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Best Hydration Bladders for the Outdoors
Do not worry, as there is a solution that will keep you hydrated while your on the go this summer, and that solution is a hydration bladder. Theseproducts are bladders that you can fill with water and slip into a hiking backpack or dog bag to ensure that you will have full access to your hands and still be able to get hydrated while on the go.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Size
When you’re preparing yourself for your next outdoor activity and know you will need to carry water, you’ll want to take a moment to consider just how much water you’ll really need to achieve your goals. Considering the amount of water you need to carry for your outdoor activities should also help you decide what size of a hydration bladder you require. If you do a wide variety of outdoor activities, and only want to purchase one versatile hydration pack for all that you do, then you’ll need to consider the maximum amount of water you’ll need to have for your most strenuous activities.
While you might feel like it’s better to be “safe than sorry” with water and overprepare rather than underprepared, remember that this is not always the best approach to planning your outdoor adventures, either. Water isn’t something that’s particularly light to carry if you are hauling around a large amount of it. One liter of water, for example, weighs around two pounds. So, another thing to think about is how much water you really can carry without slowing yourself down, and whether or not you’ll have options to refill your water bladder bag along the way.
Another concept to remember when considering what size of hydration reservoir to purchase is knowing you don’t need to totally fill your bladder to the top each time you use it. If you are planning an activity you know will be a shorter event requiring less water, then only bring what you know you will need.
So, for those of you wanting to get one pack for all of your outdoor needs, think of the longest trip you might take and the largest amount of water you might need before you purchase your product, and try to match what you anticipate. Then, when you go on your shorter trips, fill the hydration bladder with only the water you need, instead of to the very top.
Ease of Use
Another important factor to consider when purchasing your water bladder bag is its ease of use, especially while you are on-the-go. The best bladders for outdoor enthusiasts are easy to drink from and hands-free so that stopping to hydrate is not required.
The most important feature to analyze when looking for a hydration bladder that’s simple to drink from is the mouthpiece. You want to find a hydration bladder that gives you the amount of purified water you need whenever you need it with minimal sucking.
If you find you have to suck too much on the mouthpiece, you might find yourself having difficulty breathing during your activity, and then you’ll most likely despise any reservoir bladder that makes you feel like you are short of breath.
Weight
The weight of your hydration bladder is certainly something to think about since you’ll want to carry something that will be both convenient for you and that won’t obstruct your outdoor activities. Most companies offer lightweight options that are easy to lug around and don’t prevent movement. For smaller people, considering a lightweight hydration reservoir should be a necessity. There are many different options for our buying guide. Make sure the weight of the water reservoir matches your journey and fits you comfortably.
Materials
The materials that form your water bladder bag pack should also be a factor in your decision-making process. The quality of your hydration bladder pack will depend immensely on the materials that form the design. Several hydration packs are BPA-free, which helps prevent the water from tasting like plastic or chemicals.
Also, many water bladder use materials in the interior of the bladder, like silver-ion for example, that help destroy both bacteria and mold from building up and creating health issues.
Top Ten Outdoor Hydration Bladders
1. MSR DromeLite Bags
MSR DromeKute Bags are made to help you stay hydrated no matter what types of outdoor activities you prefer. Both lightweight and built to last, these hydration bladders are made by a company that has tested its product and revised it for years to make sure it can conquer a variety of outdoor sports in any terrain.
Read moreSize
MSR DromeLite Bags are tough products built to last through any outdoor activity and all outdoor conditions. It’s compact and collapsible, making it very easy to carry anywhere. MSR DromeLite bags are also very easy to fill and come with a wide-mouth opening.
Ease of use
The MSR DromeLite’s wide-mouth opening comes with an exclusive feature, a cap that allows you to use the water bladder in a few different ways. First, you can take the cap off to access the wide-mouth if you need a refill, to empty out your water, or dry out your pack. Second, you can opt to use the spout on the cap for a splash of water if you need to wash your hands or rinse something.
Weight
When unfilled this bladder weighs less than a pound so it will be convenient to carry around with you as you will not even know it is there.
Materials
MSR DromeLite Bags are rugged products, designed with a strong 200-denier Cordura material to keep the water inside the bag safe no matter what harsh conditions you encounter along your route. You’ll get a lot of use out of this hydration reservoir as well since it’s designed for a wide variety of outdoor activities.
2. Aquatic Way
This best hydration bladder is built with quality and compactness in mind. It is an ideal bladder if you are performing any high endurance sports, as it is easy to transport and easy to use.
Read moreSize
This bladder will hold 2 L of water which is a good amount of water. It is recommended for use if you are going on a high endurance run or walk but will not be gone from a water source for a good amount of the day. When not full of water this bladder is easy to transport as it rolls up into a small compact size.
Ease of use
This bladder is quite easy to use as it has a large opening on the front of the bladder, and this opening is easy to fill with water and even big enough to add ice. Once you fill the bladder you simply need to turn the knob on the end of the hose and a stream of water will be accessible.
