Thank you! I wanted to start using a hydration pak for hiking. I bought one on Amazon and didn't really expect a learning curve but when I opened it I had no idea how to set it up. This helped!
Thanks for a clear, well-structured and enough details on the bladders. Helps me to sort out the sports and military models, and the use of the various features. Especially TIL about the purpose of, and the attachments to the removable mouthpiece on the Source bladder. Have been wondering about that for some time.
I just want to know why mine keeps leaking all the water out of the rivet at the bottom, the bladder is totally fine, it feels like its there to purge the pack and i have it toggled on but dont know how haha
I like the platypus bladder, and the last one you showed. I prefer the bite valve though. And this is the first bladder that I have seen that allows you to refil from the hose. Great video!
Thank youuu. For the love of god I could not remember how id always contain this mess of a hydration tube bc my government issued camelback comes with basically nothing to secure this wild tube and this is the first and only video I’ve found that mentions how annoying and potentially dangerous it is to let it dangle everywhere and how to fix it so thank you so much for addressing this annoyance.
God bless you for doing this video, I've been holding off on buying a bladder because I could not make up my mind. I had been eyeballing that first one and will probably get it now. Thanks a ton!
Have been using the source bladders for the last three years and they are awesome.I have left water in them for weeks and the water still tastes good.And they are way cheaper then the camelbak out there.
Been a camelback guy for a while but recently been using the bladders from osprey, really impressed and want to check out the others, thanks for the vid
Thanks for the excellent coverage. Not only did you help me decide on a hydration system but a backpack as well. Getting the GEIGERRIG Rig 1600 Tactical Pack. Dude!
Hey Ben! I was looking for advice on what to get for a day hiking back (Your video on the Spec Ops T.H.E. EDC pack was very helpful ) and for what accessories (hydration bladder) to get. Your videos are helpful, informative and well done. Keep up the good work.
It should be noted that Source was the first hydration bladder to include the Zip Lock style system, whereas Camelbak didn't copy them until two years ago. I believe the Source hydration system was made available to consumers around 2009/10.
I use the old blue camal bak 1.5 & 2 liter versions but they always get gunky in the corners making them difficult to clean & in the winter my tubes & bite valves freeze making them useless. I love my MSR 4 liter drom bag but it always adds a funny taste to the water. Thanks for the great reviews.
+Haitian Refugee i find the same with the camelbak and don't have as nice of bacterial protection as the source ones. you could probably put in a few small drops of bleach to kill any gunk.
I realize I can just look on the add for this, but I like to get second options as well. I’m just wondering, do you know if the sharkmouth official 2.5 L Blatter is BPA free and taste free as well? That’s the one I bought, but haven’t had a chance to use it yet. Also. How long could I store water in it, if I filled it and left it in my pack in between bushcraft trips, or to add it to my load out just before going on a trip?
Another great review, I recently purchased a Direct Action Ghost pack, have not used it yet but its exactly what I wanted and required. Now I am looking at Hydration systems and will probably go with Platypus. Thanks. With all your equipment reviews and the fact I have purchased a few items you reviewed you are my go to expert when I am researching.
Nice Vid, was just discussing last week about purchasing a bladder. Any chance of a vid or instructions on proper cleaning care? Seems like they would be hard to get dry inside when storing.
Living Survival BTW, do you know if the universal adapter that allows filling the bladder through the tube from a water bottle, also fits the Platapus & other brands? Also, I cannot find any info about max liter size for my Paratus 3 day pack. Can I just buy a 3 liter & not fill it up all the way, or are there other restrictive issues I need to consider? Thanks again!
Im surprised so many people have left comments given the heading , but great information glad i watched it , so i can blind some DUMMY with bladder science
Would you or maybe someone in the comments know if that fill valve thing will fit the opening of a hand pump well spigot? had a heck of a time refilling my water last summer with one of those, cant prop the bladder or hold it and pump at the same time lol
What do you recommend to clean the inside of the bladder, and drying it? I have the Camelbak with the nice big opening. If I have very much water left from my hike I've been putting the bladder in the refrigerator and topping it off for the next hike. Nice video. I need a web dominator for my Garmin InReach Mini!
Is it important to clean a new one? I got one a few months ago and am thinking of using it. I'll probably just fill it and empty it a few times to be safe.
