Posted: 11/21/2016 3:57:35 PM EDT
| I know this is cutting it close, but looking for a decent hydration bladder for deer hunting next week. Going through amazon appears to be mostly cheap bladders that are reviewed by those who "were given a discounted product for an honest review." Im not so sure how honest they all are so figured Id ask here in hopes of getting some legit advice. |
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I have this Osprey and really like it. I also have the regular Camekbaks and like the Osprey better.
https://www.rei.com/product/101365/osprey-hydraulics-reservoir-2-liters The main points being that it has a rigid back which helps to lay it more flat, and the double clip for the tube. The second clip helps with taking the bladder out, or can help with installing filters on it. It can become unclipped if put in your pack incorrectly. Be sure to do the Lemon Juice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8pZruB9-MA method for your first cleaning to get the plastic taste out. |
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Quoted:
I have this Osprey and really like it. I also have the regular Camekbaks and like the Osprey better. https://www.rei.com/product/101365/osprey-hydraulics-reservoir-2-liters The main points being that it has a rigid back which helps to lay it more flat, and the double clip for the tube. The second clip helps with taking the bladder out, or can help with installing filters on it. It can become unclipped if put in your pack incorrectly. Be sure to do the Lemon Juice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8pZruB9-MA method for your first cleaning to get the plastic taste out. +1 on the Osprey. The rigid back helps with sliding it down into the sleeve on your pack. The large opening make adding ice cubes easier, too. |
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OP, check out http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Hydration-Bladder-Reviews/ratings.
I have a bunch of hydration bladders. The red and black ones from MSR, a couple Osprey 3 liters and a few CambelBak "Chem Bio" military ones (which I like because they're heavier and seem more durable and when I got them they were pretty cheap on ebay). They all do the job. The MSR ones are coated fabric, which should be tougher than plastic. The black MSR ones are really heavy. As a result, they mostly go car camping. The Osprey's get the most use because they have a backer that helps maintain a flat shape. They also fit perfectly in our Osprey day backs and in the bladder holder in my multi-day pack. |
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Camelbak is a good choice. I've heard a bunch of people complain about the Osprey bladders leaking, not sure if they've fixed that. My favorite "bladder" system is the Evernew hydration tube kit in a Smart water bottle....best of both worlds and leak proof. Interesting. I've gone from hydration bladders to SW bottles (for storage only) in conjunction with a 12 oz water bottle in a cargo pocket for sipping. Will check that out. Thanks. |
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+1 on the Osprey. I have a 3L version, and it has nice features that other bladders don't.
-Hard plastic back makes it easy to slide in/out with a loaded pack -QD hose allows you to remove the bladder without re-threading the hose through your pack -Wider design allows flatter contours compared to other bladders I've had. |