Best hydration bladder for hiking in 2021

Most hiking backpacks come with pockets or sleeves designed for holding water hydration bladders.

However, narrowing down your search when it comes to choosing the best hydration bladder can be daunting since the market is literally flooded with options.

But we are here to help! We have rounded up 6 of the best hydration bladders and we will also be giving you the scoop on how to pick the best hydration bladders and system according to your needs!

A roundup of the best hydration bladders for backpacking

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  Platypus Big Zip Water Reservoir

  Versatile, well made with good flow makes this our best overall pick

  Our Overall Winner
  

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  Source Outdoor WidePac Bladder

  Durable, well made and easy to clean. A solid entry level bladder.

  Our Budget Pick

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  Geigerrig Pressurized Hydration Reservoir

  If you want a pressurized bladder to squirt water into your mouth, this is our pick

  Best Pressurized Bladder

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  CamelBak Crux Hydration Pack Reservoir

  The wide opening makes this a doddle to fill, although slightly harder to clean.

  Easiest Bladder to Fill

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  HydraPak Shape-Shift Low-Profile Water Bladder

  Lightweight, with adjustable baffle making this ideal for lightweight/high speed hikes.

  Best Lightweight Reservoir

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  Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir

  Featuring a backplate, this is the easiest to seat in your pack.

  Most Ergonomic Fit in your Pack

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Above are our 6 top picks for the best water bladders. It's time to get your hydration game on! If you are keen on learning more about the best hydration bladders, the full reviews are below.

Here is a quick look at 6 of the best hydro packs for 2021, what they are best used for, and who they are best suited for.

Platypus Big Zip Hydration Bladder

The Platypus Big Zip comes in as our pick for the best water bladder for overall use. In our humble opinion, the Platypus Big Zip is one of the best hydration bladders currently available on the market.

Overview

This bladder features a versatile tube set-up that can be plugged into the connection point halfway up the tube or into the bottom of the hydration bladder. This makes the Platypus Big Zip one of the most versatile hiking bladders out there.

In addition, this hydration reservoir does not leave much of a plastic taste in the water, especially if you rinse it through with baking soda when you first get it.

It also sports silver-ion tech to help prevent the buildup of mold and bacteria inside the bladder. This is a big benefit as, since it has a zip-top closure, it is hard to get a brush inside this bladder, and you cannot flip it inside out.

However, this is not the end of the world and it is still easy to care for.

This water bladder is constructed from a combo of polyethylene and polyurethane materials, and we found it to be really durable. It is also BPA, BPS, and Phthalate-free.

Keep in mind that this reservoir’s durable design, unfortunately, adds a lot of weight to it, so it is not ideal for ultralight backpacking.

Offering faster flow than many other options, and it covers all the bases most outdoor enthusiasts need and makes for one of the best picks for everyday hiking adventures.

The Platypus Big Zip is a great fit for most backpacking and outdoor adventures.

Source Outdoor WidePac Bladder

For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts on a tight budget, the Source Outdoor WidePac hydration bladder caters to all your needs but still comes in as the best bang for your buck.

Overview

With a glass-like liner that helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold, the Widepac will not allow water to start smelling funky if you accidentally forget to empty it after a day trip. Thanks to its super simple design, it is also an exceptionally durable water bladder.

Because it comes with a wide fold-top (hence its name), the Widepac is easy to clean and offers enough space to allow you to add some ice to your bladder when you are refilling it. It is also very easy to open and close. The Helix bite valve is designed to be leak-proof and locking it is as simple as twisting the valve.

Although the hose on this bladder is significantly shorter than the average bladder hose, it is still super convenient and has a unique 90° design.

Geigerrig Pressurized Water Reservoir

The Geigerrig Pressurized Hydration Engine comes in as our favorite pressurized hydration bladder.

Overview

If you are looking for versatility, it will be hard to find something that stands up to the Geigerrig Pressurized Hydration Engine. This thing even comes with a bulb that can be used to turn your water reservoir into a solar shower!

When the bladder is pressurized, the water flow rate is quite high, but it is easy to drink from in any which way. The fact that the water bladder is easy to clean (just flips inside out) makes the deal that much sweeter.

Keep in mind that this bladder is in a league of its own, so it does come with a learning curve. Oh, and an initial plastic taste too, but that fades away quickly, especially if you clean it out with baking sode when you first get it.

The Geigerrig Hydration Engine's slim and lightweight design makes it compatible with most hiking backpacks and the fold-top ensures that you will never battle with refilling your reservoir.

Camelbak Crux Hydration Reservoir

If you need a hydration bladder that is super easy to fill, look no further than the Camelbak Crux.

Overview

With a super-wide screw-cap closure, the Camelbak Crux allows you to easily fill and clean your water reservoir.

The bite-valve on the Camelbak Crux is easy to use and easy to open and close. And since the hose has a wide diameter, water-flow is always sufficient.

The Camelbak with bladder Crux is also exceptionally durable thanks to the quality plastic polymer materials used in construction.

