Bladders

2ski

WKR
Joined
Jul 17, 2012
Messages
1,722
Location
Bozeman
So, dug out my ski pack out of storage yesterday and I seem to have forgot I had a couple Clif bars in it that some mice decided would make a pretty good meal. One of them was completely gone, while the lemon one was still fully intact and the wrapper was not chewed on at all. So, side note, mice don't like lemon flavored stuff I guess. Anyway, my camelbak bladder was at the bottom of the pack with the lid off so when I took it out...mice turds inside the bladder. I know I could clean it out, but the mental image is going to stick with me everytime I use it, and I'll wonder if I cleaned it out good enough. So I'm thinking of buying a new bladder now. My question is what is everyone's opinion on bladder brands. It wasn't that long ago that camelbak was the only game out there. Now there's a bunch of options...camelbak, MSR, Platypus, Osprey, Eberle, Badlands, ect. What do you guys like, or more specifically, what don't you like and why?
 
Joined
Feb 26, 2012
Messages
3,234
Location
Some wilderness area, somewhere
The MSR's are pretty much bombproof. I have also had good experiences with Camelbak, but honestly their lid closure system is wearing on me. The Platypus Big Zip has not had any problems in the year or so I have had it, and filling it is as easy as submerging it in water.
 

gulicemo

Banned
Joined
Aug 22, 2012
Messages
134
Location
CA
I used an MSR Dromendary last year with no problems. The only gripe I have is when it's full, the small spout that flips up pours really slowly, but if you screw the smaller top off, it is hard to control the flow. I have a 4 liter for which I'm going to get a hose kit and keep full time in my pack, and I'll also pick up another 6 liter for camp water. 10 Liters should last me a couple days without having to get water.
 

Trout bum

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
244
Location
Colorado
The source tactical hydration reservoir has lasted six seasons and is still going strong without funk. I also bring along a 20oz gatorade bottle and platypus bags for clean water storage. Sawyer bags for dirty water. My msr dromedary is a tough bag but it develops a funk so I leave it in the truck.
 

Matt Cashell

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Feb 25, 2012
Messages
4,500
Location
Western MT
I have Camelbacks, Platys, and MSR.

They are all pretty decent, IMO. The only one I have had leak were a couple of the Camelbacks, but I know some folks have had trouble with Platys too. The MSRs are really tough, but I wish they were easier to fill and clean. The Platys are awesome that way.
 

Craig4791

WKR
Joined
Dec 2, 2012
Messages
2,215
Location
AK
I prefer the big zip platy bladders. Never had one leak yet but have had both camelback and badlands bladders leak on me at the fill screw on cap.
 

Xtorminator

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Messages
207
Location
SW Washington
I use The Source 3L in my pack and hang a MSR Dromlite in camp. I didn't like how the hose attached to the MSR. Just to bulky.
 

armyjoe

Super Moderator
Joined
Jun 26, 2012
Messages
1,043
Location
Denver, CO
MSR Dromlite and Dromedary. I've used tons of brands and these are just bomb proof. Very happy with MSR
 
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