Hydration bladders vary in size, shape, and performance. To help you find the right fit for you, I’ve put together a list of the 10 hydration bladders on the market. 1. Source Outdoor Widepac 3L Bladder Advantages of a hydration bladder are the ability to store large capacities of water, or any other runners' drink, and have it readily accessible thanks to the drinking tube. This allows you to sup a little, often, which is the best approach when hiking. Should I get a 2L or a 3L hydration bladder? The 3-ft hose sports a unique 90° design. It’s significantly shorter than the average hydration bladder hose and much more convenient. The model also comes in 1.5 and 2 L versions. Your hydration bladder will keep you hydrated, healthy, and happy while you enjoy your hike. But, even though hydration bladders seem super simple on the outside, not all of them perform the same. The Platypus Big Zip EVO is my choice for the best water bladder.

While water reservoirs themselves rarely cause leakages, the joints at points such as the mouthpiece/tube and tube/water reservoir are more common to leak. Therefore, hydration system’s durability greatly depends on the quality of these joints. It’s a great benefit if the hydration system has a detachable tube and mouthpiece as this allows you to change the worn-out or damaged part instead of replacing the whole product. In this review we only listed high-quality products which provide great durability and are equipped with detachable tubes. Closure Type: The Semi-rigid Center Baffle offers essential low-profile support, simplifying cleaning and drying. Meanwhile, the HyFLO™ Self-sealing Bite Valve, paired with the new, larger 5/16" drink tube, guarantees an improved flow rate. Embrace funk-free hydration with embedded Silver-ion technology, guarding your water from mould and bacteria. Rest assured, you're enjoying a Pure Platy Experience, as all materials are certified taste-free, BPA-free, BPS-free, and phthalate-free. Upgrade your outdoor hydration game with the Big Zip™ EVO. A hydration bladder is very useful for hiking trips of all durations because it provides easy access to water and you have your hands free while you are drinking. Therefore, it allows you to take small sips of water throughout the hike which is recommended during strenuous activities because it ensures that the water gets absorbed efficiently and prevents any splashing sensation in the stomach. I must admit for short hikes where I can fill up with water along the way, I am more of a fan of water bottles or flasks. If I am hiking all day with no access to water and the terrain is challenging, then a bladder is the better option. How to Care for Your Hydration Water BladderThe Crux Hydration Bladder comes with a one-of-a-kind screw cap closure. Unlike most screw-top openings, this one is quite wide. If you love CamelBak or Osprey hydration bladders, I have written a head-to-head comparison of Osprey vs CamelBak review. The Platypus Hoser is an affordable and simple bladder with a lightweight and durable profile that will fit into nearly any type of hydration sleeve. The flow rate is ample, delivering water with minimal effort. The price is also right. If you're seeking a straightforward bladder that'll keep you hydrated on the go, this is a great option. The hose’s diameter and the bite valve’s size determine the flow rate. The wider the diameter of the hose, the higher the flow rate. But, wide-diameter hoses are typically sturdier. The position of the hose can also have an impact on the flow rate. Our Best Buy winner, the Platypus Hoser, has been hit by the recent inflation trend. While this bladder used to be a solid deal offered at a low price, recent price increases have narrowed the price range between this model and many other top options. During our next product update, we will reassess our award winners to discern whether a better value option is available. The Nathan 1.6L Insulated Hydration Bladder has a high flow bite valve (Image credit: Nathan) Factors to consider

