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LAVERA STEWART
Editor-in-Chief of the Approved By Coach
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Best Durability Cherainti Hydration Bladder 2 Liter
Superior Quality Platypus Big Zip Water Hydration Bladder
CamelBak Crux 100 oz Hydration Pack
Condor Outdoor Torrent Reservoir
Best Durability
Cherainti Hydration Bladder 2 Liter
Superior Quality
Platypus Big Zip Water Hydration Bladder
CamelBak Crux 100 oz Hydration Pack
Condor Outdoor Torrent Reservoir
Aquamira Hydration Bladder
Red Rock Outdoor Hydration Pack
Camelbak 100 Ounce Antidote Reservoir
CamelBak 90392Mg Long Neck Reservoir
WACOOL 3L Hydration Pack Bladder
Aquamira Hydration Bladder
Red Rock Outdoor Hydration Pack
Camelbak 100 Ounce Antidote Reservoir
CamelBak 90392Mg Long Neck Reservoir
WACOOL 3L Hydration Pack Bladder
Best Overall: Cherainti Review
Cherainti Hydration Bladder 2 Liter
- LARGE OPENING FOR EASY CLEANING & FILLING – Our hydration bladder has one of the largest opening on the market. The big opening makes for easy pouring of water. It is also fairly wide for a hand or bottle brush easily access to the interior hydration bladder. The 4” screw on cap goes on and off easily. For cold water, simply add ice cubes directly from a scoop or refrigerator ice dispenser. The smooth inner of water reservoir promotes health and is easy to clean.
- PREMIUM QUALITY – The whole hydration bladder is made of premium material. CHERAINTI water reservoir is taste free, SGS certified and 100% food grade. This tested to comply with international standards. It won’t leave a bad taste in your drink. The water bladder passed pneumatic pressure test, it is pressure-tolerant. Double sealing side technique has greatly improved durability. Might be the most rigid hydration bladder on the market.
- REMAIN PEFECTLY HYDRATED – This 2L water reservoir can withstand temperatures from -20 to 50 degrees Celsius. The tube resists temperature changes in hot and cold weathers. L 14.2'' x W 6.8'' hydration bladder is compatible with most hydration packs. The tube (0.4” diameter, 40” long) provides a wholesome flow for easy drinking, keeping you hydrated when biking, cycling, hiking, or running!
- WELL-SEALING WATER BLADDER – You won't be slowed down with our high flow bite-valve. Simply bite the mouthpiece to suck water. Soft mouthpiece with easily accessible ON/OFF valve. It also has a cover to keep dirt out. Conveniently control the water flow by biting. Quick-release tube is detachable. While the tube is removed, the connnector automatically shut off and the hydration bladder will stay filled. Store neatly in fridge/icebox without tangling hose.
- GET A FREE ITEM and MONEY BACK GUARANTEE – Upon placing your order, you will get a magic bandana at no additional charge. Your purchase is backed by our 100% REFUND PROMISE. If you are not absolutely happy with your purchase of the hydration bladder for any reason, simply send it back for a full refund or to get a new replacement. No questions asked!
EVO with Fast Flow Valve: Platypus Review
Platypus Big Zip Water Hydration Bladder
- Premium taste-free, leak-proof reservoir with fast flow rate offers hydration on the go for hikers, backpackers, travelers and mountain bikers
- Secure SlideLock slides both ways to open reservoir easily and close it securely; handy pincher grip allows for easy one-handed filling
- The high mount quick-disconnect offers fast, easy access without having to dig down into a pack to attach or detach the drink tube
- Leak-proof shut-off valve instantly stops flow, stows reliably; HyFLO self-sealing bite valve improves flow along with large 5/16-inch drink tube
- 3.0-Liter measures 9 x 17.2 inches and weighs 6.5 ounces; manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty; made in the USA
Dishwasher Safe: Osprey Review
Osprey Hydration Bladder
- Easy Slide-Seal top opening, seals watertight and provides wide access for easy filling and cleaning
- Hydrostatic backerplate provides structure to shove a full reservoir into a fully loaded pack and maintains a flat profile
- Hydrapak Blaster bite valve offers fast, smooth water flow with a ¼ twist on/off switch
- QuickConnect system and carry handle make removal and filling easy
- Magnet clip attaches to the reservoir hose and pairs with the included sternum strap magnet for easy water access and hose management
Anti-Microbial HydroGuard Coating: CamelBak Crux Review
Sale
CamelBak Crux 100 oz Hydration Pack
- Offers 20% more water per sip. Lumbar design shifts water weight to your lower back for more stability on the trail
- Leak-proof cap is easier to open and close
- On/off lever lets you seal your drinking tube shut with one hand
- Hydro guard technology inhibits the growth of bacteria in the reservoir and tube
- Big bite valve self-seals after each drink, eliminating annoying drips
Thermalplastic Polyurethane: Condor Review
