Hydration Pack / Water Bladder Tips & Tricks

💥 Osprey Bladder: amzn.to/3MhMXHW 💥Dryer: amzn.to/3Ay65yx
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In this quick video I'll share some tips and tricks on how to use your hydration pack / water bladder, including tips on finding the best model, use in the field, and how to easily keep them dry and clean.
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Hydration packs are essential gear for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay hydrated while on the go. However, just owning a hydration pack isn't enough; you also need to know how to use it effectively. In this article, we'll cover some useful tips and tricks for getting the most out of your hydration pack.

[@michael3573]

We were issued Camelbacks in Iraq in 2004. Hanging them to dry was part of an actual class we were given to maintain them down range. Great video.

[@Hikingguy]

Good to know, thank you 👍 and yea, the upside down thing is simple enough and makes sense.

[@mattwickham-f9u]

Thank you for your service

[@thelastofthemonitos6994]

Hey How you get rid of the plastic taste in the water? Thanks man

[@rozd618]

​@thelastofthemonitos6994 I put beer in mine and it never tastes like that plastic.

[@Ryan_Bonilla]

Thank you for your service like how the military skills can transfer over to hiking and outdoor skills

[@Derakkon2]

To keep ice longer on warm days you can get an insulated mailer bag to put your hydration pack into before putting it in the backpack. This also helps keep condensation from getting the rest of your stuff wet. To keep the bite valve handy and secure, I use a retractable id badge clip. Just connect the bite valve to the badge end, and clip the other side to your backpack strap.

[@helennajar9989]

My son suggested I store my hydration bladder in the freezer - works really well. I dry it out thoroughly first and store it flat in my freezer for next time.

[@jack_m100]

When I was using them frequently I just kept my bladder in the freezer. In fact sometimes I'd pre-fill it with a little water so a chunk of ice would be in there. That way on the trail I'd have nice chilled water to drink and got the amount down so i'd all be melted by the time I was finished. Anyway the freezer prevented any growth of anything ugly and I would still clean and dry periodically but every few months.

[@Hikingguy]

Great tip thank you!

[@yogalandawellnessyolandati7654]

Thanks for the tips! Shoving some paper towels in to keep it propped while it dries upside down works fine too!

[@justinmcnally5395]

I had a camelback in Afghanistan in 2004. We were taught to dry it out daily by hanging it upside down. I love my 2L Osprey!

[@higherlifts420]

Pro tip. I use the screw lid part of a pint caning jar to keep the bladder open for drying. Keeps it open wide and has the big hole in the middle so the bladder can dry inside

[@carlholland3819]

tip from a winter runner: i like to keep my hydration bladder in my backpack and my straw exposed over my shoulder where its comfortable and easy to drink while running long distance in very cold weather. i took an old scarf (rabbit hair) and several zipties and wrapped the straw giving it lots of extra warm insulation. that stays on all winter. then i took a couple vests (rabbit hair) and a few zipties and i wrap the bladder like a xmas present every time i use it. i take those off after every run so i can clean and refill the bladder and let the vests dry (sweat). it only takes a few minutes and works very well. if necessary you could heat the water to 110 or 120 before filling the bladder. bonus tip: if you get a new bladder and it tastes like plastic, clean it with vinegar every time you use it. after 5-10 cleanings taste is gone.

[@Hikingguy]

Awesome tips, thank you 👍

[@boispw]

For really cold winter races I've used the padded aluminum insulation roll (2 inches wide) and wound it around the tube, along with a little tape to keep it in place. I keep the bite valve tucked into my clothing, where possible next to the skin to keep it from freezing. You have to do it really well for winter, (any spot you miss will freeze) but the same set up works well for hot days and it doesn't require the same level of perfection.

[@oldmanwombat]

After use i mix 1 tablespoon of Bi-carb soda with the remaining water ,(about 3/4 cup) remove the air then flush the system ,retaining half the mix. Then wash the mouth piece in soap and water. and store in the fridge . Before use just flush and fill. Also great for removing the plastic / new taste.

[@princessharriette1175]

I love this vid than the others I have encountered. The demo and explanations are straight forward. Well done! Thanks for sharing.

[@DubstepStepper]

Great vid thanks just unpacked my osprey 3l and I now have all the tips cheers 👍

[@dorindaalberthal1316]

Thank you for another helpful video. After our day hikes we empty our water bladders and keep them in the freezer until our next hike.

