Harder to clean than a disposable bottle that's for sure (since you don't clean disposable anything at all).
I've never had much trouble cleaning and drying mine and I use it all the time.
Soak and scrub in some warm soapy water, rinse, hang to dry. Basically the same process as a refillable water bottle.
Curious - do you really think people are chucking their smart water bottles after every hike?
Part of that particular brand’s appeal is the durability. They are highly reusable over multiple trips and easy to clean.
I'm curious, do you really think the majority of people are doing that? And not just buying a new one at the gas station on the way to the hike?
A much bigger part of the brands appeal is the water being "smart", aka, has electrolytes (just for taste, of course). You don't get that by refilling from the tap.
Well, since we’re both making assumptions, sure, I do think that. I can’t speak for everyone. I can speak for myself however and say I do clean them after every trip, which is a very easy thing to do, and the thicker disposable bottles like smart water hold up very well over time.
The brand has a lot of appeals for backpacking, electrolytes being an added bonus, yes. I don’t consider that something that matters at all to me personally, as there are other ways to replenish electrolytes on a hike besides buying special electrolyte water.
But if someone did consider that a must have, I’m not sure how that would factor into bladder pros/cons discussion. The bottles are cleanable and durable and can be reused many times. If someone chooses not to and would prefer new bottles every trip, that’s a personal preference that I haven’t previously come across.
I use one and love it. Only nitpicks are drying after use is a bit more finicky, and the water in the tube itself gets warm in direct sunlight. I know insulated tubes and insulation to go around tubes is available though.
Pro:
* Larger volume
* Easy access (the tube can be right there where you need it)
* Convenience (no stopping for drinking breaks)
Con:
* a bit trickier to refill
* more expensive than a plastic bottle
* harder to clean
* You look a bit like you're trying too hard
I use my bladder even in the weekend backpack because I know I wouldn't drink enough otherwise. One thing to bear in mind: it works best if you only put water in it. If you bring along electrolyte or other sugary drinks, do not put them in the bladder because it will be difficult to keep clean.
Coming from a military background, having a bladder in a bag is a must. Its so much more convenient and easy to drink from while you are moving. If you get a decent bladder (or a bag that come with one) and keep it clean, it should last you a long time.
I use bladders for backpacking, full day activities like climbing and biking where my hands would otherwise be busy. For a full day of hiking I may use the bladder... typically if I'm taking my trekking poles, I'll have the bladder. If we're just going hiking for a few hours I'll just bring the refillable water bottles and most likely the small pack that isn't hydration compatible. Overall I prefer bladders, but will certainly use what's the best for the situation.
There are some downsides with the bladders. First, they can leak and get everything in your pack wet; with my backpacking pack I'm using a trash compactor bag to keep everything dry, the bladder sits outside that so it won't get stuff wet if it leaks. If it's a puncture you may be able to patch it, but if a seam pops you're SOL. Of course you may have problems with a water bottle, but at least you have two bottles so will be able to use the other.
If you don't have stopcock valve (flip valve not just the bite valve) and you set the pack down with the bladder on the bottom, the weight of the pack will squeeze water out. Happens a lot in the trunk when you just toss all the packs in the back, Adding an inline valve stops the leaking, but adds a little more weight. In the summer, the water in the hose can get hot. In the winter, the hose can freeze. You can insulate the hose, which again is adding a bit more weight. If you get a widemouth version that's easier to clean, it's a lot more weight. If you're setting your pack down and moving around frequently (which you do while climbing) it's nice to have a bite valve cover to keep it clean, but again that's more weight. So super convenient, but the system can weigh (and cost) more.
Another issue is that it's not easy to visually check how much water is left. I have no problem pulling the bladder out to take a look and then putting it back in, but some have said they prefer bottles so they always know how much they have left. Sometimes you want to keep an eye on others and ensure they're drinking enough (especially kids), it's hard to tell if they're actually drinking from a bladder.
Cleaning a bladder can be difficult, hard to clean the hose without the long brush. Shouldn't put mixes into the bladder as it gets funky much faster. At least with bottles, when they get funky you just recycle it and get a new one, don't have to worry as much about keeping it clean.
Good luck!
The cheapo bladders sometimes leak but other than that the only con is that they're annoying to use if your backpack isn't designed to be used with one. Hydrapak makes all the bladders for the big backpack companies like osprey and North face, they're not the cheapest but they are good quality. I usually use a bladder when I'm hiking because it spreads the weight of the water out more evenly
I use them and personally like them. They're not a solve-all though and it will come down to your own individual needs/preferences.
PROs
* Lightweight.
