Why I DON'T Use a Water Bladder Anymore!

Find out what Tayson uses instead! He is DONE with Camelbacks, platypus systems, or anything with piping that comes over the shoulder!
Staying hydrated on the trail is a big deal. It's not something you want to get wrong. In this video Tayson explains the issues with water bladders, and what to use instead!
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[@MrsBee-uo2lc]

In my humble opinion the only thing you forgot to mention is how much of a pain in the butt water bladders are to clean and properly dry out and all that... 😂👍

[@TaysonWhittaker]

They definitely are a hassle to clean!

[@hyrumtaft5760]

That's what I was going to say...

[@richardlocke3375]

Good ones aren’t bad. Current gen camelback bladders won’t mildew for weeks rinse and hang dry. Just store on the hanger. Platypus and osprey are ok most other brands are horrible for taste retention and mildew. I backpack with kids so I’m the water mule regularly carrying 2 to 3 gal.

[@RyanSchell]

I switched because it took up too much Space in my pack...along with these other reasons mentioned.

[@johngalt6929]

Bladders and tubing are sanitation issues due to the hassle of properly cleaning them.

[@mlk08012]

I use both. The bladder while I’m in motion, and the bottles when I’m on break. I also use the bladder for cooking water.

[@realplatinum]

I use both. I never put anything but clean water in my bladders. I use bottles for collecting, purifying, adding mixes, and storing extra water to fill my bladders

[@Crosshairs4]

Very relevant point you cover here. I think the reason I don’t use bladders anymore is because of the cleaning process. With a plastic bottle they are so widely available that if you don’t like it you can just purchase another one from virtually any shop. If you have bacteria in a bladder or the tubing especially when travelling it’s difficult to clean. The simplicity os the plastic bottle is terrific.

[@menkros1]

Just freeze the bladder overnight duh

[@team_alt_und_blind]

I actually use both. Love the bladders for drinking comfort while hiking. I use pure water only in the bladders. I think with a good bladder, the cleaning is a no brainer, such as with a SOURCE bladder, which fully opens for cleaning. So the bladders make my water reservoir on the hike, while the bottle is used when cooking or for convience in the shelter.

[@michaelfeliciano5731]

And for a dose of electrolyte drink which we should be balancing out with regular water. I agree with your approach and that is mine also.

[@huds5005]

All good points. For me I keep hydrated better with a bladder system. I drink more consistently throughout the day. One main reason for me is I spent 25 years in the Naval Service, been to every corner of this Watery Globe and the amount of plastic pollution in the ocean is sad. I'm not perfect, who is but I try not support whenever possible things that come in plastic bottles or other single use plastic. Just food for thought

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Everybody is different and it can vary from trip to trip!

[@AnonymousOtters]

I think all of these points are valid, particularly with hiking. One additional point is that hoses freeze up become problematic in the cold. Counterpoint, I find water bladders or at least small collapsible flasks essential for fast moving activities like climbing, biking, and skiing where the large bottles are a pain to access and slow down there activity a lot.

[@carlholland3819]

hoses dont freeze if you insulate your pack and hose. bladders are best because they give access to liters of water and its easier to stay hydrated

[@progradepainting3755]

@@carlholland3819 I agree. If it’s really that cold, I usually start the day with warm water in it too when I boil it in the morning. As a hunter I don’t have time to be dickin around in my pack for water bottles every 20 minutes.

[@happysanchezjr.9162]

Oh fuck

[@JoeTreyAdventureHermitPersonal]

On my Motorcycle, I love the bladder because I won't stop often enough to drink. When Hiking I agree with everything you've listed here. I too add mixes to my water and definitely do not like adding them to my bladder. I haven't had a lot of luck with water bottle clips breaking - I am pretty rough on them. Instead, I clip it to my pack with a Wild Wolf Outfitters Bottle Carrier. It also has a strap and a small pocket when I day hikes without my pack. It's inexpensive, adjustable, tough, and comes in different sizes. I highly recommend checking them out. When I want to lose weight - I use just the padded strap and loop it through my W&R water spout. I love this lid because it has a handle, and you can access water to sip or fully open to get a bigger swig.

[@creaturesofqueens]

1. Weight? The weight of a water pladder? Said no soldier who ever rucksack marched ever! (Don’t you carry 10+ pounds of camera equipment?) 2. Sounds like you’re not managing your hydration properly if you don’t know how much water is in the bladder. There’s a formula to use based on average gulp per person x total gulps an hour. You’ll now how much you drink per hour. Keep to it & you’ll always know how much water you have left. 3. Where are you filtering water? The Ganges? 4. Carrying both a hydration bladder & bottles allows you to do both. 5. You can also keep your hydration bladder cleaner and use the bottles for your other drinks. I hike like it’s a military operation and think very differently about many of your viewpoints. Thanks for sharing. What works for one may not work for all. To each their own. Keep on ruckin’!