[@azclaimjumper]

I have the 3L Hydrapak bladder which has a wider opening/slider bar that enables the bladder to be turned inside out to air dry. Hydrapak bladders have a quick disconnect between the drink tube & the connection at the base of the bladder. Lifetime warranty on the entire Hydrapak water/drink system. Hydrapak actually manufacturers the Osprey Bladders in their Corporate Hdqtrs & manufacturing facilities in Oakland, CA. MADE IN U.S.A. I just made my own Koozie out of Reflectix which helps keep water in the bladder hot or cold. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

[@utbronell]

I'm considering the hydrapak 3L. Are you still happy with yours? Do you have the 'sleeve' or 'shape shifter'?

[@WeekendBackpackersClub]

Informative video! Although I switched to a backpacking water system of 4 1L water bottles, two in each side pocket, and a Sidepocket Sipper drinking tube.

[@אפיפלאח-ח1ק]

Thank you. The biggest problem for beginners with backpacking blabber is not knowing how much water left in you blabber. It's a problem I see with people I hike with and for that reason prefer bottles. Planning water usage is big issue in hiking.

[@andy5478-MTB]

I liked this especially your drying tips. Another thing I've done with good luck is to not dry the bag. Instead after rinsing and draining the bag and tube is to throw it in the freezer. No funk should grow while it's frozen.

[@djdadbod]

I wad up a couple of paper towels inside to keep it propped open when drying out, works well

[@kupoflupo3346]

Great video! I recently purchased the osprey bladder insulator, and it works wonderfully (even if it adds a bit of padding,)and keeps the water nice and cool on hot days

[@RandalFmNZ]

Great video thanks. Appreciate the tips

[@circogalactico3820]

Appreciate how straight forward and informative this video was, definitely helped with the purchasing decision. Like how a bird is giving you a little outro music too lol.

[@Hikingguy]

Ha, yea, glad the music was good and the video was helpful 👍👍 There's always something making noise when I shoot outside, better a bird than an airplane in my book...

[@lottielotte]

Thank you so much. I watched this before buying my first bladder and now that I received mine, I've rewatch it to follow your tips. Much appreciated!

[@ilubatar77]

once I detached the hose and let everything dry. When it was time to use it again I just put everything together and hit the road. I got a little surprise in the trail when I saw a little insect swimming up and down my hose. I like to think it added some protein to my water, but I recommend checking well before you fill your bladder.

[@Kslusser7]

Just found your channel and was considering the Osprey bladder to go with my Aether 70 AG pack. I’ve also seen a lot of commercials for the Bondry so thanks for covering both!

[@DylanBirchall-fl8sy]

I just bought a water bladder for my d of e course some of the tips in here are really useful

[@beachgirl9823]

The osprey water bladder is the only one I’ve ever owned which never had a nasty “plastic” taste. Love it 😍

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, same, no plastic taste right from the gun. The bite valve is a little tender, but otherwise I've stuck with these for a few years now.

[@ginganutjob]

Mine isn't as bad as some, but it def has a bit of a taste

[@jaindeau772]

So I must’ve gotten a bad one? I bought the Osprey he shows as my first water bladder. The taste is absolutely HORRIBLE (and this is someone used to drinking from old cycling water bottles). First I tried Osprey’s suggested lemon juice + water + freezer. No change. Someone else’s recommended vinegar + baking soda plus warm water and an overnight rest helped a little, so I did it again, but the water is still undrinkable. Add to that the fact that no matter what I try (warm water, hairdryer), I can’t get the laughably named quick connect connector off so I can move the hose to the other side of the pouch (in their video, the guy uses two fingers, LOL), and I’ve decided to stick with water bottles, kit list for my upcoming trip be damned. I’m going to try taking it back to REI, otherwise it’s a throwaway.

[@boispw]

@@ginganutjob agreed, I can taste plastic on my brand new hydraulic reservoir, BUT, it is nothing like my camelbak - the taste is not unpleasant on the osprey, but it IS there. That's a big reason I used to like flavoured drinks, but @hikingguy is right - that's a recipe for mould.

[@ck818-99]

Went through 2 camelbaks. Older one was fine but the newer one leaked when I didn’t close the reservoir properly. The Osprey is much better simple to use, no leaking and the newer packs made securing them easier. No issues with bite valve breaking.

[@whartonloser]

Used my Osprey pack and bladder for the first time in Acadia this week. Great set , still had a little water left as opposed to running out last year. No Water, No Bueno.

