Best 10 Backpacking Hydration Bladders Of 2024

It is important that you have plenty of drinking water while hiking or on a backpacking trip. One of the best ways to have plenty of drinking water while in the outdoors is to get a hydration bladder. There are many different sizes of hydration bladders and you may not need a big one for your backpacking or hiking situation. I have listed a few of the best hydration bladders that I know of. Hopefully, you will find at least one of the items I listed to be satisfactory. They are amazing and very durable so I know you like some of them.

Best Backpacking Hydration Bladders – Quick Chart

How To Choose A Hydration Bladder

Types Of Hydration Bladders And Other Related Containers

Hydration Bladder

This is a water sack or water container that is made out of plastic. The opening at the top is usually wide so that people can refill the container easily. A hose is attached to the container and at the other end would be a bite valve. The bite valve allows the user to drink from the water container. This is a great way to bring water for hiking because you do not need to stop in order to drink water.

Water Containers / Water Reservoirs

Water containers are often made out of plastic as well. The only difference is that these containers do not have any hose or bite valve attached to it. Their main purpose is to store water and use the water for drinking or for cleaning.

Water Bottles

Water bottles are used to store water and carry it for hiking or backpacking purposes. Most people would use disposable water bottles since they are very cheap and they taste good. Water bottles are a great way to bring water to a hiking trip.

Hydration Packs

Hydration packs are meant to only house hydration bladders. They are very small and they do not have any capacity or space inside the main compartment. These backpacks are just made so that people can carry a hydration bladder for hiking, running or backpacking.

Hiking Backpack With Hydration Compartment

These are just normal backpacks with a hydration bladder compartment. The backpack will often have a hook or clip for the bladder. It will have a hole for the hose to get out of the backpack. Most hiking backpacks will have a hydration bladder compartment.

Capacity Of Hydration Bladders

1 Liter to 1.5 Liters

Most people who get hydration bladders with a capacity of 1 to 1.5 liters are often people who love to hike around 8 miles or less. A lot of runners also get hydration bladders of this capacity. This is great for people who love quick hikes, trail running and jogging in the park.

2 Liters to 2.5 Liters

A lot of day hikers also get 2-2.5 liters’ capacity. People do not need to fill the water bladder to full. They can just fill it up half way. This is a great size for people who hike during the summer or go jogging during the summer. The hot weather will often require people to drink plenty of fluids.

3 Liters or More

3 liters is a very big size. Normally, people do not bring 3 liters’ worth of water. They will not be able to drink all of the water in a day. This is great though if you are planning on going on a multi-day backpacking trip. You will have a lot of water or a big water container for multiple days.

Hydration Bladder Shapes And Profiles

Wide (Empty) – The hydration bladder is pretty wide when empty.

Narrow (Empty) – The hydration bladder is very slim and tall.

Fat (Filled) – The weight of the water is evenly distributed.

Flat (Filled) – The weight of the water is in a narrow or small area.

Hydration Bladder Openings

Fold Top

You basically fold the top to make sure that the water does not leak out then use the closure mechanism to fully close the hydration bladder. The closure mechanism will prevent the bladder from unfolding itself.

Zip Top

You basically zip the top to close it. It resembles a Zip loc bag.

Screw Top

The hydration bladder will have a big round hole near the top part. You will often have a somewhat large cap. You screw the cap in order to close the water bladder.

Hydration Bladders VS Water Bottles

Advantages

Stay Hydrated While Walking

You don’t need to stop, sit and take out the water bottle in order to drink. The hose allows people to drink while walking. This is a great way to keep hiking, running or moving without having to stop. This is a great feature for people that do not like to stop.

Makes Carrying Water Easier

Carrying water is a lot easier because you can put all of your drinking water in one container. The bladder is easy to use and easy to refill. Water bottles are often put on the side of the backpack. They can fall out or get punctured by branches on the trail.

No Need To Buy Water

People do not need to stop by stores to buy water. They can just use tap water to refill their hydration bladders. This is a great way to save money while being able to drink or bring lots of water for hiking and backpacking trips.