[@jeffstone28]

Good discussion. There is one kind of water bladder I do use while backpacking and one kind I don't. I do use a CNOC bladder for gathering water at a source. Most people use the 2 liter version but I got the 3 liter which weighs just a little bit more and allows me to scoop up a ton of water when I reach or approach my campsite and have plenty for that night and to begin the next day. I can then filter the water at my leisure. I like the CNOC because it's soft and flexible and rolls up easily when empty. I've had mine for a couple of years and no problem with any leaks. The kind of bladder I don't use while backpacking is my Osprey bladder that fits in the pack and has a tube to drink from. I agree with you that it's impossible to know how much water you have left when the bladder is inside the pack. But just as important to me is that I stuff and roll down my backpack pretty tightly and I'm afraid of putting lots of pressure on the bladder inside when it's full of water. Why increase the risk of a leak that way? I do use my Osprey bladder in my daypack during the summer sometimes, when I don't have the pack tightly stuffed.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Great input!

[@johnfahey4842]

I live at 7,000 feet. I went to bottles for the same reasons, I do like adding flavor to some of the bottles. I will also freeze an inch or two of water in the bottom of my bottles so I have cold water during summer hikes.

[@Lucario9d]

I agree, but it’s not entirely true that drinking more water is bad. It should be a no brainer, but more water has more benefits than less water. Notice I’m not saying excess water, but no backpacker should limit their water intake. Understanding when you’re thirsty and looking at how much you’re drinking each day is what’s important.

[@jwcurry83]

I really like the CNOC bags and a simple Sawyer Squeeze. That combined with a couple of smart water bottles has never failed me. As much as I love a bladder for things like mountain biking, I much prefer bottles on the trail for many of the reasons you described. Great guide yet again!

[@mikesmountainadventuresGroup]

I agree 100% with all of these. I use only Smart water bottles for all the same reasons. I think all of the users of the bladder that carry a bottle too are very smart, because if your bladder springs a leak, you don't want to be caught without a backup plan. There are also Neoslings out there for keeping a water bottle handy for the quick sips often. The sling made completely of neoprene is light weight and comfortable to carry while backpacking. There is no heavy strap digging into you and you don't even notice your carrying it, until you need to take a drink. I like using them also because you have a third water bottle pocket and don't have to worry about it breaking.

[@edwardkenny2356]

My preference was a bladder. What I found out, though, was that I ended up hating sucking water rather than taking a good gulp. Don't know why, but to me it made a big difference. It's a personal choice, that was mine.

[@kentuckyburbon1777]

Same here

[@swnorcraft7971]

Hydration bladders are a pain to keep clean. The hose, bladder, bite valve etc. A water bottle is much simpler to maintain. Smart water bottles are durable, cheap and easy. I went away from bladders so long ago that I had forgotten about how hard it is to monitor water supply. Thanks for sharing.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for watching and for your feedback! Using a bottle really is the way to go!

[@keithclimate]

I decided after a recent 3 day trek to ditch the bladder primarily because it's so inconvenient to fill up. to fill it, you have to take everything out of your bag.

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

I still you a 3 liter water...and love it...you don't have to Carrie 3 liters but you have the space to if you need to...a water bladder to me is so convenient... Contemporary water bladders are easy to clean... And you can dry them out in a very short amount of time... The convenience to me, make up a couple of extra ounces of weight... It takes me about two seconds check my level in my water bladder.

[@gwmtnbiker]

Another reason... Mid-day re-filling...its a ROYAL PAIN to get it back into a backpack of the pack is full of gear....

[@TaysonWhittaker]

True!

[@dreimann]

I always have my tent's groundsheet handy for pulling things out of my pack and putting them back in, without getting it all dirty.

[@James-ye7rp]

I do a lot of car camping, so not too far away from certain luxuries. For very hot days I like my bladder to put tons of ice in and stay internally cool while on trails. Also, lots of little sips is very satisfying.

[@curtbrown7967]

Helpful. I also just enjoy taking a sip from a water bottle. Short breaks are a good thing. Thank you.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for watching!

