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Finding the best hydration bladder can make your outdoor adventures even better, as it offers the convenience of drinking water anytime, anywhere. The ideal model should be able to fit in the quiver of backpacks you use for outdoor recreation and offer designs that are easy to clean and dry between outings.
Our outdoor experts have been testing hydration bladders over the last 9 years. Each product was thoroughly tested hands-on during hiking, camping, trail running, backpacking, and other outdoor activities. We've traveled across the globe, visiting far-off lands with each bladder in tow, from arid deserts to arctic mountain ranges, all in the name of pushing these bladders as hard as we could.
Of the best hydration bladders available today, the Gregory Hydro 3D is our top choice due to its easy-to-use design and durable construction. Soft-sided hydration reservoirs can be challenging to keep leak-free, and our team ran into minimal issues with the Hydro 3D.
If you're needing an option that's easy on the wallet, the Cherainti Reservoir sells for substantially less than the competition. It features a slim profile that allows it to fit into backpacks of various shapes and sizes.
Editor's Note: Our hydration bladder review was updated on June 26, 2025, to include two new models and retest old favorites from brands like Hydrapak, Gregory, and Platypus.
Expensive, heavy design, hard to clean, outer material isn't puncture-proof, specific fit, bad taste
Plastic taste for some, less secure bite valve, harder to dry
Poor taste, does not come with hose or bite valve, doesn't pack easily into backpack sleeves
Less durable lid, lid isn't as water-tight
Expensive up front cost, hose comes out of quick connect and can spill a bit
Some reported durability issues, slower flow rate, harder to use mouthpiece
Harder to clean, bite valve doesn't lock off
Heavy construct, flimsy plastic handle, pricey
Bottom Line
This top performer stands out for its quality construction and easy filling profile that is reliable for hydration on backcountry adventures and day trips
With its remarkably low weight and top-rack dishwasher compatibility, this hydration bladder is a standout option
This is an easy-to-use option that has an awesome flow rate and convenient features, though it isn't as durable as some of the competition
All about stability, this heavy hydration bladder is perfect for backpacking
If you need a hydration bladder at the lowest price possible, this option belongs in your shopping cart
This reservoir is lightweight and durable, with many functions and uses in the outdoors
Classic bladders like this option don't lead the pack in any one metric, but if you're a fan of CamelBak, it's worth looking into
An insulated and interchangeable hydration system that fights to keep your water cold in the summer and unfrozen in the winter
A four-season bladder that'll slow your water from freezing in the tube during cold weather and prevents water from heating up in the tube in hot weather
This durable, lightweight, and simple bladder won't take a toll on your wallet
This fully featured bladder is versatile for the masses, from the outdoors person to the once a year hiker
During testing, the Gregory Hydro 3D caught our attention for its durable, user-friendly design. Its thick, soft polymer material is pliable yet strong and resistant to punctures and delamination, performing almost as well as the top runner in our durability tests — the Hydrapak HydraSleeve. The Hydro 3D features a unique handle that runs the length of the reservoir, ensuring the bladder maintains its rigidity even when full. Our head tester also reports, “The handle on the Hydro is incredibly sturdy for a bladder, something I found helps make the bladder very easy to pull out of a backpack or to hold while filling.” Its screw-top lid is also well-built and easy to open and close without threading it incorrectly. All components come completely apart, making it convenient to rinse out and dry. Additionally, a drying hanger is included, which we found especially useful when cleaning. The flow rate is great, and it features a magnet that quickly adheres to a pack's chest strap, preventing the hose from flopping around while you're in motion. Without a zip-top, there are no rigid corners to poke into your back through a thin pack.
When it comes to ultralight excursions, the 7.4-ounce Gregory Hydro 3D would not be our top choice, as it's a bit heavy. Our gear expert points out, “When I was examining it for flaws, its weight was the most notable — all of our test team pointed to the scale scores and the bulkiness.” Instead, we would opt for the 5.4-ounce HydraPak Contour, which strikes a nice balance between weight and design. One other complaint: when empty, the rigid handle of the Hydro 3D prevents the user from rolling the bladder up into a compact package for storage. Ultimately, these are minor shortcomings that require our testers to become hypercritical, and they aren't necessarily deal-breakers. After testing many bladders over multiple years, the Gregory Hydro 3D impressed us the most. If you're looking for a reliable bladder suitable for most situations, this user-friendly model remains our top recommendation.
