Hydration Bladders

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DumfriesDik

Senior member
 SW Scotland
I was wondering if anyone has any experience of hydration bladders? What I am wondering is do they have to fit exactly or can they be a little crumpled in the rucksack/carrier? I think what I am saying is, if its a 2ltr bladder, will it work okay if I only put 1ltr in it?

I am paddling further and further these days and having to make to shore for a drink is a bit of a pain, so a buoyancy aid that can take a bladder has been bought. Usually I am paddling at least four miles but have started to do 12 when the wind is light and in the right direction.

What do you use your bladder for? Cycling, running, go on boys, give it laldy.
 
I've been using one for several years now they are really handy. Mine is a 3ltr army issue Camelbak one that came in it's own specific carrier, you probably know the type I'm talking about if you've been looking at them.

I took the bladder out of the carrier as I've got a compartment in my Berghaus backpack that I put it in when I'm out walking. I don't do megga long days so I don't think I've ever had more than 2ltr's in it and it's never caused a problem.

Top tip, when you're not using it keep it in the freezer as it stops the germs growing inside all the pipes and stuff although I still fill mine up and drop a Milton tablet in from time to time.
 
DumfriesDik said:
I was wondering if anyone has any experience of hydration bladders? What I am wondering is do they have to fit exactly or can they be a little crumpled in the rucksack/carrier? I think what I am saying is, if its a 2ltr bladder, will it work okay if I only put 1ltr in it?

It'll work fine. Highly recommended. Camelbak or Platypus. Used one fell running, mountaineering etc for years. A good one has a lifetime guarantee. Mines an old friend. Never lets me down.
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DumfriesDik said:
I was wondering if anyone has any experience of hydration bladders? What I am wondering is do they have to fit exactly or can they be a little crumpled in the rucksack/carrier? I think what I am saying is, if its a 2ltr bladder, will it work okay if I only put 1ltr in it?

I am paddling further and further these days and having to make to shore for a drink is a bit of a pain, so a buoyancy aid that can take a bladder has been bought. Usually I am paddling at least four miles but have started to do 12 when the wind is light and in the right direction.

What do you use your bladder for? Cycling, running, go on boys, give it laldy.
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Well I don't live for paddling, cycling or running so I use my bladder as storage until I need a p*ss! (Like most people do?) :lol:
 
Paulwirral said:
Bear grylls would dip his head in the river , man up ,
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Good point, what was I thinking?!

Thanks for the info everyone else, order place for a Source bladder. It's a bit too big, but hopefully what holds a lot will hold a little or check out ebay soon!
 
Where the hell are you paddling that you require a bladder that has been designed with ballistic vest integration ..
Seriously tho looks a good piece of kit , I like the tip about freezing to stop germs, camel back use to have an accessory that held the bladder open to allow it to dry
 
I used to have an old platypus one that I used on the motorbike, combined with an open face helmet it was great.
I did use it mountain biking beforehand and that worked a treat too.
 
markplant said:
Where the hell are you paddling that you require a bladder that has been designed with ballistic vest integration ..
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Haven't you heard about the midges up here?

Well it has a couple of features that I liked the look of. First is the bit (valve) where you get the water, I don't like the bite to drink valves, so the 'Storm' valve should be good for me. Secondly, the drinks tube is covered, which means it should keep the water in the tube that bit cooler and not encourage stuff to grow in it. And finally, its in a nice discrete colour. :drinkwine:

Do you think I should have gone for the chemical warfare one just to be on the safe side?!
 
Dave1971 said:
Top tip, when you're not using it keep it in the freezer as it stops the germs growing inside all the pipes and stuff although I still fill mine up and drop a Milton tablet in from time to time.
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Thanks for that Dave.
 
DumfriesDik said:
markplant said:
Where the hell are you paddling that you require a bladder that has been designed with ballistic vest integration ..
Click to expand...

Haven't you heard about the midges up here?

Well it has a couple of features that I liked the look of. First is the bit (valve) where you get the water, I don't like the bite to drink valves, so the 'Storm' valve should be good for me. Secondly, the drinks tube is covered, which means it should keep the water in the tube that bit cooler and not encourage stuff to grow in it. And finally, its in a nice discrete colour. :drinkwine:

Do you think I should have gone for the chemical warfare one just to be on the safe side?!
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You'll need a full Kevlar boat for stealth missions to match
 
Get to decathlon for a cheaper alternative to a genuine camel back, and surplus bladders!
 
Well the Israeli special forces bladder arrived and has been used in anger a few times. It fits the buoyancy aid (PFD) okay and if you bung a few ice cubes in, its lovely. The covered drinks tube keeps the water cool as well and the storm drinks piece is good for me. :thumbsup:
 
Of course you can fill with less, think about it :wink:

No different to filling it with 3 litres and then drinking half.
 
DumfriesDik said:
Dave1971 said:
Top tip, when you're not using it keep it in the freezer as it stops the germs growing inside all the pipes and stuff although I still fill mine up and drop a Milton tablet in from time to time.
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Thanks for that Dave.[/quote

+1
I dug mine out of shed and sterilised lol. You can buy replacements and smaller sizes at Go outdoors stores.
 
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