Hey do you have any experience with Fallkniven knives? and if so what were your opinions on them? I'm looking for a good high end outdoors knife and I've been eyeballing the fallkniven s1.
how do you store your camelback when not in use? I have been told and currently am storing mine in the freezer after cleaning and drying it out as i have been told this is the best way to keep it fresh. any thoughts or suggestions
Would it really matter if your bladder is too long for your pack. Can't it just fold under a little? The back pack I ordered I noticed says for 2 liter, and I have a 3
I bought a 2 liter and 3 liter BPA free bladders on Ebay, both ended up leaking almost immediately. I need to invest in better quality ones. These looks great!
Great video mate.I got the vango 2 litre. But yesterday it opened up when I put the bladder bag inside my bag.Do I have to put the zip part facing up or facing down.I Mean the part where we fill it with water.
Living Survival Most excellent! I hope your experiences ar as positive as mime. The virus filter is great too. I have rehydrated from muddy swamp ponds using mine with great results. I really like your reviews.
Hey Ben, could you please do a video or review of your Source Patrol 35l? There isn't any single vid about that pack and not that much pictures on the internet. Thanks
Thank you! I wanted to start using a hydration pak for hiking. I bought one on Amazon and didn't really expect a learning curve but when I opened it I had no idea how to set it up. This helped!
Thanks for a clear, well-structured and enough details on the bladders. Helps me to sort out the sports and military models, and the use of the various features. Especially TIL about the purpose of, and the attachments to the removable mouthpiece on the Source bladder. Have been wondering about that for some time.
I just want to know why mine keeps leaking all the water out of the rivet at the bottom, the bladder is totally fine, it feels like its there to purge the pack and i have it toggled on but dont know how haha
I like the platypus bladder, and the last one you showed. I prefer the bite valve though. And this is the first bladder that I have seen that allows you to refil from the hose. Great video!
Brennan Jones some good options :)
How do I use the bite valve? I just got a hydro pack and I can’t drink out of it
Thank youuu. For the love of god I could not remember how id always contain this mess of a hydration tube bc my government issued camelback comes with basically nothing to secure this wild tube and this is the first and only video I’ve found that mentions how annoying and potentially dangerous it is to let it dangle everywhere and how to fix it so thank you so much for addressing this annoyance.
Excellent video on water bladders Ben. I gave it the hugest thumb up I could ;-)
Survival On Purpose ty!
Thanks!
God bless you for doing this video, I've been holding off on buying a bladder because I could not make up my mind. I had been eyeballing that first one and will probably get it now. Thanks a ton!
Eight Leg Outdoors glad it helped out.
Thanks Ben, I have been thinking about using a bladder. I always use a Kleen Kanteen for hiking.
***** i switch on and off depending on pack.
Great video! I'm trying to find a bladder that will work really good on a medium ALICE pack. Thanks for sharing and the info.
metaltrooper62 check out the source ones. i like them a lot.
Have been using the source bladders for the last three years and they are awesome.I have left water in them for weeks and the water still tastes good.And they are way cheaper then the camelbak out there.
CRAIG HENRY agreed. great bladders.
Great reviews.
Been a camelback guy for a while but recently been using the bladders from osprey, really impressed and want to check out the others, thanks for the vid
+Jim Cyr thanks for watching and the comment!
I empty my bladder a few times a day. At night it’s annoying when I have to empty my bladder at night.
Don't drink before you go to bed, and your bladder won't fill up until morning.
i got a nice quest back not to long ago looking for a water blatter thanks for the info
Thanks for the excellent coverage. Not only did you help me decide on a hydration system but a backpack as well. Getting the GEIGERRIG Rig 1600 Tactical Pack. Dude!
+BuddahJim thanks for watching and the comment.
Do you recommend adding electrolytes to the water in the hydration bladders?
I've heard from numerous people not to put anything but water into the bladders.
Nice water bladder 101! The platypus seems much better with that size of the opening!
Jason McDaniel Great bladder for sure.
Hey Ben! I was looking for advice on what to get for a day hiking back (Your video on the Spec Ops T.H.E. EDC pack was very helpful ) and for what accessories (hydration bladder) to get. Your videos are helpful, informative and well done. Keep up the good work.
thanks for the comment and watching.
It should be noted that Source was the first hydration bladder to include the Zip Lock style system, whereas Camelbak didn't copy them until two years ago. I believe the Source hydration system was made available to consumers around 2009/10.
Xtragicfever thanks for the input.
