What's your preferred water bladder?

[DB_Idaho]

Looking to buy a new one and would like to tap into the collective wisdom and experience here. Any guidance toward or away from specific options would be appreciated.

 

[Orion81]

Source Tactical Gear WXP 3L Low profile. I like them because they are tough. I've hade 2 camelback spring leaks during hunts which is why I went searching. The source has 3 different ways to fill up. It has a normal screw cap, the top also opens completely up for filling and easy cleaning, and they sell a separate attachment that attaches to the mouth end of the hose and then to a water bottle. This allows it to be filled without removing the bladder from the back. It hasn't failed on me yet, but to be fair I've only used it a handful of times, but I like it so far.

 

[twall13]

I'll second the source tactical bladder. They are tough and don't give a funky taste to the water. Easy to fill, easy to clean.

The only other bladder I've heard that is as tough is the geigerigg, but those add some weight with the air pump. No experience with those personally but my buddy uses one and likes it. I'm happy with the source tactical.

 

[Deere83]

I have used my msr 4 liter dromedary for years and it's been great.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

MSR Dromedary has worked well for me for a couple years now. I had used a Camelbak for a couple years previous with no major complaints.

 

[Hall256]

I have just switched to a Platypus 3L but have not had a chance to use it on a hunt. Previous I have used multiple Camelbaks in the Marines with mixed results.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[Desk Jockey]

+1 for source. I run a 2 & 3 liter depending on where I am. Love the design of their valve.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I also use a source (mine came via eberlestock but it's a source bladder). As noted rugged, easy to clean/dry, good valve.

I believe I've been running mind 4yrs at this point. Its cleaner and tastes better than my retired camelback which is harder to clean.

 

[WoodBow]

I have used the same 3L camelbak bladder for close to 10 years. Quite impressed with the mileage I have gotten out of it.

 

[oldgoat]

I quit drinking from the bladders and have started using the Nalgene bottle, but I do carry a 2L MSR Dromlite bladder to refill my Nalgene. I also use the big 10L Dromedary bladder for camp water!

 

[SHTF]

Geigerrig is my go to bladder. Its indestructible, can be turned inside out for cleaning, has a pressure air tank to pressurize it if i want to use it inline with Sawyer mini. Used mine for 1.5 years and its been a tough piece of gear. Can shower with it also with how you can pressurize it.


Contained Bomb Gear Test - GEIGERRIG Hydration Pack - YouTube

 

[MTtrout]

I have been using the same 4L MSR dromelite for years now with no complaints. My wife has a platypus which I like as well and easier to clean but the zip seal has become finicky and will leak if not careful.

 

[danarnold]

source this past season
camelback has a nice valve but had it soak all my gear several times, its prob 6 years old tho

 

[5MilesBack]

I have used the same 3L camelbak bladder for close to 10 years. Quite impressed with the mileage I have gotten out of it.

Ya, me too......I've been using the same Camelbak for 12 years without issue. I use the dark smoke colored Mil-spec one, with the insulated hose. You do need to lube or change out the o-rings on the hose where it attaches to the bladder every now and then though. I love being able to fill it with my filter through the drink tube.

 

[gelton]

Ya, me too......I've been using the same Camelbak for 12 years without issue. I use the dark smoke colored Mil-spec one, with the insulated hose. You do need to lube or change out the o-rings on the hose where it attaches to the bladder every now and then though. I love being able to fill it with my filter through the drink tube.

I have this same exact model, going on 7 years...never changed out an o ring yet, although that is good to know.

 

[LaHunter]

I've been using the Camelbak Milspec 3L for the past 3 years. I had one time that I didn't get the lid screwed on correctly and it leaked a little, other than than I have been happy with it.

 

[5MilesBack]

I have this same exact model, going on 7 years...never changed out an o ring yet, although that is good to know.

Camelbak will send you the o-rings for free.......for both the bottom attachment and the mouthpiece. I keep spares in my first aid/survival kit. The bottom is the stress area. I always slide mine into a gallon ziplock anyway.....just in case. When one of my o-rings went bad it leaked all over the pack bag. My daypack has a tall narrow zippered pocket on the back that the 3L slides right into easily, thereby keeping it outside my pack as well.

Sometimes the o-ring just needs a little lube too. I use the lube that comes with most water filters.

 

[DB_Idaho]

Wow - thanks for all the feedback everyone! Source was on my short list, so good to see they are getting used and holding up well. Some follow-up questions for the Source users...

What do you think of the push-pull valve? I've only ever used a bite valve so wondering how this one compares. I'm concerned about water squirting out as soon as you open the valve.

Does anyone use the UTA (universal tube adapter) to fill the bladder through the hose? If so, does it work well? Seems like a great feature to be able to fill the bladder while still inside pack.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

What do you think of the push-pull valve? I've only ever used a bite valve so wondering how this one compares. I'm concerned about water squirting out as soon as you open the valve.
QUOTE]
If the bladder is compressed hard in your pack the water will start flowing when you open it but if its just sitting in a regular pack load it doesn't seem to push on it enough, I typically use my teeth to open it though so its in my mouth already.

 

[WOOD5045]

Does anyone use the UTA (universal tube adapter) to fill the bladder through the hose? If so, does it work well? Seems like a great feature to be able to fill the bladder while still inside pack.[/QUOTE]

I have three Source Tactical Gear WXP 3L's and I dig the UTA feature. It makes filling/topping off the bladder super easy.

One of the bladders leaked on me on two occasions but the other two are solid. I couldn't figure out where it was leaking, so I emailed Source twice and never received a response. I would buy another though.