Protection From Chemical Contamination: Aquamira Review
Aquamira Hydration Bladder
- On-demand water pressure: The handheld pressure bulb keeps water to drink, cool, clean and share always at the ready with Aquamira’s 2L capacity Pressurized Reservoir
- Quick, easy refill: A slide top and wide open mouth allow for fast refill from any faucet, stream, river, lake or pond
- Filter ready: Install an Aquamira Frontier Max filter via the inline quick connects to have a complete hydration and filtration system, anywhere you go
- Reversible and dishwasher safe: Our BPA- and phthalate-free water bladder can be easily flipped inside out for cleaning
- Lifetime warranty: All of our Aquamira Reservoirs are covered by a lifetime warranty against leaks so you can be confident keeping this in your pack
Minimalist Design: Red Rock Review
Red Rock Outdoor Hydration Pack
- Large main bladder compartment with touch-fastener closure; Touch-fastener name strip on closure flap
- Four reinforced MOLLE attachment points on the back panel
- MOLLE webbing on both front and back
- 2.5 liter hydration bladder included
- 600D polyester construction; Dimensions 8.5”W x 17”H x 1.5”D
Ultimate Delivery System: Camelbak Review
Sale
Camelbak 100 Ounce Antidote Reservoir
- Color : Coyote
- Quick Link Exit Port and QL HydroLock Bite Valve Adapter: tube clicks off for faster refilling with auto shut-of
- New Fillport: industry's largest opening with air-light ? turn open/close for quick secure seal that can't be over-tightened; lighter weight lower profile design
- QL HydroLock offers easy one-handed on/off water flow on drink tube
- Insulated drink tube cover protects tube from harmful UV rays and abrasion
Highly Recommend: CamelBak Review
Leak-Proof: WACOOL Review
WACOOL 3L Hydration Pack Bladder
- Capacity: 3 Liter (100oz), 100% odorless, tasteless, BPA- Free EVA material
- Might be the most rigid hydration bladder on the market: 0.6mm extra thick liner is pressure-tolerant and wear-proof; double soldering sealing side technique has greatly improved durability.
- Double opening design. As the most popular design for high end hydration systems in recent years, this allows you to refill in any condition. High flow, auto-lock mouthpiece to prevent leaking and comes with dust cover.
- Insulated hose for better protection and help keep water cool/warm. Self-lock hose connector socket allows you to remove the hose quickly without any leaking.
- To avoid potential leaking, the screw cap should be securely closed as tight as possible! Twist the lid clockwise to fasten it tightly until the lid can not move any further under force! Please do not hesitate to mail us first if there is any issue about the product.
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know About the Best Hydration Bladder
What type of hydration bladder you should buy depends on the budget, type of activities, and personal preferences. Still, there are some main criteria you need to pay attention to when you want to choose the best hydration bladder for yourself.
Why Should You Purchase a Hydration Bladder?
If you’re fond of hiking, cycling, or running, then quenching the thirst on the move is very important. During long-distance races, it’s crucial to have the necessary supply of water. Because when passing a marathon distance, loss of body fluids reaches more than 6 liters. And without replenishing the body’s water losses, a runner can get heatstroke or dehydration. So it’s very important to stay hydrated, especially for athletes.
That’s why a drinking system in a special backpack can become an ally when passing extreme distances and conquering new peaks.
How to Choose the Best Hydration Bladder?
Size
The size depends on the intensity and how often you use the hydration pack bladder.
Thus, a 3-liter drinking capacity is suitable for driving or hiking over long distances without the need to replenish the system with water. On the downside, it weighs a lot.
The most popular option of this bladder is considered an intermediate 2-liter system for a backpack. A ratio of low weight and average tank volume is considered optimal.
If you purchase such a system for short distances, then it makes sense to choose a small container with a volume of 1-1.5 liters.
Type of Sealing
The hydration bladders differ in the way of sealing. The first option is a screw cap with a diameter of 5 cm. This method is convenient when filling a container with water without removing it from a backpack, and is also more airtight and reliable.
To clean such a system with a lid, you need a brush for hard-to-reach places, as well as a special drying frame that straightens the tank.
The second option, in which hydrators have an open-top, hermetically clamped with a special clamp, has a higher price. Cleaning and drying are simplified, but pouring water into a container that is located inside the backpack is more difficult in this case.