Environmentally Friendly

The plastic from disposable water bottles can cause pollution. However, with hydration bladders, you do not need to throw the container away since the hydration bladder is reusable. Hydration bladders are very environmentally friendly because you do not need to throw them away.

Disadvantages

No Water Container While Backpacking

When backpacking for multiple days, you do not have a backup water container for dirty water or water for cleaning purposes. With water bottles, you can put dirty water inside them when they are empty. With hydration bladders, you are carrying a lot of water and nowhere else to place dirty water.

Cleaning

Hydration bladders need to be cleaned. You will often use special tools specifically made for cleaning water bladders. These tools cost money also. Cleaning a water bladder can take time and you will have to put effort into it. For disposable water bottles, you can just throw them away when they become empty.

Water Can Leak And Destroy Gadgets

If your water bladder gets a hole or puncture, it will leak water inside the backpack. The water can destroy gadgets and other items. They will wet blankets, sleeping bags and other backpacking gear as well.

Hot Drinks

You can bring hot drinks by using water bottles that can handle them. Hydration bladders are made out of plastic that cannot handle hot drinks. If you are using hydration bladders, you cannot store coffee or other beverages that are hot.

Backpacking Features That You Should Consider

Weight

The weight of the hydration bladder matters. The weight of all backpacking gear matters. The hydration bladder will contain water. This is something you need to think about. It is nice to carry a couple of liters of water but you may not be able to carry that much. Water is pretty heavy. If you combine that with your other backpacking gear, your backpack can be very very very heavy.

Capacity

Like I said, you may want a big hydration bladder with big capacity but you may not be able to carry that much weight. Although I always believe that the bigger, the better, but in this case we may have to think about that. You may not need that much water and you may not need a very big water bladder. Think about how much you want to carry and then factor in the water weight.

Backpack Capacity

We also have a limited backpack capacity. A big hydration bladder may not be very good in terms of backpacking. There are not very compact, and the extra material adds more weight. So always think about your backpack capacity. If you really want a hydration bladder, then you should get it. At the same time, think about how much space that your backpack can carry. You have to carry cookware, sleeping bags, tents and so on as well.

Durability

Durability is something we should always consider. I have seen someone whose hydration bladder got punctured while we were in a hike. His whole backpack got really wet. His gadgets and other electronic devices got ruined. So we should also think about durability. This is something that is also very important. A durable bladder will also last for many years to come.

Easy To Clean

You need to clean your hydration bladder once in a while. There are cleaning kits available. This is kind of annoying also. A regular water bottle is easier to clean. A disposable water bottle, you don’t need to clean at all. So while hydration bladders are great and amazing, you should think about the time and effort that you are going to put into cleaning it after every hike or after every backpacking trip.

Best Backpacking Hydration Bladders

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1. CamelBak 90352 Omega Water Reservoir

Technical Specs
Weight: 0.50 lbs
Capacity: 100 oz
Dimensions: 18.0 x 7.37 inches
BPA Free: Yes
Feature Summary: Quick-snap cap tightens in just a quarter turn; low-profile fit for excellent stability; Air-light fillport cuts weight, integrated dryer arms fold out for easy, faster drying; Quick Link system for easier loading and unloading

Short Review: I am loving this remarkable backpacking hydration bladder. I love that this is pretty durable mainly because there are lots of bladders that break apart easily and become worthless in mere months. The company who developed this bladder is really popular. One of the best items you can get for hiking and backpacking purposes. The material is toxin free and BPA free. The hose, valve and all parts of these bladder are great or very well constructed.