[@FunkYoLifeUp]

Thanks for the video first off. I’m a lightweight, semi ultralight canoe tripper. I love watching ultralight backpacking content to shed ounces where I didn’t know I could. I use a dry bag backpack so a bladder was never a thought. But! I’m loving the befree system, it fits in my life jacket pocket so I can drink as I go on the lakes and make sure I’m hydrated before a portage. But I never carry water on a portage, I can’t justify the weight. I can drink before it and after so it’s never been an issue. At camp I filter it into my nalgene giving me 1.5 litres of drinking and cooking water for the evening. Sometimes I walk to the shore and top up my bottle. Aaaalll that said I’m getting into hiking when I can’t canoe trip so I’ll be getting into your content more now that I’ve just found you on KZbin. Cheers 👍👍

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@tracysibole]

Something that I think wasn't mentioned was taste. Water bladders always have a plasticky taste, which I don't get as much with bottles. I prefer bottles because of that. However, for my kids (elementary aged) I prefer bladders. My younger one can't reach her bottles properly in the side pockets, and they all struggle to put them back in the pocket. It always seems like a big deal when we have to all stop to get water. This isn't an issue with the bladders and we can just keep hiking and I can remind everyone to get water and no one has to stop. So an adult might get a choice, but for kids I think bladders are much preferred. I also have them carry a bottle, though, so they can add a flavor mix to their water if they want.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for the tips! Great to hear you are enjoying the outdoors with your family.

[@darrenasay2036]

I took a bladder (3 litters) on a 6-day backpacking trip in the Sierra's and I was constantly running low or running out without even knowing it. Great video Tayson. I'm converted man.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for watching! Staying hydrated isn't something you want to mess with!

[@panhandlejake6200]

I use a Smartwater bottle with a drink tube that can be attached to it (available from Amazon). I keep the bottle in my right side pocket then regularly sip from the hose while hiking. I can easily check water level and refill when needed without having to dig into my pack. I can also add electrolytes. The hose is a little bit of a pain to clean, but not as bad as a bladder. Very little weight penalty. The only real positive that I can think of for a bladder is that a bladder buried in a pack tended to keep water retrieved from a cold source cooler longer.

[@cthehuston2486]

I stopped using a water bladder a while back. I keep two bottles on my pack and fill either/ both as needed. I also keep a small bottle on an aqua clip, so I can add flavoring/ caffeine/ electrolytes etc.

[@davyhaynes6716]

4. They leak in your pack (not if, just when). 5. The tubes freeze in cold weather. 6. Refilling the bladder during the day means halfway unpacking your pack.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Good point!

[@davyhaynes6716]

@@TaysonWhittaker awesome beard BTW.

[@sexwax4191]

To 4: I had a source water bladder for 6 years now. Never leaked. And I used it in harsh conditions (military, glacier). To 5: Source systems come with isolation for the tubes, which delay freezing. But if you are at really low temperatures, just blow into your mouthpice so you only have air in the tube. To 6: Source has a refilling adapter, which you can exchange for the mouth piece. You can use bottles and water taps to refill the bag without unpacking it.

[@progradepainting3755]

@@sexwax4191 these are people that haven’t pack enough to know all the tricks. If it’s really that cold, I’ll usually start the day by boiling my water and adding to my bladder warm to delay freezing as well.

[@micwell2247]

Bottle is much easier like you said to access and regulate during the coarse of a day... as well as a refill item out in the open in rain.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Great point!

[@Scorpionwitch]

I use water bottles and if I need to carry an extra supply then I'll drop a collapsible water flask like a platypus in the hydration sleeve of my pack for refills. I do a lot of desert hiking in southern AZ so whatever water you have is what's on you. Also, as others have mentioned, I just like being able to take a good satisfying swig off a bottle rather than drinking thru a hose.

[@Col_Sanders]

Exactly how I backpack. I always pick a 1L water bottle on the way out, and then I used my Katadyn Hiker pro to refill. My next trip is along a river. So I'm only going to use my Grayl press filter bottle.

[@blank7643]

I use a Hydrapak Flux with Katadyn Befree fliter with a bite valve attachment. I mount it to my shoulder strap using a small amount of Lash-it which runs under the lip of the cap and a small amount of bungie cord to secure the lower half around my strap. This lets me use it like a bladder. But I can fill it quickly at any water crossing without taking my pack off. I am always able to see how much water I have and have easy access to it.

[@delphinelesterlost3285]

I'm thinking about getting a bladder because I need to carry more water. It's hot in Australia and there aren't many water sources... I'll see how I go with it

[@danielsingh9415]

there are bladders with the 42mm BeFree opening, like CNOC, so u could grab 2-3L of dirty water and filter it later, on the go

[@easypeezie4494]

I use a smartwater bottle for all seasons with the exception of summer. I still use a bladder in the summer got just the reason you mentioned. I tend to hydrate more regularly when I use it. I’ve gotten in trouble before when my electrolytes and sodium crashed in the woods. I was barely able to hike out. It was terrifying! I carry electrolyte and sodium containing drink mixes now.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Finalsuspect1468]

I do most of my hiking right now in places with almost no accessible water, so my pack weight will be 25% water sometimes.