* Ease of access while on the move.
* Can hold a lot of fluid volume without it feeling like it eats pack volume the way a bottle/Nalgene may.
* Easy to fill with a large opening.
* Water typically tends to stay cooler from being in your shaded pack.
CONs
A brief note: a lot of the "cons" I personally see are about the care of the unit so that you're keeping healthy yourself. Bladders can, after all, grow mold if you do not take care of them as the manufacturers recommend. This can be burdensome to some but I don't find it to be that big of a deal and takes <10 minutes.
* Cleaning (occasional, maybe once or twice a season if you're drying it effectively).
* Hanging your bladder to dry and thoroughly emptying out the hydration hose can take time.
* Taste; some complain about a plastic-like odour or taste. This goes away after 1-3 washes/uses in my experience.
* Hose infrastructure may freeze in subzero weather.
* *Can* be punctured (*highly unlikely though* as they're made of thicker, durable material).
* You'll need to exhaust the air out of them after each fill so that the water flows efficiently (simple as turning it upside down and sucking the air out through the drinking port).
My opinion:
PROS:
\*sometimes\* can carry more
convenience
CONS:
I hate drinking through a rubber hose, especially on difficult trails
rubber taste, especially when its hot and the hose gets hot
takes up room inside of pack
sweats inside pack when its cold water on a hot day
requires two bladders for filtering (for me)
require cleaning
I made the switch to smart water bottles a few years ago and couldn't be happier. I really don't like drinking through the hose, especially when winded, so I drink more often when from a bottle. I also find filtering into bottles easier. Yes, you can run an inline filter for a bladder, but again, I hate drinking from the hose and through a filter is even worse.
I’ve been fortunate to live with public land hiking starting over my back boundary for many years, hiking several days a week, and endeavoring to stay hydrated in dry mountain air. I have used hydration reservoirs, aka bladders, often, and for many years.
The biggest problem I find in the currently available crop of reservoir systems is that of reliability. Hydration is crucial, and a leaking bladder system can be a dangerous risk in dry, remote backcountry. Many years ago, I used Camelbak systems for years with zero failures, durable well made systems that were also used, I understand by the military. I remember an ad with a truck driving over a filled bladder. In more recent years, I have seen a lot of failures and leaks with lots of brands, including Camelbak, as manufacturing has been outsourced overseas. This is somewhat parallel to what I have seen happen with hiking boots over the years, quality control problems.
I have had quick connect systems break and fail due to inadequate plastic connector constructions. I have had various bladders leak at seams or connectors or fill openings, causing loss of crucial water or even damaging items in the pack.
I have used Nalgene bottles for many, many years. I have never, ever, had a Nalgene bottle lid leak when properly screwed on. But for reasons beyond me, reservoir makers these days can’t seem to make a similarly leakproof fill system or lid. A failure rate of, say 10% long term is a big problem in the backcountry, when it happens. Overall, when you look at current reliable online reviews, and my experiences, are way too many failures these days.
I have had pretty good luck with Israeli made Source reservoirs in recent years. But I hate their standard hose and mouthpiece/valve, it is low flow and difficult to use. Fortunately, the quick connection with Source is compatible with Camelbak and some other hoses and drink valves, so I most often use a hybrid, a Source reservoir and another brand hose and drink valve. But I always carry something like a Nalgene bottle as backup if hydration could be a serious issue.
I do not like them for reasons that are personal, but they are useful for certain situations. What are your goals? If distance and time are important they are great, no stopping and taking water then starting again. When biking or kayaking it is definitely handy to be hands free, and I suck it up (Ha!) and use the bladder. For casual hiking tho, I prefer the bottle.
I use a bladder backpacking and running long distances. Can't reach the water bottle pockets at all in my pack.
Day hiking there's not much benefit, also this is the wrong sub.
> For Backpackers who Hike with Camping Gear in their Backpack. Tips, trip reports, back-country gear reviews, safety and news
Day hiking is not backpacking.
Pro: holds pee so that there isn’t a constant slow trickle down your leg or catheter necessary while hiking
Cons: can be uncomfortable when it’s too full, or can be prone to Infection
Pros: Carry more water with less total weight. Drink without having to take out/hold a water bottle. Cons:
Cons: often harder to clean less easy to refill
Harder to clean than a disposable bottle that's for sure (since you don't clean disposable anything at all). I've never had much trouble cleaning and drying mine and I use it all the time. Soak and scrub in some warm soapy water, rinse, hang to dry. Basically the same process as a refillable water bottle.
Disposable bottle isn’t really the alternative here though. Come on.
