Bushwalk Australia

I'm in the market for a new dehydration bladder.

I had a nalgene that did me well for nearly a decade, took quite a lot of abuse and finally failed on me when I dropped it on a Sharp rock while it was chock-a-block full. Even then it only got the tiniest of holes.

Now I want a new one. Either 2 or 3 litre.
Solid construction is on the top of the list, but I don't want it to be made of stiff plastic (the deuter brand ones are solid as, but also ridiculously stiff!)
Black wolf make one that uses nalgene technology in it, nalgene itself I have not seen for a few years (not bladders anyway), platypus seems like an ok brand, and camelbak and msr I feel like I am paying extra just for the brand name.

So, what are people using and what do they think of them?

Cheers, Macca.

3L Platypus. Only had it about 6 months, but it seems pretty rugged so far.

I switch between the hose affair and the cap when in camp or refilling to save dragging the bite valve over the ground - the silicone tubing has a mind of its own.
The hose (I think they call it the 'hoser') is a bit of a fiddle to attach with its right-angle adapter, but fine once you get used to it.

i bought a brand new camelback for $70. first time i took it on a trip, to my horror it started leaking!!! this was even before the walk even started. luckily i bought a replacement $20 no brand bladder and its served me well for 2 years now. irony isnt it?

tho i kept the mouthpeice for the camelback since i like the 2 accessories that i got with it:
the mouthpeice cover, so dirt doesnt touch the mouthpeice
and an open and close valve, so water doesnt accidently leak out.
it seems to work with all types of tubes including the platypus ones.

I've got a 3 litre deuter that I've used on around 6 daywalks and one overnighter. Quite happy with it. It fits my daypack ok, although takes considerable room when full. The valve works quite well and includes a tethered end cap that protects the mouth piece from dust.

I have a http://www.e-omc.com/catalog/products/4 ... y-Bag.html and... http://www.e-omc.com/catalog/products/3 ... edary.html

they are both awsome (i have also had camelbak and a lighter MSR one), they have no taste!!! The dromedary is EXTREMELY tough, I take it camping and throw it everywhere.. I'm to lazy to carry it

Platypus Big Zip:
http://www.wildearth.com.au/platypus-slidelock-hydration-bladder-made-p-1021.html

Hose un-clips for easy insertion/removal from a pack. Had mine for some months now and they work a treat. Reasonably soft plastic as well.

Cheers,
Michael.

Currently using a 3L Source I got from MD during a sale. Tough as can be and a good size. And the bit valve hasn't starting leaking yet, which is a record.

I've had 2 bladders from the Kathmandu stores. First one leaked on the screw cap where you filled it up - they eventually replaced it with a new model - second one leaked through the mouthpiece (not just a few dribbles - but like a toy water gun). They wouldn't replace that but after a visit to two stores they sold me a new mouthpiece for half price (not really happy). This altered version is sitting in my cupboard awaiting my next garage sale. It might be fine but I don't trust the Kathmandu ones anymore. Have changed to Camelback and am happy so far.

Macca,

I'm using the Black Wolf 3L nalgene bladder. I got mine in November last year from Aussie Disposals and have had no problems (apart from a native mouse trying to eat the mouthpiece during the night). Would recommend it!

dyl

optdyl wrote:Macca,

I'm using the Black Wolf 3L nalgene bladder. I got mine in November last year from Aussie Disposals and have had no problems (apart from a native mouse trying to eat the mouthpiece during the night). Would recommend it!

dyl

yes, looking at it im reasonably convinced that it is indeed the same as the Nalgene branded bladders. i think maybe Black Wolf are on-selling Nalgene perhaps? if this is the case, i would have no qualms about buying one of these.

Macca81 wrote:yes, looking at it im reasonably convinced that it is indeed the same as the Nalgene branded bladders. i think maybe Black Wolf are on-selling Nalgene perhaps? if this is the case, i would have no qualms about buying one of these.