[@robertllawrencejr5503]

I like seeing your videos on ultralight backpacking. I am trying to work it in with caring my camera gear as well. That includes 150-600 lens that is 7 lbs by itself

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Camera gear definitely adds some weight. We take camera gear on our trips to film these videos. However, one good option is to use your phone! Lots of newer phones have phenomenal cameras built into them, and you can save a lot of weight that way! Or our Sony a6300 is fairly small, and produces high quality footage.

[@user-nd9re8vr6l]

i always carry a 3 litter bladder and i love it, is super important to me to have sufficient water, idk how many opportunities i will have to fill up on water so 3 litters serve me well.

[@edrader]

a 3-liter bladder is good for all day and then some except on very hot days

[@kimlucas836]

Great Video. Just getting into backpacking and loving it. Saving up for a few of your products. Your next product should be a hiking water filter system that filters out metals. I would love that!

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for your support and feedback! Great idea!

[@4-SeasonNature]

I've been using Source Water Bottle Adapter Convertube with a smart water bottle for the past several years for the same reasons that you listed. I'd add that I use the smart water bottle for clean filtered water only in order to keep the water tube clean. I also use a Gaterade bottle for extra water and for mixing electrolytes in.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Great tip!

[@88CaseyC]

I use both, my issue has been using using bottles and having easy access, and which case like most things, if I can’t get to it, I am not going to use it. But like most people have said here only clean water goes in that bladder. I do bring a bottle for drink mixes and I use an ultralight Nalgene wide mouth for this, I hate filtering water and trying to get it into the small bottle holes and if that means I spill some on myself while hiking then so be it. Just like the versatility of a Nalgene for other uses as well.

[@jacktorborg9862]

I’m torn between the two. The convenience of not having to take out a water bottle and drink it on the go is outstandingly nice, but when I tried the sawyer squeeze + smart water bottle a while ago the ability to just fill my water bottle up at streams and accurately know how much I had at all times was so great. But, the next time I went, and we were hiking in a bit of a hurry (went 17 miles in one day) I once again missed the convenience as I was constantly looking for spots to take a break to so my water bottle out of my side of my pack.

[@monicawilson896]

Good tips. Thank you for sharing

[@YurpBoyz]

You earned yourself a subscriber my friend great advice and a magnificent beard 👏🏼👏🏼

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks!

[@butterknifeninja96]

I personally like to use a bladder bag with a wide mouth I have to gather dirty water, and then filter it into a smart water bottle. I had an issue with getting dirty and clean bottles confused when only using bottles, and filling up a smart water bottle at a shallow stream is painfully slow. For storing and drinking, yeah I definately perfer smart water bottles with the sports/flip cap.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

You have a good point!

[@chesapeaketjam380]

My ultra-light adventures aren’t hiking but ultra distance paddle boarding. So, bladders (not necessarily camelbak style) are key. They are my storage. I do utilize a bottle to drink from and easier to monitor my water intake. Filtration is not an option as I’m in the salt.

[@JohnDoe-cd6ro]

How do you filter water now though?

[@uffa00001]

For those who like to be able to drink a little frequent sips, who hate bladders, and who want to see the level of water, I suggest buying an adapter for a plastic bottle. There are adapters which transform a bottle into a hydration system, they screw on the bottle. Instead of a bladder one has a bottle but the rest is identical. One can keep the bottle in a side pocket of the rucksack and have the pipe arriving near the mouth.

[@ironpig701]

Couple take aways i have. 1) carry 2 bottles at all times. Pure water in one. Mixes in other. This way if cooking I dont get a funky flavor from residue. And I have pure water to use. 2) On longer hikes like a thru hike if bladder breaks you are done. But with bottles I can buy another bottle. 3) Use a flip cap on bottle. Harder to lose and can use to flush Sawyer.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing!

[@rogerhuston8287]

Lastly, I like bladders when trying to keep cool. A large cool pack against your back is awesome. I learned that mtn biking.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

That is awesome!

[@CoasterTails]

I stopped using bladders when I started hiking with a dog. Bottles make it easier to give her water. I can reach the bottle on the bag but its easier for me to stop, take the bag off, give us both water, get in a short 5 min break, then continue on. We stop as often as we need as we tend to keep a pretty quick pace. This way when i get water she is always offered water too. Hiking with her also means I am carrying extra water too which is why I am working on going UL.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

I absolutely agree!

[@connorwmiddleton]

Likely would never happen, but if for some reason my bladder leaked, or exploded if I fell, a lot of my stuff is packed loose, like my sleeping bag at the bottom of my pack to increase packability and to use each little inch of space, so I avoid bladders for that reason as well.

