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6 Best Hydration Bladders for Drinking on the Go in 2024

Hydration bladders

If you’ve ever spent time hiking with only bottles to drink your water from then you will know how annoying it can get stopping every mile or so to have a sip or two. Sometimes to the point where taking off your heavy pack to get to your water becomes so tiresome that you end up foregoing drinking altogether. The invention of hydration bladders has made drinking on the go so much easier, and dehydration brought on by laziness is very much a thing of the past!

Since the early days of a simple plastic pouch with a hose attached to it, hydration bladder technology has come a long way. From quick connect valves to antibacterial plastic, the best hydration bladders of the last couple of years are really giving more than just a means to carry and drink water easily. They are becoming more and more easy to use, clean and maintain, with improved water flow and even compatibility with water filters. So if you’ve never used one before then you’re in for a treat. And if you’ve had your existing one so long that the mold inside it has finally started to grow arms and legs then you too are going to love what’s new in water bladder world.

What will you learn from this guide to hydration bladders?

Whether you’re totally new to the concept of water bladders or you’ve used them loads before and are in the market for a new one, our guide will tell you everything you need to know about them. We’ve also outlined some cracking options that you may want to consider adding to your gear stash. Read it all, or skip to the sections that are most useful to you from the following:

But first, here’s a sneaky peak of the best hydration bladders around, and our top choices on offer in 2024. Click on the product to read a full review of each bladder.

Disclaimer: We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.

ProductCapacityWeightOpening typeCost
Aquamira Pressurized Hydration Reservoir2 and 3L370g (13oz)Fold top$$
CamelBak Crux1.5, 2, 3 and Lumbar 3L235g (8oz)Screw top$$
Platypus Big Zip Evo3L184g (6oz)Zip top$$
Hydrapak Shape-Shift2 and 3L152g (5.4oz)Fold top$$$
Osprey Hydraulics2 and 3L220g (7.8oz)Fold top$
Source Outdoor Widepac1.5, 2 and 3L180g (6.3oz)Fold top$$

The benefits of hydration bladders

  1. They are really easy to drink from on the go
  2. You can sip little and often to stay hydrated
  3. They only become smaller in your pack as they are emptied, saving valuable space
  4. Their shape fits into backpacks easily
  5. The weight of the water can be kept close to your body, making carrying it easier
  6. They are easily compatible with water filters

Features of a hydration bladder

It’s highly likely that the main reason you chose a hydration bladder over a good old-fashioned water bottle is to make life easier. So you may as well choose a bladder that has all the bells and whistles that makes paying that extra worthwhile.

The main features to look for in the best hydration bladders include:

  • Drinking from a tube

    Good water flow

    This is a difficult to judge until you’ve tried it so take the time to read what other people have to say about the water flow. A good bite valve shouldn’t be difficult to get water out of. Some water bladders, like the Geigerrig Hydration Engine, even include a pressurisation system to keep water flowing strongly.

  • On off valve of water bladder

    Bite valve on/off

    To prevent any unwanted leakage good bite valves should have some kind of on/off mechanism to totally stop water flow when not in use. Different brands adopt different methods for this – some of which are much more user friendly than others (especially when cycling!). Choose a mechanism that is easy to use with one hand if possible.

  • Bite valve cover

    Bite valve cover

    Only 1 of the hydration bladders in this review come with a bite valve cover: the Widepak. For some people having one is essential from a hygiene point of view. And for others it’s important to keep dirt from clogging up the valve. Thankfully you can buy covers separately – see our hydration bladder accessories section.

  • Removable bit valve

    Removable bite valve

    If you intend to attach a water filter to the hose of your water bladder then the bite valve needs to be easily removable (without the use of plyers!). This also makes cleaning much easier, and should you need to replace or change your bite valve, you won’t need to replace the whole hose.

  • Screw top water bladder

    Bladder opening: screw top

    The CamelBak Crux features a screw top. And whilst many users love how quick and easy they are to open and close, and fill from a tap or sink, screw tops also have limitations. Scooping water from slow flowing streams can be difficult and it’s also more difficult to get inside them when cleaning and drying.

  • Zip lock top

    Bladder opening: zip top

    Zip tops are very like a zip lock freezer bag but with a much more robust fastener that seals the whole top securely like the Platypus Big Zip. They open up to create a reasonably wide opening that makes cleaning and drying much easier than screw tops. They are also easier to fill from streams and rivers.