Weight
When not filled this bladder weighs not even a pound which makes it very portable. When filled with water it is still light but the weight will change depending on how much water is in the bladder at a given time.
Materials
This bladder is made from BPA free material. It is built with durability in mind and is pressure and wear resistant, which means with proper care you should have this water bladder bag for many years to come.
3. CamelBak Omega
A great company and a great water bladder. CamelBak is known for making hydration backpacks and bladders as that is what they do, so if this bladder is in your price range, take a closer look.
Read moreSize
This bladder will hold up to 3 L which is a great size for a hydration reservoir. Its overall size is quite compact and should fit in any backpack that you have, which is convenient as it will be versatile.
Ease of use
This bladder is easy to fill as it has a convenient filling hole on the front of the bladder. This filling hole is quite large and you should have no problem filling without spilling any water. Once your bladder is filled, you simply need to twist the knob at the bottom of your hose to let the water flow out. Simple as it gets!
Weight
This bladder when unfilled weighs half of a pound, so nothing at all. When filled it can range in weight depending on how much water you fill the bladder with, but as you use the water, your bladder will start to return to the half pound weight.
Materials
This bladder is made from high-quality material and you should not have to worry about the bladder ripping or tearing.
4. CamelBak Crux
The CamelBak Crux Reservoir is one of the most affordable and easiest-to-use water bladder packs available on the market today. While some outdoor enthusiasts may worry about long-term use when spending less on a water bladder bag, the CamelBak Crux Reservoir comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can rest easy after making this purchase. While it requires a bit more of a cleaning effort than some of the other bladders on this list because it does not come with a pressurized system, it’s certainly got many features that make it a worthwhile purchase.
Read moreSize
This water bladder will hold 2 L when full which is still great for day trips but not as much water as some of our other bladders will hold that is on our guide.
Ease of use
The CamelBak Crux Reservoir is simple to use for both drinking and filling. Even though this water bladder is not pressurized, it’s still easy to get a quick sip. The bladder comes with a unique lumbar design which helps to keep water weight against the lower back, making the system steady no matter what activities you perform outdoors. You also get a leak-proof cap and an on/off lever to seal the tube and prevent leaks.
Weight
This bladder when not full weights less than a pound, but it can not be rolled up as it is pretty stiff material.
Materials
This water bladder bag is made from tough and durable material, so it may feel stiff but that is the durability of the bladder you are feeling.
5. CHERAINTI
The CHERAINTI is extremely affordable, and for its price, comes with many benefits for the avid outdoor enthusiast. It’s made to be used for a wide variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking, running, biking, camping, and just about anything you can think of. Currently, because of its price, features, and many uses, it’s one of the most popular water bladder on the market.
Read moreSize
This hydration reservoir can hold 2L of water when filled which is a great size for many summer activities.
Ease of use
The CHERAINTI brings you an easy-opening system with its efficient screw cap and slide opening capability. These two features make it very efficient for you to refill your bladder anywhere, no matter what terrain or weather you encounter. Even better, both the screw cap and slide opening make the unit easy to clean and dry.
Weight
This is another lightweight bladder as it comes in under a pound. It will be easy to transport with you and hydrate you without weighing you down.
Materials
The inside surface of the CHERAINTI is made with both Microban anti-bacterial material. This combination is an innovative approach to these reservoirs since it makes the hydration bladder’s inner design smooth. The even interior material keeps bacteria and germs from forming and infecting your water, protecting you from ingesting to bad materials.
6. Platypus Big Zip LP
The Platypus Big Zip LP is designed to be both strong and light. This hydration bladder is made to be easy to clean, and works well for most general outdoor usages, although it’s not quite as innovative as some of the other hydration reservoirs mentioned on this list. While it doesn’t come with as many extras as some other products, it is an efficient and affordable system made to last and adapt to all your outdoor activities.
Read moreSize
This bladder holds 3 L of water which is great for long summer adventures.
Ease of use
The Platypus Big Zip LP comes with a wide-mouth opening so that it can be refilled and emptied easily. The pack also sits flat in water reservoir sleeves and comes in several size options, so that it is easy to fit into any sleeve you own. The Big Zip also has an efficient zip top closure and effective quick release system.
Weight
This bladder is extremely light and weighs less than a pound which means it is easy to pack and carry with you.
Materials
A couple of things about the Platypus Big Zip LP’s benefits come to mind when reviewing quality. First, the Big Zip is taste-free, so there’s no plastic aftertaste to worry about. It is also designed with a silver-ion material to ward off bacteria and mold.
7. HydraPack Shape-Shift
The HydraPack Shape-Shift Reservoir is designed to be lightweight, easy-to-use, and can be used with any running or hiking back. The hydration bladder is simple to operate and made with a slim fit so you can utilize it for a wide variety of outdoor adventures. The HydraPack Shape-Shift Reservoir comes with a valve that makes it easy to get water with a minimal amount of sucking, even though the system isn’t pressurized. It’s also built to last and can take both extreme heat and freezing temperatures. Designed to help you get through any outdoor activity, regardless of weather or terrain, the HydraPack Shape-Shift Reservoir is built to adapt to anything you need.