If a low price is a crucial criterion for your bladder shopping, the Cherainti Reservoir is worth considering. This model is substantially less expensive than the competition and offers decent performance in key areas, making it a functional budget option, from ease of use to weight and packability. We loved the lower profile for sliding the reservoir into a variety of backpacks' bladder pouches, and it is one of the few options that has a mouthpiece cover when things get dusty or muddy. Some of our testing team members noted a mild plastic taste to the water, compared to options like the Gregory 3D Hydro, which had an improved taste but would require a more significant investment. Our head tester concluded, “I think the Cherainti offers decent value for the casual use hiker, especially if you're not picky about taste — it will be a great choice for many.”
The Cherainti Reservoir has a unique slide-on/off switch on the bite valve, which was easy to turn on, even with one's teeth. Unfortunately, we found it to be almost too easy, having discovered that water unintentionally flowed out of the mouthpiece on occasion when the mouth cover was off (for example, when packs were placed on top of it in the car or when the pack straps were pushed against a rock or tree). We also had a tougher time drying the Cherainti using its minimal interior suspension to prop open the bladder. A member of our test team offered a creative solution, suggesting, “When bladders prove harder to dry, I use a cup or kitchen utensil to prop open the bladder to improve airflow.” If you prefer a more traditional valve shut-off, consider the easy-to-dry Hydrapak Contour, though this option will be more than twice as expensive as the Cherainti.
With low weight and some unique cleaning attributes, the Hydrapak Contour earned its rightful place at the top of the charts. This hydration bladder is one of the few that can be turned inside out, making it a breeze to dry or clean by hand. The Contour is also top rack safe in a dishwasher, making the cleaning process even easier. “It's hard to overstate the value of a dishwasher-safe bladder,” says lead tester Zach Lovell. “I saved so much time cleaning and rinsing with the Hydrapak that it became my go-to for average days out.” As a lightweight bladder, it isn't quite as durable as some of the competition. If you are expecting more rugged and demanding conditions and need a well-constructed bladder to match, the Gregory 3D Hydro would be a better choice.
The Hydrapak Contour features an intuitive design, complete with a soft-sided carrying handle and a universal pack hanger, designed to be compatible with the internal bladder attachments of various backpacks. The zippered top didn't leak during testing. However, it did prove more challenging to fill compared to other options like the Osprey Hydraulics, which is a partnership between Hydrapak and Osprey and offers a plastic attachment to help hold the top of the bladder open for one-handed filling. Our team concluded, “If you want a lightweight option that is the easiest to clean and dry in the lineup, the Contour should be put in your shopping cart.”
None (Bite valve with lock arm shutoff valve in separate attachment kit)
The MSR DromLite is the most versatile, lightweight, and packable hydration reservoir we've tested. It has been continuously updated over the years, yet it still demonstrates impeccable performance. Our gear experts commented, “The outer material is made of a surprisingly tough polymer that can truly take a beating.” Don't be afraid to strap it to the back of your pack or throw it around the climbing crag, even though it's not as thick and durable as its predecessor — nor as durable as the HydraPak HydraSleeve. The 3-in-1 top makes accessing and sharing water easy, and there are a plethora of compatible attachments (for example, the MSR Hydration Kit). Not only that, but this reservoir can also be easily converted into a handwashing station, shower, hot water bottle, and more.
Potential buyers should note that the MSR DromLite is a water reservoir only. MSR sells the Hydration Kit separately to turn this bag into a hydration system, meaning it does not come boxed with a hose. Folks who want an option with an included hose should consider other contenders, such as the reliable Gregory Hydro 3D. The DromLite functioned excellently in our tests, but its wide profile prevents the bladder from fitting into the smallest hydration pack sleeves. Additionally, we observed that the lid began to leak after approximately two years of testing and heavy use, a problem also encountered in MSR's previous models. If you're looking for a super packable reservoir to hold large volumes of water, this durable bag is our recommendation. One tester concluded, “This hybrid dromedary/bladder is a powerful tool in the world of backcountry hydration, and a reliable system I reach for often when backpacking.”
The DromLite Hydration bladder can be hung from rocks, stuffed into backpacks, and dragged pretty much everywhere. It's lightweight, packable, and adaptable.
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. During testing, we found the flow rate to be 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, without any unnecessary weight, this is a great option. Tester Zach Lovell offered, “There are many shoppers who are meticulous about watching their gear's weight. When every ounce matters, the Hoser is the way to go.”
One improvement we would like to see on the Platypus Hoser would be a locking mechanism on the bite valve, as our test team found it tended to leak slightly when the bladder was bounced around during use. One tester noted, “On testing missions when my bag was packed full, I found myself getting drip-drizzled on, as water was pushed from the bladder out through the mouthpiece.” Unfortunately, the bite valve on the Hoser can't be easily swapped out. So, needless to say, if you buy it, you're stuck with it. If this isn't an issue for you, this is an excellent ultra-light bladder. But, if a drippy hose strikes a nerve, the Platypus Big Zip Evo could be a better choice, as it comes with a switch locking mechanism to prevent this issue.
If you love cold sips of water on the trail, the Hydrapak HydraSleeve has you covered. This insulating sleeve fits most 3L hydration bladders and comes with an insulating tube. It is designed for modular use, allowing you to choose between using the bladder alone or the system as a whole, including the insulation sleeve. We tested it while ski touring in the winter and backpacking through hot desert conditions. It kept the water in our tube from freezing twice as long as we used the insulated tube. It also kept our ice water cold in the reservoir 3x longer than a normal bladder. If you are seeking a system that'll do just that, this insulating option is our top choice. According to our lead tester, “A year-round hydration bladder like the HydraSleeve is a phenomenal resource for someone like myself who is active outdoors in all four seasons.”
While we appreciate the insulating properties of the Hydrapak HydraSleeve, they are not always required. For warmer conditions, the more affordable and lightweight MSR DromLite is another great option. Additionally, the quick-connect at the bottom requires regular maintenance and lubrication; otherwise, it becomes gummed up and unusable over time, particularly with frequent use. One tester also commented, “In our tests, the tube end of the bladder popped off several times when I was trying to remove the bladder from the sleeve, resulting in a little spilled water.” However, we only saw this happen on occasions when we were pulling the bladder out of the sleeve. It never occurred spontaneously within a pack while in use. Minor gripes aside, this hydration bladder offers the best insulating properties of any option we tested thus far, making it an easy recommendation if you live in a super cold climate or prefer to keep your water cold in the heat.
A look at what comes with the HydraPak HydraSleeve. An insulated sleeve, tube, and a hydration bladder.
Credit: Amber King
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We loved field testing these hydration bladders, dragging them across a myriad of landscapes and environments to ensure we were as thorough as possible.
Credit: Syd Knadler
How We Tested
Our testing process involves stuffing bladders into running packs, backpacking packs, and throwing them into coolers and the freezer. We freeze them, wash them, dry them out, and use them for all sorts of adventures. We test in environments that range from cold to hot, loading them with water and electrolytes to quench a thirst on the trail. We also take the time to see how long each keeps water cold in the summer and assess which tubes freeze up in the winter. We carefully analyze every feature and evaluate each bladder's overall durability. With over 300 hours of filling bladders and sucking on bite valves, we have thoroughly vetted and tested all models in this review.
Our testing of hydration bladders is divided across five rating metrics:
Ease of Use (25% of overall score weighting)
Ease of Care (25% weighting)
Ease of Filling (20% weighting)
Quality and Durability (15% weighting)
Weight and Packability (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
IFMGA Mountain Guide Zach Lovell and outdoor enthusiast Amber King bring you this review. Zach is a full-time Mountain Guide who climbs, skis, and hikes all over the world. Every step of the way, hydration is critical, making hydration bladders a part of his daily essentials list. Zach has been involved in product testing and development for over a decade, bringing a keen eye for detail to hundreds of products. Amber is an endurance runner who typically logs between 20 - 50 miles each week on local trails in her hometown of Ridgway, Colorado. Each year presents a new opportunity to embark on fastpacking goals, whether near her home in the US or in far-flung locales, from Peru to Iceland. She has used these products for years and tested over 20 individual models first-hand. Amber brings a wealth of expertise and know-how that has been pivotal in developing this hydration bladder review.
Analysis and Test Results
We selected a wide range of hydration bladders, including reservoirs, insulating models, and traditional models. They are all rated across six important criteria to assess overall performance. We take the time to provide in-depth comparisons to help you find the best hydration bladder for your needs.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Compared to some of our other categories here at the GearLab, there's not a big price discrepancy between most of the products in our hydration bladder review. The various models we tested fall within a fairly narrow range. However, there is still a value factor to consider. If you buy one model for a few bucks more and it lasts four times longer than a cheaper option, you're getting a better deal in the long run. When purchasing a hydration bladder, be sure to consider the value of each product.
The MSR DromLite can take a beating and return for more, making for a high-value product. We love the durability and adaptability of the Platypus Hoser, a simple bag that can be easily rolled up and packed away. It has a higher durability rating than other bladders due to its heavier plastic construction, which is more resilient in the face of squeezing and punctures. It costs less than most other bladders on the market while still functioning well enough for most needs.
Running across remote islands just North of Sweden is one of the many ways we put our bladders to the test.
Credit: Amber King
Ease of Use
If your hydration bladder is a pain to drink from, it's failing its main purpose. The bladder that fits easily into a bag and provides sufficient water flow on the go (without leaking) does the best here. To evaluate performance, we consider the bite valve design, the valve locking mechanism, and the versatility of the bladder. We note the limitations of each bladder and its compatibility with different types of hydration backpacks. In this section, we also discuss the differences in performance between insulated and non-insulated competitors.
Our main focus for the ease of use metric is water flow. It's a pain to have to work to get water while you're putting in miles on the trail. Bladders offering great flow typically use a large-diameter tube in conjunction with a high-flow valve that creates a pressurized system. The Platypus Big Zip Evo does just this. The valve is huge, and one bite down releases ample water into your mouth. The Gregory 3D Hydro features a smaller valve with a similar level of water flow, making it easy to sip while in motion. Both have the highest water flow of products tested in this review.
We greatly appreciated the generous size of the Platypus Big Zip Evo valve.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The CamelBak Crux Reservoir uses a slightly smaller valve that's simple to use and provides plenty of water flow, too. The valves used in all HydraPak products, like the Hydrapak Contour and Osprey Hydraulics, which is made in partnership with HydraPak, also feature a fast rate of water flow. Simply squeeze the valve, and water will shoot out. This design allows you to give water to a pup or even fill up a small water bowl.
The Osprey Hydraulics uses a circular opening for the bite valve, which offers great flow.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Of the locking mechanisms, there are two different designs that we prefer: the switch and the twist. Options like the Platypus Big Zip, Hydrapak Contour, and CamelBak Crux Reservoir all use the switch. These are easy to open and close with a simple thumb flick. The Gregory 3D Hydro features a push and pull mechanism, a new design we haven't seen before. However, it's a little harder to use on the go than traditional locking mechanisms, as it can get gummed up. With regular rinsing before use, though, we don't anticipate it being an issue for most folks.
The switch on/off system was intuitive and dependable. Pictured here is the mouthpiece of the Camelbak Crux Reservoir.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The only bladder that doesn't have a locking mechanism in the valve is the Platypus Hoser, which unfortunately resulted in our testers getting dripped on occasionally. However, the Hoser's flow rate is great, and its simple design makes it easy to use otherwise. Another interesting bladder that provides a level of ease in use is the 3-in-1 cap offered by MSR Dromlite. Three different caps offer different levels of water flow. The smallest is perfect for taking a sip of water. The medium-sized (where some attachments screw in) is great for sharing the water, and the large size is for filling. If you're looking for a simple hydration bladder (without a hose setup), this is a great option. Another unique design is found in the Cherainti Reservoir, which has a sliding on/off valve and a dust cover that protects the mouthpiece.
We were big fans of the dust cap of the Cherainti Reservoir, protecting the mouthpiece from getting dirty.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Insulative Bladders
These bladders come with some form of insulation around either the tube, the body, or both. We tested two insulated models: the HydraPak HydraSleeve and the Badlands Hydration Reservoir. Both are good options, although the HydraSleeve outperformed the Badlands to become our preferred choice. Our tests involved placing these and non-insulated bladders in the freezer, as well as in backpacks, to assess their ability to maintain temperatures.
Testing out the insulative properties of these bladders in a side-by-side freezer test.
Credit: Amber King
In our freezer tests, the HydraPak HydraSleeve effectively protected the main body of the bladder from freezing, even after leaving it in the freezer for 24 hours. While there was a lot of ice inside, it wasn't completely frozen.
When testing how well the insulating tubes resist freezing, we used a non-insulated bladder as a control. Then, we placed both the Badlands and HydraPak HydraSleeve into the freezer. We left them inside, checking every 10 minutes to see if the tubes had frozen up. After 20 minutes, the uninsulated bladder hose had frozen up, while both the Badlands and HydraSleeve remained liquid. The HydraSleeve tube staved off freezing for a total of 40 minutes, while the Badlands remained unfrozen for a total of 30 minutes. Unfortunately, neither of these bladders could entirely prevent freezing. So, if you go ski touring, know that this sleeve and insulating tubing will help, but it can't completely prevent freezing in extremely cold conditions. If you drink relatively frequently from the tube, though, the water from the bladder will replace the water in the tube, continuously preventing the liquid from freezing. With an uninsulated tube in freezing temperatures, it's hard to drink frequently enough to avoid this.
During this test, we put all bladders into a backpack that sits in the sun. In this test, the HydraPak HydraSleeve offers the best insulation, keeping our water colder longer.
Credit: Amber King
We also placed each insulating bladder into a backpack (when filled with cold water) and then exposed it to the sun to see how long it took for the water to warm up. Similarly, we stuffed the same backpack with a jacket and other items you'd normally take on a backpacking trip, to see how cool the water remained. In this test, the control (the normal bladder) and the Badlands kept water cold for about 2 hours. The insulated tube of the Badlands model didn't contribute to keeping the bladder itself cool. The HydraSleeve (after our 7-hour test) successfully maintained a cold water temperature for 6 hours. This is 3x longer than a normal hydration system without an insulating sleeve. This validated our hypothesis that this hydration sleeve provides insulation that'll keep your beverages cool on the trail.
Enjoy a snowy ski, without the worry of tubes freezing up with an insulating hydration bladder.
Credit: Amber King
Additionally, while hiking with the HydraPak HydraSleeve in the desert, we loaded it up with ice-cold water. Temperatures ranged from 80 to 90°F that day, yet throughout our time on the trail (our hike was six hours long), the water inside remained icy cold. We even found ice cubes inside after we wrapped the hike. 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
Reservoirs don't clean and take care of themselves. To avoid creating a petri dish for bacterial colonies, you'll need to assume some constant care. To evaluate how easy it is to care for your bladder, we consider several factors. Can the bladder be easily flipped inside out? Is it dishwasher safe? How easy is it to disassemble the tube and mouthpiece? Can all nooks and crannies be cleaned? What is the porosity of the polymer used in the design of the hydration bladder? How easy is it to physically scrub the bladder without the use of a specialized cleaning system? Knowing the answers to these questions sets some bladders apart from others.
Caring for Your Hydration Bladder
With careful and diligent care, any bladder is easy to care for. Be sure to rinse and dry it after every use. On days when you might fill it with a sugary substance, be sure to use a rinse tablet to help prevent bacterial buildup. Or, simply toss it into the freezer to kill most bacteria.
A flip-top bladder with a wider mouth and thinner plastics proves to be the easiest to flip inside out and manually clean. Options that did best in this area include the Hydrapak Contour and Badlands Hydration Reservoir. These options can also be put in the top rack of the dishwasher to ensure a thorough clean. To top it off, the openings on these bladders are wide enough to get your hand inside if you need to give it a good scrub. The Hydrapak Contour, in particular, was a favorite amongst our testing team because it can even be flipped inside out for easy drying or heavier-duty cleaning.
We absolutely loved the ability to flip the Hydrapak Contour inside out for a quicker drying time.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Although flip-top options prevail over screw-top options for cleaning, each performs a little differently. Some have smaller openings than others, making it a little harder (but not impossible) to get inside. Let's discuss flip-top options. The Source Tactical has a slim profile that makes it harder to flip inside out (but not impossible). The Platypus Big Evo Zip also features a narrower opening and a connected baffle, which makes manual cleaning a bit more challenging. The CamelBak Crux proves to be easier to clean than the MSR Dromlite due to its huge opening, which makes it easy to get a brush inside. However, it's hard to reach the smallest corners of the bladder.
We greatly appreciated the wide opening of the CamelBak Crux, which made it easier to both dry and fill.
Credit: Zach Lovell
If you leave your bladder filled with a small amount of a sugary substance, such as electrolytes, you might be graced by a colony of bacteria after a few days or weeks. Bladders with a full opening at the top are easier to get into than those that don't. Most screw-top models are going to be difficult to clean (except for CamelBak Crux, which has a very wide screw-top opening). The Gregory 3D Hydro, Source Tactical, and Platypus Hoser all have small openings that make scrubbing the body of the reservoir difficult, if not nearly impossible. The Platypus Hoser can't be scrubbed at all because the attachment is at the corner and very small. A scrubber can't get inside. The Source Tactical and Gregory 3D Hydro have a similar-sized cap, allowing for the insertion of a scrubber. However, it's harder to get into the corners than others that can be flipped inside out.
The durable outer material of the Source Tactical bladder makes this a great option to tote around as an additional water reservoir on canoe trips. It's also less porous therefore requires less maintenance for cleaning in the long run.
Credit: Amber King
Many bladders are designed to allow the user to disassemble the hose and bite valve for easy and thorough cleaning. For example, the Gregory 3D Hydro, Platypus Big Zip, and Source Tactical allow you to completely disassemble the bite valve and hose to access every nook and cranny. On the other hand, the Platypus Hoser requires more effort to disassemble.
The release clips on the Source Tactical hydration bladder makes it easy to use...clean it and refill in a cinch.
Credit: Amber King
Drying is another factor to consider here. Most flip-top bladders can be easily opened with a pair of tongs to ensure they dry after rinsing. This is important to prevent water from building up or pooling. As previously mentioned, the Hydrapak Contour can be turned inside out for easy drying, and even has an interior hanging loop.
The hanging loop of the Hydrapak Contour was another key addition that made it one of the top scoring bladders in this metric.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Screw top options like the Gregory 3D Hydro and CamelBak Crux both have openings large enough to fit some kitchen utensils inside to help facilitate drying. The Gregory 3D Hydro also comes with a unique drying hanger that allows you to hang it upside down after use, which is preferable for ease of care. It also maintains its open shape when hung upside down, so you don't need to insert kitchen utensils inside to keep it open.
Ease of Filling
How easy is your bladder to fill? Bladders that score high in this metric feature a sturdy handle and a non-floppy construction, allowing them to be turned either vertically or horizontally while filling. We also like a bladder with a longer tongue-like flip-top, allowing easy fill-up in small or trickling streams. To test this, we filled each in various sinks, streams, lakes, and rivers. Below, we walk through our findings and identify the easiest bladders to fill in different settings.
Of all the bladders tested, we found none presented serious issues for filling. What really sets each bladder apart is the specific challenge of filling in a shallow sink or in a low-flowing stream. In a shallow sink, bladders with a plastic handle near the openings are the easiest to fill. Flip and zip-tops are harder to fit into shallow sinks and cramped drinking fountains. The bladder gets in the way, and we discovered we could only fill these to about 80% full.
While filling, the Gregory 3D Hydro holds its shape without the bag falling vertically, making it exceptionally easy to fill in all types of water sources.
Credit: Amber King
Screw-top options, such as the Gregory 3D Hydro and CamelBak Crux Reservoir, can easily be filled in a sink or natural water source because the opening is oriented upwards. The Gregory 3D Hydro features a handle that spans the entire length of the body, providing rigidity to the bladder and making it easy to hold under a water source, even as it fills with water. It works extremely well and is a feature we love on this product. The CamelBak Crux Reservoir features a significantly larger handle and opening. Still, it is more challenging to hold once the reservoir is filled, as the body of the bladder falls vertically and doesn't remain horizontal.
Nolan is psyched on hydration. With just one hand, you can fill the Hoser up -- all 3 liters.
Credit: Amber King
In a dribbling stream, the flip-top options with a long tongue work very well. The Osprey Hydraulics options did an especially good job with this, as the flip top is much longer than any other bladder tested, almost creating a spout to collect or pour water from. It also features a convenient handle to aid in the process. The Platypus Big Zip Evo features a unique design that requires you to simply pinch the bag, making it a little easier to fill than other zip-top models. We also appreciate how the Hydraulics features a rigid backplate, which provides the bladder with a structure and added protection.
We loved the backplate of the Osprey Hydraulics, which benefitted its performance in multiple metrics due to its added structure.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Quality & Durability
Over the last few years, we've beaten the snot out of each bladder, trying to get them to leak or break. We put each in the freezer, poured in warm drinks, laid them out in the sun, tugged at their seams, put them in backpacks, let the dog play with them, and even tried to crush them under pressure. We also assessed the quality of the construction to determine if one is more prone to punctures than the others. Ultimately, we determined the bladder's quality level based on our tests, the thickness of the bladder material, the hose connections, and whether we observed leakage during our years of testing. We also consulted the internet to determine if any highlighted issues required further investigation. Using this information, we determine the bladder that offers the best value and level of durability.
All contenders do a good job in this category. After all, we do select the best to test. However, none beat out the HydraPak HydraSleeve. This Nylon sleeve is very abrasion-resistant and keeps the bladder inside from coming into contact with the natural world. As a result, this hydration system earns top marks — a no-brainer, given its extra protective layer, but worth noting nonetheless.
The new MSR DromLite is not as durable as the past model but still proves to be among the most durable in this review.
Credit: Amber King
However, other than when the HydraSleeve is placed in its protective sleeve, the hydration bladders that prove to be the highest in quality and durability are the Gregory 3D Hydro, Platypus Hoser, and Platypus Big Zip Evo. All use a thicker polymer construction, burlier than other options tested. All are puncture-resistant, and after months (to years) of testing, they haven't leaked through the bag itself. These are reliable bladders and hose systems, with the Platypus Hoser being the simplest in its construction. The Platypus Big Zip and Hoser both use a similar polymer and have some issues, which don't earn them high marks. The Big Zip has an opening that can be tough to close, especially in cold weather. The Gregory 3D Hydro has a solid and high-quality construction, with a bag material that isn't quite as puncture-resistant as the Platypus options. As a result, they all have the same score for different reasons. All have been reliable for us during our testing period and can be stuffed into a heavy pack.
While the Hoser isn't the highest performer all around, its simple design contributes to its high durability score.
Credit: Amber King
We also appreciate the durability of the MSR Dromlite. It can be frozen and strapped to the back of the pack, and it can endure quite a bit without succumbing to punctures. For a bladder made of a thinner textile, the Osprey Hydraulics performs the best. This bladder features a robust backplate that retains its shape and protects the bladder from exposure to abrasive environments. Options like the Hydrapak Contour are durable relative to their weight, but we'd still encourage caution around abrasive environments or sharp gear.
The Hydrapak Contour is a great lightweight bladder. While it outperforms its weight, we recommend babying it around abrasive environments.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight and Packability
Keeping your load light on the trail is important. Since water weighs approximately two lbs per liter, the additional weight on the bladder itself can add up. Also, a bladder that packs up small when empty can be important for storing away when not in use.
Products that score highest in this metric are simple and lightweight, without too many bells and whistles. They generally have omitted plastic handles or extraneous features and can roll up into a tiny little ball. We tested all reservoirs by weighing them on the same scale with the tubing and mouthpiece attached. We also rolled up each to see which packs to the smallest volume. The lightest and most packable hydration bladders score the highest in this metric.
