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

Almost every list of the best backpacking hydration bladders includes the Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir 3L. With this one, the brand seems to have taken a somewhat different design approach than its competitors. It has a robust but anatomically-shaped backplate that makes it simple to insert into an external or internal hydration sleeve. This ensures that the backpack does not flex when pressed into the sleeve, even when fully loaded. Even while it adds weight, it also offers a great deal of stability.

This is our second Osprey bag. The first one has held up over a year, so I expect the same from this one. We have a 2L and 3L and they are both good quality hydration bladders. It's pretty easy to clean. Would purchase again.

by Brian Allison

The Hydrapak Shape-Shift Reservoir is another great hydration bladder. On the surface, it seems to be identical to any other hydration bladder. If you look carefully, though, you’ll see that it has a unique design. The bladder is held together in the reservoir by a central baffle, which prevents the liquid from splashing about. The reservoir is compact enough to fit into most hydration bladder-compatible daypacks and backpacks.

Loved this for our yiking to Yosemite. I didn't like the plastic taste that it gave the water, but we should have washed them prior to using but were traveling and didn't have time before we left. I def recommend, especially for the price!

by Amazon Customer

The Platypus Big Zip Water Reservoir has long been a popular hydration bladder option. The reservoir, which comes in three sizes, is one of the few low-profile bladders that can be stuffed into almost any backpack. A two-layer polyethylene substance is used to make it. The outer, more durable layer assures durability, while the inner layer ensures that the water is tasteless. It’s devoid of BPS, BPA, and phthalates, and it’s also silver-ion-treated, which protects the reservoir against mold and germs.

Love the wide mouth and ease of use. Dual sealing method is easy and 100% effective. We have never had any plastic taste with any Platypus product as we have with another big time name hydration system that starts with a C.

by Richard G. Taylor

The Source Widepac Hydration Bladder is one of the most well-balanced and effective hydration bladders. The hydration bladder is available in three sizes: 3L, 2L, and 1.5L, and backpackers and hikers love it for its durability and simplicity. It’s made of three layers of polyethylene that have been treated with an antibacterial chemical to keep microorganisms at bay. It also has Source’s trademark Glass-Like technology, which makes it very smooth and simple to clean. The bladder also has a top-wide sliding clasp that makes cleaning, emptying, and refilling a breeze.

I was skeptical about the fold over seal but so far I have not had any leaks. The quick connect hose is great.

by Amazon Customer

The MSR DromLite Bag can be classified as a water storage reservoir rather than an activity bladder. The 3in1 top of the MSR DromLite adjusts the way water comes out of the bladder depending on whatever configuration you choose. The variety of possible attachments for this bladder, such as a spigot cap, a shower kit, or a mouthpiece, make it adaptable and useful to have about camp.

I used the 4 liter size on the Dromlite for base camp. The pack-ability, lightweight and durability of this bag was amazing. The material and quality held up to camp kitchen and hygiene activities.

by Anonymous

The Geigerrig Hydration Engine’s pressurized design makes it an extremely useful and handy outdoor gear, which is why we rated it the Most Innovative Hydration Bladder. When the bladder is pressurized, the water stream and hose may be utilized for a number of purposes, such as washing dirty shoes after a trek, rinsing the salt off after a surf, or functioning as an outdoor shower, in addition to making it extremely simple to drink from.

Awesome water system!! Used it for a month straight on the AT and it still works like new. No issues. Plan on using it for 5 months straight when I hike the entire AT next year! Great product

by Moulton L.

The Hydrapak HydraSleeve has you covered if you want cold sips of water on the trail. This insulating sleeve comes with an insulative tube and fits most 3L hydration bladders. It allows for modular use, allowing you to utilize the bladder without the insulating sleeve or the whole system. It stopped the water in the tube from freezing twice as long as it would have if it hadn’t been insulated. It also retained the ice water 3x longer in the reservoir than a standard bladder.

This thing is tough. I use it in an enclosed shell. I use to use a homemade insulator for my water bladder, but this thing is much tougher. The insulation seems good too. The top is easily attached to some post.

by Sandiway Fong

It’s a lightweight bladder with a thin profile, to be sure. The biting valve has a sophisticated hand holder that makes filling simple and provides a super-fast flow of water. It’s one of the simplest bladders to keep clean. After rinsing, we turn it inside out for simple cleaning and put it in the dishwasher. Also, the pricing is reasonable. For on-the-go athletes who require a lightweight bladder that fits into most small backpacks, this is the best pick.

Works great, I haven't had any issues with it so far. Nice and slim with the baffle hooked up, easy enough to clean.

by Chaotic

With a lightweight and robust design that fits into practically any sort of hydration sleeve, the Platypus Hoser is an affordable and straightforward option. The flow rate is sufficient, allowing water to be delivered with minimum effort. The pricing is also reasonable. This is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a basic bladder that will keep you hydrated on the run.

The Gregory Hydro 3D has a long-lasting and simple design. It’s constructed of a thick, supple polymer that’s tough and resistant to punctures and delamination. It has a unique body-length handle that makes filling sinks a breeze and maintains its stiffness and place even when full. The screw-top lid is well-made and simple to open and shut without the risk of erroneous threading. All of the components come apart, making it simple to clean and dry.

Held up nicely for my hike without leaks…easy to clean. Easy to get water from.

by RR#5