NALGENES or RESERVOIRS for BACKPACKING?! The great debate!! | Miranda in the Wild

Nalgene or reservoir?! Water bottle or bladder?! The GREAT debate over whether a water bottle or a reservoir is best for backpacking hydration is finally settled with THIS VIDEO! Okay, not really, but after years of switching between the two I can at least share some thoughts on which hydration system I think is best for hiking and backpacking! I've been fully devoted to water bottles and reservoirs at different points in my backpacking life, and now I'm ready to tell you which one I think is best! Watch the video to find out which hydration system I love best for backpacking and hiking! Hope you enjoy, friends!
Pros and cons of hydration reservoirs for hiking and backpacking: 0:30
Pros and cons of Nalgenes: 4:22
Gregory 3D Hydro Reservoir: www.rei.com/pr...
Shop Nalgenes: www.rei.com/se...
Shop All My Gear: www.rei.com/mi...
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Miranda in the Wild is an REI Co-op Studios production!
Producer: Rainer Golden
Producer: Miranda Webster
Videographer: Jonathan Houser
Editor: Kyle Roof
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#backpacking #naturelovers #adventure #hike #hiking #camping #wanderlust #rei #mirandainthewild #water

[@praktika1082]

I just got off a trail where water is only sourced from tanks spaced out two days apart. I have two 1L smart-type bottles, two 2L Sawyer pouches and two 1L Sawyer pouches. I was happy to be able to fill the pouches with unfiltered water and transfer them to my bottles as I needed the water, and simply roll up the emptied pouches for transport. A hiker I bumped into at one of the water tanks was complaining about how he didn't have capacity to carry the water he'd need because he only had two 1L nalgenes. So ... A combo of bottles and foldable/rollable pouches/bladders works best.

[@farstrider79]

I love those Sawyer pouches, have used them for years ang have never popped one. It's so easy to store 2-3 empties in the bag to fill up as needed.

[@praktika1082]

@@farstrider79 yeah they weigh nothing and are invaluable when you need the capacity to carry water. Also, those people who burst them must be folks who don't understand that there's a limit to the pressure they should exert on the bags, and that the filter flow is much more dependent on how clogged/clear it is, and not on how much force they use to squeeze.

[@robertito_dobbs]

@@praktika1082 agreed, sawyer pouches are a low weight high utility addition to the pack 👍

[@JeremyB49503]

Nalgene can also double as a "foam" roller releasing those leg muscles after a long hike. Works even better with warm water. So much utility for a little extra weight.

[@boyfester]

Wow! I never thought of this and I use a foam roller before I start every hike. I was wondering what I was going to do on a multi-day backpacking trip and this is a great idea.

[@Rod.s_Channel]

For a longer distance and/or multi-day hike-in camp I'll definitely have both. The bladder stays in my pack and is what I'd drink out of on the trail. But once I put my pack down to set-up camp, then out comes my canteen/s and the bladder won't see any more use until I pick my pack back up. For day trips however then just a water bottle will do. Easy, straightforward, and pack is probably light enough that it's no bother to take it off and put it back on multiple times to reach for the water bottle.

[@angeladawn805]

I tell my customers to keep their (rinsed out and empty - not necessarily dry) bladder/reservoir in a zip locked bag, in the freezer. It kinda acts like a cryogenic chamber, stopping any bacterial growth/mold etc. I prefer bottles myself

[@merc8861]

Brillant! I hang mine in the closet with a plastic hanger in it to keep it opened up a bit but I like this idea!

[@julsduran-buchsbaum8230]

*goes to put mine in the freezer**

[@rachelwesemann4600]

I want a full video of you talking about the personalities of each outdoor brand. The "who would you date" was hilarious and spot on

[@snackoncierge]

It wasn't just me.... love when she was off topic(: we got to see the unscripted thoughts.

[@pamlavallee9051]

A combination of nalgene and reservoir seems to be my preferred method. The nalgene specifically for the cooking benefits. But, adding a metal straw with a soft silicone tip for easier drinking from the nalgene, has been a game changer!

[@Manzanitamystic]

I’m the same way ☺️ love my combo bottles and reservoir set up

[@BingWatcher]

Nice Idea!‼ I have the same straws, but never thought of that.🙃 They make a great combo😁

[@lostonpurpose3734]

Swap the nalgene for a stainless steel or titanium water bottle, if your filter goes out or in an emergency you can boil water in the bottle.

[@BingWatcher]

@@lostonpurpose3734 True. But for many people, the extra weight of those bottles would be an unwelcome challenge.