  • Fold top water bladder

    Bladder opening: fold top

    This style of opening is much like the zip top but instead of the plastic joining together, the top simply folds over. A fastener then slides over the fold to ensure the top is totally sealed. The Geigerrig Hydration Engine features a fold top which opens up really nice and wide making it mega easy to clean and dry, and filling from a stream is a breeze.

  • Quick connect valves

    Quick connect valves

    In recent years most hydration bladders have evolved to have hoses that disconnect easily. These valves should automatically close when disconnected to prevent leaking, and they are a big plus compared with bladders that don’t have them. It makes refilling the bladder so much easier – you don’t have to disconnect the hose from its place on/in your bag each time you refill. In my opinion, quick connect valves are a must.

  • Carry clip of water bladder

    Storage hook

    To ensure that your water bladder stays where it should be in your bag, most hydration sleeves feature a clip or loop to attach to the top of the water bladder. So it’s important to that your water bladder has some kind of loop, clip or hook to enable this to happen. All of the bladders in this review have something to make this possible, some of which are also big enough to hang the bladder up for drying, storage or when using with a gravity filter.

  • Carry handle

    Carry handle

    Some hydration bladders don’t have a carry handle at all, usually in order to save weight. However, they can be really useful if you are refilling often, especially if you have to carry your them to and from your water source. Some carry handles are also good for stabilising the bladder when refilling, opening and closing the bladder.

  • Cleaning a camelbak

    Cleaning and drying

    Some water bladders, like the Hydrapak Shape-shifter are fully reversible making cleaning a breeze. And some are also dishwasher compatible. The bigger the opening the easier it is to get your hands in there to clean and dry the inside of your bladder, so look for those features to make your life much easier. Cleaning the hose requires a long brush or pipe cleaner. See our hydration bladder accessories section at the bottom.


Things to consider when buying a hydration bladder

As tempting as it may be to just go for a classic, tried and tested CamelBak hydration bladder, with their lifetime guarantee, be sure to take a look at your other options. Having always loved using CamelBak I am veering towards other designs now, and I much prefer using zip or fold tops to the CamelBak screw tops.

However, many people will always buy CamelBak for the superb quality and durability. Here are a few other things to consider when looking at the best hydration bladders:

01Water bladder capacity and size

All the bladders in this review have a 3 litre capacity, but most of them are also available in smaller sizes (1.5 or 2 litres). Which you choose highly depends on where and how you are using it, what you are doing when using it, and whether it is compatible with the bag that you are using to carry it. These are all very personal and specific things, but here’s some guidance as a starting point:

  • 1 – 1.5 litres are best suited to shorter trips, trail runners, or those adventuring in places where there are lots of opportunities to refill. Doing this means you don’t need to carry so much weight but also can be a bit of a pain to keep refilling if you are out all day.
  • 2 litre hydration bladders are a safe bet if you’re not sure what to go for. They will fit inside most daypacks for hiking and biking and will hold enough water for a day of activity (providing you can get more water on board at the end of your day out).
  • 3 litre hydration bladders are ideal for long distance trekkers and backpackers or in situations where refilling may not be possible. If you know that your bag can accommodate the larger dimensions of a 3 litre bladder then it’s worth getting the bigger capacity. You don’t have to fill it up the whole way on shorter adventures, but the option is there if you need it making 3 litres bladders much more versatile (and better value for money!).

Buying tip:

Many daypacks for hiking and biking will have a hydration sleeve that can hold a 2 litre bladder. Whereas larger backpacks for trekking and hiking can often accommodate a larger bladder.

If you are buying a hydration bladder to go in a bag that you already have, it’s a good idea to take the measurements of the hydration sleeve in your bag to make sure they match with the dimensions of the bladder you intend on buying.

02Material

It is very unusual to find plastic water vessels of any kind that aren’t BPA (bisphenol A) free. But many brands that make hydration bladders also ensure that the plastic they use is BPS (bisphenol S) free, PVC free and phthalate-free.

Bladders treated to inhibit bacteria growth is another recent development in bladder technology. This is a really important feature for long distance hikers and trekkers who may go for weeks without the means to properly clean the inside of their water bladder and hose.

03Weight

As with carrying almost anything whilst being active, the lighter the hydration bladder is, the better! A good hydration bladder should weigh under 250g (8.8oz). But be wary of anything too light as the durability and strength can be effected.