I’m new to hydration bladders. This is helpful. Thank you.
AWESOME video, I'm going with the Source Tactical WXP lowprofile. Thx again. You are one of my goto sources on hardware choices.
Thanks for a very clear, useful video! I’m new to hydration bladders and your vid was quite helpful.
I use the old blue camal bak 1.5 & 2 liter versions but they always get gunky in the corners making them difficult to clean & in the winter my tubes & bite valves freeze making them useless. I love my MSR 4 liter drom bag but it always adds a funny taste to the water. Thanks for the great reviews.
+Haitian Refugee i find the same with the camelbak and don't have as nice of bacterial protection as the source ones. you could probably put in a few small drops of bleach to kill any gunk.
I already have a couple Source hydration bladders, but I wanted to say this video was awesome. Great information.
+Jeff Carouth thanks for watching and the comment Jeff.
very good info! thanks! i have never used one but i wanna try it for a 2 day MTB ride
Would cold beer do well in one of these??
We used to fill up a comeback with beer when we went to the public pool when we were kids.
I realize I can just look on the add for this, but I like to get second options as well. I’m just wondering, do you know if the sharkmouth official 2.5 L Blatter is BPA free and taste free as well? That’s the one I bought, but haven’t had a chance to use it yet. Also. How long could I store water in it, if I filled it and left it in my pack in between bushcraft trips, or to add it to my load out just before going on a trip?
Awesome review.
I hate the taste of plastic in these things. You mention it’s taste free. That’s a major like!
Another great review, I recently purchased a Direct Action Ghost pack, have not used it yet but its exactly what I wanted and required. Now I am looking at Hydration systems and will probably go with Platypus. Thanks. With all your equipment reviews and the fact I have purchased a few items you reviewed you are my go to expert when I am researching.
+james york thanks james, I appreciate it.
I am going to have to look at the source bladder I really like that external fill
linchpin20 great bladders, can't go wrong.
if you have the source wlps 3L pack, could you see and check if it fits in the direct action dragon egg backpack?
I have the Platypus and can never get a very good flow thru the bite valve. I get only a few teaspoon size sips at a time. Is that normal?
Nice Vid, was just discussing last week about purchasing a bladder. Any chance of a vid or instructions on proper cleaning care? Seems like they would be hard to get dry inside when storing.
***** just clean the inside using a brush if necessary then hang dry as open as you can.
Nice job on the video. Very informative and fluid!
Great job! Thanks for taking the time to explain all three systems.
thanks for watching.
Living Survival BTW, do you know if the universal adapter that allows filling the bladder through the tube from a water bottle, also fits the Platapus & other brands? Also, I cannot find any info about max liter size for my Paratus 3 day pack. Can I just buy a 3 liter & not fill it up all the way, or are there other restrictive issues I need to consider? Thanks again!
Hey Ben you can also use the Source UTA quick fill with the Camelbak Mil Spec Reservoirs
+Joe Jcm i believe you can, haven't tried it. it could easily be modded if it didn't click in.
I never knew about some hydration bladder awesome know i now why i have space there thankyou
How do you drink the water?!
Will this fit a camelbak miltac hawg?
Where can I find a filter for a camel bak?
Im surprised so many people have left comments given the heading , but great information glad i watched it , so i can blind some DUMMY with bladder science
Great vid bro!
Jarhead6 thanks brother.
Would i be able to use the sawyer mini filter with the platypus?
do any fit onto a sawyer water filter? of any kind?
I have never had one in my pack before.
So thank you for the info and multiple options.
PREPFORIT thanks for watching.
Tomáš Petržílek Go back in my pack playlist. It's there.
Review the lunchbox google it.
hey im looking for a wide mouth straw! the tiny staws most have are too tedious for me. thanks
Are you the lead singer from smashmouth?
Extremely well done video
thanks Bradley.
Would you or maybe someone in the comments know if that fill valve thing will fit the opening of a hand pump well spigot? had a heck of a time refilling my water last summer with one of those, cant prop the bladder or hold it and pump at the same time lol
Don't think it will, but he did say it would accept a water bottle, so you could
use it with a cut-off water bottle as a funnel. YMMV
Very good point and video Ben!!
SUFFICIENT SURVIVAL thank you for watching.
Excellent, succinct brief on bladders.
Thanks much for making it available. d:^)
Nice review what would be price range on each bladder. I am looking into getting one that fit a pack.
