The 9 Best Hydration Bladders to Stay Hydrated | 2019

An easy way to quench your thirst if you’re hiking, mountain biking, or doing any other physical activity on-the-go is with a hydration bladder.

These come in a variety of sizes and contain lots of features that make them ideal for intense physical activities!

So finding the best one isn’t a quick task.

To help you find the right hydration bladder for your needs, we come with some top-rated picks.

While conducting the reviews, we examined how easy they all are to use and carry around, ease of the cleaning process, and more.

Top 5 Best Hydration Bladders – Editor’s Pick

Below is a quick breakdown of the specs of the top 5 hydration bladders in our review.

9. SportsTrail Hydration Bladder

Ideal for: Light, occasional use

First on our list of the best hydration bladder list is this one from SportsTrail.

A great thing about it? It comes along with an easy-to-use cleaning kit.

The hydration bladder itself features a large fill holder (2L) so it can be filled with ice cubes along with water or any other drink.

It has a large cap also, but it can be tricky to get off sometimes.

Additional features include a quick-release auto-lock system.

Heights:

• Easily detachable hose
• Large water opening
• Comes with cleaning kit
• BPA free

Plains:

• Low-quality seal
• The plastic is thinner than in previous versions of the product

8. Hydrapak Reversible Reservoir

Ideal for: Recreational use, hiking

The Hydrapak Reservoir utilizes a reversible design to help dry the bladder out after use/cleaning.

It is constructed of a good, durable material that’s also flexible.

This means it can fit very well in backpacks during hiking or on journeys.

There is also a baffle added to help lower the profile.

For the opening, it uses a wide slide-top.

Heights:

• Simple, reversible design for cleaning
• Easy to seal
• Thick TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)
• BPA, PVC-free

Plains:

• May leave a taste
• Middle seam tends to fail after several months of intensive use

7. Geigerrig Pressurized Hydration Engine & Reservoir

Ideal for: Light to medium hiking/running

This next hydration bladder on our best hydration bladders list utilizes a pressurized system that makes it overall very easy to use.

You can spray to drink or spray to cool down.

It is reversible as well, making it simpler to clean and dry, and it’s even dishwasher safe.

Filling it is straightforward in its simplicity as well:

Just remove the slide top and go!

Heights:

• Cleans and dries well
• Can share water
• Dishwasher safe

Plains:

• Quality control issues
• Leakage reported after about one year

6. CHERAINTI Hydration Bladder

Ideal for: All-around light to medium activities

Next is this CHERAINTI product that has a wide opening that makes it that much easies to fill.

It also makes it easy to reach in and clean.

The liner is smooth in a way to prevent germs, so as to keep the bladder and yourself safe and healthy.

They used a double-sealing side system to prevent leaks and provide durability.

Moreover, the soft mouthpiece comes with a cover to keep dirt out.

Heights:

• No noticeable plastic taste
• Easy to fill
• BPA free
• Germ-resistant and anti-bacteria material

Plains:

• Cold can stiffen tube
• Difficult to empty completely

5. WACOOL Hydration Pack Bladder

Ideal for: Heavy-duty use

As it is designed with an extra thick liner, this hydration bladder from WACOOL is pressure-proof as well as wear-proof.

As such, it should be more than able to last through your rigorous activities.

There is a double-opening design to help you fill it up in any condition.

It features military insulation, a sliding mouthpiece, and a self-lock socket as well.

This will help minimize leaks when the hose disconnects.

Heights:

• Durable, rigid components
• Good water flow
• BPA-free

Plains:

• The mouthpiece may not close properly
• Off-brand lids might work better than original

4. Platypus Big Zip LP Reservoir

Ideal for: Light-medium duty activities, backpack use

One of the best hydration bladders on the market is the Platypus Big Zip LP.

This earned its spot based on several of its features.

For one, it’s available in three different sizes.

It utilizes a low-profile design to fit easier into a pack.

Also, it’s durable and flexible enough that it won’t misshapen or get crushed.

There’s also a nice shut-off valve on the bite valve.

Heights:

• Silver ions protect microenvironment from mold and bacteria
• Clear and durable plastic
• Free of BPA, BPS, and phthalates
• Easy to refill

Plains:

• Difficult to dry
• Some lemons (defective products) were reported

3. BONL Hydration Bladder

Ideal for: Robust physical activity, backpack use

The BONL Hydration Bladder uses a military quality material in order to make a long-lasting, durable product that can withstand rough use.

It should fit into most hiking backpacks (normal and hydration packs alike).

The mouthpiece is taste-free and also has a high flow and locking system.

It comes along with a cleaning kit.

Heights:

• Top piece easily slides off/on
• Insulated hose
• Cleaning kit
• Foodgrade, BPA-free material

Plains:

• Can come undone when completely filled
• Some users reported a slight taste to the water after long treks

2. CamelBak Crux Reservoir

Ideal for: Light to heavy activity, biking/hiking, backpacking

Another contender for the best hydration bladder title is the CamelBak Crux.

This product has an easy-open ¼ turn valve cap.

It is light in weight and makes it easier to fill the bladder.

The low-profile design makes it better to pack up.

You can also disconnect the tube relatively easy and quick, and the bite valve self-seals.

Heights:

• Leak-proof cap
• Can lie flat well
• Hydroguard technology against bacteria

Plains:

• Takes long to dry out
• Color may stick to shirts

1. U’Be Water Hydration Bladder

Ideal for: Longtime use, hiking, running, bicycling

The U’Be Water Hydration Bladder is made with a wide opening to make it easier to clean.

It’s wide opening also means that you can add ice cubes to it, if interested.

Another way this bladder is simple to clean is thanks to the detachable tubing.

It has quality insulation so you can use it for a long time and the water will remain cold.

Also, as it’ lightweight, it’s easy to carry no matter what you’re doing.

Heights:

• Easy to carry
• Quality material
• Great for kids
• BPA-free, anti-bacterial

Plains:

• Connector hose may leak

Conclusion

The best hydration bladder for you is the one you’ll find to be most practical for your needs.

It should be simple enough to use while out and about.

Also, it should be able to maintain its temperature, limit leaks, and be easy to clean.

If you have tried any of the hydration bladders in our list, we’d enjoy hearing your opinions on them!

Recommended Read: The Best Sports Water Bottles to Keep You Hydrated