The Osprey Packs Hydraulics LT Reservoir is designed to be an all-purpose bladder and the spec sheet looks good for the price, especially when it comes from a brand as respected as Osprey.
But how does this Osprey 2.5 liter bladder fare out on the trail? Read on to find out
Osprey Packs Hydraulics LT Reservoir TL:DR
Specs
- Synthetic materials
- ¼ inch flexible hose
- Marked (liters) reservoir body
- Sternum strap and bite valve (magnetic)
- Slim-profile to keep pack close to the body
Review Rating
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Osprey Packs Hydraulics LT
In Summary
The Hydraulics LT reservoir is a must buy for those planning on investing in an Osprey Daylite pack or similar. Plus, the reservoir is quite ridgid so the refilling process is simple.
Pros
- Easily accepts a high volume of water
- Its ridged construction makes it simple to refill.
- Plus, this rigid design means the actual backpack is given sufficient shape
- Magnetic clip
- Plastic free taste
- Labeled water markings
Cons
- Unable to reach all the water (the tub is slightly above the bladders bottom)
- Bite valve might be tiring to use for some after long-term use
Osprey Packs Hydraulics LT Reservoir Review
I recently put this Osprey hydraulic reservoir through its paces.
First impressions were good. The bladder construction seems durable compared to some alternatives I have used. Plus, it comes with a magnetic sternum which is perfect for holding the hose in place.
I found the wide-mouth system to be very straightforward to fill, even in a rush or using trail water pumps. The pack has markers to clearly indicate the volume of water left.
To make things easier when refilling with water, it is even possible to remove the bladder from its bag and return without an issue.
This fitted this reservoir into the hydration sleeve on my Osprey Ariel 65L bag perfectly and even after several long hikes over difficult terrain I did not notice any leaks.
So overall the Osprey Packs Hydraulics LT Reservoir certainly worked well and I have no real complaints.
What I liked
The Osprey Packs Hydraulics LT pack is one of the best hydration systems I have at home ready to use. It has a great hydration reservoir and is easy to work with, roomy, and simple to refill.
Also the mouthpiece magnet is a perfect invention to simplify the process of using this pack.
I really like the Osprey pack and its large 2-liter pack. Just the volume I need when out on treks. Plus, the huge size of the mouthpiece makes it practical to refill in a rush.
Make sure to close the hydration pack properly or it will start to leak. It takes some time at first to work out the proper position to close the pack, but once that is established you are leak-free.
The rigid construction makes cleaning Osprey bladder easy too and you can dry it out with the wide mouth piece too.
If the 2.5 liter capacity is not enough, there is also an Osprey 3l bladder available.
What I did Not Like
Although not always an issue, the bite valve can start to get a bit tiring after a long hike.
Plus, the actual tube attachment is about 1 or 2 cm above the bottom which means the last of the water is difficult to reach without twisting or tilting the bladder.
Summary
The Osprey Packs Hydraulics LT Reservoir is a really good, high-quality bladder. I have used it on many hikes and it has served me well.
It is easy to fill and clean and the magnetic catch is great.
There are a few little quirks, but overall it is the one I pick up when I am going on day hikes without thinking. I think it is one of the best tactical hydration pack available
Matt Green, is an avid hiker and lover of the great outdoors. He is always planning his next big trip or hitting the trails for a solo hike.
He’s traveled extensively to many remote regions and has plenty of experience exploring various terrains, and stories to tell.