Sea to Summit Watercell X Water Storage

[@hoozleup]

You Sir - are the best reviewer in all of internet land.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I appreciate that thanks, Steve. ~ Ben

[@hoozleup]

@@SnowysOutdoors just wish you shipped over to NZ…

[@TheWarder500]

Great product review thank you. Showing all the sizes next to each other was super helpful as well

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You're welcome, Nicholas, I'm glad it was useful. ~ Ben

[@theegress3131]

How long does it take for the bag to drain from full with the shower attachment?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

That is an excellent question - we havent actually tried it or have any info on the flow rate sorry. Would depend entirely on the size bladder you're using - I'd say with the 20L size that I personally have, you'd get 5-10mins ~ Lauren

[@DOCWHOK9]

I like the look of these, tougher than the cheaper Wine Cask style, whose lids dont last. We hang the from anywhere we can, a fence, a post, tree, or car.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I am really happy with mine, DOCWHOK9. ~ Ben

[@Siresly]

I did not expect to ever be impressed by a plastic bag, but there's some clever, useful engineering and design on this bag. Now I just hope it won't be a billion money when I look up the price. Well, it ain't cheap. Think I'll go for the less impressive ST bag.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The ST is still a good option I reckon. ~ Lauren

[@therock005]

Any idea ehat the difference is between this and their shower product?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

This product has a bit more structure than their pocket shower making it more packable, and the threaded opening provides more versatility. The pocket shower is just a dry bag with a shower attachment. ~ Ben

[@gazpixs]

Thanks for the review Ben. I order the 10L + 6L to replace my plastic Jerries. Trying them out next week. Yes the form factor is a winner taking up less space the the jerries when full and I can see when water has been depleted I can stow with less space. So far so good. Cheers Gaz

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your feedback, Gaz. I'm now looking for a way to attach a hose and tap to make it easy to dispense the water, even when laying flat in the car. MSR make a few attachments that may be suitable. ~ Ben

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

@@SnowysOutdoors Have you tried this yet? Would the MSR Dromedary Hydration Kit that you sell fit on it and function well?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@coralieofjumpwithnofear I did try it with the MSR Dromedary tap, but it was leaking a little form somewhere and I haven't gotten back to trying to figure out why. The thread is the same so theoretically, it should work. I have the Drom Hydration kit too, but yet to trial that. ~ Ben

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

@@SnowysOutdoors Good info. Thanks. 👍🏻

[@kee7678]

How is it working for you? I was thinking of the 10L and 6L also.

[@PrebitPes]

Hey, is it possible to fit an X multicap on a ST?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Same thread, no problems there. ~ Ben

[@PrebitPes]

@@SnowysOutdoors thank you!

[@mortdog]

I read that they were making a hose attachment for the multi use cap, which would be great to fill smaller containers from but I don't think they've made one yet.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I've not heard of anything officially, Mort, but it wouldn't surprise me if they do bring some accessories out for these. ~ Ben

[@Asdayasman]

What thread is that? Wouldn't mind having one in my backpack for walkabouts, but don't wanna have to take it out and put it back in all the time to refill everyone's bottles.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

62mm cap on this one Compatible with the MSR dromedary for example ~ Lauren

[@Asdayasman]

@@SnowysOutdoors Thank you Lauren! Could you please handhold me with what I should be searching for to find a hose to dispense from this with? EDIT: I don't think I've been too clear actually - at 3:06 the kind gentleman demonstrates switching from one thingy to the shower thingy, and it looks MUCH smaller than 62mm - I'm imagining a flexible hose that can screw into that thread, that I can thread outside my backpack and squeeze a valve at the end to refill someone's PET bottle.

[@mathieutallard6328]

Yes sir ! I think that s what i m looking for. Better than The Simple Shower because you can adjust the flow you can hang it and your not stuck with an empty bottle. How can i get it in Quebec, Canada. Seems Amazon only have the poor ST......

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm not sure how you can get it in Quebec sorry, we only ship within Australia. ~ Ben

[@mathieutallard6328]

@@SnowysOutdoors Found it on Ebay ! Thanks

[@muzzarobbo]

most importantly, how does it taste?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I haven't tested them in storage for long periods, Murray, only short trips. They start off with a bit of taste but this has flushed away in mine. I think that, as with all these soft bladders, the most important thing is to keep the water cycling through and make sure you store them dry. ~ Ben

[@Asdayasman]

Naked Snake?