[@Hikingguy]

Nice, and yea, I always try to take a little more than I need. I don't mind carrying it and playing it safe...

[@dextero2203]

Such a professional water drinking guy ^^ I got very useful tips from you

[@jeg569]

Thanks for the tips, good one for getting the air out. I hang mine up until dry then stick in in the freezer to stop any nastys. Still enjoying my Garmin Fenix 6X thanks to your videos.

[@PsyMongSki]

I have an osprey raptor 14 and i just upgraded my bite valve to a a better make one with a cover. They are mostly interchangeable

[@rickmeagher5539]

As @helennajar9989 mentions, storing in the freezer is the best option, imho. I dump the water out and plop it in the freezer.....no drying needed!!! I've been using the same Camelbak bladder for 20 years, usually multiple times a week. I take it out a little while before filling. No fuss, no mold!

[@marcf2895]

I dry my bladders on the boot dryer I keep in my garage (cool air setting). Of course it also works great for boots, ski boots, neoprenes footies and gloves, etc…

[@briansholer5455]

I don't use bladders anymore because of valve leaking issues. Instead, I carry 2 CamelBak Chutemag bottles (with reserve water bottles in my pack) and a lifestraw bottle. One thing I would recommend to people who do use bladders (especially during summer months) is to add ice to the water. That was another issue I had...halfway through a hike sipping warm water😖

[@dolcevita713]

🙄

[@jenniferwilson2045]

Thanks! Very helpful! I am curious why you don't disconnect the tube and bite piece for cleaning and drying though??

[@JeffreyRay-tt5cz]

Thanks for the information , sheard this on my Facebook page

[@pacman311085]

Just bought one of the osprey ones great tips thanks

[@rachelwong2107]

Going camping in Zion next week and panic bought a hydration bladder in anticipation of 100+ degree weather. Your video was super informative and I can’t wait to put all your tips to good use. Thank you so much!!

[@danalissy2526]

Before drying it, I also put a bit of white (eatable) vinegar into it and then dry it as shown. Never had any problems afterwards. The taste of vinegar is gone after few hours.

[@TheRichb688]

i have had my camel bakmore than a decade and i never hada major leak-really not that hard-nice video

[@larrymcardle]

Thanks very much for this video. I just purchased a 2L reservoir for several Osprey packs that I own. I definitely appreciate the tips on hanging and air drying. I've considered using the small desiccant packs for storage during winter when I won't use it for several months. I usually save those small pouches from packaging to throw in a camera bag or hard drive storage case. I'm wondering if they might work in this case, two or three months when I don't use the reservoir, or if there would be any drawbacks.

[@sylvia3867]

Thank you very much for these helpful tips.

[@hayeshargrove]

Thank you that was super clear and helpful! Off to the mountain…💦

[@cassiehemming6394]

Awesome info. Thanks for more great tips Hiking Guy!

[@Hikingguy]

You bet! 👍

[@aysenmustafa6973]

Thank you for the tips, I bought a new Denali hydration bladder today from Anaconda. My old one lasted a couple of years but then leaked. New one, the hose wasn't connected, so had to google how to attach. No instructions on the packaging.

[@srappywoo]

Thank you, that was very useful information.

[@kimballhutchinson2351]

Really informative. Thank you!

[@TheFoxyt2]

The bag I use every week. I refill and put in the fridge. If long term storage I hang upside down and dry completely

[@nanfredman1991]

Thanks so much! Very easy to follow.

[@TheNakiGuy]

I empty mine and keep it in the freezer. I only clean the bite valve. Good tips for drying though 👍🏻

[@WarbirdPylonRacer]

Another great video! Thanks!

[@kevingordonthomas1]

Any tips for prep when first using it? Is it best to at least wash it out before hand? I just bought the exact same one today

[@Hikingguy]

I just washed mine with a sponge and some dishsoap to make sure any nasties were gone. Don't think you have to do anything crazy.

[@InfamousMS]

Thanks for the video - really like the Osprey reservoirs. Looks like Crystal Cove? 😊. (Had that exact lid leak experience with Camelback!)

[@Hikingguy]

Ha, yup, Crystal Cove benches by Moro Trailhead!

[@sbgoldberg]

I was thinking Crystal Cove as well.

[@thomza]

Nice tips. Much appreciated. I subscribed.

[@thejohnb]

Thanks some v useful tips there!

