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It’s important to have plenty of water with you when you’re outdoors. But how are you supposed to pack around a bunch of water? For that, you need the best hydration bladder. These ingenious devices make it easy to stay hydrated wherever you are.
To help you find the right one for your needs, we tested and compiled the top entries for you to research. Whether you’re biking, hiking, or just enjoying the outdoors, we have just what you need to stay healthy.
In Short: Platypus’ Big Zip Water Reservoir took our top spot as best overall. This affordable bladder is built tough and easy to use. You don’t have to worry about leaks, and it’s a breeze to refill. Best of all? There’s zero plastic aftertaste.
HydraPak’s Shape-Shift is designed for easy carrying. It comes ready to hold 3 liters of water, and it’s made for effortless refilling. We love its thin profile and high-quality materials. It sports a wide tube for big gulps.
We have plenty more in store, so read on for our reviews. We’re sure you’ll find a bladder that fits your needs.
Looking for a hydration bladder that doesn’t taste like plastic? The Platypus Big Zip Water Reservoir is right up your alley.
This 3-liter unit is built tough, so you don’t have to worry about tears or leaks during your treks. It’s easy to refill with just one hand.
We like the instant shut-off valve, too. This ensures that there are no accidental leaks during use and handling.
The overall flow of water is most excellent, as well. This is thanks to a wide, 5/16-inch tube. It’s easy to get hydrated when you need it.
The drinking tube is cleverly mounted up high, making it a breeze to refill without having to pull out the entire unit. The price is quite nice, too. You’re getting an easy-to-use bladder that holds plenty of water.
The construction of this bladder is smart and very user-friendly. It does exactly what you’d expect of it without compromising performance.
Highly-reliable and very lightweight, this is the bladder you want for versatility and freedom. It’s nice not having to worry about being weighed down.
Refilling is made easy thanks to the addition of a clever handle. You don’t have to be concerned with leaks, either, as the valve closes up tightly.
Water flows smoothly, allowing you to drink quickly. It’s perfect for big gulps on the go. It’s also easy to break down for cleaning and maintenance.
The price is pretty respectable, too. Combined with its 3-liter capacity, you’re getting a winner that’s perfect for outdoor activity.
This is one of the easiest bladders to maintain. Even better, it’s dishwasher-safe. Just toss it in when you’re ready to clean it.
Now here’s a good idea. The HydraSleeve is heavily insulated, keeping your ice water cold for hours at a time. You can also remove the insulated sleeve for normal drinking temperatures.
We were impressed by how long the HydraSleeve keeps water cold. Even on hot days in sweltering weather, you can look forward to getting a cold drink when you need it.
If you travel outdoors often, this is an excellent bladder to bring along with you. Water flow is really good, and it’s really easy to carry around.
You don’t notice a plastic taste as much as other bladders, either. It is a bit on the pricey side, but it’s well worth the investment.
The HydraSleeve comes ready to carry 3 liters of water. It is easy to refill, and its slim design makes it a breeze to pack around.
Do you like to ride your bike, but find it hard to stay hydrated? CamelBak’s HydroBak is the perfect solution to your needs.
This bladder holds 1.5 liters of water. It’s not quite as much as other entries, but it gets the job done. Best of all, it’s an absolute breeze to carry along with you wherever you go.
This clever entry comes in the form of a backpack. It takes up very little room, too. We barely noticed it was on our backs during testing.
It makes an excellent companion for both riders and hikers. If you’re looking for a bladder that doesn’t weigh you down or get in the way, the HydroBak is a great fit.
The HydroBak is one of the easier bladders to maintain. Strapping it to your back is a clever idea that makes it perfect for long distances.
The Source Outdoor Widepac is ideal for hikers who need to carry plenty of water for long distances. Its 3-liter reservoir gives you enough water for hours of activity.
We like how easy it is to refill. Just insert it into your backpack and open the top when ready. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about leaks or tears during your journey.
At just 8 ounces, this is a great choice for those trying to lighten their loads as much as possible. The Widepac is slim in its design, too.