[@pinkfloydhomer]

Isn't it a problem that they're not transparent so you never know when they are clean inside?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The outer fabric is a tough nylon, so it can't be made clear. Cleaning is easy though as the large opening easily accommodates a bottle brush or similar, and as long as you store them dry you shouldn't have a problem. ~ Ben

[@carmenmartinez2882]

Being dark means warm shower. I’d rather have that, once home I can clean it up real good.

[@bradb2514]

Excellent overview! Sold!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks, Brad. ~ Ben

[@k.whiking4372]

Now they're a good idea. But whats the difference between the Sea to Summit Watercell X and Sea to Summit Watercell st

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We have a video on the Watercell ST coming up soon, K Williamson. The ST version is made for lighter weight adventures and doesn't have the multi-function cap. If you need bulk water storage for hiking then the ST is a good option, if it's all round water storage for 4WD, kayak and other activities where weight isn't a top priority, then the Watercell X is awesome. ~ Ben

[@deanwelch3511]

Do they heat up as well as a dedicated solar shower if left in the sun?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I haven't tested this, Dean, but being a dark colour it is likely that they will behave in a similar manner to the black PVC solar shower bags. ~ Ben

[@neologian1783]

Used one during a 2 week trip around Iceland in the fall. Left outside on sunny days they didn't really "warm up" and produce warm water for a shower.....but we found leaving them on the dash of our camper van in full sun while we were out hiking resulted in water that was more than comfortable to rinse off with (that said we didn't really need them for showering much as shower facilities abound in Iceland.)

[@mnmtrpin2793]

Great for saving space but awkward to use. Feel much heavier to handle because lack of rigidity.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Yeah, fair call, they are a little clumsier to handle. I prefer to find a spot to leave mine rather than move it around the campsite. ~ Ben

[@FunHog69]

Do you recommend the 10 or 20L to use as a shower?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

If you want to use the Watercell as your exclusive shower, I'd go the 10L. With solar heating, 10L of water will heat up to shower temp alot more effectively that the 20L. The 20L bag is also super heavy. We have a 20L for water storage and solar heating, which we then transfer to a bucket for use with a 12v shower. We use 20L for 2 people. Whilst it does a good job and is warm, its usually not quite warm enough, so we'll add a bit of boiled water. ~ Lauren

[@FunHog69]

@@SnowysOutdoors Good on ya... Thanks for the informed feedback, Lauren!

[@TasHikingAdventures]

What's the difference between the st Benny what's best for hiking ? 400d wtf MSR are 1000 ain't they?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

So, the Watercell ST is a TPU fabric and is aimed at hikers. It's not as tough as the X, but saves on weight. The Watercell X has an extra 400D Nylon coating to make it more durable, it also comes with a multipurpose cap but it's a little heavier. The MSR bags are awesome too, I actually have both the STS Watercell X and an older version of the MSR Drom Lite bags. The MSR Dromedary bags do have a very durable exterior and weigh a bit more, but you'd be struggling to put a hole in them, whereas the DromLite are more in line with the Watercell ST. Both of them are excellent water storage options from reputable brands. ~ Ben

[@TasHikingAdventures]

@@SnowysOutdoors and all I see on KZbin is people saying it's leaving plastic taste still esp with MSR bags so what I'm asking is do you think the ST is better for us as it has the tpu coating yet the others don't ? And wait what the st has a different cap? Can I put one of those 3 way caps on one ?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@TasHikingAdventures I think you'll get a plastic taste regardless, but I reckon this subsides with regular use and keeping them clean with bicarb-soda and lemon juice. You can change the cap, but they are not available separately, sorry, at least not yet anyway. ~ Ben

[@TasHikingAdventures]

@@SnowysOutdoors we keep water in containers and jerry cans etc we don't get plastic taste Water bottles from shops etc I'm just trying to gather and work out the common sense hey mate ....doesn't seem right....if that St series has BPA and the other two safe standards that others don't have I think it might win Benny honestly bro

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

I'm considering one of these for car camping. How do you reckon they'd cope being hung up for long periods of time to make it easy to pour from them without having to wrangle them into different positions?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

These feel awkward when hanging them whilst full, Coralie, and I've not tested mine for long periods like this yet. But, I've found they work fine laying on a flat surface, the cap can be operated whilst on it's side and as it gets empty it becomes light enough to pick up anyway. ~ Ben

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

@@SnowysOutdoors Thanks for the helpful reply! These seem like a really brilliant alternative to the old water jerry can, which are almost immediately frustrating for so many reasons.