This is not the lightest hydration pack out there, so if you are an ultralight hiker, look the other way, right now. The good news is that the Camelbak bladder packs down decently, but you will never be able to roll it up super small because it has a large screw-top construction.

Hydrapak Shape-Shift Bladder

The Hydrapak Shape-Shift comes in as our top pick for ultralight backpackers.

Overview

If you need a lightweight and reliable bladder for water with a slim profile, the Hydrapak Shape-Shift is a great choice and offers a bunch of great features. The bladder’s bite valve offers fast flow and with its fancy hand holder, it is also super easy to fill.

As far as maintenance s concerned, this bladder is exceptionally easy to care for. Cleaning is easy since this bag can be flipped inside-out and chucked into the dishwasher. With interchangeable hoses and a clip that does not require much maintenance, this bladder packs a lot of value into its design.

Like all things man-made, this bag has its caveats. It is not as durable as our other picks and could easily get punctured if you are not careful. It is also prone to leaking after extensive use. still, if you prize low weight highly, we strongly recommend the Hydrapak Shape-Shift.

Osprey Hydraulics Water Reservoir

If you have got a well-stuffed bag, our top pick for the best backpack-friendly bladder is the Osprey Hydraulics.

Overview

The Osprey Hydraulics bladder features a rigid backplate, and while it does add some ounces to its total weight, this makes the bladder one of the easiest models to insert into a backpack’s hydration sleeve.

The Osprey Hydraulics bladder will not bend if you force it into a bladder sleeve, not even if it is filled to the brim. This reservoir also sports an elongated spout and offers good water flow. For obvious reasons, this is not the best pick for ultralight backpacking.

We like the leak-proof bite valve with its twist-lock mechanism, but the hose and bite valve can be switched for any other option you prefer. The backplate does not just add weight, it also makes the bladder a bit trickier to clean since it cannot be flipped inside-out.

The good news is that this bladder is dishwasher-safe, which eliminates hand-cleaning battles.

How do I choose a hydration bladder?

Your hydration needs are essential to consider when planning a backpacking or hiking adventure, and as you might know, a water hydration bladder is probably the best hydration tools

Most backpacks come with a pocket to hold them (or a laptop!) so you can sip water, hands-free or with just one hand while you’re on the go

Before making a purchase, you will need to keep a few things in mind. If you are looking to invest in the best hydration bladders, here is what you need to pay attention to:

Bladder size and compatibility

Your bladder needs to be suitable for your backpack. If you have not bought a hiking backpack yet, look for one that comes with a bladder sleeve.

Your backpack’s bladder sleeve might not be able to fit a bladder that’s fat instead of wide when filled. Even though hydration bladders generally come available in a 2L or 3L capacity, investing in a 3L hydration bladder is more cost-effective and a more versatile option.

Hydration bladder hole opening

The size of the opening in hydration bladders will determine how easy it is to clean and fill.

Fold-top designs are generally the most convenient since they have large openings that make them easy to fill in the outdoors.

Zip-top bladders are like fold-top models and are also convenient to fill, but not nearly as easy to clean because they cannot be flipped inside out.

Screw-top bladders might be effortless to fill, but they are not always easy to use. When compared to fold-top and zip-top models, a screw-top bladder is harder to clean since you will need a brush to get into hard-to-reach corners.

There are also bottle-top bladders which are easy to fill yet hard to clean. These bottles offer the best leak-proof properties and are great for one-handed use.

The construction material of the hydration bladder

Everything from durability to how you should clean it and what your water tastes like will be determined by the materials used in the construction of hydration bladders.

Polyethylene and TPU are the most common materials used for the construction of hydration bladders and TPU materials do cause an initial plastic taste that dissipates with time.

Hydration bladders bite valve locking mechanism and size

The size of your reservoir's bite valve determines how hard or easy it is to suck water through the tube. Bite valves come available in various sizes. You'll have to choose between large bite valves, medium bite valves, and small bite valves.

A large bite valve is harder to suck water through, especially if you do not have a pressurized bladder. A smaller bite valve is okay but does not offer the best water-flow. A medium bite valve hits the sweet spot in this department.

As far as the locking mechanism goes, you can go for a bite, twist, switch, or push-and-pull bite valve when choosing hydration bladders.

Push-and-pull valves tend to be the easiest and most hands-free to use. Switch valves are easier to use than twist locks since twist valves are more delicate than the other locking mechanisms.

Hydration bladder ease of cleaning

Your water reservoir can be as sleek as it wants, but if it is not easy to clean and maintain, it will bring you more frustration than joy. You need to thoroughly clean your bladder if you want to avoid the buildup of mold and bacteria, which can be a health hazard. Look for a hose that allows for easy cleaning.

You also need to pay attention to the bladder itself and find something that makes cleaning easy.

A wide-mouthed hydration system makes cleaning easy and flip-top bladders can easily be turned inside-out and thrown into the dishwasher.

Pressurized versus unpressurized hydration bladders

Pressurized hydration bladders have two chambers: one for water and one for air. These bladders are inflated with a pump to create pressure inside the air chamber.

