Hydrapak Contour Review

The Hydrapak Contour has become one of the most-loved hydration bladder options among our team of gear experts. Offering unparalleled ease when cleaning and drying, it was a standout model for regular use, while other bladders proved a chore to clean before and after each mission.

Ease of Use

Although bladders may all have the same basics (a hose and a water reservoir), it's the nuances in design elements, such as how the hose runs out to the pack strap or the quality of the bite valve, that can make a huge difference in overall performance and ease of use. Fortunately, the designers of the Hydrapak Contour paid close attention to detail, making it a user-friendly hydration bladder.

The Hydrapak Contour is an example of what we think a hydration bladder should be: simple, intuitive, and doesn't require a manual to operate. The supple grab handle was useful for getting the bladder in and out of a backpack, and we appreciated the softness of the handle, which helps preserve the bladder material from getting cut.

The hanger of the Hydrapak Contour is also universal, designed to work with several backpack brands. This was a particularly helpful feature as our testers utilize a variety of backpack sizes and manufacturers. The circular bite valve allows water to flow easily and self-seals reliably, though we still recommend using the locking lever when not actively drinking.

Ease of Care

Any hydration bladder requires some amount of care before and after every use, which ultimately comes down to cleaning and drying. The Hydrapak Contour is nothing short of exemplary and leads the pack.

Cleaning the Contour was a breeze. Our preference was to simply put it in the top rack of the dishwasher and let the machine do the work. In our experience, a full-blown washing of the bladder is less common if used several times a week. Therefore, we simply gave the Contour a quick rinse between sessions and used the dishwasher approximately once a week. Of course, one can still hand wash it, but as the saying goes, “work smarter, not harder.”

The Hydrapak Contour can be flipped inside out and even has an interior hanger loop, making it one of the easiest bladders on the market to dry. The convenience and value of these features can't be overstated; every time you take your bladder out, it will ultimately need to be dried.

Ease of Filling

In this metric, we took a granular look at the Hydrapak Contour and how easily it can be filled with water. We found it to be good, but not great.

As a slim profile option, the Hydrapak Contour lacks substantial suspension to keep the bladder open. Furthermore, the ziplock opening at the top requires some practice to get the hang of, especially when using a hose to dispense water. These are ultimately nit-picky grievances, and overall, it didn't stop us from loving this bladder.

Quality and Durability

The Contour is a well-made hydration bladder; however, there are a few considerations to keep in mind regarding its durability.

As a very lightweight hydration bladder, the Hydrapak Contour is friendly on the back, but you'll need to be mindful of your surroundings when filling it or using it outside a backpack. The thinner bladder construction proved durable enough for us throughout field testing, but we were cautious about placing it on sharp rocks or packing sharp equipment inside the bag against it. The Contour made it through testing without any punctures. However, we've years of experience with similar bladder materials, having used Hydrapak's soft-sided water bottles, and we've known them to be damaged when handled too roughly. As is a common theme across many gear categories, lightweight equipment is great, but it just might require more mindfulness.

Weight and Packability

This is another metric where the Hydrapak Contour performed very well, topping the charts thanks to its excellent performance on the scale and its easy-to-pack profile.

At a measly 5.4 ounces, this is a very lightweight hydration bladder. While its modest weight comes with some durability considerations, it is also very packable, fitting well in every pack we used in testing.

Should You Buy the Hydrapak Contour?

This is a very well-made hydration bladder that is truly deserving of your hard-earned cash if you prioritize weight and easy maintenance. A bladder that's toprack safe can be a rarity, and this one can even flip inside out for you to dry, saving precious time that could be spent on the trail. While it isn't as durable as some, we were able to simply keep it off of abrasive surfaces and away from sharp gear.

What Other Hydration Bladders Should You Consider?