning brush or pack to be bought together with the bladder to make possible for you to get into the nooks and crannies to remove any dirt.
- Comfort
The comfort of your hydration bladder is of great importance just like all other running gears. You should ensure that you are comfortable with the hydration bladder that you will select. Therefore, whether you are using a hydration vest, a hydration backpack or you just require a bladder that fits well in your daypack, you will need to ensure that you buy something that you can put on comfortably, capable of holding as much water as you need and that which is also light in weight. If your hydration bladder does not offer you the comfort it should, it will turn out to be difficult for you to be able to use it. Often times if you are running long distances, it is advisable to get two or more small-sized hydration bladders and attach them evenly around your hydration vest. This is to ensure that their weight is evenly distributed.
- Lightweight
Hydration bladders are normally heavier than water bottles since they are made of tougher and durable materials. Nevertheless, the best hydration bladder should be light in weight just like all other hiking gear. The best hydration bladders are lightweight.
- Durability
Most of the hydration bladders rarely cause leakages. Many durability issues with hydration bladders appear at the joints (reservoir-tube joint and tube-mouthpiece joint) and the mouthpiece. Mouthpieces are more prone to leak as time passes as they get torn easily. They can hence cause leakage when positioned lower than the reservoir. When using a bite valve mouthpiece, always inspect it frequently for damages to avoid leakages. It is highly beneficial if the hydration bladder has a detachable tube and mouthpiece. This enables you to change the damaged and leaking parts rather than replacing the whole hydration bladder.
- Closure type
Hydration bladders will either have a snap cap type of closure or a wide slide closure at the top. The two closure types allow easy refilling of your hydration bladder. You should ensure that the opening of your hydration bladder is wide enough for you to be able to clean them thoroughly and easily.
- Size of the bite valve
The size of your hydration bladder will dictate how simple or otherwise it will be to suck the liquid out of the bladder. Medium-sized bite valves are normally the best. Too large bite valves can be uncomfortable in your mouth and make it difficult to suck the liquid up the tubes because of low pressure. Too small bite valves will restrict the flow of the liquid into your mouth.
Most hydration bladders have either a turn valve or a switch locking mechanism. The switch locking mechanism is better rated since it is simpler to clean and easier to use when out there exercising.
- Opening type
The type of opening on your bladder will affect how simple the bladder is to clean and refill. The fold top type is the most pragmatic of all the opening types. Once the bladder is full, you fold the top cover and slide a closure over the fold to seal the bladder and prevent any leakage. Its opening is large which makes it simple to refill from shallow outdoor sources when you are out there hiking.
The zip-top type of opening has the same concept to the folded top although it takes a longer time to open and close up than the folded top. It has a zip lock that you slide a closure attachment over once it has been pressed shut. The screw-top type of opening has a large round opening that is sealed by a screw top closure lid.
- Compatibility
If you plan on carrying water in a hydration bladder, you should use a hydration bladder compatible backpack. Such types of backpacks usually have an internal or external sleeve for a water reservoir. External sleeves are more pragmatic than internal ones as they allow you to insert the water reservoir even when your backpack is full. In addition, the external sleeves cause small hassle with the tube as it allows you to insert the hydration bladder with the tube connected as they have a fairly large opening at the top.
Advantages of hydration bladders
- Ease of use
A hydration bladder provides easy access to water or any liquid in your hydration bladder by allowing you to drink on the go without sipping. Hikers using hydration bladders tend to drink small sips of water throughout the hiking adventure. Hikers using water bottles tend to drink more water at a time since they know that they have to take their backpack off once they get thirsty again. Such inconveniences are avoided by the use of a hydration bladder.
- Easy to store
Hydration bladders are easier to fit in a compatible backpack because it can mold itself into almost any space, or just lay on top.in addition as you sip more water from your bladder it reduces in size.
- Comfortable carry of water
The flexible ability of hydration bladders avoids the problem of having canteens poking into the hikers back. In addition, hydration bladders evenly distribute the weight of water and help keep the pack evenly balanced.
- Lightweight
Most hydration bladders just like other hiking gears are normally light in weight. The largest 3L hydration bladder often weighs less than six ounces.
- Free valuable pack space
Hydration bladders are mostly stored in between the pack’s frame and fabric, therefore, no internal storage space is utilized. This creates space for other products they may want to carry along their hike or instead carry smaller backpacks.
Disadvantages of hydration bladders
- Maintenance care
While water bottles can simply go in the recycling bin after you are done with your outdoor activity, hydration bladders require thorough cleaning and efficient drying. If you fail to do so, you may end up with a moldy reservoir.
- Durability issues
While water bottles are durable and rarely leak most hydration bladders are prone to leak at the mouthpiece area after some time of use as they get torn.
- Hydration bottles are hard to use in cold temperatures
Refilling tends to be difficult when wearing gloves. In addition, the water in the tube tends to freeze even when using an insulated tube.
- They are hard to refill compared with water bottles
Conclusion
When selecting the best hydration bladders, go for one that has accessories that are compatible with other backpacks so that you can fully use it to suit your needs and preferences.