2. Platypus Big Zip Water Reservoir

Technical Specs
Weight: 5 oz
Capacity: 3L
Dimensions: 13.8 x 1.6 x 4.6in.
BPA Free: Yes
Feature Summary: Premium taste-free, leak-proof reservoir with fast flow rate offers hydration on the go for hikers, secure SlideLock slides both ways to open reservoir easily and close it securely, high mount quick-disconnect offers fast, easy access

Short Review: This backpacking water container is incredible and I love it a whole lot. This is a taste-free, leak-proof reservoir with fast flow rate offers hydration on the go. This features a secure SlideLock slides both ways to open reservoir easily and close it securely. This is equipped with high mount quick-disconnect offers fast, easy access without having to dig down into a pack to attach or detach the drink tube. It is simple to see why I urge you to take a look at this high quality item due to the fact this maybe the item that you are looking for. Versatile item that makes drinking water while hiking a lot easier. One of the simplest and most useful items you can have for outdoor or hiking purposes.

3. Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir

Technical Specs
Weight: 5.9 oz
Capacity: 2.5L
Dimensions: 15.4 x 7.5 x 2.4in.
BPA Free: Yes
Feature Summary: Easy Slide-Seal top opening, seals watertight and provides wide access for easy filling and cleaning, Hydrapak Blaster bite valve offers fast, smooth water flow, pour shield extends the collar to ease filling

Short Review: This is an impressive backpacking water container. This has pour shield that extends the collar to ease filling in shallower sinks and control pouring into pots or bottles. This features easy Slide-Seal top opening, seals watertight and provides wide access for easy filling and cleaning. This comes with quick Connect system and carry handle make removal and filling easy. One of the best hydration bladders that I have ever tried. This is a set which includes the cleaning kit as well so you can maintain and keep your bladder clean. This is a very versatile item to have for hiking and this works well.

4. CHERAINTI Hydration Bladder 2 Liter Leak Proof Water Reservoir

Technical Specs
Weight: 3.2 Ounces
Capacity: 2L
Dimensions: 14.2 x 6.8 x 0.05 inches
BPA Free: Yes
Feature Summary: Hydration bladder makes it easy to carry on your back without having additional containers, portable and ergonomic hydration reservoir can fit in most backpacks, made from food grade PEVA material and certified by FDA and SGS, this water bladder is BPA free, with no chemical taste or weird flavors

Short Review: This outdoor water bladder is quite inexpensive and this works well also. This is constructed out of premium material which makes this water reservoir is taste free, SGS certified and 100% food grade. This L water reservoir can withstand temperatures from -20 to 50 degrees Celsius. The tube resists temperature changes in hot and cold weathers. The hydration bladders that come from this company have always been in the highest quality. This is very easy to use and place in your backpack. Water flows rather well and the bladder is in excellent condition. The lightweight design makes this ideal for outdoor adventures. A great water container to have for hiking and backpacking.

5. WACOOL 3L 3Liter 100oz BPA Free EVA Hydration Pack Bladder

Technical Specs
Weight: 13.6 oz
Capacity: 3L
Dimensions: 110 x 1cm / 43” x 0.4”
BPA Free: Yes
Feature Summary: Extra thick liner is pressure-tolerant and wearproof; double soldering sealing side technique has greatly improved durability, most popular design for high end hydration systems in recent years, this allows you to refill in any condition

Short Review: I am lucky enough to have been in the position to try this backpacking hydration bladder simply because this is remarkable. This features 0.6mm extra thick liner is pressure-tolerant and wearproof; double soldering sealing side technique has greatly improved durability. This comes with a cleaning kit so that you can easily clean the water reservoir. This is among those items that I can only find on the web and it is pretty inexpensive. Out of all the items I have tried, this is still so fantastic that I still recommend it. This holds a lot of water and can give you lots of water if you are hiking for lots of miles. A very good item to have if you love the outdoors and this provides lots of usefulness.

