hydration bladders

[luke moffat]

Been using platypus big zip 3 liters for nearly 5 years now. Work fine and the big zip opening makes it easy to dip in a creek or lake to fill in just a few seconds.

 

[kuhn4]

Been using a 6L MSR Dromlit for 4 seasons with good success. Light and tough.

 

[KHNC]

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

Source is absolutely tough! I have a 3L thats been thru 3 GORUCK challenges and 3 GORUCK lights. Still going strong!

 

[KHNC]

Source makes an adaptor u can use to fill up the bladder thru the mouthpiece without taking your pack off. Absolutely genius idea!

 

[xziang]

Been using platypus big zip 3 liters for nearly 5 years now. Work fine and the big zip opening makes it easy to dip in a creek or lake to fill in just a few seconds.

2nd this. Love mine.

 

[MattB]

I've been very happy with my big zip. A few years back we got stuck out overnight and had to collect water from a tiny trickle down a rock - no problem with the zip opening.

 

[Jason Snyder]

The bite valves for the Source bladders suck in the cold. Aside from that they work great. I use a Camelbakc military bladder.

 

[Tony Trietch]

Last three years I've used a platypus big zip 3l with no problems.

 

[tttoadman]

I am stuck in my ways, but I still use a water bottle on my belt. I think it helps me monitor my water intake. I have platy 2L bottles as a standard, and a 4L drom bag for the no water or new areas.

 

[hammer0419]

I use my 3L Big zip all the time. If LSO have my 10L MSR when I need to haul water. Also good for shower.

 

[arthurvino]

Source military low profile - awesome

 

[Derek0525]

MSR bladder they are tough and pretty abrasion resistant seen a little heavier than the platypus but I have carried mine on the side of my pack through pretty thick brush and never had a problem with it
http://www.cascadedesigns.com/msr/water/storage/hydromedary-hydration-system/product

 

[Upcountry]

I've been using a Short 3L Camelbak MilSpec Antidote with my Exo Mountain setup. I feels pretty tough, although I did make a "sleeve" for it that gives me some mounting options. This bladder is sized nicely for the Exo frame. I typically carry it between the pack frame and bag, but when the time comes to pack out meat, I can strap it to the outside of the pack, so it's not getting too smashed(as some mentioned concern in doing). I also swapped the bite valve for a Osprey Magnetic, and installed an Osprey quick disconnect, which allows me to fill the bladder with my Sawyer Squeeze without removing it from the pack at all. It works great! Much quicker and easier to use/fill than any other setup I've used.

Strapped to the very outside of the pack with "meat" in the shelf...

Showing the attachment I use for my Sawyer Squeeze...

 

[OR Archer]

I have an Osprey 3L that I have used for a few years now and it's been the best one I have used. They are made by Nalgene. Only issue I have had with it is wearing out the mouth piece. It's a little heavier than others but it's pretty bomb proof for a bladder.

 

[stormsearch]

Jreeves - love the bladder holder, been looking for something like that for awhile, you need to get one of our pack companies that idea. I've been using a source 3L for last several months. I did not like the storm mouthpiece, it dribbled water and squirted when the bladder is under pressure, just like when sandwiched between bag and frame. Chagned to the Helix and is very nice, doesn't take much bite pressure to operate. I just ordered a neoprene sack more for protection/hanging options than the advertised insulating properties. Also, the tube length could be longer. But, when I add my quick valve connector (haven't done it yet) and possibly the Sawyer mini should have plenty of length.

Also, what do you have strapped on the back?

 

[Backpack Hunter]

MSR dromedary works well for me.

 

[Jared Lampton]

Used my 3L big zip Platy for 4 years now and have had no issues. Probably nowhere near the use Luke has got out of his and I take good care of it. Easy to clean and fill. When it's cold I blow the water out of the tube back into the bladder and stick the bite valve under my shirt.

 

[Caprock]

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

This. This is the most durable water bladder I have used so far, although I haven't used all brands. I used to fill it half full of water and freeze it, then top it off with water so I would have cold water to drink all day.

 

[charvey9]

Platapus hoser is the light and simple. I use a 3 liter. Works will as a pillow also.