The pressure pushes the water out of the bite valve without having you having to suck. Your specific needs really determine which kind of bladder will work best. Pressurized systems are user-friendly and a little more luxurious than unpressurized water bladders, but they are also more expensive.

Packability and weight of the hydration bladder

Keeping your load as light as possible is important when you are hiking. Water weighs roughly 2lbs per liter, so it is important to keep the weight of your hydration pack in mind.

A bladder that packs up small when not in use is also something you need to consider keeping your pack as compact as possible.

The lightest and most compact bladders do not have extra bells and whistles and do not come with plastic handles. This makes it easy to roll them up into tiny balls.

Seasonal compatibility

This is where you will need to consider a bladder with an insulated tube. When temperatures drop below freezing point, the water inside the tube of your bladder (and the water in the mouthpiece) will likely freeze.

Some kits are tailored for winter hiking and cover the hose in neoprene. These kits have ann insulated tube to help prevent the water inside it from freezing.

Are hydration packs worth it?

We have to say that for short hikes where you can fill up your water bottle along the way, we definitely prefer bottles or flasks over hydration packs.

But if we are hiking all day with no access to water, a bladder is obviously the go-to option. Stopping around every corner to drink from a water bottle is a schlep, and why would you choose that when you can stay hydrated with just one hand or even hands-free?

Hydration reservoirs are must-haves for backpackers and hikers that are more than just the occasional weekend warriors.

Unlike water bottles that are typically made of aluminum, glass, or plastic, hydration bladders are made of flexible materials that are more lightweight than bottles and flasks.

Water bladders are also much more portable than bottles or flasks because they can be compacted.

Since most hydration systems have straws or tubes, they are more convenient than water bottles and at most require just one hand to keep you hydrated on-the-go.

Understanding the different types of water bladders

There are two main types of backpacking hydration bladders that you will need to consider: pressurized and unpressurized.

Under these two main categories, a plethora of different classes exist for hydration bladders, but for all goals and purposes, we are simply sticking to pressurized and unpressurized.

Unpressurized hydration bladders

Non-pressurized hydration bladders are the predecessors of pressurized hydration bladders. Back in the day, every hydration system only had one chamber for holding water. This kind of hydration system is simple but requires the user to work for their water.

In general, you will have to bite the valve and suck to bring the water into your mouth with these bladders.

Unpressurized water bladders are not luxurious, but they do offer a lot of bang for your buck and are the best option if you are on a tight budget.

Pressurized hydration bladders

As mentioned, pressurized water bladders are a step up in the evolution story of the hydration system. These systems have two chambers separately reserved for air and water.

With a built-in air pump, you can inflate the air chamber so that water comes out of the bite valve without the need to suck.

Most pressurized hydration systems can be used for more than just hydration on the trail. Some can be used as showers and an easy way of washing your dishes.

These bladders prevent backwash from going up the tube, so they are cleaner than non-pressurized bladders and not nearly as susceptible to bacteria and mold buildup inside the water chamber.

Hydration bladder FAQs

These are some of the most common questions that crop up about hydration bladders.

How does a hydration bladder work?

Water bladders are rubber pouches filled with water and have hoses attached to them. Water comes out the hose and through the bite valve into your mouth.

Hydration bladders are generally stored in the sleeve of a backpack to ensure hikers and backpackers can effortlessly stay hydrated while they are exploring the great outdoors.

What is the best way to fill hydration backpacks?

Regardless of which closure your bladder sports, any tap will work to fill your bladder about 3 quarters full. Out in the wild, you will not have access to a tap and might need to refill from a stream or river.

Screw-top bottles will need to be refilled with some sort of jug. Slide-top bladders can be filled without any additional accessories. Make sure you choose something you'll be able to refill with ease.

How do I get rid of the plastic taste in my water bladder?

If your hydration bladder is made of polyurethane, it will likely add a plastic taste to the water that should fade after the first few uses.

But you can get rid of it by using some baking soda and the following steps:

1. Put 2 tablespoons of baking soda into your bladder and fill it 3 quarters of the way with warm water.
2. Shake and allow it to sit for about an hour.
3. Next, drain the content, rinse, and dry your water reservoir.
4. The taste should be gone after this.

Final thoughts

While it is not easy to pick and stick to just one hydration bladder for hiking, the choice does not have to be so hard. Our review of the 6 best hydration bladders has catered to just about every need and budget.

Our top pick overall is the Platypus Big Zip, but if your budget is a little tight, something like the Source Outdoor WidePac is still a great option.

If you are looking for something pressurized, the Geigerrig Pressurized Hydration Engine is worth considering but the Camelbak Crux is much easier to fill if you know that this is going to be a requirement along the way.

The Hydrapak ShapeShift is hands-down the best option for ultralight backpacking while the Osprey Hydraulics is the obvious choice if you are tight on bag space.

Regardless of which one of these 6 you pick; it will keep you hydrated and happy while you are exploring the great outdoors. Be sure to consider your personal needs before investing in any hydration bladder.

And, by the way, do not forget to check your backpack sleeve first!