[@jeannekimura7995]

Thank you for the great tips!

[@miklee9308]

steralise by using starsan no rinse brewers use it

[@greenturtle321]

thanks!

[@jovieappoggiatura]

Do you use camelbak products? What do you think of their Fourteener™ and Octane™ collections, which are the hydration hike packs

[@Hikingguy]

I used to use a Fourteener for years and it was great, but I find the ventng on the back to be inferior to other options. If back sweat isn't an issue for you, it's prob still a solid choice

[@foreverirish132]

Hi, just wondering if you’re still using the BonDry for your water bladder? Is it still doing the job or do you use something else? Many thanks 😊

[@Hikingguy]

I just use Smartwater bottles now, overall it's easier.

[@wladek3256]

Can you put silica gel bags in them when not in use to dry?

[@laurendoig9019]

Does the bladder go in your backpack with the bottom valve and tube closest to your body? Or does it matter? I do quite a bit of winter hiking.

[@karadumont8211]

Hi! What are you attached to on the front of your backpack. I have an osprey and I thought they were supposed to be some kind of a magnetic button somewhere on the straps that allows you to secure the hose so it is not flopping around? Thank you.

[@williamblackwell8259]

Did you ever get an answer to the question about the magnet on the Osprey Hydration Bladder ?? I have the same question

[@claudiadeavila5768]

Very helpful video.. Thanks 😊

[@dockins]

Thanks!

[@BrianCisneros-s5i]

What type of ⌚ Brand you use ING

[@Hikingguy]

amzn.to/4bk9uOp - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6OUd2aKq5ufj7M -

[@craigbosko2229]

WHAT I'VE ALWAYS DONE OVER THE YEAR'S IS USE THE CLOREEN TABLET'S AND WITH WARM WATER PUT 3 TABLET'S IN MY 3L RESERVOIR AND HOSE, SHACK IT UP AND AND LET IT SIT FOR ABOUT 20 TO 30 MINUTES THEN RINSE IT OUT INCLUDING THE HOSE AND LET DRY. I USE MY CAMELBAK RESAVORE DURING WINTER TIME IN THE BACKCOUNTRY AS WELL INBOUNDS WHILE SNOWBOARDING/SPLITBOARDING.....I'VE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM CLEANING IT USING MY METHOD.

[@tracyschaefer9365]

why does the bladder pouch (on the Osprey Salida 8) in the pack have a zipper enclosure that is backwards (inside the bladder pocket?

[@Chief-CO]

Hey I've had an issue with this bladder. I use regular backpacks to carry this when hiking and every trip I've been on the quick disconnect button has pushed and caused my maps to get the surplus water on them. Is there any way to stop that button from being such an annoyance?

[@61tree_Studio]

I put my packs on the end of a broom stick and lean it against the wall. It's always dry in the morning.

[@Hikingguy]

Nice tip, thank you 👍

[@DarvaeSpells]

you need to try the Quick Hit Rejuvenator!!!!

[@milanbogdanovic6120]

Great video.

[@grassshk]

I have the osprey bladder. Unfortunately I put a nuun hydration tablet in it a while back and then emptied out the water afterward but didn't dry the thing completely. It developed algae or something in the tubes. I cleaned it mostly but there is a bit of the algea along the tube leading into the bladder. I haven't had luck pulling the connection off to clean the tube. Any tips on that?

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, I had the same problem a few years back and eventually I just got a new bladder. You can buy cleaning kits that have a brush you can run through there too. But these days I only put water in there, never anything flavored or with sugar.

[@slickwillie3376]

I dunno, but it seems to me the Osprey would be a great way to collect rain water. On a multi-day hike, take full water bottles, an empty Osprey, and a small tarp. Set up the small tarp over the fire and incline one corner of the tarp to collect rain water into the Osprey. 🤔

[@mjc91950]

Very good tips. Thanks

[@stolenoratory]

very useful - thanks

[@Seby-biketrial]

very good info

[@CarlZ993]

You can also empty your bladder & place in the freezer. Mold won’t grow in the freezer. When you remove it from the freezer, let it thaw before manipulating it and refilling it for the next hike.

[@yeahbutytho126]

How about sterilisation tablets. Could you blast it dry with a hair dryer?