[@neologian1783]

@@SnowysOutdoors I kayak camp with these and the first thing I do at my destination is haul them out of dry storage and hang them on a tree at my campsite. I've left mine hanging for as many as 4 consecutive days with zero issues. The hypalon used on the strap and tabs is pretty tough stuff.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@neologian1783 that's awesome feedback thanks, Neologian. ~ Ben

[@tlgrimmy]

I've rinsed this with hot soapy water many times, but it still makes water taste like plastic. Anyone find a remedy for this?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I've found that using mains supply water tends to bring out the bad taste, Hopeless Hobbyist, particularly Adelaide water in Australia where I live. Whenever I use clean rainwater or mains supply water that isn't as full of chemicals the water stays much fresher. ~ Ben

[@tlgrimmy]

@@SnowysOutdoors Thanks for the tip!

[@neologian1783]

Osprey water bladders and MSR Dromedary bags are notorious for this. I've successfully used the juice of a lemon in a gallon of water to offset it a bit. I also find filling the bladders with hot tap water (no hotter than the manufacturer's recommendations) and letting them sit until they cool, dumping, then repeating the process 2-4 times significantly reduces the tastes given off by the bladder material (though I must admit it never seems to go away entirely.)

[@tlgrimmy]

@@neologian1783 Thanks for the response! It's funny, I actually did exactly what you mentioned here (hot soapy water, letting it cool, then just hot water letting it cool, and the lemon juice trick) for about a week, and by the end of all that it's finally not leaching any flavors into the water when I let it sit overnight. That was a workout, but it finally paid off, ha!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@tlgrimmy this is good to know, I've never tried @Neologian's suggestion of warm water. I have an MSR Dromlite which seems to have a chlorine taste embedded which I think it on account of having used a lot of puritabs in it in the past. might be something to keep in mind if you want to maintain the taste free nature of your water bladder. ~ Ben

[@kestikiadventures8929]

How do they compare with the Pack tap & MSR dromedary? I’m looking for something low profile.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

They're both excellent quality with materials and manufacture @tim kesby, I personally prefer the Watercell X because of the 3D structure. I just find it holds more for the physical size, and is abit easier to handle. Others may have a different preference though. ~ Lauren

[@kestikiadventures8929]

@@SnowysOutdoors Thanks, will the MSR MiniWorks filter screw onto it? Does the Miniworks still pump if laid on it's side?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@kestikiadventures8929 Yes to both, the Dromedary and the Watercell have the same size mouth and thread, so MSR gear designed to work with the Dromedary will also work with the Watercell. The MiniWorks pump is manual, so as long as you can effectively pump it i cant see any reason why it wont work on its side. ~ Lauren

[@caitlincurry9249]

Has anyone tried melting snow in these in the sun? Is that opening sufficient enough to get snow in there easily or is it a pain?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Not something I've tried, Caitlin. I reckon it would be fiddly but doable getting snow inside. ~ Ben

[@neologian1783]

Filling it would be a problem I think. While it's a slightly wide mouth on the cap, it would be tricky "filling" it with snow.

[@ozema87]

How do you store it in camp to most easily fill a kettle with water etc?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You'd probably be best hanging it I reckon, emarrrr. I'm looking into other attachments that may have a hose to make this easier, but they would need to be from other brands, for example this kit from MSR with the bite valve removed - www.snowys.com.au/dromedary-hydration-kit. Alternatively, I'm considering using a collapsible container in camp like this - www.snowys.com.au/12l-water-carrier. These pack flat for transport but can be easily set up and filled in camp for easy water dispensing, especially for kids. At the time of writing this comment we are no longer able to get any more of these pop up containers though, we are hoping they get reinvented under a new label. ~ Ben

[@ozema87]

@@SnowysOutdoors thanks Ben, are you getting any more of these containers in stock?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@ozema87 I assume you are talking about the collapsible container, for which I hope we get more, but they are being discontinued under the current brand. Fingers crossed the same product hits the market again with a different label, but that's all the info I have at the moment sorry. ~ Ben

[@normrathmann9487]

Can you fill them with hot water for showering?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

They indicate temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius, Norm, so you'd be safe with warm water for showering. ~ Ben

[@mathewcampbell8479]

Interesting. I've tried to find an answer online, but, can you buy a "hose" attachment to screw into the cap port?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

There isn't currently anything available from Sea To Summit to suit this purpose, Mathew, but the thread is universal meaning it is the same as the thread on Nalgene, MSR and many other hydration focused brands. I believe MSR make attachments that may achieve what you are asking, but it would mean replacing the whole cap rather than just the centre plug. ~ Ben

[@mathewcampbell8479]

@@SnowysOutdoors Thanks for the speedy reply mate.

[@wjdghaks]

What would be the best way to hang these without having to use a tree branch or a roof rack of a car?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I don't really have any specific solutions for you sorry, wjdghaks, any structure sturdy enough to support the weight is going to be fine. ~ Ben

[@staryoke]

Why not just get a carabiner and hang it from the "coat hangers" or grab handles (at the doors in the roof) in every car?