[@lostonpurpose3734]

@@BingWatcher titanium is lighter than a nalgene

[@jasonschwartz7781]

Currently on pct and I'm using a CNOC Vecto for dirty water, 2 1L Smartwater bottles, 1 1.5L Smartwater bottle and I have a CNOC Vesica stashed in my pack in case I need an extra liter. I will use these Smartwater bottles indefinitely and the CNOCs can take boiling water. Every single bottle I carry is threaded for my Sawyer. Working great for me so far!

[@katelynnoguerra5162]

I use both, I like to keep my reservoir for strictly drinking water when I'm on the trail and then use my Nalgene as my cooking water. I find the measurements on the Nalgene suuuuper useful in that regard.

[@kd5nrh]

I usually prefer TPU soft bottles, since they roll up tiny when empty, but same; reservoir for water only, plus a couple refills (HydraPak Seeker 3L) when I'm in a place I need to carry 2-3 days of water, then TPU bottles for extra cooking water and for electrolyte mixes. Since most of the small TPU running bottles are 250 or 500ml, they're already pretty much the 8 or 16 ounces needed for most meals.

[@thecma3]

My SmartWater bottles are very reusable! I have a couple that I cycle through that range from months to years old and which have collectively seen many dozens of days of use. I've never had one fail per se, although I've recycled one or two after losing caps. The Sawyer filter compatibility is excellent and I find them so much easier to drink from than wide-mouth Nalgene bottles.

[@EricTheDane]

Ditto

[@jasonschwartz7781]

Yep

[@mcculloughdakota]

Exactly. My go to as well. However, REI can’t make money off of smart water bottles…

[@Henning_Rech]

@@mcculloughdakota You got it! ;) - Team SmartWater bottle with screwed-on Sawyer filter.

[@ANONM60D]

Cancer

[@WasatchWill]

That Gregory bladder looks really well thought out and well designed. That said I've found water bottles to be best for hiking and backpacking and bladders with hoses to be best for bike riding and trail running.

[@Alaska_Gal]

I have the Gregory bladder and it’s great. 👍🏼

[@AF-tv6uf]

My sentiments exactly. For a normal hike, the less drama the better. Bottle ftw.

[@frostasaurus2190]

It's pretty dang amazing. I had the platypus big zip before and the Gregory 3D solved every issue I had.

[@RoughLandings77]

Bladder for water on the trail, Nalgene for water in camp. I keep the boddles 😉 empty and inside the pack or hanging off the back of the pack when on trail. That Gregory bladder looks great - the rigid back is a great feature. Just might have to replace my faithful Camelbak bladder.

[@gen_li7725]

My current setup is to carry both a baby nalgene for measuring and nuuns, and a water bladder for more consistent hydration and capacity

[@Sometimes_Always]

They're both great.. I always have a reservoir cause I love the tube and my packs are built with it in mind... But the Nalgene is for that hot water bottle trick at night. If it's cold-ish it's a no brainer - i'm bringing the Nalgene bottle..

[@camero220]

I am so happy that REI lets you all be yourselves. That's the key to all of this and bigger name brands just never seem to get that. Let good people show that they're good people. Thanks for the info! Sticking with my reservoir for my hot and strenuous hike of the Black Forrest Loop this summer.

[@CarleePadotMcClurg]

That Gregory reservoir sounds pretty amazing! Since I normally use my hydration vest for runs/ long hikes, I haven't had to buy a separate one for backpacking, but if I ever need to, I'd definitely check something like this out!

[@scotterickson6393]

Have you ever carried a “smart water” bottle or an even more basic (less plastic) bottle? Give it try. Way lighter and they basically last forever too (can we at least agree they are definitely reuseable and potentially lower impact than nalgene if you do re-use it?). Also, they cost like .79. My usual carry is a befree filter with the supplied 1l bottle for dirty water filtered into a really cheap plastic water bottle.

[@msspi764]

The Nalgene has been my go to, with some adaptations. The Camelback bite valve lid and the Chute lid both work on a Nalgene bottle. This deals with the weakness of Nalgenes, they are hard to drink out of, even with the insert. The Nalgene bottles are better to me than the Camelback so the hybrid works for me.

[@jtrourke667]

Love your videos. I used to do both until I came across a Nalgene drink tube conversion kit from Source Tactical Gear. I also use the Humangear capCap on my remaining bottles, so I don't have to open the entire Nalgene to drink when not using the conversion tube.