The 6 best hydration bladders in 2024

Aquamira Pressurized Hydration Reservoir

Aquamira Pressurized Hydration Reservoir

The Aquamira Pressurized Hydration Reservoir offers something that none of the other options on our list does: pressurised water flow. A second hose with a power bulb on the end connects to the top of the bladder via an easy connection system. The bulb can be used to pump air into the water bladder to maintain high pressure as the bladder is emptied. This feature is really excellent when drinking during high energy activities as you don’t have to work to get the water out. It’s also good for sharing your water (you can squirt it), cleaning your gear and even keeping your dog hydrated!

The bladder itself features a fold top with a slide top similar to the Platypus. It’s also compatible with an Aquamira water filter which can be fitted via the inline quick connect system. As such, it’s the go-to choice for adventure racers and an excellent and reliable option for those looking for high pressure water flow.

Pros

  • Water flow can be fully pressurised
  • Very lightweight when not used with the pressurisation system
  • Dishwasher safe
  • BPA- and phthalate-free
  • Water filter compatible

Cons

  • The slide top can be a little clunky to get on and off
  • The bite valve on/off twist mechanism can be difficult to use

Find the latest price on:
Amazon


CamelBak Crux

CamelBak Crux

New to the CamelBak range is the improved and redesigned Crux. This shape is available in 1.5, 2 and 3 litre capacities, and there is also a Crux Lumbar 3L Reservoir. This is more square shaped and designed to be stored low in your pack to maintain a lower centre of gravity during high energy activity.

The Crux features a newly designed and large ergonomic handle for easier pouring and holding, as well as a quick connect vertical hose attachment. CamelBak have also improved upon the water flow in the bite valve, which now allows you to get 20% more water out of each sip.

The on/off lever on the bite valve is one of the easiest in this review to use with only one hand, and the bite valve also does a good job at preventing drippage – it selfs seals after each sip.

With Hydroguard technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria, 100% BPA, BPS and BPF free plastic, and a lifetime guarantee, the renowned durability of CamelBak reservoirs makes this an excellent choice that will last many years.

However, the screw top can make cleaning and drying a little troublesome and the new model doesn’t feature markers on the lid to help secure the lid easily. It is also one of the heavier options.

Pros

  • Very strong and durable
  • Lifetime guarantee
  • Good water flow
  • Good bite valve lever
  • Bacteria growth inhibitor

Cons

  • Screw top not as easy to secure as previous model
  • Top hook is not very robust
  • Difficult to clean and dry
  • Heavy

Find the latest price on:
REI | Backcountry | Amazon


Platypus Big Zip Evo

Platypus Big Zip Evo

The Platypus Big Zip Evo Reservoir is the new and improved version of the previous Big Zip LP. It now provides 50% better flow rate thanks to the wider tubing, and a self-sealing bite valve which prevents inadvertent leaks. Additionally, the tube attachment point on the Evo is now at the top making it much easier to use when the bladder is already packed in your backpack.

Otherwise, the Evo has kept the most successful features of this popular water bladder: the large zip lock opening with a Slidelock closure. This system is much easier to use than the CamelBak screw top and competes fiercely with the fold tops of the other options on the list, which can be a bit clunky sometimes. Plus, the opening is just large enough to get your hand and a cloth inside for cleaning and drying, though it pays to have small hands!

There is embedded mold and bacteria protection, and the fairly robust plastic is BPS-, and phthalate-free, as well as the usual BPA-free.

Finished off with a very good top hanger that doubles as a carry handle, this is a simple and streamlined option that is much improved compared with its predecessor.

Pros

  • Self-sealing bite valve
  • Excellent flow rate
  • High valve attachment
  • Good carry handle
  • Mold and bacteria protection

Cons

  • Not the easiest to clean
  • Internal baffle isn’t removable
  • Bite valve is on the large side

Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Alpine Trek


Hydrapak Shape-Shift

Hydrapak Shape-Shift Reservoir

On the face of it, the Hydrapak Shape-Shift Reservoir looks no different to a standard hydration bladder. It features a fold top with a Slide Seal like the Geigerrig Hydration Engine, a Plug-n-Play hose connect system, and an easy flowing bite valve that is also featured on the Geigerrig.

Look a little closer and you will see that there is an internal baffle similar to the Platypus Big Zip. Where Shape-Shift differs, however, is the ability for the internal baffle to be removed. Not only is this good for to increase the capacity, but it also means that cleaning and drying it much easier than the Big Zip – it can be turned completely inside out. The baffle is reattached using a zip lock system.

