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If you seek a versatile and lightweight liquid reservoir, the MSR DromLite Bag is our best recommendation. During our tests, which ranged from the Grand Canyon to the 14,000-foot peaks of the Colorado Rockies, we subjected this bladder to rigorous conditions to see if it would meet the durability standards of its predecessor. We hung it from rocks, bushwhacked with it on the outside of our pack, stuffed it into tight spaces, froze it, and heated it up. After conducting these tests (and many others), we are pleased to report that this bladder is incredibly durable and offers excellent performance (except for the taste). It stands out for its lightweight and packable design, which can serve as a camp pillow, solar shower, hot water bottle, and more. This hybrid design is best suited for activities that require a lightweight water reservoir with the option for storage, which is why we love it for backpacking.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Super packable
Durable material
Inexpensive
Incredibly versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor taste
Does not come with hose or bite valve
Doesn't pack easily into backpack sleeves
A Unique Hybrid Design
This durable hydration bladder is designed as a reservoir for extra water storage and is available in three different sizes: 2L, 4L, and 6L. Although it does not come with a hose or a bite valve, you can convert it into a hydration system by purchasing the MSR Hydration Kit. This will allow you to drink on the go (like all the other hydration bladders on the market), in addition to taking advantage of its storage option.
Our Analysis and Test Results
This reservoir boasts an incredibly packable design that isn't only durable but also exceptionally lightweight. It's a perfect option for additional water storage on day hikes, backpacking missions, or hanging out around camp.
We appreciate that the DromLite is built to withstand the rigors of backcountry travel, whether that means hanging it from a tree or rock, stuffing it into a pack, or dragging it around camp.
Credit: Amber King
Ease of Use
The DromLite is an easy-to-use hydration reservoir that can be turned into a bladder with the additional purchase of the MSR Hydration Kit. The key feature is its well-engineered 3-in-1 cap that can be used in three different ways.
First, the Nalgene-sized opening houses a durable and sturdy tab that makes holding the bladder easy while filling. This opening is compatible with the MSR pump and a plethora of other accessories. Second, there is a another smaller screw top opening available. It attaches to the first screw-top lid and provides a medium flow of water, perfect for filling up a water bottle or hydration bladder. The third is the trickle spout. This is an even smaller spout, perfect for taking a quick drink.
Here we see the Nalgene-sized opening with the top to the left. You can see the hole, which is the second size of the pouring. We typically used the Nalgene sized spout when sharing water or filling it up. The next size, we use when we need a lot of water quickly. The last is for a good sip here or there.
Credit: Amber King
The hydration kit, which can be ordered separately from the DromLite, is rudimentary at best, attaching to the second opening. The bite valve is comfortable and features a shut-off valve opening that remains clean and free from sticky residue after multiple uses. Additionally, the bite valve can be replaced with other compatible options from HydraPak or Camelbak if you prefer a different mouthpiece. Our major caveat is that the hose is (obviously) not quick-release and is not compatible with other hoses.
A look at the flow rate on the second hole, high up on a cliff in Indian Creek, Moab.
Credit: Amber King
This bladder is not designed to fit inside smaller running packs or thinner profile hydration packs. That said, it did well, fitting into larger hydration packs with a wider profile. Some backpack sleeves tested were unable to accommodate it. Overall, we recommend assessing how you plan to carry this reservoir before purchasing it to ensure it fits comfortably in your pack.
A look at the use of the hydration kit makes for drinking water on the go easy!
Credit: Amber King
Users of the DromLite prefer to use the additional hydration kit (mouthpiece and hose) for adventures where you don't want to dig through your pack to get to your water. Otherwise, the DromLite is best used as an additional reservoir or a general water-carry system.
Ease of Care
This bladder is more difficult to care for than other models tested in this review. The Nalgene-sized opening is small, and you can't fit a hand inside to clean the opening. Luckily, the 3-in-1 cap comes apart quickly and is super easy to soak and scrub. The exterior plastic material is translucent, allowing you to monitor any potential bacterial growth, which is an improvement over the previous design.
