Regarding filling options, the source Tactical WXP water bladder is one of the most versatile hydration bladders. It comes with a screw-top option and a flip-top opening. This model is great for both once-a-year hikers and avid outdoor enthusiasts. The bite valve is super easy to unclip. WXP hoses are easy to detach, and they are compatible with other brands. 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 Big Zip EVO comes with a versatile and well-designed tube setup. You can plug it into a connection point halfway up the tube and into the bottom of the bladder. The Big Zip Evo is great at preventing bacterial growth thanks to silver-ion technology. The polymer inside the reservoir doesn’t “flavor” the water either. The Big Zip Evo offers a faster flow than most other bladders of its size. Pure Platy Experience: All materials are certified taste-free, BPA-free, BPS-free, and phthalate-free. 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

Regarding versatility, the Geigerrig Pressurized Hydration Engine water bladder is hard to beat. It features a bulb that you can use to turn the hydration bladder into a solar shower. It comes in handy when you need to clean your dirty equipment.There are also bottle-top bladders. Bottle top bladders are easy to fill with just one hand, but they are difficult to clean. A bottle top bladder is a good choice if you prefer small openings. Bottle top bladders usually have the best leak-proof properties. Water Flow Rate

A 3-liter bladder when full will weigh 3kg, so it's a lot of additional weight to take onto the trails. A larger bladder like this is useful if you're on a wild camping expedition or you're carrying water for yourself and others, such as the kids, for example. Also, if you know there won't be many opportunities to refill, then 3L will give you a little peace of mind. 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? The battle of water bottle vs hydration bladder shows no signs of abating, so it's worth taking a moment to think about the considerations around hydration.

The Nathan 1.6L Insulated Hydration Bladder has a high flow bite valve (Image credit: Nathan) Factors to consider 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. Clean Taste Guarantee: All materials are certified food-grade, BPA-, BPS-, phthalate-free and taste-free, guaranteed. In our freezer tests, the HydraPak HydraSleeve kept the main body of the bladder from freezing, even after leaving it in there for 24 hours. While there was a lot of ice inside, it wasn't completely frozen.

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. 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. 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 Opening

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. 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

HyFLO™ Self-sealing Bite Valve: Experience improved flow with the new, larger 5/16" drink tube, ensuring effortless hydration. 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. Leak-proof Shut-off Valve: This valve instantly stops the flow and offers dependable stowing, preventing unwanted leaks. The slide-top design makes it easy to use. It allows you to turn the bladder inside out, making cleaning easy. You can fill it from a tap or outdoor source without any effort because the opening is large enough. 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 tipAccessing 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. Empty the bladder out after each use. Make sure to properly air it out. Puff a few hearty breaths into the tube to blow the water out. If possible, flip the bladder inside out. Use warm water, a bit of mild soap, and a non-abrasive pad to scrub it gently. The Big Zip Evo has all the things you want from a bladder. It is made from taste-free and BPA-free plastics and a rigid centrebaffle that allows for easy cleaning, drying and offers low profile support. To protect the bladder from bacteria and mould the Big Evo has embedded Silver-ion that protects clean water. 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. 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: