Backpacking Hydration Bladder Recommendations

Backpacking Hydration Bladder Recommendations

Some people prefer drinking out of bottles, but the convenience of having your water easily available near your mouth makes it a lot easier to stay hydrated.

A hydration bladder, sometimes referred to as a reservoir, is a lightweight, flexible plastic or rubber container for water that has a tube with a mouthpiece to allow you to drink hands-free.

With a good quality hydration bladder, you’ll be able to drink while you walk without going in to your pack to get a bottle.

Hydration Pack vs Hydration Bladder

Hydration packs are backpacks that contain a bladder, but if you’re already wearing a backpacking pack with the rest of your gear in it, a bladder full of water can be carried in with the rest of your gear.

A lot of the best backpacking backpacks have a separate compartment meant for storing your hydration bladder, with an exit for the tube so it is reachable for drinking, and some have a clip to keep it in place.

Features To Look For When Choosing a Hydration Bladder

Opening Size

The larger the opening size, the easier it will be to fill, and to clean.

Reversibility

Being able to flip the reservoir inside out makes it a lot easier to clean effectively.

Taste

With some bladders, a plastic taste from the material or coating will be present in the water.

Add ons

There are water bladders that support additional pieces, such as clips, and filtration pieces.

Best Backpacking Hydration Bladders

The best-selling hydration bladders are strong and durable, and deliver the water reliably. Our top three choices are all slightly different and all have very desirable features in their design.