[@ThexImperfectionist]

I'm 100% Team Reservoir, but then I'm also a 3-season day hiker. As you said, there's probably a place for both depending on your needs. To address some of the points you brought up, Osprey makes a cover for the mouthpiece that keeps it out of the dirt for about $6. I don't know whether it would work on a Gregory system but it might. Another plus you didn't mention is that freezing the reservoir or filling it with ice water feels so nice on your back if you're hiking in hot weather. And as you said, I find that I drink more if I can sip as I go rather than waiting for a break. Happy hiking!

[@sng2225]

Thanks I thought it was going to be a boring water container review but out of nowhere comes a question about dating an outdoor brand. Where else can we get that important info. This channel is always making me smile and laugh.

[@gnmatsu]

LOL!!!!!!!!!! I will never hear "water bottle" the same again. THANKS! Another great, fun video. On my bikepacking, I carry both. Through out the day while I am riding, I drink "sip" out of my reservoir. And the at camp, I cook using water out of the nalgene. Great info as always!

[@ropersix]

I use both for backpacking. I like a 3L reservoir for when I make camp. One of the first things I do is fill it up, sterilize the water, and that 3L plus 1L in the Nalgene will get me through 'til morning. And I use liquid sterilization drops, to get those 4L all done all at once. One and done. I can't stand sitting around squeezing those filter things. I also have the Nalgene in my tent at night, to stay hydrated. Then, on the trail, I use the Nalgene, refilling as needed, and sterilizing with a Steripen if I'm feeling lucky (they don't always work), or drops. But I almost always backpack in the mountains where water is plentiful. And if it's not, I'll carry extra water in the reservoir. Basically, everyone has to try things out, to see what works for their needs.

[@feroxlilium7306]

I’m glad that smartwater bottles seem to work for so many people, but I do still worry about plastic waste in the long run. Even if you use your smart water bottle for weeks, it’s going to end up being tossed in the trash or recycling eventually. And while the bottles themselves are technically able to be recycled, less than 30% of plastic water bottles actually are. And even when they are, they’re usually not recycled into new bottles, but single use, disposable plastic items. While keeping your pack relatively light is important , I personally do not feel like it’s worth the few ounces you do save. While it’s not possible to be completely eco friendly on trail, I do think it’s important to do our part to be conscious consumers and invest in items that will last for years or decades. I have a diy French press that my dad made out of half of a Nalgene bottle that still works like a charm almost 30 years later.

[@popenieafantome9527]

How he make it? I tried something similar with a metal water bottle we had laying around (i was worried about the plastic ones melting/deforming). The lid is one of those coffee lids types and seals through friction with rubber gasket. My “french press” consists of that metal water bottle with a very thin see through cloth filter at top locked into place with the lid. Let the coffee brew a couple of minutes, then just pour out into my mug. Last time i tried it, it was a fine grounded coffee grounds which is probably the incorrect ground size for this set up, but even then, like 99% of the coffee beans were filtered out. Only very fine grounds were left in the end result which didn’t really matter as it settle towards the bottom. Easy set up to clean afterwords.

[@TasJess]

I use both but most often a reservoir. The best thing about my reservoir is that my daypack tends to live in my bedroom near my bed and if I want to have a drink during the night I don't have to sit up. It's Awesome. Also very good when you are sick and need to stay hydrated.

[@ohhsnapitsharley]

Gregory has a little cover you can get for the mouthpiece so it doesn’t get dirty when not in use, definitely recommend!

[@anana3322]

Loved the video. Very informative without preferring one over the other.

[@jadebrook7141]

I use Nalgene for my daily drinking and River fillips but I’ll always be a reservoir girl for hikes/backpacking. I find the convenience of the straw ensures I drink more and stay hydrated

[@davidandmoose1499]

A few years back I found the best of both worlds. First is the Camelbak Hands-free adapter. Currently, discontinued but you can still find them on-line thru Esty and other places. It's a reservoir like hose that fits onto the now discontinued Camelbak EDDY bottle, not to be confused with the EDDY PLUS. Again, the EDDY bottle has been discontinued, but you should still be able to find them. The other product is again a reservoir like hose made by a company called Blue Desert out of Israel. It comes with two adapter caps, one fit a Smart Water size top the other fit a wide mouth Nalgene bottle. Either product allows you to store your water bottle in your water bottle pockets on your pack and run the hose over your shoulder.

[@unexpectedoutside]

I carry both to ensure im always drinking. However the nalgene being able to hold boiling water is great if you run out. Boiling water isthe most through watwr trestment in the woods.also nalgenes allow you to pour water over a burn or wash a wound. Thanks Miranda.