[@brianblackmore1678]

Sadly have to disagree on the external pockets. With the external soft frame severely pinching the pocket entrance, it takes about 30min of fanagaling to get the pouch into the pocket, clipped to the right height, the hose to the right length, every time you stick your hand in to adjust the plastic catches on your skin and drags right back out. The internal pockets were roomy and it was easy to push the hose through the pass-through slots. I've had my new osprey for a couple months and I still have to completely dump out everything just to have room to work around in the external pocket. How's everyone else doing?

[@dharasinghprithvipura]

Can we add electrolyte in water ?

[@ABCABC-fn4fg]

what can you do if your pack doesnt have a clip to hold the bladder upright

[@Kooroshcamp]

Hi Tanks for your information

[@DaleLysne]

How do I fill my dog’s water bowl from the Osprey bladder while hiking?

[@DesireeNeff-x1o]

I cannot figure out how to make the water come up to the bite valve?

[@BjrnGeelmuyden-ex3nh]

Sir, is it possible to fill it up with just ice and have cooling and water during heatstroke periods ❤❤, please spread the word 😉💯

[@drives2fst100]

Hi, I have a question. I have a new 2L Osprey and the tube just literally keeps popping off. Lol I haven’t even put water in it yet. I am assuming that this is mal functioning. I should just return it at get another one, correct? I mean, it won’t get better with use, right? Has this happened to anyone else? Never had one of these. Kinda sucks that it can’t even work right from the start, but I guess I’d rather it be wrong now than when I’m out on the trail. Thanks in advance~Karla

[@Hikingguy]

I haven't tried the new 2L but I would return it and see if a new one does the trick. I've never experienced what you're describing so I think it might be a defect.

[@edwardmontinola2311]

It would be nice if it has a batter operated pump

[@sarahpage522]

thank you super helpful

[@robd99]

Good tips

[@christinerolle3876]

Does it have the plastic taste?

[@Hikingguy]

Nope

[@dianebindl7057]

What’s the point of the magnet included with my new Camelback says it’s a chest magnet

[@Hikingguy]

usually there's a matching magnet on the sternum strap of a pack where it clips on to

[@miagreene3101]

How do I drink out of it

[@theultimatederp3288]

I do wish the hose connection at the base of the hydration pack had a button disconnect. I mean, it's not something a quick connect kit + a pair of scissors wont fix (which I had to do half an hour ago because the Four seasons insulation kit comes with a full length hose and the sleeve is too narrow for the quick connect bit, rather annoying), but still. Amateurs like me jury rigging stuff is never pretty, like "Frankenstein's hydration bladder" not pretty if you catch my drift.

[@azclaimjumper]

Hydrapak bladders do have a quick disconnect where the drink tube connects to the base of the bladder + is has a wider zipper/slider top & can easily be turned inside out, to air dry. Incidentally Osprey bladders are manufactured by Hydrapak, their Corporate office & manufacturing facilities are in Oakland, CA.

[@justinjayankura8676]

How do you get rid of the plastic taste?

[@shakerson]

The Hydrapak mouthpieces are way more comfortable and easy to use, so you could just switch it out if it leaks.

[@danieldominiak647]

Thank you

[@christinerolle3876]

Hello hiking guide do you do backpacking trips and how do you charged? I emailed you.

[@Hikingguy]

Hi Christine, emailed you back

[@22ryanoc]

I wish I could take the hose attachment off, I started to try, but then realized… I think I will throw two of my aquarium air filters in there just for safety measure. It is raining outside today.

[@eldiabolico3750]

There’s a better option for filling the bladder without having to remove it from the backpack. Get the Sawyer adapter with the quick disconnect and fill your bladder directly, I use it with a Katadyn BeFree. Game changer :) Also, instead of an Osprey bag, get a Hydrapak instead (they make the Osprey reservoirs also), you loose the hard back but the bladders are reversible allowing machine washing.

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for the tips && glad that's a good workflow on your end. I tried the Sawyer inline and it's a good solution. Think it just boils down to what you find easier, filling the bottle or bladder when you are working with dirty water. & I tried the Hydrapak but had problems with a plastic taste in the water. Maybe I just had a bum bladder. I also prefer the wider top on the Osprey and Platypus big zips. Think overall it's what works best for your situation.

[@eldiabolico3750]

@@Hikingguy Hydrapak makes Osprey bladders, no issues with plastic taste on my end :)

[@Hikingguy]

@@eldiabolico3750 I tried out a greenish Hydrapak, didn't look like the Osprey one. I probably had a different model. It def tasted like plastic though. amzn.to/3p8F23b

[@mandyinseattle]

Very helpful.