Read moreSize
This bladder holds 2 L of water when full of water which is a good amount to take with you on a day adventure. When not full this bladder is quite compact and can be transported easily.
Ease of use
The HydraPack Shape-Shift Reservoir comes with an innovative, wide slider opening. The wide slider opening is both leak-proof and easy to fill. Also, the HydraPack bladder can be turned inside out easily, making both cleaning and drying a simple process. The bite valve on the HydraPack bladder provides plenty of water with a light amount of sucking. The HydraPack also comes with a magnetic clip which helps control the hose. While the bite valve does provide you with easy access to water, it can be hard to lock.
Weight
This bladder when not filled is quite light and weighs under a pound. When not in use, you can compactly roll it up and store in your backpack.
Materials
The features on the HydraPack give it a nice overall design that makes it both easy to use and clean. This bladder is built to last and also made with simplicity in mind.
8. Geigerrig Hydration Engine
Geiggerig’s Hydration Engine comes with a wide variety of features that make the bladder easy-to-use and efficient to maintain. Geiggerig’s design also makes this best hydration bladder made to last, since it’s integration of nylon protects the unit from tearing. This longer-lasting, dishwasher safe water bladder bag is an excellent choice for anybody that is active in a wide variety of outdoor activities.
Read moreSize
This bladder when full will hold up to 3 L of water, which is a great size if you find yourself taking a day adventure that you need to stay hydrated for. When not full it rolls up to be compact and will fit in your backpack without issue.
Ease of use
Geiggerig’s Hydration Engine comes with a wide mouth opening, making it an easy-to-clean and refill hydration reservoir. Cleaning is particularly easy with this product, in part because of its wide mouth opening, but also because it’s very easy to dry it out as well. For those outdoor enthusiasts that prefer sports drinks to water and worry about keeping their bladders clean and bacteria free, Geiggerig’s Hydration Engine’s benefit of an efficient cleaning and drying system makes this possible. Also, when using sports drinks in water bladders, many people worry about residue in the tubes. But again, Geiggerig’s Hydration Engine makes clean tubes possible since it utilizes a pressurized system to help clear out the tubes.
Weight
When unfull this bladder weighs a pound, which is heavier than some of the other bladders on our guide, but overall is still quite light.
Materials
Geiggerig’s Hydration Engine is made to last. Developed with strong nylon material, you’ll be able to pull it in and out easily without having to worry about it tearing or fraying, something you certainly don’t want to worry about if you find yourself outdoors for long periods of time.
9. Osprey Hydraulics LT
The Osprey Hydraulics LT Reservoir is designed to be used for a wide variety of outdoor activities, and fits with several different types of backpacking and running hydration packs. Developed to make the water extremely easy to access while you are in the middle of your outdoor adventures, it comes with a large plastic handle to make it easy to fill, a long flip closure, an efficient bit valve, and a hose that quickly provides the sustenance you need to keep going.
Read moreSize
This bladder is one of the smaller options on our list as it only carries 1.5L of water. This bladder is good if you are going for a short run, hike, climb, or any activity.
Ease of use
The location of the quick release hose on this bladder is also a plus. Instead of being on the base like most bladders, the hose on the Osprey system is found about twelve inches from the base. Placing the hose away from the base makes it much easier to get the bladder out and to locate the release.
Weight
This bladder is quite light and weighs less than a pound when not filled with water.
Materials
Osprey’s Hydraulics LT Reservoir bladder comes with several features that make it an excellent companion for all your outdoor activities. One huge benefit of this bladder is its leak-proof bite valve, which lets you get all the water you need without feeling like you need to suck the system dry for a sip. The bit valve’s magnetic attachment is also a great feature since you can attach the bit valve anywhere on the tube.
10. Platypus Hoser
The Platypus Hoser Hydration Reservoir offers avid outdoor lovers several size options and many easy-to-use benefits. Available in four different sizes, you can easily obtain the size you need to fit any sleeve or pack you already own. While the Platypus Hoser Hydration Reservoir is not as fancy as some of its competitor versions, it is affordable, efficient, and easy to use on the go.
Read moreSize
This bladder holds 2 L of water when full.
Ease of use
The Platypus Hoser’s hose is made with a lapel clip to keep it in place no matter what outdoor activities you decide to perform. The drink tube itself is easy to use and fits even small pack openings. Also, the Platypus Hoser comes with a Hyperflow bite valve, which makes it an effective option for hands-free water access while on-the-go.
Weight
This bladder weighs less than a pound is lightweight for easy portability.
Materials
The Platypus Hoser Hydration Reservoir’s materials make it a phthalate-free option designed with silver-ion on the interior of the bladder, keeping it safe from mold and bacteria, and making it taste-free. This hydration container is also made with a food-grade liner that strengthens the outside of the bag, making it tough and resilient. Overall, it’s a good, versatile bag you can use for a variety of outdoor activities.