[@TheRisskee]

I absolutely hate water bladders. I think it's a personal preference thing. But I've never used on while backpacking. I have back issues so, ultra light is the way I backpack. I want to keep my back good as long as I can so I can keep enjoying the outdoors. All that said, I also use large smart water bottles myself. BUT, I rotate them. Never use a disposable water bottle for more than a week or one backpacking trip. The reason for this is because the plastic used is literally impossible to get completely clean. Normal wear and tear creates little nics in the plastic where bacteria go to thrive. (yes, even on the inside of the bottle) We all know the fundamentals of what we need to survive but one of the biggest things people forget or just don't think about because we figure it's already enough of a given, is health. Of course, we're not going to be backpacking if we aren't healthy. That's a duh. But, there are still things we need to do when we're out in the back country to stay at maximum health. Rotating in new water bottles often is one of those things. Plus, it's not a hard thing to do anyway. Hope that helps someone out there. 🤷‍♀️😎🤙

[@proclaimliberty2000]

How did you filter the water and then transfer it into your bottle?

[@TaysonWhittaker]

outdoorvitals.com/collections/water-filtration/products/katadyn-befree-bottle-1-0l

[@K_Tech64]

I still use both, and they both have their strengths and weaknesses. I will say that I've never had a bottle split open in my pack, lol. On a side note, what's that hoodie you're wearing?

[@BosomBuddyCreations]

after days of not being washed and allowed to air dry between uses, plastic bottles and water bladders get bacteria build up. Which are you willing to toss and get another one? And can you get a replacement at any convenience store? Water bottles for me!

[@nedporkus8602]

Smart Water bottles are good. But I think Aquafina water bottles are even better. AF bottles are sturdy (it's the same bottle Coke uses for their carbonated beverages), but it weighs less than the SW bottle counterparts. An empty 1.5L AF bottle weighs about 1.65oz / 47g while an empty 1.5L SW bottle weighs about 1.90oz / 54g. Same goes for the 1L AF size, an empty 1L AF bottle comes in at 1.35oz / 38g, while a 1L SW bottle weighs 1.60oz / 45g. For about the same weight as a 1L SW bottle you can get a liter and a half capacity from a AF 1.5L bottle. So if you are going ultra lite and counting your ounces / grams, there is a modest but decent weight savings there, especially if you are hiking a dry section and need to carry multiple bottles of water. Also, unlike the SW bottles, the label on an AF bottle is easily removed to give you a clear and undistorted view of your water and whatever sediments, etc. might be suspended in it. If you are hauling unfiltered water this can be helpful in deciding if you need to pre-filter the water through a bandana before running it through your filter system. So in my opinion it's Aquafina bottles all the way!

[@nobodyisprfct]

That's a good idea of a water bottle type vest. I didn't know about cup and ahalf at a time. I don't like the taste that water bladders give. I don't like the cleaning and I don't like the cost to buy. I like using Crystal guiser they are easy to compress when finished drinking the water.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Great tip!

[@craigevanswastaken]

I made the change a couple years ago after being a die hard camel back user for many, many years. Love using an aqua clip as well. I am concerned about using a single use water bottle over extended times, so I hope to rotate out and recycle the used ones.

[@jeffcmo1957]

I feel like water bladders never quench my thirst. They are good for biking/longer day hikes/runs with a small water bladder pack.

[@Mutiny960]

Doesn't "Quench your thirst". Are you stupid? What do you do? Take 1mL sips then complain its not working? Your body doesn't care what storage device your water comes from as long as you get enough. My god these people.....

[@GruntProof]

Outstanding

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks!

[@Geethreeohm]

I like the bladder for cycling but it's a pain for getting in and out with a full Bergen . Long distance routes I use an osprey bladder and a couple of softie flasks that roll up as back up if I do run out of my bladder

[@rogerhuston8287]

I like bladders for day hiking or for when I have to carry a lot of water for a group. Too many bottles are a pain.

[@alinmas4238]

Bladders just work great for what I enjoy. I go on long distance hikes that often last about a week. To cover the distance, its so much easier to rehydrate while moving and not have to worry about taking out a bottle. Bladders also carry a lot more water for its weight compared to bottles, unless you're willing to spend a fortune on light plastic bottles. As for checking how much water is left, I dont find it a hassle to just take it out and see. A lot of the bladders out there are very poorly made, and thats why I think they get a bad name. The bad taste, the difficult cleaning, the worry about them leaking. You won't have to consider any of those factors if you get a good quality one. For example the source tactical 3L bladder is very well made for its price.

[@noonenowhere6920]

Mold can be a major problem with bladder systems. I'm always getting new bladders to replace a moldy old skanky camel bag.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

They can be a hassle to clean out!

[@RodneyClang]

I like a CNOC bag to quickly gather and even perhaps haul a dirty water store, filter it in to SmartWater bottle but keep that one clean so we can add the electrolytes and what not. Guess you could do that with 2 bottles but damn that CNOC can fill quickly and go.