How packable is your bladder? What kind of weight will it add to your load?
Credit: amber king
On the trail, each model is suited for hiking and backpacking. The smallest and most packable models are better for lightweight missions or extended adventures. All bladders varied in weight but stayed within a 5-ounce range.
A look at the super packable nature of the Platypus Hoser which makes it a good option for lightweight adventures.
Credit: Amber King
Of all the models tested, the Platypus Hoser is the lightest and most packable design we've come across. The Platypus Hoser is a lightweight bladder that can be rolled up into the palm of your hand. It's a great option for small packs, where you might need to store an extra bladder as a backup, for example, on a long trip. We also loved the Hydrapak Contour, which weighs only 5.4 ounces in the 3-liter size.
The scale doesn't lie, the Hydrapak Contour is among our lightest models and boasts unique cleaning features.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The MSR Dromlite is another lightweight option that (without the hydration attachment) packs up to the size of its lid. Keep in mind that this is just a reservoir, and the MSR Hydration Kit needs to be purchased separately if you want to attach and drink from a hose with this model. If you want a light bladder with a little insulation, look to the Badlands Hydration Reservoir.
How to Pick the Best Hydration Bladder for You
We understand how daunting it can be to find the right hydration bladder for your needs, with dozens of models available from various manufacturers today. Fortunately, there are a few guidelines that will help you make a sound purchasing decision for your intended uses.
Types of Hydration Bladders
There are three main types of hydration bladders you'll likely see while shopping: traditional reservoirs, dromedary reservoirs, and lumbar reservoirs. While some may argue that there are more categories, we've found that most bladders fit into the above versions, even if they may have additional features that make them stand out.
While there are bladders of all shapes and sizes, there are a few considerations that'll make shopping a breeze.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Traditional Reservoirs
These are what you most likely think of when you picture a hydration bladder. These have a bladder that typically features either a wide-mouth lid or a slide-top closure, along with a hose equipped with a bite valve. The bladder shape is generally a vertically aligned rectangle meant to fit in a backpack's designated hydration sleeve, commonly against the back of the bag. This category of bladder is what we'd recommend for most shoppers.
Traditional bladders are a great fit for a wide variety of outdoors recreatinalists.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Dromedary Reservoirs
A dromedary, commonly nick-named “drom” for short, is a bladder that primarily just has a wide-mouth lid and a drinking spout that works best if hung from a tree or held above your mouth. We think of these as “water storage” devices that are great for backpacking, so you don't have to keep running back to the creek to fill up your water bottle. While some models offer a hose attachment (usually sold separately), your typical drom is best for hydration around camp.
A dromedary is essentially a bladder with a lid that doubles as a spout.
Credit: Amber King
Lumbar Reservoirs
These hydration bladders are gaining popularity, especially among the biking community. These have a nearly identical construction to traditional reservoirs, but they're turned 90 degrees to fit inside a fanny pack. If you're shopping for a bladder for biking or prefer a fanny pack for your outdoor adventures, these are worth considering.
Hydration Bladder Features
Regardless of the bladder category you choose, it's good to be aware of some key features. The bite valve of a bladder generally will either have a slit or circular opening, though which one is better comes down to personal preference. These valves should have some version of an on-off switch; otherwise, the mouthpiece can leak water. Bladders will either have a wide-mouth opening or a slide-top. While both are very functional, the slide-top is generally easier to fill in a stream, and depending on the handle, we've found some wide-mouth designs a bit easier to fill in the sink, especially if holding the bladder with one hand.
On the go and while exploring amazing locations, like the Faroe Islands, a hydration bladder that is reliable can be one of the most important pieces of equipment. Here, Amber, our main tester tries out some lightweight options while running on the other side of the world.
Credit: Amber King
Conclusion
Hydration bladders are simple but important in the world of gear. They are designed as a lightweight option that eliminates the need for bottles, helping you stay hydrated on the trail. Remember to consider your individual needs first and use them to guide you through our analyses of these products. They are all impressive products for one reason or more, and the best one is the model that serves your unique needs better than the rest.