[@FoxMocks]

I'm in the mix of both category. I have a reservoir for my drinking water and than I have my bottle to use freeze dried foods as it is indeed super useful with the measurements of the bottle

[@yeswecanlaugh]

I do like both! The Gregory I have has the spout which helps with simplicity, I can simply fill up my Nalgene and wash my hands :)

[@fredhazelton7425]

Here's a great tip for storing a water reservoir - after drying but before putting it away, insert a few sheets of paper towel. Any small amounts of water still in the reservoir will be absorbed over time.

[@houstonharris1438]

Another fun video. I love watching your videos. I also have reservoirs AND wadder bawtles and use them for different adventures. I like the zip top/fold top reservoirs because they are easy to clean. I can get my hand all the way to the bottom. The down side is they can be a little more cumbersome to fill if you have to use one hand to for your water source and one hand for the reservoir. In that situation, I have a small piece of plastic pipe i stick in the top to keep it open while I fill. Thanks for all the fun videos.

[@Zen-sn3se]

I think she mentioned that smart water bottles aren't reusable because soft plastic (unlike a nalgene) can leach chemicals such as BPA into the drinking water...not because you can't actually fill it up and use again, which I'm sure she knows you can.

[@EATENG]

AFAIK, Smart Water bottles are BPA free.

[@DominiqueB]

What I understood Miranda saying is that they are _traditionally_ non reusable. They are sold as single-use bottles, to be trashed (often) or recycled (not often enough) - or cleverly re-used again and again by savvy hikers. (-:

[@alpineearth]

Another option to think about.... It is just as easy and convenient to drink out of a Salomon soft flask in a pouch on your chest and it even has a filter! Then smart water bottles and a CNOC bladder for long carries that also fits your filter is really the most convenient and the lightest weight option. If a Salomon flask breaks you don't get your gear soaked. If your bladder breaks...you may have wet gear because it's in your pack. In the winter a nalgene is nice because you can throw it in your sleeping bag to keep it from freezing.

[@maycatyuiop]

If its freezing outside just make sure to push the water back into the bladder. You can always still drink from the reservior if your hose freezes but it can be annoying

[@MariekaJackson]

My local backpacking spot has a LOT of tannins in the water. So much so that we call it Harriman tea (Yes, Miranda, that Harriman). It causes me to pee an uncomfortable amount at night. To avoid this I take my 3L reservoir and either my 32 or 48oz Nalgene. That way I have as much non-pee-inducing water for as long as possible. At camp the first night I pour the water from the Nalgene into the reservoir. I then use the Nalgene as a tent pee bottle OR (not "and", or) if the hike goes near my favorite spring then I use the Nalgene to fill up from the drizzle that comes out of the rock face and I have super fresh spring water to take home with me! One thing you left it is that water reservoirs have insulating sleeves for the bladder, tube, and mouth piece that can be purchased.

[@ChrisMaka]

I started with Nalgene but switched reservoirs several years ago. I recently picked up a couple of CNOC’s collapsible silicon bottles and I’m going to try those on my hikes this year to see if I want to switch back. I’m considering going back to bottles because I’m lazy and hate having to take the time to clean out the reservoirs instead of chucking a bottle in the dishwasher. 😅

[@helpfulcommenter]

Shhhh you’re not allowed to mention superior pieces of gear and systems that REI doesn’t carry lol

[@LiveFreeandHike]

Great video! I was just thinking about the difference between nalgene and res while I was hiking the other day. VID REQUEST :) Safety and security while hiking/backpacking. Specifically, what are some tips/tricks/habits to get into to ensure your outdoor adventure is safe (i.e. how much first aid to bring, what items in a first aid, etc.) and secure (i.e. do you leave your gear unattended? For how long? Where do you put your ID/money etc? What determines the kind of bear spray to buy/bring/rent. Thanks!

[@katebender4745]

I have the Gregory bladder too and I like it for day hikes where I don't need to worry about refilling it. For backpacking I use 2 nalgene bottles and 1 smart water bottle with the filter on my shoulder strap. I totally agree that there are uses for both which is why i have both too!

[@panhandlejake6200]

You can get drinking tubes that attach to smart water bottles (smaller threaded bottle opening). The bottle is kept on the outside of the pack for easy refill and you can see how much water you are drinking. The hose is easy to flush. The tube I have has a cover over the drinking spout to help keep it clean - so long as you do clean it periodically. BTW - a Pro for Nalgenes is that they are nearly indestructible and I have heard that they will replace a broken bottle for free (not verified).