[@carldrach]

Completely agree. Plus, it's not rigid and can conform to the space inside of your pack. But I do exactly what you state here.

[@lawrencecroeser6806]

I live in an area with many spines, Zululand therefore I would rather carry two 1 liter smart water bottles than a bladder.

[@OldPackMule]

If the bottle is dirty just throw it away and get another. A bladder needs strong chlorine chemicals and special brushes to clean.

[@benjaminbell6043]

i've been told i'm stupid (i'll be it rightfully so) i bring 5L. 3L in a bladder and two 1L bottles. Reason when i was little i ran out of water and had to take some of my camp counselors ever sense i told myself i'd never run out again and i'll bring enough for others. And wouldn't you know it the next year i was able to help a fellow camper and i've never ran out myself. And now least 6 years later i'm still doing the same thing.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks so much for sharing! We love hearing examples and experiences like these !

[@kevinharding1181]

Maybe someone has mentioned it already but I find that bladders tend to push into my backpack space making them much smaller. I'd rather the bladder/bottle be on the outside (I've noticed Osprey have done this with some packs). I still however prefer bottles.

[@Martin-oz6lr]

I ran a bag of sand through my filter and the rubbish thing stopped working. Well there's a surprise lol.

[@jorgneumann214]

I also have hard times cleaning the Camelbak 3 litre bladder that I loved to use. Still, the squeeze mouthpiece keeps the taste of plastic, regardless of the treatment I apply. No idea why. That being said, smart bottles are a nightmare to handle for me personally. I just cannot access them with ease from my Osprey Exos pockets, so I chose best of both worlds with a Source Convertube on smart bottles. Ridiculously easy to switch once empty, anytime instant sips without fiddling around with bottles. Still, the Camelbak squeeze mouthpiece tastes like plastic, but I gladly take this grain of salt. I just wonder why nobody uses a cut-off water bottle base for scooping anymore? Putting the dirty water bladder or bottle in the water source is so much more difficult than using the bottom part of a bottle that can scoop >.5 litres and can hold a smart bottle in the outside mesh pocket if not in use. Weights next to nothing and helps tremendously in accessing even the most narrow trickles. Learned this from Dan Becker once and have not seen it again ever since...

[@AmericanDrainWorks]

I am conflicted. Worried about my trek thru the dessert --- the whole water bladder thing - already had one get a hole in it and leak. When that happened, the contents in your pack got soaked and I ran out of water and when I got to a water source --- the bladder was useless. I considered the b-free system but there were reviews about leaks... so that was out...

[@TaysonWhittaker]

I have not had the b-free system leak on me, but we appreciate the feedback!

[@robbybankston4238]

Valid points but you can carry much more water with a Camelback. The typical bottle might carry 32 oz. I can easily carry 100 oz with the Camelback and it is very convenient for my purposes but there is no one size fits all when it comes to gear. Each mission/trip is a little different so choose accordingly based on your needs. Sometimes the bottle approach with the smaller capacity will probably meet your needs just fine. Other times you may need to the extra capacity. Do what works for you guys.

[@RichardKeysoftware]

Never really thought about it but the bladder in my pack has rarely been used and mostly for the reasons you mention, however Ive never considered not bringing it till now..

[@TaysonWhittaker]

We've really found water bottles to be a better choice on our Outdoor Vitals trips!

[@fluxcap4630]

A water bladder is 5oz, but the weight is held close to your back and not all on one side. It’s distributed it the best possible way

[@uffa00001]

I am interested in the idea that beyond a certain quantity of drink per time (beyon a certain "flow") the rest is pissed. Is there any resource to confirm that?

[@Drownedinblood]

Waterbladders are nice if you dont' have to use a filtration system and can refill at a clean water source and also if you're doing tuff like driving or riding a bicycle. I assume if you do climbing, a water bladder is also better than maybe fumbling your bottle and having it drop a hundred feet or so. Worst part about bladders is cleaning, especially if you have that thermal sleeve that ultimately doesnt' do what it's supposed to hiding potential filth and crap in the tube and valves. Replaceabilty is also better with water bottles, cuz you can literally just toss em and buy another smart water for like $1 at a drug store instead of throwing 15 to 30 bucks for a new bladder. Though I guess it can still be true if you spend for a nalgene. For me since I like creature comforts I'll bring an insulated water bottle. Heavy yes, but cold water is something I just enjoy too much.

[@Zawfee]

Personally i would use a bladder as your first to go large source of water. Or you could even just carry it as secondary to fill up from. But ill have at least two bottles no matter what depending on the hike.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

The nescience of cleaning them is why I stopped using them.

[@k1dicarus]

I use both on the bike. For me the bladder is more convenient. I only use water. Cleaning is managable.