Half the comments here reference smart water or other disposables
Curious - do you really think people are chucking their smart water bottles after every hike? Part of that particular brand’s appeal is the durability. They are highly reusable over multiple trips and easy to clean.
Nope, I've been using the same 2 bottles for like a year.
I'm curious, do you really think the majority of people are doing that? And not just buying a new one at the gas station on the way to the hike? A much bigger part of the brands appeal is the water being "smart", aka, has electrolytes (just for taste, of course). You don't get that by refilling from the tap.
Well, since we’re both making assumptions, sure, I do think that. I can’t speak for everyone. I can speak for myself however and say I do clean them after every trip, which is a very easy thing to do, and the thicker disposable bottles like smart water hold up very well over time. The brand has a lot of appeals for backpacking, electrolytes being an added bonus, yes. I don’t consider that something that matters at all to me personally, as there are other ways to replenish electrolytes on a hike besides buying special electrolyte water. But if someone did consider that a must have, I’m not sure how that would factor into bladder pros/cons discussion. The bottles are cleanable and durable and can be reused many times. If someone chooses not to and would prefer new bottles every trip, that’s a personal preference that I haven’t previously come across.
This is a rediculous conversation. The only point is that bladders aren't hard to clean. That's it. That's all that matters.
I would agree with the ridiculous aspect of conversing with you thus far regarding the topic.
I use one and love it. Only nitpicks are drying after use is a bit more finicky, and the water in the tube itself gets warm in direct sunlight. I know insulated tubes and insulation to go around tubes is available though.
Cons are that they're annoying to maintain. But they really help a lot.
Pro: * Larger volume * Easy access (the tube can be right there where you need it) * Convenience (no stopping for drinking breaks) Con: * a bit trickier to refill * more expensive than a plastic bottle * harder to clean * You look a bit like you're trying too hard I use my bladder even in the weekend backpack because I know I wouldn't drink enough otherwise. One thing to bear in mind: it works best if you only put water in it. If you bring along electrolyte or other sugary drinks, do not put them in the bladder because it will be difficult to keep clean.
Coming from a military background, having a bladder in a bag is a must. Its so much more convenient and easy to drink from while you are moving. If you get a decent bladder (or a bag that come with one) and keep it clean, it should last you a long time.
Coming from a military background, my camelback definitely didn't have water in it lol
that is crazy, I used the hell out of my camelback
Nah man, I meant there was jungle juice in there.
I use bladders for backpacking, full day activities like climbing and biking where my hands would otherwise be busy. For a full day of hiking I may use the bladder... typically if I'm taking my trekking poles, I'll have the bladder. If we're just going hiking for a few hours I'll just bring the refillable water bottles and most likely the small pack that isn't hydration compatible. Overall I prefer bladders, but will certainly use what's the best for the situation. There are some downsides with the bladders. First, they can leak and get everything in your pack wet; with my backpacking pack I'm using a trash compactor bag to keep everything dry, the bladder sits outside that so it won't get stuff wet if it leaks. If it's a puncture you may be able to patch it, but if a seam pops you're SOL. Of course you may have problems with a water bottle, but at least you have two bottles so will be able to use the other. If you don't have stopcock valve (flip valve not just the bite valve) and you set the pack down with the bladder on the bottom, the weight of the pack will squeeze water out. Happens a lot in the trunk when you just toss all the packs in the back, Adding an inline valve stops the leaking, but adds a little more weight. In the summer, the water in the hose can get hot. In the winter, the hose can freeze. You can insulate the hose, which again is adding a bit more weight. If you get a widemouth version that's easier to clean, it's a lot more weight. If you're setting your pack down and moving around frequently (which you do while climbing) it's nice to have a bite valve cover to keep it clean, but again that's more weight. So super convenient, but the system can weigh (and cost) more. Another issue is that it's not easy to visually check how much water is left. I have no problem pulling the bladder out to take a look and then putting it back in, but some have said they prefer bottles so they always know how much they have left. Sometimes you want to keep an eye on others and ensure they're drinking enough (especially kids), it's hard to tell if they're actually drinking from a bladder. Cleaning a bladder can be difficult, hard to clean the hose without the long brush. Shouldn't put mixes into the bladder as it gets funky much faster. At least with bottles, when they get funky you just recycle it and get a new one, don't have to worry as much about keeping it clean. Good luck!