Yeah, if you look at the packaging here it looks like it has got nalgene branding on it.

Platapus 2L Hoser. Ive never needed anything bigger than 2L. I hydrate HUGE at the start of each day and the 2L gets me through to next camp even on 40c, 20km days (though I do run out an hour or so before I hit camp on 40c days...but somehow I dont feel I will die with thirst with only a couple of Kms to go....).
I bought the Platypus from recomendations from many hikers who have had no problems with leaks (Number 1!).
Strong, light, easy to use.

Has anyone got any good ideas for getting the taste out of hydration bladders. Purchased a Kathmandu bladder a while ago and have done four walks with it, each time the plastic taste has been unbearable I've washed it countless times, soaked it in bi-carb solution, rinsed it in lemon juice and even bleached it, still to no avail. The walk I did to Lady Lake yesterday was a little better but as the water level dropped that lovely taste came back
Any suggestions would be great!

dave

farkewie wrote:I have a http://www.e-omc.com/catalog/products/4 ... y-Bag.html and... http://www.e-omc.com/catalog/products/3 ... edary.html

they are both awsome (i have also had camelbak and a lighter MSR one), they have no taste!!! The dromedary is EXTREMELY tough, I take it camping and throw it everywhere.. I'm to lazy to carry it

MSR makes the dromedary in 4L, 6L & 10L. I have the 6 &10L and have to agree they are pretty study. I havent used the hydration kit hose with it though, but I can vouch for the 3-in-1 cap and also the shower kit you can attatch to it!

davehenderson wrote:Has anyone got any good ideas for getting the taste out of hydration bladders. Purchased a Kathmandu bladder a while ago and have done four walks with it, each time the plastic taste has been unbearable I've washed it countless times, soaked it in bi-carb solution, rinsed it in lemon juice and even bleached it, still to no avail. The walk I did to Lady Lake yesterday was a little better but as the water level dropped that lovely taste came back
Any suggestions would be great!

dave

having always purchased the 'no taste' bladders, i have never had this problem... however i do have a mate that once filled his bladder up with beer, and has since had that taste in it permanently, so that could be an idea best use a beer that you REALLY like the taste of however...

davehenderson wrote:Has anyone got any good ideas for getting the taste out of hydration bladders. Purchased a Kathmandu bladder a while ago and have done four walks with it, each time the plastic taste has been unbearable I've washed it countless times, soaked it in bi-carb solution, rinsed it in lemon juice and even bleached it, still to no avail. The walk I did to Lady Lake yesterday was a little better but as the water level dropped that lovely taste came back
Any suggestions would be great!

dave

You could try the Milton - Anti Bacterial solution, used for disinfecting baby bottles. I use it for washing cycling bottles when they get grotty. I've never had a problem with the bladder though.

I've got a Deuter 3L bladder, it was in the day pack today but I use the supplied pack when on the mountain bike.

davehenderson wrote:Has anyone got any good ideas for getting the taste out of hydration bladders. Purchased a Kathmandu bladder a while ago and have done four walks with it, each time the plastic taste has been unbearable I've washed it countless times, soaked it in bi-carb solution, rinsed it in lemon juice and even bleached it, still to no avail. The walk I did to Lady Lake yesterday was a little better but as the water level dropped that lovely taste came back
Any suggestions would be great!

dave

I'm surprised. I've had several bladders including no taste/antibacterial and I've always had huge probs with funny taste (I've always kept them clean, dry, use Milton etc). Kathmandu bladders are the only ones I haven't had this problem with (aside from the bladder in my BCA stash rider ski/snowboard pack). I hope they haven't changed the material that they make their bladder with as I really like them.

davehenderson wrote:Has anyone got any good ideas for getting the taste out of hydration bladders. Purchased a Kathmandu bladder a while ago and have done four walks with it, each time the plastic taste has been unbearable I've washed it countless times, soaked it in bi-carb solution, rinsed it in lemon juice and even bleached it, still to no avail. The walk I did to Lady Lake yesterday was a little better but as the water level dropped that lovely taste came back
Any suggestions would be great!

dave

I've got an Osprey (nalgene) bladder that I washed with dishwashing liquid before my last walk with the wife. I gave it to her and yes the water tasted 'soapy'....