[@joshiepoo4]

How big (in mm) is the wide mouth opening?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The internal diameter is about 53mm, joshiepoo4. It's a universal sized thread which means it suits most water filters and is compatible with may other hydration accessories from brands like Nalgene and MSR. ~ Ben

[@-humveehoove-6106]

Can you run a hose to the opening where the shower is ? Like a gravity fed filter

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm not 100& sure what you mean sorry. Theres no hose attachment option for these at the moment -HUMvee hooVE-, but they do have a small shower head nozzle on them so you can shower straight from the bag. ~ Lauren

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

It's good quality, doesn't feel like it will burst or pop, the little rubber cap that you unscrew for the shower plug is the perfect size to fit a standard water bladder hose cone connector into meaning you don't always need to pour water into a drinking vessel. My only downside is even after cycling the water dozens of times over the past 14 days it still imparts a noticeable rubbery taste, it's not the end of the world but is much more prevalent then other water bladder or hydration pack systems i've used.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The plastic/rubbery taste is an interesting one. I own a few of these and notice the taste, but others in my office have had no problems. I think it could be down to the individual and how sensitive you are to this taste. I have had some success by soaking them with bicarb soda and lemon juice, and those in the office that haven't had a problem have always used fresh rainwater rather than mains water. Just my two cents worth, could be worth trying these things out. ~ Ben

[@jasonpearson1555]

is it taste only or could there be any concern of some type of absorption of the plastics used to make the bag? (I know it’s got that liner and it’s bpa free just curious) thank you

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

@@jasonpearson1555 I wouldn't be able to say without conducting lab tests which is not in my capability. The taste did eventually go away but I had to keep cycling water through it for about 4-6 weeks on a regular basis. It's a good product just be aware that the one you get may have a setup period of a few weeks before the water tastes decent.

[@ResistantTeenagers]

@@SnowysOutdoors Mine all have a strong plastic taste, and the water comes up bubbly and foamy. The same water in other water storage containers does not have this reaction. I can't believe all three of mine have this issue, if I'd known how bad it was I'd have never purchased them (these were not all from your company, so no direct criticism intended). I'll give the bicarb a shot.

[@MrWinger1951]

Ingenious.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I reckon they are awesome. ~ Ben

[@DanCabban]

Price?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Current pricing is on our website, Darren, check them out here - www.snowys.com.au/watercell-x-4l-grey www.snowys.com.au/watercell-x-6l-grey www.snowys.com.au/watercell-x-10l-grey www.snowys.com.au/watercell-x-20l-grey ~ Ben

[@mrbjay5443]

Brilliant!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

They are great. ~ Ben

[@MissNikkor]

** UPDATE ** I changed my mind. I'm keeping the Hydrapak Expedition 8L. It is way much sturdy, robust. The Sea to Summit Watercell failed me. It leaked! I returned it. Like @Carmen martinez said the Hydrapak have a cool feature, the spigot. I really love my Hydrapak Expedition 8L was perfect for my last trip.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad it was useful, Melanie, I reckon they are a great product. ~ Ben

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I went ahead and got both, lol. The Hydrapack has the spigot which I think is very handy and this has the shower adapter. I camp for weeks at a time, you can never have enough water in my opinion. Both are great quality.

[@MissNikkor]

​@@carmenmartinez2882 Well i kept my Hydrapak Expedition 8L and i returned the Watercell. It is way better.

[@BASSABLACC]

When you held it up at the end it was leaking 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@SnowysOutdoors]

There were a few drips in the shower head when I picked it up, Bruce, but I can assure you that these don't leak. I used two of them for three months in the back of my 4WD, and had no problems at all. ~ Ben

[@Br0ckUs1234]

I'll take the lot

[@SnowysOutdoors]

That's what I said! ~ Ben

[@MrZippoHead13468]

I've had hundreds of showers using a 10 liter bottle with dual handles purchased from Coles.. This is better.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I have two of these, they are a reliable water storage solution. ~ Ben

[@MrZippoHead13468]

@@SnowysOutdoors What sizes do you own Ben?

[@snakeplissken3825]

The drom is better, 10 all day.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I've used both & they're pretty similar but I prefer the 3D construction of the Watercell. Glad to hear you love your Drom!

[@YSdestoyer]

does the strap reverse so you can hang it with the cap end facing upwards?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Sure can, YSdestroyer. It's a little bit fiddly getting the strap in and out, but you can reverse it if you want. ~ Ben