To clean this bladder, use a cleaning tablet or be diligent about rinsing and drying your bladder after use. In our testing period, we simply rinsed and dried and didn't notice any build-up over time. If you plan on using a sugary drink (which you can with this new design), be sure to use both a small brush and cleaning tablets. Then, throw it into the freezer (without water inside) after it is dried to ensure no bacterial growth.
While most brushes won't fit inside, you're better off just rinsing and drying. Avoid sugary substances as you'll have a hard time getting out all the sugar, making it a potential petri dish for bacterial growth.
Credit: Amber KIng
If bacterial growth does ensue (for example, you forgot to clean your bladder and left it in your backpack for a week or longer!), be sure to scrub it well with a small brush and, again, use a cleaning tablet. The construct of this bladder will make it difficult to reach every nook and cranny.
Simply rinse and dry with any kitchen appliance to keep the bag from falling in on one another.
Credit: Amber KIng
Consider a tablet such as Hydrapak Bottle Bright; this formula is biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-chlorinated to help ensure all potential bacteria are removed from the bladder.
Ease of Filling
Equipped with a durable and burly handle that allows you to fill your DromLite bag from a tap or river easily, the filling is simple. That said, while the handle is sturdy and doesn't deform under the weight of the bag as it fills, we found that other hydration bladders are easier to fill from trickling streams or shallow mediums.
While you can fill this bladder from outside rivers and streams, water is harder to catch than traditional bladders. One trick we learned is to simply place the fold top collector on the rock, allowing water to trickle inside. The screw-top design doesn't allow this use. That said, it's perfect for plunging into a lake or a raging river, allowing you to collect water quickly.
A look at the easy to hold lid that makes it simple to fill with just one hand.
Credit: Amber KIng
Quality and Durability
Constructed of a new film with welded seams, MSR says that it offers “reliable durability,” and we agree. Through our testing period, we threw it into backpacks, loaded it into coolers, put it in the freezer, and smashed it all around the crag. We hung it (and it fell numerous times) from rocks and sat on it too many times to count. We even had the dog drink out of it and play with it for a while. After all this abuse, the film, seams, and cap held up.
We pulled at the welded seams, trying to see if they would delaminate, and they don't budge an inch. When filling the bladder and squishing and squeezing it in all directions, the cap didn't leak at any of the screw points (despite some potential failure points).
Even hanging it up against rocks, this bladder has proven to be quite durable, even after a year of testing.
Credit: Amber King
While this new construction makes us want to take care of the bladder a little more carefully than the previous version, we experienced no durability issues in our time with this bladder. In hand, it feels less durable because the materials are thinner than those used in the previous design, but performance-wise, it's still a beast. The durable exterior is designed to withstand punctures, making it an excellent option for hanging from trees or rocks around camp.
Weight and Packability
This is one of the lightest and most compressible hydration bladders you'll find on the market. The outer materials are durable yet flexible, folding efficiently and effectively. The new design is not nearly as bulky as the last model, making it a packable option for any sport that requires lightweight travel. This is the primary reason it's our top recommendation for backpacking.
This bladder, when empty, packs really small. A perfect option if you need to store your bladder on the go and space is limited.
Credit: Amber King
Should You Buy the MSR Dromlite?
This product is very high value. It comes in 2L, 4L, and 6L options with an impressively low retail price. We've had and used ours for over two years now, trailing it along on climbing and backpacking adventures. It is still holding up, and the best value is in its herculean versatility around camp and on the trail. If you're looking for an option that's closer to a traditional hydration bladder, we'd recommend looking elsewhere. However, if you prefer a dromedary design, this is worth your hard-earned cash.
Kasia ventures into this hot-springs slot-canyon with the Dromlite tucked into her overnight bag. While we can't see it in this photo, it faired well under pressure, keeping us both hydrated in the Arizona desert.
Credit: Amber King
What Other Hydration Bladders Should You Consider?
If you like the weight savings of the MSR Dromlite, you'll likely be a fan of the 3-liter Hydrapak Contour, which is almost as light and offers a fully featured hose. If you want to go even lighter, consider the Platypus Hoser.
This reservoir proved useful when taking the hour-long approach up to the lesser trafficked Cave Wall in Indian Creek. We were able to store extra water for ourselves and the dog in these hot arid conditions. This is our favorite for overnights and day trips for its grand versatility.