Got myself one of these http://camelbak.com/sports-recreation/accessories/cleaning-tablets.aspx to try and get the taste out. Baking soda didnt fix it...

My no-brand bladder started leaking but I think it served its life well enough after 100 days of use - much longer than my $70 camelback which leaked on the first outing. Here's my rational for choosing a bladder:

When looking, there were a few features i wanted which annoyed me from previous bladders.
- I certainly didnt trust camelback anymore after my friend's camelback leaked on his 2nd outing aswell. Their opening is nice and wide but i didnt like its location.
- another cheapo bladder was on the agenda, but wasnt too keen on the opening being where it is. The cleaning process was a pain since it was too hard to dry so usually kept it in the freezer after cleaning as suggested by some on this forum.
- this requirement automatically discounted other brands due to having similar openings such as the mopack flomo and osprey.
- Ive got a really good old platypus hoser 6 years now and its easy to dry out with the small round opening on the top corner. However I wanted something with a wide opening for easy refils and its easier to dump some gatorade powder in. thats why i didnt use the old platypus often.

- a Friend used a denali bladder from annaconda which seemed ideal since it had a nice wide slide opening. My experience with Denali in general hasnt been too flash. But to be fair, his hasnt leaked yet and this was probally the highest high on my list.
- Then I came across the platypus Big zip SL that micheal_P mentioned. Osprey's bladder looks very nice but slightly overbuilt while the platypus appears nice and simple. as a result its relatively light for a 3L bladder at 163 grams. I just love it when items match, or are lighter than manufacturer's specs. cascade designs seems to be quite good with this sort of thing.



+ I fully trust platypus. They have been known to leak but i feel they are still tougher than most (except the msr ones)
+ its got the opening at the end for easy drying after being cleaned.
+ Its opening is wide, so i can fully shove my sponge in to clean it or pour powerade powder in easily.
+ its hose is disconnectable from the bladder - a cool feature i havnt seen in other brands.

Negatives
- The mouthpiece is an improvement over the older style platypus with a shut off by twisting the mouthpiece. Its more ergonomic in the mouth than most other brands. However, camelback's mouthpiece is still better in my opinion due to a higher flow rate. the platypus's flow rate is significantly lower than the camelback so if you're a big gulper when thirsty, better off replacing it for camelback's mouthpiece
- they make you buy the mouthpiece protectors separately just like other brands. but since i already had the camelback one, i'd use it instead.
- the mouthpiece is very hard to remove and put back. This is annoying when cleaning the hose, whereas the camelback's mouthpiece is easily removable and replaced to clean out the hose.
-unlike the older style platypus bladders, these dont stand up on their own.

General comments
the slide lock is slightly different than dueter's/Denali's because its just like your normal zip lock bag where you zip it up then slide the plastic piece over to hold it in place. With the denali bladder, you have to fold it over to make a crease, then the plastic that slides over it holds that crease. the denali design appears to be better, but i time will tell if the playtpus slide works just as good.

- so i would Highly recommend the platypus zip SL and replace it with a camelback mouthpiece + cap.

Thanks for the review ninjapuppet!

That looks good. Does the bag seal when the hose is disconnected from it?

yep.

Looks like a weakpoint especially if theres 3 litres of water under pressure, but i havnt come across any reviews online yet about it leaking.

photohiker wrote:Thanks for the review ninjapuppet!