6. Unigear Combo Tactical Hydration Pack And Bladder

Technical Specs
Weight: 22 oz
Capacity: 2.5L Bladder
Dimensions: 19″ x 10″ x 1.5″ pack
BPA Free: Yes
Feature Summary: Comes with air mesh back and shoulder pad allow for airflow, comfort and thermal performance, hands-free hydration hose with bite valve, BPA free bladder which keeps you hydrated, keeps the water fairly cool

Short Review: The way I view this is that this backpacking hydration bladder is a very good deal. This is constructed out of 900 Denier Polyester heavy-duty construction with PVC lining, resistant to tears and abrasion. This includes a 2.5 Liter BPA free bladder which keeps you hydrated. This one comes with its own backpack with a beautiful camouflage color. The backpack has a main pocket is designated for the water bladder. This holds a lot of water. Enough water for a very long hike. I’ve never had any difficulties with dealing with this bladder. This is extremely easy to use.

7. FREEMOVE 2L Hydration Pack Water Bladder

Technical Specs
Weight: 7.4 oz
Capacity: 2L
Dimensions: 15 x 6.7 x 1in.
BPA Free: Yes
Feature Summary: Perfect for everyone who spends a lot of time in the heat, large fill hole makes it very easy to clean, the insulated tube will prevent the water from overheating or freezing

Short Review: I have used and evaluated this hiking water bladder. This is a 2 liter water bladder with a very useful and easy to use cleaning kit. This is a perfect set of 3 special brushes for easy and effective cleaning the interior of the bladder, tubing and the mouthpiece. This comes with an insulated tube that will prevent the water from overheating or freezing while hiking. I am joyful that this has plenty of features that I like and I know that this is one of the best that you can acquire. This is one of the finest and it is extremely high quality. Ideal item to have for hiking. This feels and looks sturdy.

8. Aquatic Way Hydration Bladder Water Reservoir

Technical Specs
Weight: 12.3 oz
Capacity: 2L
Dimensions: 15in. (height) x 9in. (width) x 1in. (thick) for 3L
BPA Free: Yes
Feature Summary: Material that’s pressure & wear resistant. TPU is a superior material than EVA, greater softness & flexibility, higher resistance to stretching & tearing, and is more pressure tolerant

Short Review: I am fortunate enough to have been able to try this hiking hydration bladder and I definitely love the construction of this. This features thick TPU bladder material is more flexible, stretchable, and pressure & tear tolerant compared to EVA bladders in the market. This comes with a cleaning kit and two replacement silicone bite valves to save you extra money. Durable, lightweight and holds enough water for a short or mid range hike. A very good item to have if you love to hike and made out of high quality materials. This is very durable, works well and should last for many years to come.

9. Baen Sendi Hydration Bladder

Technical Specs
Weight:
Capacity: 2L
Dimensions:
BPA Free: Yes
Feature Summary: Hydration bladder is made of thick premium quality flexible material, completely pressure-tolerant and leak proof for carefree biking, running, hiking and other outdoor adventures, bladder system has quick release auto-lock system that prevents leaking when tube is detached

Short Review: This astonishing outdoor water bladder will satisfy your needs. This is constructed out of thick premium quality flexible material. Comes with a oft mouthpiece with easily accessible ON/OFF valve prevents leakage and a big opening that makes for easy pouring of water. Easy to use, provides water rather well, and looks great. This has large amounts of positive consumer feedback that you can know more about this bladder by reading through them. This provides a completely pressure-tolerant and leak proof for carefree biking, running, hiking and other outdoor adventures!

10. HydraPak Shape-Shift Low-Profile Water Bladder

Technical Specs
Weight:
Capacity: 2-3L
Dimensions:
BPA Free: Yes
Feature Summary: Easily disconnect the drink tube (an auto shutoff valve prevents leaking) and remove the reservoir from your pack for convenient refilling or in-line filtering, engineered with high performance features including the Blaster Bite Valve with a twist on/off valve

Short Review: This is a very marvelous backpacking hydration bladder. This features a low-profile and increased stabilization for high impact activities . This is engineered with high performance features including the Blaster Bite Valve with a twist on/off valve. This is constructed out of highest quality materials, fully reversible and dishwasher safe. This also features leak-proof design with patented Slide-Seal top technology opens wide for easy filling and closes securely. This is very lightweight which allows us to carry more items. Ideal item to have for hiking because this makes hiking a lot easier.