Lightweight water systems in 2025

[BBob]

What drops or tabs are yall using that don’t taste nasty? I’ve tried some drops before, can’t remember the brand. I couldn’t get over the taste and decided to just put up with the weight of my pump. * edited to add the tabs I used. These are the only ones I’ve tried.

Aquamira drops or Katadyn tabs

 

[mtnbound]

What drops or tabs are yall using that don’t taste nasty? I’ve tried some drops before, can’t remember the brand. I couldn’t get over the taste and decided to just put up with the weight of my pump. * edited to add the tabs I used. These are the only ones I’ve tried.

Just be aware that those tabs are not effective with Crypto. You will want to use the chlorine-based ones.

 

[vladkgb]

Vargo bot HD (titanium nalgene) - replaces my 32oz nalgene and cook pot - I run this in the nalgene side pocket of my bag with a mixed drink during the day.

3L bladder with quick connect - main water source

Befree filter on 3L hydrapak with quick connect - I'll switch to the hydrapak filter next season because I heard good things.

I'll squeeze the filtered hydrapak directly into my bladder using the quick connect to refill. And have extra water in the hydrapak for cooking dinner and hot drinks.

The vargo bot is 1L, so I can boil enough water to rehydrate my meal and make coffee or apple cider. During the day I can use it for supplements like electrolyte powders.

In freezing temps I'm carrying the vargo bot with a warm beverage in the side pocket, and a lightweight nalgene in an insulated cozy inside my bag.

 

[longrangelead]

I have 2, 3 and 4L Hydrapaks and a Katadyn filter. The size I take depends on how much water I need to carry and how far from the source I'm going.
I'm buying a 10L for a camp reservoir for a potentially dry hunt if there isn't any alpine springs this year.

I prefer using Smart Water bottles in my pack. they're tough, cheap to replace and less likely to get a hole over several days.

I have the Hardside drink tube for the Smart bottle too.

I also found the little bottle connector used to make a "tornado in a bottle" school project also connects the Smart bottle and filter. I hang them up and do something else till the bottle is full.

I also carry tablets as backup.