Bladders vs Bottles
Hydration bladders are present on the hiking scene since the early ‘90s. They are part of every essential gear, whether you go hiking, climbing, or mountaineering.
As they became quite popular among outdoor enthusiasts, backpack manufacturers started adding them to the inner sleeve of the pack while others can be purchased additionally.
Although hydration bladders are practical and you can have a sip hands-free unlike a water bottle that you need to stop, find, open, drink, and close, there are still some issues with them, that you need to know about before the next outdoor adventure.
Easy Access to Water
Hikers who use hydration bladders are taking small sips more often, thus keep their bodies hydrated. No need for stopping, taking off the backpack, or asking someone to find the bottle for you, makes the bladder easy to use, unlike the water bottle.
On the other hand, by using a water bottle, you drink more water at once or avoid drinking as it’s more complicated to stop all the time, especially on steep terrain where you may need your hands to keep climbing.
Nevertheless, the water bottle is easier to control how much you have left, while you can’t see the bladder if inside your backpack.
Storage
If you decide to carry a water bottle on your next hiking trip, then you must have a backpack with side pockets where you can place two bottles ideally. Also, bring two more bottles in the inner compartment.
If your choice is a hydration bladder, then it’s better to have an external sleeve, as it is easier to use and refill.
You can insert the external hydration system with the tube already connected, which disables twisting, while for the internal, you first need to disconnect the tube, and then insert it in the sleeve.
Maintenance
Water bottles are easy to clean or end up in a recycle bin after the hike. Hydration systems are complicated to maintain, although most brands use antimicrobial technologies in their production.
However, if you don’t clean it immediately after usage, the reservoir and the tube will fill with mold and fungus, which is harmful to your health.
Besides the cleaning kit that you need to purchase for the hydration system, it is recommendable to keep it in the fridge to prevent mold. Before doing this, make sure the reservoir and the tube are empty and dry. Ice formation can crack the tube and destroy your hydration system.
Temperature
If you are hiking at high temperatures, it’s better to use a hydration system, as it keeps the water cool, unlike the water bottles which may be situated in the side pockets of your pack.
If hiking in winter, your best bet is a water bottle, as the tube of the bladder is more prone to freezing as it contains less water. Also it may be more difficult to use with gloves.
Refilling
Water bottles are far easier to refill. If you carry an internal hydration bladder, you would need to take off your backpack, take half of the things out and then reach the reservoir, which can complicate your journey.
Final note
Whether you choose to go with a water bottle or hydration bladder, ensure that you are carrying enough water to supplement for your journey.
Ideally it is recommended you should carry enough to consume 250ml every 30-45 minutes.
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