[@mikehotshots7607]

I never consciously gave a lot of thought to it until now, but I've realized I carry a bottle in colder weather and a bladder in hot weather.

[@iridiumscribe4915]

I tend to like a water bottle more myself over a reservoir since it's just more simple for me to fill and clean for everyday purposes I use it for. I've tried some of the popular brands like HydroFlask, Cotopaxi, Thermoflask, and Yeti and all of them have their pros and cons of course, but out of them I do like the Yeti the most. I keep hearing about Nalgene and I decided to grab one today and it's rather different but so far I'm impressed with the quality over the stainless steel rivals. Excited to try this out!

[@nessiehikes]

you don’t need either! every couple days I just cup my hands and sip on some muddy water. I’ve had giardiasis 9 times, and I’m infested with more cryptosporidium than a cow pond. All worth it to save 1.5 ounces #ultralight

[@legoanimastudio]

I use a Nalgene tube conversion kit. It's great for backpacking bc it's easier to fill a bottle over my Reservoir. However for day hikes when I know I will need a lot of water I tend to use a reservoir till it's empty then fill the bottle w/ tube at a source and finish with that if need be.

[@harrycarter3781]

I am a firm believer in carrying metal water bottles because in a pinch you can book water or even cook in them. That's not an option with a reservoir or nalgene

[@siradzki5905]

Out of curiosity, where do you book water?

[@holly3706]

Love the Nalgene Ultralight bottles…I have only used them in walks so far but am going to trail test them soon, feeling optimistic.

[@lciummo1]

3.5oz for a Nalgene Ultralight 32oz bottle is pretty good. A regular Nalgene is around 6-7oz.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

.. Empty 32 oz Nalgene is 4.0 oz. .... filled 1 qt./32oz.=36oz.wt ......filled to top of container (minus thread) +4oz =36 oz. ..... 41.5 oz wt. ... standard 30 yr old Nalgene ... opaque with blue caps ...... I have two dozen of these ,, also use as ice replacement in coolers and in boat drink compartment ...freeze 3/4 full ,,bottles swell ,but after thawing have extra drinking water ..... don't know what the difference is to the newer models ,much harder ,clear bottles but these have performed well for many years .....hot ,,cold and very impact resistant .. ..don't know if the newer models are as durable for impacts ...

[@roselazarus666]

I’m still stuck in the two one-liter smart bottle camp. One is the ‘dirty bottle’ that always has a sawyer squeeze on it. The clean bottle had sharpie marks for the useful measurements. They slide in/out of the side pockets on my pack without taking the pack off. It’s all super convenient!

[@jasonschwartz7781]

You're not stuck, you're in the efficiency camp, imo. Nalgenes and bladders are for day hikers, cyclists and maybe weekend warriors. They're just not very practical for longer distance backpacking. For my money, bladders are harder to maintain with more points of failure (VERY bad on a long trip) and nalgenes are bulky and heavy, hard to access while hiking, hard to drink out of and are not filter-compatible. Smartwater bottles have none of those problems and are more than durable enough to last hundreds or thousands of miles. But this is a lifestyle channel as much as it is a backpacking channel, so it makes sense that most viewers will lean towards lifestyle gear, I suppose.

[@Henning_Rech]

One wide-mouth bottle is very nice for older guys like me: you do not have to leave tent at night. ;) - But beware not to use it as a water bottle!

[@caseybrewer8950]

I prefer Nalgenes so I know how much water I have had. I also like to put Nuuns or flavor packets in my water and you can not do that with reservoirs.

[@andymytys]

I can’t wait until REI starts selling long pockets that attach to shoulder straps, used to carry disposable water bottles and redistribute the weight out of the pack more evenly across the body. Then we can watch a video that includes the benefits of re-using that disposable water bottle.

[@siradzki5905]

I'm totally team reservoir. Love the idea of a big pool of water supply that I have, for drinking; cooking; cleaning etc. Plus it's lighter. And is great in terms of weight distribution. I do have an ultralight silicone 0,5l bottle with me though for occasional use.

[@katherinelangford981]

I do 750ml Nalgene and if im worried about having water I'll use my platypus water filter system. You can clean filter to a reservoir pack with tube so you can use it as a reservoir system and I'll fill it and the Nalgene up. I'll have lots of water. Otherwise just the Nalgene and filter into it with the platypus and leave the reservoire/clean bag at home. Save some space. Generally I'm sharing, filtering for 2 or more folk.