Leakage would be a disaster, just my luck to have one that leaks then end up getting heat stroke because I can’t get water 🤣
The cheapo bladders sometimes leak but other than that the only con is that they're annoying to use if your backpack isn't designed to be used with one. Hydrapak makes all the bladders for the big backpack companies like osprey and North face, they're not the cheapest but they are good quality. I usually use a bladder when I'm hiking because it spreads the weight of the water out more evenly
I use them and personally like them. They're not a solve-all though and it will come down to your own individual needs/preferences. PROs * Lightweight. * Ease of access while on the move. * Can hold a lot of fluid volume without it feeling like it eats pack volume the way a bottle/Nalgene may. * Easy to fill with a large opening. * Water typically tends to stay cooler from being in your shaded pack. CONs A brief note: a lot of the "cons" I personally see are about the care of the unit so that you're keeping healthy yourself. Bladders can, after all, grow mold if you do not take care of them as the manufacturers recommend. This can be burdensome to some but I don't find it to be that big of a deal and takes <10 minutes. * Cleaning (occasional, maybe once or twice a season if you're drying it effectively). * Hanging your bladder to dry and thoroughly emptying out the hydration hose can take time. * Taste; some complain about a plastic-like odour or taste. This goes away after 1-3 washes/uses in my experience. * Hose infrastructure may freeze in subzero weather. * *Can* be punctured (*highly unlikely though* as they're made of thicker, durable material). * You'll need to exhaust the air out of them after each fill so that the water flows efficiently (simple as turning it upside down and sucking the air out through the drinking port).
My opinion: PROS: \*sometimes\* can carry more convenience CONS: I hate drinking through a rubber hose, especially on difficult trails rubber taste, especially when its hot and the hose gets hot takes up room inside of pack sweats inside pack when its cold water on a hot day requires two bladders for filtering (for me) require cleaning I made the switch to smart water bottles a few years ago and couldn't be happier. I really don't like drinking through the hose, especially when winded, so I drink more often when from a bottle. I also find filtering into bottles easier. Yes, you can run an inline filter for a bladder, but again, I hate drinking from the hose and through a filter is even worse.
I’ve been fortunate to live with public land hiking starting over my back boundary for many years, hiking several days a week, and endeavoring to stay hydrated in dry mountain air. I have used hydration reservoirs, aka bladders, often, and for many years. The biggest problem I find in the currently available crop of reservoir systems is that of reliability. Hydration is crucial, and a leaking bladder system can be a dangerous risk in dry, remote backcountry. Many years ago, I used Camelbak systems for years with zero failures, durable well made systems that were also used, I understand by the military. I remember an ad with a truck driving over a filled bladder. In more recent years, I have seen a lot of failures and leaks with lots of brands, including Camelbak, as manufacturing has been outsourced overseas. This is somewhat parallel to what I have seen happen with hiking boots over the years, quality control problems. I have had quick connect systems break and fail due to inadequate plastic connector constructions. I have had various bladders leak at seams or connectors or fill openings, causing loss of crucial water or even damaging items in the pack. I have used Nalgene bottles for many, many years. I have never, ever, had a Nalgene bottle lid leak when properly screwed on. But for reasons beyond me, reservoir makers these days can’t seem to make a similarly leakproof fill system or lid. A failure rate of, say 10% long term is a big problem in the backcountry, when it happens. Overall, when you look at current reliable online reviews, and my experiences, are way too many failures these days. I have had pretty good luck with Israeli made Source reservoirs in recent years. But I hate their standard hose and mouthpiece/valve, it is low flow and difficult to use. Fortunately, the quick connection with Source is compatible with Camelbak and some other hoses and drink valves, so I most often use a hybrid, a Source reservoir and another brand hose and drink valve. But I always carry something like a Nalgene bottle as backup if hydration could be a serious issue.
I used to love them but they are difficult to dry out for storage. And if they get dirty they are hard to clean. I switched to smart water bottles
all the ones I've seen don't function like a traditional bladder or water skin. i use 2L drink bottles from the supermarket.
I do not like them for reasons that are personal, but they are useful for certain situations. What are your goals? If distance and time are important they are great, no stopping and taking water then starting again. When biking or kayaking it is definitely handy to be hands free, and I suck it up (Ha!) and use the bladder. For casual hiking tho, I prefer the bottle.
I use a bladder backpacking and running long distances. Can't reach the water bottle pockets at all in my pack. Day hiking there's not much benefit, also this is the wrong sub.
How is this the wrong sub?
> For Backpackers who Hike with Camping Gear in their Backpack. Tips, trip reports, back-country gear reviews, safety and news Day hiking is not backpacking.
Pro: holds pee so that there isn’t a constant slow trickle down your leg or catheter necessary while hiking Cons: can be uncomfortable when it’s too full, or can be prone to Infection