Additionally, while hiking with the HydraPak HydraSleeve in the desert, we loaded it up with ice-cold water. Throughout the day (our hike was six hours), the water stayed icy cold, and ice cubes were still inside after the hike. Temperatures were between 80 - 90F that day. Overall, the HydraPak HydraSleeve offers excellent insulation that'll keep your drinks cool in the summer. Some people strongly prefer drinking cold water, and if that's you, this model does it best. Ease of Care Since you can fill your bladder just partway, getting a 3 L version is a more cost-effective choice. Larger bladders are usually more versatile as well. Bladder Hole OpeningAll hydration systems in this review use bite valves which offer the most hassle-free access to water – by applying pressure on the mouthpiece the valve gets opened and the water is ready for drinking. The other popular type of mouthpiece is the push/pull valve which is slightly more difficult to use as it requires that you close the valve (with hands or teeth) after drinking. As we know that bite valves are easier to use, we only listed hydration systems with bite valve mouthpieces. Accessories: Platypus’s premium reservoir has loads of features that make filling it, drinking out of it and also cleaning and drying it user-friendly. The newest Big Zip EVO has twice the flow rate of past hydration reservoirs. The plastic slide that seals the reservoir goes on from either side and doesn’t leak and a handle on the front of the reservoir provides a dry place to grip when filling. Silver ions embedded in the polyurethane reservoir kill mold and bacteria before they can grow, keeping the reservoir taste-free. The Widepac Hydration Bladder features a glass-like liner that helps prevent bacterial growth and biofilm buildup. If you forget to empty the reservoir, water can sit in it for a few days without the bladder getting funky. Its simple design makes it one of the most durable bladders on the market. Hydration bladders have either a snap cap closure or a wide slide closure at the top. Both closure types allow easy refilling. However, the opening of the hydration bladder should be also wide enough to put your hand inside for easy and thorough cleaning. In this review we only listed hydration bladders that are equipped with relatively wide closures for easy cleaning. Mouthpiece:

Of course, you don't have to fill a reservoir right to the top, so for versatility, a 3-litre bladder will have you covered in more scenarios. What is the best cold weather hydration bladder? Pure Platy Experience: Rest assured that all materials are certified taste-free, BPA-free, BPS-free, and phthalate-free, delivering a pure and safe hydration experience. First of all, hydration is pivotal to performance regardless of what kind of outdoor activity you plan to enjoy. Dehydration will not only slow you down and make you feel rubbish but it can eventually lead to some pretty dangerous consequences. HyFLO™ Self-sealing Bite Valve: Experience improved flow with the new, larger 5/16" drink tube, ensuring effortless hydration. Always keep a box or bag of hydration reservoir cleaning tablets on hand. Use one a month or as needed to keep your reservoir fresh testing. (See also: how to choose a water purifier.) 8. Top tip

The MSR Hydration Bladder is an inexpensive hydration bladder with an above-average liquid capacity (4 L; 135 oz). It also comes in a smaller version (2 L; 68 oz) and a bigger one as well (6 L; 200 oz). Despite its impressive capacity, the MSR DromLite is lighter than some 3 L models on my list. But do know that this is just a bladder, not a hydration system. It doesn’t come with a bite valve or a hose. Hydration bladders are in general slightly heavier than (disposable) water bottles as they are made of tougher and more durable materials (usually polyethylene or other plastic). However, a hydration bladder should be, like all other hiking gear, lightweight. In this review we only listed hydration bladders that unloaded weigh less than 9 ounces (250 grams) for the 3 liters version. Durability: The great thing about bladders is that most of them come with interchangeable components. For instance, you can swap your bladder’s mouthpiece with a different brand manufacturer’s mouthpiece. However, there are some exceptions. You can flip it inside out for easy care. When it comes to maintenance, the HydroPak may indeed be one of the best hydration bladders. Leak-proof Shut-off Valve: This valve instantly stops the flow and offers dependable stowing, preventing unwanted leaks.

Accessing the water is easy since the bladder features a 3-in-1 top. You can even share it! The manufacturer sells various accessories that can be used with the MSR DromLite. You can turn it into a bottle, shower, handwashing station, and more. This may be the best choice for you if you are looking for a highly customizable water reservoir. It’s important to empty and dry your reservoir when it’s not in use. Some have handy hang loops that make drying easier. To dry out your reservoir, blow air into the mouthpiece to empty the tube of water, then hang the bladder upside down with the tube inside to prop the reservoir open. Semi-rigid Center Baffle: Provides low-profile support and simplifies the cleaning and drying process.

Cold weather gear that keeps you outside and having fun.

The Platypus Platy Bottle (number 5 on our list) won't freeze in cold weather, as long as you pair it with its cap and now its Drink Tube Kit. What is the best hydration bladder that doesn't taste like plastic? So, without further ado, here are some frequently asked questions about hydration bladders and then several factors you should consider when buying... Are hydration bladders worth it? Pure Platy Experience: All materials are certified taste-free, BPA-free, BPS-free, and phthalate-free.