hydration bladders

[4IDARCHER]

I read a lot about packs on here, and have learned a ton. What I don't hear a lot about though is top quality hydration bladders. What ones would you recommend if you had to trust them in the backcountry?

 

[COlineman78]

Platypus is the lightest, Geigerrig is bomb proof and good for pushing water through a filter. I keep a life straw in my pack in case my bladder were to give out, but perhaps this is a GIF solution as iodine in the first aid kit is probably a better solution. I use a Geigerrig with a Sawyer Mini. Have thought about dropping the Geigerrig in favor of a Platty Big Zip and Platty Hoser gravity system. I've seen people mention MSR Dromlights and/or Dromedarys for packing water in.

 

[LostArra]

If you are talking about one with a drinking hose, I've been using a Source 3L with insulated hose for a number of years with zero problems (knock on wood).
Israeli military take their hydration seriously.

http://sourcetacticalgear.com/10-reservoirs

 

[MuleyFever]

My main bag is a Platypus 3L I have used for 4 years with no issues. I add a MSR 6L if I know water is hard to find and I am planning on being out a few days. I also have some Camelbak 3L bladders I throw in the mix.

 

[Mtnboy]

I have been using Camelbak brand for years, including a lot of years racing motorcycles where they were on me during some nasty spills, I've yet to break one. Only malfunction I've had, is the nozzle coming off the hose, but a little safety wire keeps that from happening again.

 

[Lawnboi]

Used em all, and still use bladders on almost a daily basis.

Msr is my choice if I'm backpacking, Iv popped or poked holes in the other major brands. Never have I punctured an msr.

Still use camelbak, and osprey in my biking bags, but when I go fishing, hunting or backpacking it's msr. Their drom bags are as close to bulletproof as a water bladder can get.

 

[5MilesBack]

I've been using the same military Camelback 3L for the past 9 years, just have to change out or lube an o-ring every now and then. Sure wish I'd bought a few of these back then as they've changed them and I don't like the new ones as much. Mine is simple and tough, and my filter plugs right into the drink tube so I can fill it easily without opening it.

 

[Lawnboi]

Camelbak military version would be my second choice, their new civilian models are paper thin

 

[ridgefire]

I would look at the source bladders. I have been using the same 3l bladder for almost 9 years now with zero problems. I also have a couple platypus bladders but they always drip. Would shy away from the bite style bladders.

 

[COlineman78]

Camelbak military version would be my second choice, their new civilian models are paper thin

It's hard to find the true USGI version though sometimes and not just OD ones people try to pass off as Mil-Spec which might be what 5MilesBack ended up with. The USGI bladder I have is used for clean water during hunting season is very tough and the material is very similar to the Geigerrig.

 

[back country]

I used to use a camelback 3L but was just a little worried that if too much pressure was applied to it (as can easily happen in a full pack ) that it would spring a leak. I had a buddy who was packing in with a camelback bladder and it sprung a leak somewhere along the way in, he thinks it was from too much pressure being put on it in his pack.

Anyway I've switched to a MSR dromedary bag and have nothing bad to say about them yet. They're very durable. I've used mine quite a bit and it's still going strong. I also like how the MSR hydration hoses are quite a bit longer than camelback hoses.

 

[Scotto]

If you are talking about one with a drinking hose, I've been using a Source 3L with insulated hose for a number of years with zero problems (knock on wood).
Israeli military take their hydration seriously.

http://sourcetacticalgear.com/10-reservoirs

Same here with no issue.

 

[209hunter]

I used a platypus for a few years but I hated the small opening for use with a sawer filter and the bite style mouth piece started to leak. I bought a Source 3L low profile bladder earlier this year and I like it so far.

 

[wapitibob]

I've been using the same military Camelback 3L for the past 9 years, just have to change out or lube an o-ring every now and then. Sure wish I'd bought a few of these back then as they've changed them and I don't like the new ones as much. Mine is simple and tough, and my filter plugs right into the drink tube so I can fill it easily without opening it.

Leaking past the o ring is my only complaint with camelback.

 

[husky390]

I use either a 3L Platypus or 1 gallon MSR Dromedary. You have to make sure the cap and drink tube are tight though on the MSR. Don't ask how I know.

 

[HawkCreek]

I dont like hydration bladders preferring canteens but in the Marines I managed to get a hole in short order in every camelback I ever had (issued as well as bought). The last one I was issued was much thicker and I never did manage to destroy it, I believe it was made by Source (but I can't confirm that right now). It was dark od green and had an almost foil like look to it (part of the ILBE system).

 

[badkneesbro]

Msr, camelback & platdypus have all leaked on me with the dromedarys lasting the longest(about 5 years). Looking forward to trying out the source.

 

[DenRuyter]

I used Camelback USGI since '03 with very little problems. But, I just did the research and made the switch to a Source-Military 3L Low Profile bladder. Time will tell if its better or not, but it seems like its bombproof! And, it never has that plastic like taste like my Camelback did.

 

[5MilesBack]

Leaking past the o ring is my only complaint with camelback.

I have found that if I lube the o-rings that they're good for the year. Unless you're putting a lot of pressure on it. I use the same lube that comes with most water filters.

 

[shawn ryan]

Really like my Salomon 1.5l bladder. Slide top for easy filling, quick disconnect for easy removal. Right size for my needs. Durability has never been an issue for any bladder for me.