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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?
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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.
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Good question. You might find this article useful. https://www.trailhiking.com.au/gear/hydration-bladders-vs-water-bottles-for-hiking/
Here’s a few pros and cons for hydration bladders.
Pros:
Convenience: Hands-free hydration! You can sip water on the go without stopping to take off your backpack.
Large capacity: Bladders typically hold more water than bottles, ideal for long hikes or hot weather.
Weight distribution: The water weight sits close to your back, improving balance and comfort.
Insulation: Some bladders are insulated to keep water cool in hot weather or prevent freezing in cold temperatures.
Easy to monitor intake: Some bladders have measurement markings on the tube, so you can track how much you’re drinking.Cons:
Cleaning and maintenance: Bladders require regular cleaning and drying to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Susceptible to leakage: Punctures or loose connections can lead to leaks, potentially soaking your gear.
Difficult to share water: Sharing water from a bladder is less convenient than with bottles.
Taste issues: Plastic taste can be a problem with some bladders, though high-quality brands are less prone to this.
Cost: Good bladders can be more expensive than water bottles. -
This is actually a more interesting topic than it looks. I have a 2 L bladder from Osprey I think, it’s one of the quality brands anyway. I don’t particularly like having to deal with the taste issue in it, and so generally go with water bottles. The key issue though frequency of drinking, and maintaining regular intake, particularly now we’re in the warmer months. My bottles are mostly Nalgene so there is never taste issues (as compared to metal bottles, that can leave the water with the metallic taste). I have found though that some bags facilitate more frequent drinking, and save from having to take the pack off to access your water. I have 2 Osprey Aethers and an Osprey Talon. The side pockets open both at the top like you’d expect and also on the top half of the side pockets. This side entry to the side pockets enable the bottles to be retrieved and returned easily without taking the pack off. This might not sound like much, but is a great feature. This is a big sell point for me when looking at bags (because we all want more gear!!). Some other brands may also enable similar access.
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That’s a great point, Rob. Hydration is definitely one of those things that can make or break a hike, especially in the warmer months. I’m with you on the taste issue with bladders—some are worse than others, but even good ones can still have that plastic aftertaste. Almost all our bladders taste horrible now, despite the brand. Bottles are definitely better in that regard and are one of the reasons my wife and I switched to aluminium bottles. Mine are 1.5-litre capacity, while hers are 1 litre each.
You mention some bags facilitate more frequent drinking. I am a bit of a water guzzler, so it’s easy for me to drink a few litres on a walk. My wife, on the other hand, prefers to put lip balm on rather than drink when she needs to, and it wasn’t uncommon to get back from a day hike to see she had only had a few mouthfuls. With the bottles, she drinks a whole lot more, without me nagging.
Agree the side-entry pocket design on the Osprey packs is fantastic. Being able to grab and stow a bottle without taking your pack off makes a huge difference in keeping up regular hydration. Julie and I usually hike together, so it’s pretty easy to share bottles or grab the other person’s when needed. I’ve seen a few other brands with similar access, but Osprey really seems to have nailed it with the opening along the leading edge. When I first started wearing Osprey packs, I was still inserting my bottles from the top, but the side entry makes life so much easier. Huge selling point for me too.
I’ve worn other packs, such as the AARN Featherlite Freedom Pro, and was quite disappointed in the side pockets. They are so low-cut that I have to clip my bottles in place with a carabiner for fear they will simply fall out.
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