Water Bladders vs Nalgene

Water Bladder or Water Bottle


  • Total voters
    26
Bladders evolved from canteens (military spec forces brought them forth back in the eighties) I am done with sub zero temps to hunt in ( you can have it) Didn't have problem when I did with bladders (tuck the stem behind you back) and at this point never will freeze when hunting the southwest. I have in the past packed my bladder with ice before introducing liquids when I hunt this part of the world. I have never had a bladder failure when I did my job (or otherwise) and keps you cool. The bladders I use are through Eberlestock and are Israelie mil spec and have a feature that allows you to remove the bottom seal and completely scrub by hand the entire cell which I do with baking soda/water after each season as well and dry it out. I stay way more hydrated when I can sip as I go bottom line. Eaten a lot of snow as well but not a good idea when temps are low for avoiding lower body temps that could lead to hypothermia.
 
I like the Platypus for the same reason. It opens up like a Ziploc bag and is easy to clean. And while they make some products offshore, their bladders are proudly made in the USA.
 
@Lungpopper I am a little slow. That is a good idea putting the hose behind your back. Going to give it a try. I have had them freeze in New Mexico.
 
Ive tried many different bladders over the years. Have never had one fail but some are easier to have an accident than others. Few years back I purchased one of eberlestock 3 liter bladders and been using it ever since. Its the best one ive used for myself. These days I also freeze a Gatorade the night before and throw it in the pack. Past few seasons have been warm around here. Slushy gatorade tastes good on those warm days. Can’t do bottles. They’re to bulky and noisy for myself. Burry water when possible in those areas that are long hikes and more remote.
 
A bladder trick is whenever you are done drinking blow into the hose and clear the water. It will keep the hose from freezing and if it’s hot it will keep the water cool.
This^^^

I hate that first hit of warm water that stayed in hose on a warm day..

I've been running a Camelbak Mil Spec Crux 3L bladder for the last few years and never had any issues. The hose apparently adds for 25% more water flow then others and it easily disconnects for cleaning and refilling. I lean against my pack a lot when glassing and no leaks so far. The mouth piece also has a cover and an on/off valve.

A Nalgene is great for cold days and short hunts but they're bulky and get warm quick on hot days and I wouldn't want to be packing more then one at a time on me. I do like them on duck hunts.
 
If your going anywhere that has readily available water, ponds/rivers/streams/lakes, this is all you need my friend. I carry a katadyn and 2 of these and they get by great. They are also good for carrying whiskey!
 

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You normally drink around a gallon a day. A gallon of water is 8lbs.

I use a 3L bladder with quick disconnects to filter water straight thru my mouth piece.
I also carry a 500ml bottle as my backup after I suck dry my bladder. I will carry a platypus for camp water.
During cold weather hunts my hose is tucked into my coat next to my body.

I know it's not the best when thirsty but warm water is absorbed better by the body.

I will always fill my bladder to the top anytime refilling. You never know what's over the next ridge......

Another hack add a carbon filter in-between the bladder and the mouth piece for better tasting water.
 

@NBK mind blown!

This is something I can get behind! I usually bring both and use the Nalgene only for emergency water because I hate the slosh. I also love it for my liquid IV packs.
 

@NBK mind blown!
This is something I can get behind! I usually bring both and use the Nalgene only for emergency water because I hate the slosh. I also love it for my liquid IV packs.
I could get behind it too, if my packs didnt have slots already made for the bladders. Stacking 3 Nalgenes definitely takes up more space than slipping the bladder into a nice little pocket.
 

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