[@dylnfstr]

I normally use a hydro flask or my yeti cup when I’m at home. But at work I have to have a clear water bottle on the warehouse floor. Been looking at buying another nalgene just for it. Plus how much easier the cap is to take on and off I feel I’ll drink more water.

[@caveatemptor93]

I like to have some kind of water bottle for drink mixes. Even when I carry water bladders, I also bring a small bottle (which buys some insurance on that “oops, I drained my water bladder without noticing” thing in addition to holding drink mixes.)

[@kristeniszler]

I really like my gregory waterbladder, it's a lot easier to use while daypacking, I don't have to take my pack off to get my water bottle. While backpacking I'll bring both the waterbladder and Nalgene!

[@sacwgar]

You don't need to remove the bladder from your pack to refill it. Just us the quick connect with a gravity filter or pump. The Osprey quick connect kit has all the pieces you need.

[@nickname6747]

Store water bladders in the freezer to keep bacteria free - once cleaned. Thanks for uploading.

[@Trumkin42]

I use a katadyn reservoir for filtering, and a smart water bottle for drinking / mixing electrolytes

[@cjjimbob8886]

Good info! Nalgene's are bullet-proof. Drop it, no problem, even in very cold or very hot weather.

[@russelljackman1413]

You sure make me smile, Miranda! (Thank you!)

[@innawoodsman]

I carry both. The reservoir for drinking out of, and the nalgene for cooking water, as well as peace of mind.

[@CheeseOnEverything]

I prefer both but neither of those specifically lol. Cnoc for the bag cuz u can open it fully and clean it and the grayl as a second backup filter and bottle at the same time. Also carry a hydrapack collapsible as a third, in case I need more water cuz the cnoc is only 2L.

[@richardsantos6304]

I usually don't bother getting into the disposable water bottle debate. Use whatever you want. Going light is a good thing. My complaint is the recycling myth. Only a fraction of the bottles are ever recycled.

[@theoriginalLP]

I don't like stopping to drink water so I prefer bladders. I do see benefits of bottles so I would definitely bring a bottle to multi day hikes in addition to a bladder. Otherwise I bring bottles so I have additional water on hot days. In winter, only bladder unless it's below freezing.

[@888johnmac]

i use both .. reservoir filled with filtered water for drinking while on trail & nalgenes in my pack for use when at camp .. works for me

[@elliefraser4521]

You can put reservoirs in the freezer (to store), which is a lot easier than drying them especially if it’s a flimsy one! Stops mould etc

[@heidident3759]

G’day Miranda! Can you do a video of how to set up and pack down your hiking tent in the rain? That would be fabulous! Cheers mate!

[@PrimevilKneivel]

I liked using bladders, but I mostly canoe trip and Nalgenes work better. It's nice to have a bladder during a portage, but other than that their advantages are less helpful. Travelling on the water means you don't need to carry very much with you.

[@zachredline]

My opinion from doing long ruck marches (10 mi, 65+lbs ruck) I think that the nalgene is the way to go. (Tip for nalgene, clip them to the front of your shoulder straps. Offsets some of the weight on your back.) Added con for reservoir. You only have it when you have your pack, and if you have a separate carrier for your reservoir, they are difficult to strap without floping around. And PRICE. also Nalgene can hold warm/hot liquids and measure for cooking.

[@Knubinator]

I used to be team bladder because it'd be the more convenient option. But the more I look at my gear lists, the more I preferred taking two 1.5L smartwater bottles, one clean and one dirty. This year I'm going to move to two 1.5L nalgenes and a 2L squeeze bottle for the dirty water, and have an extra 2L capacity for when the trail is drier than expected. Got caught last summer, and that will never happen again.

[@aim54x]

Definitely been going between the two for years. Just got a new resevoir recently, and took it out this weekend for a walk, definitely feeling those cons as it is drying out atm, and I definitely felt uncomfortable not knowing how much water I had left. On the positives, it was comfy and drinking on the go was great.

[@peterjones4180]

I ration water at 4 ltrs per man per day, in temperate weather, 3 ltrs for drinking and 1 ltr for washing/cooking, i have never had a problem estimating how much was left in the 3 ltr bladder by flow rate and pressure you just get a feel for it. In hot weather 38 Deg C + i ration water at 1 ltr per hour for drinking.

[@megweb362]

I hadn't planned on buying MORE gear this year... But, you talked me into it XD The DETACHABLE HOSE!!! Frickin. SOLD. And I'd totally date Gregory gear or Columbia, lol!