Tube and Valve
At the bottom of the hydration bladder, there is a soldered mount for a tube. Most often tube is screwed on a thread with a seal. It’s convenient to store and allows you to quickly dry the system by disassembling it into pieces.
You need to choose the length of the tube, depending on where you’re going to wear the system. Also, remember that the tube material must be soft and elastic at room temperature.
The valve is a tip of the tube, supplying fluid only when it is necessary. A good valve should not poison liquid and have at least 2 locking systems: transport and operative.
An operative is usually combined with a “bite valve” and opens by biting it with teeth. This is convenient because if you accidentally release the bite valve, it will automatically close.
Ease of Cleaning
Your water system should be always kept clean. So, before buying the hydration bladder, make sure that it can be cleaned easily, without extra effort. Some models can be cleaned in a dishwasher, but there aren’t a lot of those. Other systems may require a special brush. But all of them should be equipped with a quick-release hose system.
Interchangeable Components
Pay attention to the models of the hydration bladders that support components, developed by other brands. Keep in mind, that the majority of systems come with vertical hose orientation, and it means that it will be hard to find a horizontal one if you need to exchange it. So, component compatibility is very important.
Also, when buying, it’s recommended to pay attention to special marking FDA approved and BPA-free. They indicate that there are no toxic substances in a product.
Best Hydration Bladders Types
There are two main types of hydration bladders: reservoirs and hydration backpacks:
Reservoir for Hydration
This is a reservoir with a tube, which is fixed at its base. Such hydration bladder provides comfortable water consumption during movement and keeps it cold for a long time.
It can be securely fixed in a compartment of a backpack and will not fall out when moving. The main disadvantage of such reservoir is the difficulty in filling the tank. At the same time, it easily fits a backpack and will be indispensable on hiking trips. Before choosing such a model without a cover, make sure you have appropriate fasteners in your bag.
Hydration Backpack
This is the best drinking system with cover and shoulder straps. Favorably differs from the previous version with thermal protection of water. It’s also easier to carry.
A hydro backpack has openings and fasteners for fixing the tube. At the same time, such system is more cumbersome and does not allow you to place another bag upon it. Also, this drinking system model is more expensive.
FAQ
What Size Hydration Bladder Is Better?
It is possible to come across models with capacity from 0.5 to 5 liters. In fact, the capacity of the hydration water bladder, first of all, depends on the distance you are going and the personal preferences of a sportsman. A volume of 2 liters seems optimal as with this option you’ll have enough water and won’t need to refill it. In addition, such a weight on your back will not be felt and will save from thirst for several hours even in extreme heat. In case if you are planning a long-term adventure, choose a model with a capacity of 3 liters. At the same time, 0.5 liters of water will be enough for a short walk.
How to Keep Hydration Bladder Clean?
To keep the system clean, you should wash it with special meaning. If they are absent, you can use hot water. Another excellent method of cleaning is hot water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. This mixture should be put inside the bottle for 30 minutes or so, and then you need to run it through the tube. In case if you don’t have a chance to apply this method of cleaning, try to keep spare nipples with you on a trip.
How to Attach Hydration Bladder to Backpack?
It is possible to find special backpacks for hydration systems, but they are a bit expensive and would be ideal for runners and cyclists. If you need to take some clothes and other things with you on a hike, then you should consider a backpack with special holes and fastenings on straps for a drinking tube. In the case when you need to save money, there is no need to buy an additional backpack. Just buy the hydration bladder with a tube, put it in your backpack, take the tube out and fasten it to strap.
The Best Hydration Bladder. Final Advice
After reading all the information, provided by ApprovedByCoach.com, we hope that you now know all the important details about the hydration bladder. And that you will have an easier time choosing the model that suits you better. We’ve also decided to compare some of the most popular brands out there, to pick the best option you can choose. With the help of many user feedback and hydration bladder reviews, we decided that the title of the “best hydration bladder 2021” should go to Platypus Big Zip LP Reservoir for Hydration Packs. There are several reasons why this one is best.
First of all, it is time-tested as it first appeared long ago in 1998. With the invention of this quality hydration bladder, other manufacturers begin to develop models with wide opening mechanisms. Big Zip system of best hydration bladder uses a triple zip-lock clasp, equipped with a SlideLock locking slider. So, it can withstand high water pressure, even if a user falls on it.
The outer layer of high-quality hydration bladder by Playtus makes containers flexible and durable, and it is not easy to pierce, cut, or rub. Plus, its inner layer consists of food-grade polyethylene.
Also thanks to its antibacterial treatment with silver ions, it is chemically inert. Therefore, Platypus containers do not give water a plastic taste.
So, if you look for a high-quality durable, and safe drinking system, this one would be an excellent choice!