[@titanpreparedness]

I made a very silmilar video with a lot of the same points. I caught a lot of flak from the bladder community

[@Carney556]

I quit using my water bladder a long time ago, cause I hate sucking water while I’m sucking wind! I prefer a canteen or a water bottle that is handy to get at and I can add things to my water

[@TaysonWhittaker]

That's a great point!

[@carvedwood1953]

I can't get away from a bladder. I have a water bottle for drinking and filtering, but I would need 3-4 water bottles to carry the amount of water I need to camp.

[@trevorbroad]

I bought a lightweight water carry bag for this purpose. 30g weight as opposed to 180g for the bladder.

[@carvedwood1953]

@@trevorbroad Interesting. water carry bag sounds like a 3 word way to say bladder though lol.

[@msilverhammer]

I disagree on point number 1. Really, an empty water bladder, and a small diameter hose is too much weight compared to an empty one liter Smart Water Bottle? I would have liked to have seen you weigh them, so we could see the actual difference. Water weighs the same, no matter what container it is put into, and I would rather have a two or three liter hydration bladder, than just a one liter bottle. I agree on point number 2, as yes, it is easier to see how much water you have left in a bottle. However, again, being able to carry 2 or 3 liters in a hydration bladder, means much less chance that you will run out of water quickly. This is part of trip planning anyway. Not a big deal to open your pack and look! Point 3...I use a Grayl Geopress, so I can filter water, and then pour the filtered water in my hydration bladder, I can also fill my Geopress with either 16 or 24 ounces of water depending upon which Geopress I have, if additional water is needed. If I have extremely turbid water, I can always strain through a bag, a fine mesh, a shirt, or a bandana fist,and then filter through the Geopress. Point 4...Hydration bladders make it super easy to access your water supply. Staying hydrated takes some discipline. Point 5...I agree that electrolytes and minerals like sodium, magnesium, chloride, calcium, and potassium, along with B vitamins are necessary to stay hydrated, and to maintain energy levels. Most people are deficient in potassium. we all need about 4700 milligrams a day, which is equal to eating about 15 bananas, or around 10 avocados. I use an electrolyte powder developed by well respected Dr. Eric Berg, that I add to water when involved in strenuous activity. www.drberg.com/electrolyte-powder Check out Dr. Berg out in KZbin. I use his philosophy to try and fuel my body using mostly Fats, moderate protein, and small amounts of carbohydrates and Ketones, rather than mainly carbohydrates, sugar, and Glycogen. My normal system is a Hydrapack 2 or 3 liter hydration bladder, plus a Grayl Geopress water purifier. The Geopress also functions as a 24 ounce drinking reservoir, filters out everything, and improves the taste of the water. Sometimes if I am always going to be very near rivers, or lakes, that are relatively clean, I will just take my hydration bladder, and a soft insulated bottle. If I run out of water, I will fill up my bottle, and drink the water through a Life Straw. Sometimes I will strain and boil water in a pot, and fill my hydration bladder. In some areas, or parks, I have found old hand cranked water well pumps, so all I do is boil the water. While working in remote wilderness areas of Alaska, I would pull my kayak up to a snow melt stream runoff from a mountain, and just fill my water bottle like a natural tap, and drink the pristine cool water without any filtering or purification, with no ill effects. Good Luck!

[@tomnoyb8301]

Stevia causes gout. "Doctor" Berg should know better. Geopress is heavy and fiddly. Agree with many of your other points.

[@msilverhammer]

@@tomnoyb8301 I've been using Stevia for years, still going strong! No gout here...LOL First time I ever heard that unsubstantiated claim! Where did you get your medical degree and subsequent training. Grayl Geopress fiddly...not sure what that means! My Geopress works flawlessly! If you can fill a reservoir, and push down a filter, like a French press, you can use a Grayl Geopress. I see Dave Canterbury, and Lone Wolf 902 using a Geopress in their videos. How do you like your water?...With viruses, microplastics, or just a side of arsenic, or pesticides. The Be Free won't remove any of them!

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for the feedback and for sharing!

[@tomnoyb8301]

@@msilverhammer - When you get the gout later in life, remember the tone you took here and don't cry nobody told you. A dry Grayl weighs 16oz dry. How much wet? Like carrying a boat anchor.

[@msilverhammer]

@@tomnoyb8301 Thanks Dr. Tom! Grayl makes a 24 ounce and a "lightweight" 16 ounce version for guys like you! I was a Navy Frogman, and Diver, so I hauled anchors up from the bottom of the sea for a living! Not a problem! LOL

[@jordanzlotolow8254]

Now I will always take one as I am sick of empty bottles.