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

See I love them both I have a osprey 1.5 l and I have a cap that goes over my mouthpiece too to keep dirt off of it I usually use it for day hiking now if I'm backpack hiking camping I carry a nalgene water bottle and a reservoir reason for the water bottle I like to use it for cooking and if I'm just day hiking in the backcountry say the Red River gorge for instance I'd use a reservoir and carry a water filter just because the hose on your strap is just so convenient and easy plus it looks cool idk lol

[@jamieism]

I prefer water bottles because I can drink water a lot faster / in gulps and I find that more satisfying. Also, I usually only use the steel double-insulated ones so I can put ice in the water and it stays cold, thereby cooling my body off when I drink. I overheat quickly. But I also only go on day hikes.

[@gavinthecrafter]

Nalgenes are like the Nokia 3310s of backpacking. Kinda bulky but super durable

[@snowcrash512]

Bottle for clean water and soft flask/filter combo for me. I have a three liter soft bottle so I can gather as much water as I need to, filter into the bottle, and carry as much or little dirty water in the soft bottle. I tried to do a reservoir but not being able to really keep track of my water without pulling it out and the fact that it would get soooo grossly hot sitting against my back was just no good for me.

[@Allofthemonkeys]

I like both on a long trek, its also easier to mix drink mixes in the water bottle and keep the bladder clean.

[@kaysit2485]

I use go with a combination of both. That was until one trip where my 3L nalgene reservoir developed a leak. I didn't notice until it was nearly empty. I was miles away from the nearest water source, and ended up running out of water. While I wasn't near death, the dehydration was rather unpleasant and something I'd prefer to avoid in the future. For that reason, if water is scarce, I will only take hard bottles. To me, the volume and weight savings of a reservoir or even a reused smart water bottle aren't worth the risk of leaks or damage. If you're going to use a reservoir, I'd recommend using several smaller bottles in place of one large one.

[@peterjones4180]

Thats one of the reasons i carry two days water ration, 2 x 1 pint plastic issue canteens , 1 x 3 ltr source bladder inside the bladder sleeve in my pack , and two 2 ltr issue canteen bladders or 2 x 2 ltr South African canteens. Mind you i have never has a Source bladder fail.

[@anotheryoutuber_]

bottles for drinking and platy bags with caps for storing. hot bottles and the ability to track your remaining water are to big pros to bottles and soft storage like platypus bottles for more water that folds down when empty. definitely not team hose, there are some pros but i do think they are very strong given there downsides or outright failures.

[@lostonpurpose3734]

Trade the nalgene for a stainless steel or titanium water bottle, if your filter goes out or in an emergency you can boil water directly in the bottle. I always carry one 32 oz titanium water bottle and hydration bladder.

[@MikeWood]

Nalgene or Klean Kanteen wide mouth when it is below zero. You learn that the hard way when the tube freezes and you can have the entire reservoir full of water and no access. I love reservoirs at all other times - and a cup with measurements for cooking. While that Gregory has all the bells and whistles, the Hydrapak Force that you can literally turn inside out for cleaning and drying is my go to.

[@brianracer6868]

Smartwater bottle, marked with common measurements, with a flip cap is ftw.

[@adammobley5011]

It does not have to be either/or. I usually carry both. To account for the extra weight, I will split the amount of water I want to carry between them. So if I want to carry 3 liters, I will carry two in the reservoir and one in the bottle.

[@jackschwartz3386]

I take both, but often don't fill the bottle at the start of the hike.

[@jdeveau6718]

I typically use stainless steel 1L bottles. That way, in a pinch, I can boil any water I collect.

[@phillipp1399]

Please note that “smart water” and other PET water bottles are in fact reusable, just like a Nalgene. Especially the thicker ones. As always, an entertaining and informative video. Now say water bottle 5 times fast.

[@DominiqueB]

What I understood Miranda saying is that they are _traditionally_ non reusable. They are sold as single-use bottles, to be trashed (often) or recycled (not often enough) - or cleverly re-used again and again by savvy hikers. (-:

[@Miklooo774]

My brother just passed out from dehydration on a 10 mile hike in Yosemite 😭 Thankfully we were around other people who had electrolyte packs 🙏 Stay Hydrated people

[@narrator___]

“…non reusable water bottles like Smart Water bottles…” every thru hiker ever: * crickets * * glances at their smart water bottles they’ve been reusing for 1000+ miles *

[@helpfulcommenter]

This. Also no mention to their audience that Sawyer, Platypus, etc filters are literally threaded to fit onto these bottles. When we’re done with our smart bottles they go into the recycling and become new gear too. Also not mentioned.

