REASONS TO BUY
Large handle and long collar for easy filling
Easy to clean
Inexpensive
Extended hose attachment
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard to flip inside out
Plastic taste
Osprey Hydraulics LT Reservoir Review
This lightweight reservoir has a lot of fun features
Osprey Hydraulics LT Reservoir
Credit: Osprey
RELATED: Best Hydration Bladder of 2024
Our Verdict
The Osprey Hydraulics LT Bladder is a fully-featured bladder with many functions at a decent price. It stands out for its longer flip-top closure, built-in handle, extended quick release hose system, and magnetic bite valve that always keeps water close at hand. It is straightforward to use and compatible with most backpacking and running hydration packs. The handy handle helps you maximize your fill by holding the bladder horizontally. It is a great lightweight and featured reservoir at a great price.
Editor's Note: We revised this review on February 28, 2024, to note updates to this product.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Osprey Hydraulics LT Reservoir | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Hydration Bladder |  Best for Lightweight Adventures | Best for Backpacking |  Best Bang for the Buck | |
| Price | $46.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $33.74 at Dick's Sporting Goods Compare at 4 sellers | $40 List $27.82 at Amazon | $41 List $28.26 at Amazon | $32.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Lots of unique features in a lightweight hydration reservoir | Featuring a large handle and quality construction, this bladder is designed to take a beating on any backcountry excursion | Ready for any on-the-go athlete looking for a lightweight hydration system | Take this lightweight and packable reservoir on your next backpacking adventure | Simple and high value, this bladder covers your basic hydration needs in a lightweight package |
| Rating Categories | Osprey Hydraulics L... | Gregory 3D Hydro | Hydrapak Shape-Shif... | MSR DromLite Bags | Platypus Hoser |
| Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Care (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Filling (20%) | |||||
| Quality and Durability (15%) | |||||
| Weight and Packability (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Osprey Hydraulics L... | Gregory 3D Hydro | Hydrapak Shape-Shif... | MSR DromLite Bags | Platypus Hoser |
| Weight of Bladder & Tube (oz) | 6.15 oz (2.5L) | 7.1 oz (3L) | 5.40 oz (3L) | 5.20 oz (4L) | 4.2 oz (3L) |
| Bladder Capacity Options (liters) | 1.5L, 2.5L | 3 L | 2L, 3L | 2L, 4L, 6L | 1L, 1.5L, 3L |
| Dishwasher Friendly? | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Plastic Taste | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bite Valve | Bite valve with shutoff twist valve | Push-button on/off valve | Bite valve with shutoff twist valve | None (Bite valve with lock arm shutoff valve in separate attachment kit) | HyFLO bite valve |
| Can bite valve be removed? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Hose Connection | Extended quick release hose (no swivel), no release at base of bladder | Mid-tube quick release, but can be changed to the base. | Quick release (no swivel) | At the mouth of the screw top | Screw-on hose |
| Closure Type | Slide top | Screw top | Slide top | Screw top (3 in 1 spouts) | Screw top (hose connection) |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Hydraulics LT we tested is shown on the left, and the updated model is on the right.
Product Redesigned
The Hydraulics LT features design updates intended to make filling, loading, and carrying easier. There are dual baffles to provide structure. We're linking to the updated model in this review, but the text and images that follow tell our account of the older model.
The Hydraulics LT features design updates intended to make filling, loading, and carrying easier. There are dual baffles to provide structure. We're linking to the updated model in this review, but the text and images that follow tell our account of the older model.
The Osprey Hydraulics LT comes with a few more bells and whistles than most bladders. It's easy to use and compatible with most backpacks.
Performance Comparison
Sometimes you need to share water on the trail. The elongated collar of the Osprey Hydraulics creates a small spout - a perfect feature for thirsty friends.
Credit: Ray Sena
Ease of Use
Simply put, this bladder is easy to use. The bite valve is simple, doesn't leak, and provides ample water flow with minimal effort. The twist lock mechanism is harder to use than a simple switch, but if you don't like it, you can switch it out, as this model is compatible with many other valves and tubes. We like the magnet it comes with as well. It easily connects to the tube (anywhere you please) and you can choose where to attach it on your pack. We prefer it on our chest strap while running and hiking.
The many features of the Osprey Hydraulics LT Reservoir. We liked to use this with the Osprey Talon 18 on many day hikes.
Credit: Amber King
Another cool feature is the location of the quick-release hose. Instead of the quick-release being at the base of the bladder, it falls about halfway up the hose. This is advantageous when you want to disconnect your bladder without digging through a pack full of gear. This is especially useful when we were on the move or out backpacking.
Hydration on the go while running 26 miles in the Grand Canyon. While we love the features of this bladder, the handle poked into our shoulder through this running vest (with no back padding). Make sure this bladder fits properly with your running or hiking pack for best use!
Credit: Amber King
Ease of Care
This bladder is quite easy to clean, but not as convenient as other flip-top varieties. The opening huge allows you to easily get a brush inside, so scrubbing inside isn't too hard. That said, when trying to flip it inside out, our efforts were deemed useless because of the plastic handle and hose connection. Because of this, we opt to simply rinse it out and allow it to dry. Afterward, throw it in the freezer to kill any unwanted and lingering bacteria.
Our cleaning brush fit with ease inside of this hydration bladder.
Credit: Amber King
Check out the Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir Cleaning Kit for a more thorough cleaning.
Use kitchen tongs to aid in the drying process!
Credit: Amber King
Ease of Filling
This bladder is quite easy to fill in both deep and shallow environments. It stands out for its attached handle and the extended tongue that provides easy filling in all situations!
Collecting water from trickling streams is a cinch, and filling in shallow water fountains is easy too.
If you don't use the handle, simply pinch and pour water inside while camping.
Credit: Amber King
Quality and Durability
We had no issues with leaks in the bite valve or pack after our months of testing. It is made from a TPU film that is quite durable but not as puncture-resistant as thicker filmed options in this review.
Weight and Compressibility
A little heavier than other flip-top versions, this 2.5L bladder weighs roughly 6.15oz. Because of its extended tube that does not detach at the base of the bladder, it is not super packable.
Jared hikes up to 13,000 feet in the San Juan mountains with the Osprey Hydraulics LT in tow.
Credit: Amber King
Value
This bladder is mid-range in price, with decent features and performance. Overall though, we think there are other products that excel for less money in our hydration bladder review.
Hiking through the mountains? Don't forget your favorite bladder for on the go hydration!
Credit: Ray Sena
Conclusion
If you seek a lightweight but high performing bladder with all the bells and whistles, this is a great option. Take it running, hiking, or camping… whatever you please!
—
Amber King
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