Advice on water bladders

[Grant Walker]

For years I’ve always used individual bottles for my water rather than hydration bladders. I like the fact I can separate my water into different containers and store them in different part of my pack (especially on overnights). Also builds in a bit of redundancy in case one bottle fails. So, couple of questions for those of you that use bladders.

1. Why?
2. What bladders have you used?
3. Are there any brands/types you recommend?
4. What features should I look for?

Topic

[Samantha Herald]

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What ever one you use, make sure you have an ‘on/off’ valve and not just a cap as they leak. And on/off can easily be used to fill cups and things if required in a steady stream.

[Grant Hollingworth]

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Following…

[Grant Walker]

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Why use water bladders? For me it’s convenience. I find that when carrying bottles, I don’t drink as often as I probably should as I need to stop to grab the bottles out of my pack, unless I have side pockets. One thing I do find with bladders though it that I tend to take smaller sips and can’t always tell how much I’ve drank until I check the bladder, usually at the end of my hike.

If I’m only going for a short hike, I tend to take bottles but if it’s a long day hike, overnighter or multi-day, I appreciate being able to carry 3 litres in the bladder. I do always have a reserve bottle or container just in case I get a puncture though.

[Author]

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