[@ThexImperfectionist]

I assumed she just meant that some reasons she prefers a Nalgene over a reservoir wouldn't necessarily apply to a smart bottle, like being able to pour boiling water into it to use as a heating pad.

[@DominiqueB]

What I understood Miranda saying is that they are _traditionally_ non reusable. They are sold as single-use bottles, to be trashed (often) or recycled (not often enough) - or cleverly re-used again and again by savvy hikers. (-:

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@DominiqueB Just FYI Nalgene bottles are #7 and can't be recycled. A cracked Nalgene ends up in the landfill.

[@DominiqueB]

@@helpfulcommenter I'm not singing the praise of one system over another, just noting a point of terminology. The "non reusable" or "single use" term commonly thrown around by 99% of the consumers in the English-speaking world and by the soda and bottle manufacturing industry has been taken to task in a few comments here. I got 41 millions hits when i entered "single use bottle" in my search engine, all the top ones referring to those &*^%$%# "throw-away" plastic bottles. I'm obviously not Miranda, but i'm feeling confident that she only used the term that way, as it is commonly referred to, not implying in any way that _she_ thought it was non reusable. This side-thread has little to do with the topic of the video, but it's always interesting how it's hard to communicate even over the most simple terms. (BTW, and as far as i know, #7 can be recycled in _some_ facilities, but it's a huge PITA, so indeed, it usually ends up being trashed. )

[@mikekuhl2658]

I prefer to use my 100 ounce Camelbak. It is insulated so I can put ice in it and it will stay cold all day. I also carry a empty polycarbonate water bottle just in case the bladder gets a leak(it has never happened yet). I can also use the water bottle for measuring water if I am backpacking.

[@dontwanttousemyrealnametol6765]

I prefer a vacuum flask (the metallic kind, without glass). For my next hike I think I'll 3d print a better cap/cup and maybe attach something like a handle to stop it from rolling downhill, rather than a plain cylindrical shape.

[@seattlegrrlie]

Yeah, I'd totally date Outdoor Research. Practical, rugged, adventurous with a great sense of humor

[@Jasmine-zi2qh]

The other major pro of reservoirs is weight distribution - as water is likely the heaviest/densest thing on your pack (especially on long hikes), where it is on your pack can drastically affect your posture and comfort on the hike. Typically the best place for your heaviest gear is the center of your pack, and close to your back - exactly where a reservoir goes. Traditional water bottles in cup holsters along the outer edges of your pack concentrates a whole lot of weight at the bottom of your rig.

[@jameshiggins-thomas9617]

I've switched to Smartwater bottles and have added a tube, so sort of between the bottle/reservoir extremes. I've reused them without issue for quite a while. I do sometimes carry a bladder of some form if I think there's a risk of needing to carry more than a liter or two at a time. I do like that Gregory option though .. might not have switched if it's had that one ... Though it was a leaking bladder that decided the switch at the time ... water dripping from the backpack is not pleasant!

[@brianbell2176]

I was all about reservoirs until leaked down my back a mile into a hike maybe after 6 uses. Avoided for a year before deciding to get another. Cheaper brand this time around, but it did last just over a year before leaking as well. I love their convenience until they become highly inconvenient. I think bottles will be my choice for a while. However, this Gregory has my interest now.

[@johnhikesss]

♥️ using the sit pad!

[@patrickteran387]

Great video... now I know. Thanks!

[@averagecamper4265]

Sorry best water container is hands down a single wall titanium or stainless steel water bottle. Can boil water inside them which is the best way to sterilize water (kill bacteria and virus). Ps dont close the lid on any container that has boiling or near boiling water might burst open.

[@darkhunter2216]

I think it would be better to have both if have room for them depends on what you doing trip wise but The reservoir is good for when you need to continue walking can’t keep stopping for drink but tend to get thirsty a lot and A water bottle is good for cooking purposes in my experience because it’s easier to get water out of it for cooking or making a hot drink and if A friend needs a drink you can offer it to them without any awkwardness that u might have with reservoir tube I’m planning on getting a reservoir cause it would make it easier for when I’m doing hiking or doing Mountains

[@stevejorde]

I find using rinse free sanitizer works well for bladders. I use the same type that home brewers use to clean their fermenters

[@emilybauer3663]

thanks for this video!!! I currently use a water bottle but I also have a reservoir!