10 Reviews: Best Hydration Bladder for Backpacking (Apr 2024)

Summer route jogging or trail running in the scorching sun may rapidly convert a great day into a miserable, even deadly scenario. It’s vital to stay hydrated and cool at the same time. The only bag on the market that can accomplish both is the ExtremeMist Misting and Drinking Hydration Backpack. You can hydrate on the move while enjoying a refreshing, revitalizing mist with a sipping tube and misting system. Your outdoor supplies are stowed in mesh panels of the pack, and an insulated reservoir cover keeps your water cool. This pack can turn a hot day on the trail into a pleasant outdoor experience with its simple drinking, misting, and storage systems.

Heavier, quieter and more durable than any other water reservoir. The Badlands is made of 0.25mm thick Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) and comes in 1L, 2L, and 3L sizes. The famed Badlands Unconditional Lifetime Warranty adds to its life-long worth. The Badlands TPU hose is unusual in two ways. First, the Plug-N-PlayTM tube connection makes tube attachment and detachment simple. This improves the bladder’s elasticity while cleaning and enables for simple refilling. Second, the hose has a built-in foam insulation system that keeps water cooler for longer. If you’ve ever sipped warm water in scorching heat, you’ll appreciate this reservoir’s HydrafusionTM insulating technology.

At the beginning, I was a bit skeptical about this purchase because I thought $30 is a lot for just a bladder and a hose. I'm relieved now, however, that this is a top quality product, easy to use, easy to clean and seems like it should last a long time. Also the fact that it comes with a great lifetime warranty, as does all Badlands gear, makes it a 5 start rating in the value department. One thing I was particularly skeptical about at first was that the pack I bought this for, the Superday, requires the 2 liter size. When the bladder comes out of the package it doesn't look very big. However, I discovered that 2 liters is plenty to keep me well hydrated during the day-long hunts this thing accompanies me on. Well done badlands!

by dancingchicken

The fold-over, dry-bag design of this hydration blader is improved by adding two large pinch holes at the top, which make it easier to grab the plastic envelope while also pushing the bag’s mouth open. The 1.5 Liter Streamer lets you to stay hydrated without interfering with your sports activity, enabling you to hydrate on the move. It’s easy to open with the streamer clip for rapid filling or cleaning.

Water tasted great which was a much better experience than others had with Camelback products. The opening for filling was also a nice benefit not offered by other systems. When cooking you can pull the slider off and use the opening to easily pour water into your cook pot rather than trying to get the water through the tube.

by Richmond Hicks

In 2 and 3 liter sizes, with screw cap or fold-top. They’re waterproof. This feature has made the WXP a popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Effortless ice addition and removal with the folding cover. The screw top allows you to effortlessly refill the WXP. This chemical-free coextruded polyethylene hydration reservoir performs well. A glass-like covering on the reservoir and tube inhibits biofilm development and thereby bacterial growth. So does the liner. The WXP also contains antibacterial Grunge-Guard technology. The reservoir and its tubing are always antimicrobial.

I am using this in my 5.11 Rush 12 pack. The pack lists bladders up to 70 oz, but this 100oz one fits fairly well. The coyote color of the tube sheath matches the coyote webbing on my sandstone pack perfectly. I am using the pack as an urban commute pack and I am using the bladder as a disposable plastic water bottle replacement - a "green" solution you might say. I fill it with filtered water at home and have left it in the bladder for days with no note of fouling or other problems unlike carrying a water bottle. I think this is the military version of Sources bladder, but I find it to be very useful for my civilian needs as well and would recommend to anyone to replace their daily bottle of Evian or Fiji with one of these. It should pay for itself in no time.

by Craig M. Kimmel

A+ in most areas, Aquamira Pressurized Reservoir works well. Notable (and novel) feature is the pressure system. It features an ellipsoidal air pump, like the classic blood pressure devices. Inflate the reservoir using this pump. Pumping it drives water out of the air compartment via the suction hose. Unlike other water bladders, Aquamira handles the pressing for you. Aquamira is composed of tough TPU and is BPA-free. It has a zip-top reservoir that opens full-width like a pouch and has 1.5L, 2L, and 3L capacities (100 oz).