That looks good. Does the bag seal when the hose is disconnected from it?

its the same type of connector as on my old one, and it does not leak! best part of the bladder

I bought two Kathmandu hydration bladders for the Overland Track, which we walked last month. Both leaked. My wife's leaked while she was walking, so much so that we had to give up on it. Mine leaked on the floor of the hut beside my sleeping bag during the night, soaking it and the person's next to me completely. Not a pleasant way to wake up. Fortunately it wasn't sub zero and I was able to dry the bag by wringing it out and rugging up the next night, but not great if this happened in a tent in freezing conditions. The bite valve seems to jam open for no apparent reason and there seems to be no way to fix the problem. Our kids used Smart Tubes, which were fine. Don't buy Kathmandu.

with mouth piece leaks you can put a tap in-line before the bite mouthpiece so it won't leak...... soften the hose in hot water if its hard to insert the tap.....

Overland wrote: Don't buy Kathmandu.

dont supposed you're referring to this are you? http://www.kathmandu.nl/outdoor-en-travel/home.html Family member came back from Germany with some of their stuff and quality seems good enough for me.

I have bought my first bladder about nine years ago, i.e. a Platypus, which is still alive and works well, even though I use this initial one for multi-day walks when having to pick up lots of water and carry it to a camping spot. I have bought three more Platypus since then (2L, 3L and 4L carrybag type). All work exptremely well and so far lasted all the distance on many day and multi-day walks.
For cleaning a use a mix of lemon juice and baking soda, which gets rid of all stuff quite well and use the special tube cleaning tool. When not in use I store them in the freezer to prevent any mould buildup. Works well for me.
cheers
Peter

i use home brew kit steriliser - you can get it at kmart cheaply....

Liamy77 wrote:i use home brew kit steriliser - you can get it at kmart cheaply....

how cheap and what is in the "kit"? local home brew shops sell potassium metasorbate for about $4 for a bag that will do about hmmm.... more litres than i would EVER use my water bladder for in its whole life time.

When we go walking we carry 3 of the 1 litre wide mouth Naglene bottles. Two for water (one each) and one to mix the milk in for breakfast, also used for sustagen (mix 150 grams sustagen powder with 1 litre water = power boost!).
We also carry a bladder, used for water around camp, and for those days when you need to carry water for the whole day (pretty rare).
I think it was about 2005 that I bought one of the Sea to Summit Pack Water Tap - 4 litres... http://www.wildearth.com.au/summit-pack ... -1571.html
The downdall with these is that I find the tap piece very hard to remove, particularly with wintery cold hands. And filling them up usually requires filling your 1 litre bottle then carefully pouring it in the tap hole. You end up with wet hands every time, you end up with the fabric that is around the baller all wet, and it takes time to do.
After a while (a few years) the tap no longer sealed - the little bit of stiff plastic that you have to press with difficulty and pain if your hands are cold, eventually lost its flexibility and didn't seal any more.
I do not recommend these bladders.

The replacement bladder I bought was great, until one night it got very cold, the water in it froze into an ice-shaped needle, and when I picked the bag up in the morning, it pierced.
It was 4 litres, made of transparent blue plastic, and at the top it had a fold-iver and a strip of solid orange plastic that slid along to seal it, possibly a bit like the top of those Platypus ones.
The whole top opened right up, so you can fill it real quick, especially if there is a flow of water with any drop to it (small waterfall etc).
Even emptying the 1 litre Naglene into it was quick.
At the bottom, there was a tap, made of white plastic. The lever of the tap swivels from one side (closed) to the other (open). We used it at camp to keep our other bottles full, and to transport water.
It was fantastic and if I could find another one, I would buy it without hesitation.
Anyone seen them?

A bit of endurance googling, I found it!!!
http://sourceoutdoor.com/liquitainers/6 ... iners.html

So see my Bulk Buy topic...
I am so excited to have found it...

Macca81 wrote:I'm in the market for a new dehydration bladder.


Cheers, Macca.

most people are born with that kind of bladder already!
but if its missing i can understand your concearn
i have a few..... also goin in with tasadam as i can see being able to hang it up with the tap at camp for cooking could be really good...

watch what temp you use em in ... i think nik punctured one when the water partly froze into kinda needles of ice inside....