This hydration bladder is also the lightest in this review and is 100% BPA and PVC free.

Pros

  • Removable internal baffle for easy cleaning and stability
  • Lightest setup on review

Cons

  • Can’t hold 3 litres when baffle is in place
  • Twist bite valve can be a bit difficult
  • The slide top can be a little clunky to get on and off

Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI


Osprey Hydraulics

Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir

Osprey have adopted a slightly different hose connect system to the rest of the reservoirs in this review. Instead of the quick connect valve being placed on the bottom of the bladder, it is placed halfway along the hose of the Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir. This actually makes accessing the connection much easier when you have a full pack as you don’t need to delve right down inside the bag getting the inevitable dribbles of water seeping onto your gear when you disconnect.

This system also features an anatomically shaped back plate that adds stability to the bladder making it so much easier to slide it, when full, into an already full backpack.

The angled bite valve twists on and off in a similar way to the Hydrapak and Geigerrig and it also features a very handy little magnet to secure the tube onto your backpack. To finish it off, the fold top with Slide Seal also has a pour shield and good carry handle for easy filling. With these extra features, however, comes a little extra weight making it one of the heavier bladders in this review.

This is a good option for those hiking with lots of other gear – the extras make refills more convenient and easy.

Pros

  • Backplate adds structure
  • Quick connect valve in middle of hose
  • Good carry handle

Cons

  • On the heavy side
  • Top hanger not the strongest
  • Bladder not as durable as CamelBak

Find the latest price on:
Osprey | REI | Backcountry


Source Outdoor Widepac

Source Outdoor Widepac

If you’re after a simple no-frills hydration bladder then look no further than the Source Outdoor Widepac. As the cheapest item in this review, the Widepac offers everything you would expect from a standard fold top reservoir including Slide Closure seal, quick connect hose valve, twist to open silicone bite valve, and low profile carry handle.

But what makes this seemingly straight-forward bladder stand out slightly is the bite valve cover which you don’t have to buy separately. A big plus. There is also some invisible magic going on behind the scenes: Sources GrungeGuard technology and Glass-like Film prevent bacteria growth and bio-film build up on the inside of the reservoir and hose. Fancy stuff which makes it even easier to keep clean!

Pros

  • Bite valve cover
  • Bacteria growth inhibitor
  • Bio-film build up prevention
  • Good value

Cons

  • Not as durable as CamelBak
  • Bite valve pressure could be better
  • No tie to attached slide top to bladder

Find the latest price on:
Amazon


Hydration bladder accessories

In the ideal world the best hydration bladders would come with all the accessories you might need. But unfortunately that isn’t the case, which is a shame, especially when it comes to essentials like bite valve covers. Most things you might need can, however, be bought separately:

  • Bite valve cover

    Bite valve cover

    For some people a bite valve cover is an essential. Most brands have a version of this that is compatible with their specific bite valves.

  • Tube insulator

    Tube insulator

    This is an essential item if you plan on using your hydration bladder in sub-zero winter conditions. Without it your water will freeze in the tube before it even gets to you!

  • Hose magnet

    Hose magnet

    This is a really good way to keep the hose of your hydration system under control. And really easy to pop on and off with one hand.

  • Quick link conversion kit

    Quick link conversion kit

    These are great if you have an older hydration bladder that is still going strong but you want to upgrade.

  • Cleaning kit

    Cleaning kit

    Not all of the items in this kit are essential, but you really can’t beat having a hose brush to clean out the tube.

  •  

For some handy tips on how to clean a hydration bladder take a read of our reservoir cleaning guide.


If you love to get the most out of your active time in the wild then you really can’t beat using a water bladder to stay hydrated on the go. With some great options to choose from all that’s left is to drink to good times and get out there!

Happy hydrating, happy hikers!

About the author

author-joey

Joey Holmes is based in Cornwall, UK, and runs Cool of the Wild. She can’t get enough of being outdoors – whether that’s lounging around the campfire cooking up a feast, hitting the trail in her running shoes, or attempting to conquer the waves on her surfboard – she lives for it. Camping is what she loves to do the most, but has also spent many hours clinging to the side of a rock face, cycling about the place, cruising the ski-slopes on her snowboard, and hiking small mountains and big hills.

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