This makes it an effortless affair to pack it along wherever you go. The price is fairly reasonable, as well. If you want a bladder you can trust, the Widepac won’t let you down.
The Widepac is a cinch to clean thanks to its smooth construction. Dirt and build-up wipes right off, so you don’t have to spend an eternity maintaining your bladder.
The Osprey Hydraulics LT drinking system is a commendable entry that works well. We love the streamlined design and easy maintenance.
The Easy-Slide bag top makes filling and refilling a breeze. And when you’re finished, it seals tightly to ensure there are no accidental leaks during your travels.
We’re big fans of the water flow on this bladder. It comes out fast, making it easy to stay hydrated all day long.
The price is fairly affordable, too. This unit makes a great buy for beginners who need a user-friendly companion.
At less than 6 ounces, this bladder is easy to carry with you wherever you go. You barely notice its weight, making it perfect for long hikes or rides.
This entry is unique in that it comes with a pressurized delivery system. This is made possible by a pressure bulb that is squeezed to help you drink.
The benefit of this is that it allows you to get big, fast gulps of water when you need to hydrate quickly. Some users might find it to be a bit excessive. But trust us, it is a welcome addition when you are on your last leg during a lengthy marathon or hike.
The downside? You’re going to pay for this feature. The Aquamira Pressurized Reservoir is more costly than most other units we looked at. It won’t break the bank, but your wallet will definitely notice the difference in price.
You can choose between 2 or 3 liters of water capacity. We tested the 3-liter unit. It was easy enough to carry around. But the addition of a bulb does get in the way on occasion.
The Aquamira Pressurized Reservoir is easy enough to refill and pack away during your travels. But the bulb can overcomplicate things at times.
The Polar Bottle Cenote is an affordable bladder that comes in either 2- or 3-liter capacities. We found this model to be a great choice for the budget-minded who just need a reliable bladder.
We had no trouble refilling the Cenote. After you’ve done so, water stays locked in thanks to its tight sealing system. This is a big plus, as you don’t have to worry about leaks along the way.
For as affordable as this bladder is, we’re impressed by its build-quality. Polar Bottle took the time to ensure you’re getting an inexpensive hydration bladder that lasts.
Best of all, this cost-effective bladder doesn’t have any plastic aftertaste in the water. It makes a great companion for anyone needing to stay hydrated while outdoors.
This inexpensive bladder comes in a convenient size that is easy to carry. Refilling is a cinch, although cleaning leaves a bit to be desired.
This highly-affordable bladder comes in a thin body for easy transport. If you’re looking to save money while staying hydrated, this is the one for you.
It comes ready with 2 liters of water-carrying capacity. A 38-inch drinking tube gives you plenty of reach after you have stuffed the bladder in your backpack.
This model comes with a wide mouth for refilling. We just wish it wasn’t positioned on the side of the bladder. This makes it hard to get to, especially if you’re traveling with a lot of gear in your bag.
The materials with which this bladder is made aren’t the best. But considering its low price, you can’t expect anything too great.
Some of its construction is questionable, but it served us well in our testing. For the low price, it’s definitely worth a try.
The wide mouth makes it easy to refill. But its location can become problematic. We found this to be especially true when carrying a lot in our backpack.
MSR’s DromLite Bag is one of the most versatile bladders among our rankings. There’s not a lot to it, but that’s what makes it so great.
Its construction is tough as nails, giving you a bladder you can rely on. It’s an excellent choice for rigorous hikes and rides. You can toss it around without fear of springing a leak.
The overall design of this bag is quite wide, making it a tough fit for hydration sleeves. It’s going to serve you best to just pack it along as it is.
It holds an impressive amount of water, clocking in at 6 liters. And when it’s empty, the DromLite Bag collapses down to a size no bigger than the cap that’s affixed to it.
Best of all, the price is inexpensive, and the water from it tastes great. This is definitely one that serious outdoor enthusiasts will want to check out.
The wide mouth makes it easy to refill. That being said, the DromLite Bag tends to take up a lot of space. But its high durability means you can pack it in just about anything you like.