I use this 2 liter bag when i paraglide. It serves two purposes. Adds weight when needed for a turbulent day and serves its purpose as water for drinking on the hike up and during flight. I have had no issues with leaking or anything and great quality. 2:30 min flight today with this water pack keeping me safe and hydrated

by Mjhiggs16

The Big Zip Low Profile reservoir has shown its quality and dependability over time. One of the few bladders with a low profile that fits effortlessly into any backpack or pack. The Platypus Big Zip reservoir, made of a blend of polyethylene and polyurethane, is one of the few that prioritizes health. It also has silver-ion infused in it, which provides protection against mold and bacterial infection. The Platypus Big Zip is available in a transparent, clear hue. This allows you to check how your water looks and eliminates the possibility of eating contaminated water.

I took this on a long range patrol training class and it was phenomenal. Most bladders are 1 or 2 liters and the guys were running out of water way before any resupplies. This thing is also so easy to fill and seal up. It got thrown around quite a bit in the middle of nowhere and it's perfect. I do wish there was some kind of small cover over the mouth cap though.. I might try to come up with something.

by Maximus Joseppi

The Crux now includes a large ergonomic handle with a quick attach vertical hose connection for easier pouring and holding. CamelBak has also improved the water flow in the bite valve, which now allows for 20% more water every sip. The on/off lever on the bite valve is one of the easiest in our test to use with one hand, and it self-seals after each sip, preventing drippage. CamelBak reservoirs are known for their long-lasting durability, thus this is an excellent investment.

They keep getting better. I have been using hydration packs since they first came out and have used several CamelBak and other brands. This is the best yet in the Cambak line (they keep making it better) and I'd say it's the best overall. It does what I want which is to be easy to fill, close, be totally leak proof, and easy to drink from as well as to lock off the mouth piece so it doesn't accidentally dispense any liquid. I purchased two (one for me and my wife) and these have performed flawlessly. Our old CamelBaks are still working fine but this is a lot easier to open and close.

by Wolfgang Stiller

An innovative design has a central baffle that keeps the bladder together and prevents water splashing about. Due to the center baffle’s small design, it fits easily in most hydration compatible backpacks. Hydrapak hydration bladders are also reversible for simple washing and drying. The bladder may be easily cleaned in a dishwasher. The tube is removable and has a high-flow bite valve with a twist lock. The reservoir is additionally antibacterial treated to prevent bacteria and mold development. It includes a Quantum Clip to secure the tube to the backpack. There are also mouthpiece covers, tube cleaning brushes and insulators available from HydraPak.

High-quality product. I'm a cross country bike rider. I usually freeze 15-20% of the water to cool the water for my rides and keep it sanitized. I believe that freezing the bag keeps it germs free. The partition in the bag makes it easier to melt the ice at the water outlet allowing easy water flow and keeping the rest of the ice to cool the water.
So far excellent. will examine durability over the years.

by MagnesiuMan

It’s a wonderful bladder, with a detachable tube and a magnetic mouthpiece that stows nicely on the company’s packs. Osprey has moved to a fold-over, dry-bag closure that is easier to clean. While placing a full reservoir into a fully packed pack, the hydrostatic backerplate provides support and maintains a flat profile. BPA-free, phthalate-free, lead-free, and food-safe components are all used.

Have multiple Osprey products but this bladder is the newest product and best so far. the hard backing makes inserting it into a full backpack very easy. additionally, the new design where there is now a connector in the middle of the tube, it allows you to pull out the bladder from the backpack and disconnect the drinking tube without the need to pull the whole tube out and re-insert it. love the new improved design.

by Han Solo

If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills hydration bladder, go no further than the Source Outdoor Widepac. A simple fold top reservoir with a Slide Closure seal, a rapid connect hose valve, a twist to open silicone bite valve, and a low profile carry handle. The biting valve cover, which you don’t have to buy separately, is what distinguishes an otherwise ordinary bladder. GrungeGuard technology and a Glass-like Film on the reservoir and hose interiors prevent bacteria growth and biofilm formation. It’s all fancy, which makes cleaning a breeze!

Very easy to clean and I like the way that the tube can be easily removed using the quick release button. Doesnt leak and large opening for filling.

by petew