[@TimKollat]

This is all fine until you go hiking in an area that has no water source for miles and miles. Try doing this in the Sonoran desert where we live, or even in the higher AZ elevations, and die of dehydration looking for a water source to filter

[@tronalpha9137]

G'day from QLD AUSTRALIA. I am just starting out so i am not spending a lot of money on gear. I have an 1.5 liter lifesaver water bottle witch means i can use water from any secorce of supply. for short hikes that i am doing at present i find that 1.5 liter bottle is plenty for the day hike. Perhaps later as i gain more experiance, i may change that or add to the system i am using. At presnet a 1.5 liter filtering bottle works fine as i go home at the end of the day. and on the walk i am training on, ther are refreshment stops at small parks along and bus stops reguly. so i can get home if i have to. Starting later next week a new channle. Gerard.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ct5465]

Also stopped using bladders and camelbacks and floppy bottles. Just screw the filter onto a water bottle and keep going

[@tronalpha9137]

G'day. Thanks for your reply. I do aploagze as have been busy. I do have a qwestion, how for should a beginner hike in an day, for someone who not done any hiking for a long time. Thats where i am at. i do short walks but how far should go in an day without straing myself and keep in mind that i have an disability. I want to start hiking. I have just joined your channle. Gerard.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Just start by doing what you can and progress from there. I consider a hike any walk outside! You can even start by walking around your local park then using apps like all trails to find easier hikes and trails near you.

[@mikekeretzman4757]

I use both. With that said, I use only 1 liter bladders.

[@robcompton6099]

I usually carry a 75cl water bottle in each side pocket of my cargo pants... takes some of the weight off my back!

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Great Idea!

[@tomnoyb8301]

Vecto dirty-water bag into bottles is the only way to go. Couple feet of 1/2" velcro weighs 7g, ensuring a fast and easy hang almost anywhere at any height. Easy fill and easy prefilter if necessary. I use large paper coffee (pre)filter bags (5g), but lighter prefilter (1g) are available. Squeeze if necessary, but it's never been necessary. If there's a long carry, 3L of dirty-water can be filtered down the trail, thus adding capacity, capability and flexibility to the system. AquaMira added to the last dirty-water filtering of a trip ensures a clean system next time. (more...) In the case where dirty-water is carried on a long-haul, backpack (LiteAF) has the bottom pocket, such that the weight is low, where it's easiest, accessible and most comfortable to carry. Hydroblu screws onto both Vecto and bottle - no adapter and no hose needed. Hydroblu has a hose option and a screw-on built-in. Sawyer also fits Vecto, but weighs more, lower flow-rate and output adapter isn't as good.

[@michaeltran9192]

why not carry both. since you don't have to worry.

[@jessicamerriman2336]

Used to swear on bladders, until a massive rupture. Living in the desert though I need a lot of water in summer months. Now, I carry two- two liter bottles of water with an empty 16 oz bottle for mixing MRE drinks and electrolytes. Two liters is a bit heavy, but running out in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert is worse. Do carry an EPIRB for any possible emergency. Amazing to me how many people I meet that do not know the closest water sources, dress inappropriately, little food, have no map/compass/GPS. Darwin at his most glorious.

[@Nenona1200]

-easily life cycled item. i.e. bladders may not always be 100% recyclable, while the smart water bottles are easily recycled with existing systems, supermarkets may even have a spot to drop off a smart water bottle that's been cracked or is gross, and then you can easily buy new fresh bottles, vs a bladder that's a specialty item, and if one thing breaks you can't just go to a grocery store and buy a new one or single new part to fix what broke.

[@novakillbones2140]

This is yet another either/or video when the best solution lies somewhere in between. i.e. Use both. A 2 litre bladder and a half-llitre bottle gives you the best of both worlds. Because for me, weight and volume are both important. Sometimes I might need to carry 4 litres and 4 1 litre bottles takes up a lot of space. OTOH, a full 3 litre bladder still sits in yoru backpack without seeming to take up nearly as much room and you can have a 1 litre bottle where it's easy to get at.

[@motomuto3313]

You forgot price. I think a full bottle of Smart Water is under $2, and you have it ready full. If you lose your water bottle, you"re not out much. Whereas if you lose a bladder system. When I was cycling back in the late 80, through today I would reuse Gatorade bottles. I would use them dozens of times before forgetting it somewhere.

[@TaysonWhittaker]

Good feedback!

[@OB17358]

I know the OV symbol is an owl, yet when I first saw it I thought it was you! Your beard was trimmed up a bit...

[@trevorbroad]

start to taste like plastic, and harder to sort out drinking water vs water for food (if you want to put electrolytes in your drinking water for example)

[@jeffsadowski]

I think you can get a bottle cleaner than a bladder when cleaning.

[@erichansen9109]

The bladders can breakdown more easily.