I've never used one, always just carry a couple of nalgene bottles. My pack has a sleeve for one, but I'm worried about a leaker or bust. What is a good one?
I pack one in my pack. Triple check the lid and you shouldn't have any problems. I have used Camelback Antidotes and have been fairly happy with them but prefer this one
In pack usually against your back so can get warm from your body heat. I have an Unbottle which is a external sleeve you can attach to the outside of your pack. I've used both.
I use a source bladder and I have crashed my dirtbike and rolled on top of it and had no issues whatsoever. Although it is the only bladder I have ever used I have put it through the ringer and it hasn't leaked yet.
on the same topic. I run a gen2 duplex and emr ii. Im in the process of moving now so I won't see my camelback bladder for another week. How does it attach?
I've used bladders for years a and have had problems with camel backs leaking at the screw top. The last 6/7 years I switched to platypus big zips and haven't had an issue. This year I'm using an old platty as a dirty bag with my sawyer and one platty between my kuiu 1800 bag and frame for clean water. Which ever you choose I would get one that allows you to disconnect hose from the bag, it makes removing your bladder from your pack easier
I have used camelback and osprey for the past several years and have only had user error issues where I don't get the lid on properly. I wear them while riding mountain bike and have gone over the bars a few times landing directly on the pack and have not had any ruptures of any kind. unless you poke with with a knife I think you'll be good to go.
I would certainly ruin a hunt if you empty a full bladder onto your puffy at the wrong time. Bottles are heavy.