Comparing Hydration Bladders
Showing 12 products | Change
| Awards |  |  | | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $44.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $49.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $40 List $38.00 at Amazon | $32.35 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $41 List $36.95 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Thick and durable bladder, handle for easy filling, drying accessory, excellent flow rate, narrow and rounded profile for easy fit in narrow packs | Durable, reliable, fast flow rate, easy to fill, excellent valve locking mechanism | Lightweight, slim profile, simple to use, easy to clean | Durable, great water flow, easy to fill and clean, versatile use, good price | Lightweight, super packable, durable material, inexpensive, incredibly versatile |
| Cons | Bulkier components don't pack down | Wider profile, closure is hard to close in cold weather and requires maintenance | Not as durable as other options, connections get gummed up without lubrication | Can't flip inside out | Poor taste, does not come with hose or bite valve, doesn't pack easily into backpack sleeves |
| Bottom Line | This top performer stands out for its quality construction and easy filling profile that is reliable for hydration on backcountry adventures and day trips | This is a burly and reliable option has an awesome flow rate and convenient features, but long-term testing isn't favoring the zip closure | A lightweight and slim bladder that's especially suited for ounce-counting athletes pushing deep into the backcountry | This is a high value bladder with stellar performance for a decent price | This reservoir is lightweight and durable with many functions and uses in the outdoors |
| Rating Categories | Gregory 3D Hydro | Platypus Big Zip EVO | Hydrapak Shape-Shif... | CamelBak Crux Reser... | MSR DromLite Bags |
| Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Care (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Filling (20%) | |||||
| Quality and Durability (15%) | |||||
| Weight and Packability (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Gregory 3D Hydro | Platypus Big Zip EVO | Hydrapak Shape-Shif... | CamelBak Crux Reser... | MSR DromLite Bags |
| Weight of Bladder & Tube (oz) | 7.1 oz (3L) | 6.90 oz (3L) | 5.40 oz (3L) | 8.40 oz (3L) | 5.20 oz (4L) |
| Bladder Capacity Options (liters) | 3 L | 1.5L, 2L, 3L | 2L, 3L | 1.5L, 2L, 3L | 2L, 4L, 6L |
| Dishwasher Friendly? | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Plastic Taste | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Bite Valve | Push-button on/off valve | HyFLO Self-sealing Bite Valve | Bite valve with shutoff twist valve | Bite valve with updated shutoff valve | None (Bite valve with lock arm shutoff valve in separate attachment kit) |
| Can bite valve be removed? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hose Connection | Mid-tube quick release, but can be changed to the base. | Mid-tube, but can be changed to the base. Quick Release | Quick release (no swivel) | Quick release hose (no swivel) | At the mouth of the screw top |
| Closure Type | Screw top | Zip top | Slide top | Screw top | Screw top (3 in 1 spouts) |
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