Lt Survival i put links in the card upper right, around $50
What do you recommend to clean the inside of the bladder, and drying it? I have the Camelbak with the nice big opening. If I have very much water left from my hike I've been putting the bladder in the refrigerator and topping it off for the next hike. Nice video. I need a web dominator for my Garmin InReach Mini!
A little bit of bleach or just mild soap and water. Then I hang mine by placing the spout over my paper towel rack
Well done.....loved the humorous ending !
Allen Alleycat007 LOL, glad you enjoyed. Lord knows there is always bloopers.
Pc principle?!?
Very informative and to the point. Love it. No extra bs.
Are us military bladders BPA free?
Awesome video, lots of info. Thanks
Is it important to clean a new one? I got one a few months ago and am thinking of using it. I'll probably just fill it and empty it a few times to be safe.
SoundToxin yes though mine came wrapped up but still clean it
Very useful information, many thanks!
Hey do you have any experience with Fallkniven knives? and if so what were your opinions on them? I'm looking for a good high end outdoors knife and I've been eyeballing the fallkniven s1.
ChaosJDC s1 is a great knife.
Living Survival ok thanks!
how do you store your camelback when not in use? I have been told and currently am storing mine in the freezer after cleaning and drying it out as i have been told this is the best way to keep it fresh. any thoughts or suggestions
Chris Haines I always hang dry them. Then just store in a closet.
Excellent overview Ben! I love my source bladder. It is worth the extra money all day long! Take care -Chris
Windham Woodcraft agreed, my favorite too.
Pricing would be nice to be added when describing.
Prices change. This video is years old.
Would it really matter if your bladder is too long for your pack. Can't it just fold under a little? The back pack I ordered I noticed says for 2 liter, and I have a 3
When it’s full it might be an issue.
Great job and which one is your favorite one as well as which one is the best?
i like hydrapak the best.
I bought a 2 liter and 3 liter BPA free bladders on Ebay, both ended up leaking almost immediately. I need to invest in better quality ones. These looks great!
SouthPaw Bushcraft thanks for watching.
Great video mate.I got the vango 2 litre. But yesterday it opened up when I put the bladder bag inside my bag.Do I have to put the zip part facing up or facing down.I Mean the part where we fill it with water.
I would make sure the fill valve is toward the top and securely closed to avoid spillage.
Best video !!! 👍👍👍
Awesome reviews as always. Keep up the good work!
Rob Farrell thank you!
Great video! Thank you. But I would say if you haven't tried the Geigerrig system you really should. It's bombproof and pressurized.
David Taylor i've hopefully got one coming.
Living Survival Most excellent! I hope your experiences ar as positive as mime. The virus filter is great too. I have rehydrated from muddy swamp ponds using mine with great results. I really like your reviews.
Hey Ben, could you please do a video or review of your Source Patrol 35l? There isn't any single vid about that pack and not that much pictures on the internet. Thanks
Nice vid, thanks for the breakdown. I have a Condor 2.5L water bladder, do you know what filter would fit it...
what packs are you using
***** i have a lot of packs. check out my videos and you can see them all.
***** the packs in this video were the grey ghost gear stealth operator pack, the source tactical patrol pack and the granite gear nimbus.
just got that source!! What a great bladder
Joel Fisher i agree.
Great info - explained simply
Perfect vid for me as I knew nada about them,,thanks!
Are any of these made in the usa?
Does it matter ?
my zip on top is hard to close any tips?
Clear review, many thanks !
Great tutorial.
Outstanding presentation. Thanks.
great info, been hesitant on buying one this vid helped alot
***** glad it helped.
What about Geiggerigs? Any good? Thanks.
i've heard of them, never tried one.
What happens when you fill it with a slushie
some bags require Tabs to hang the bag,
make sure to buy bladder that has SLOTS for them, else you are left hanging....
great video, learned a lot.
witch one is your favorite of the 3?
platypus and source.
sweet, this helps me alot.Im going to buy one of the two probably the source because of the braided tube.its goin into the alps persuit backpack.
what water bladder and pack would you recommend for beginners
Source, Platypus or Hydrapak.
I can’t suck water out of mine, what am I missing this video didn’t cover this issue
can this fit in the trident 20? if not what one do you recommend for the trident 20?
+Nick Cip yes a 2l will fit in the trident.
Great video Brother! Gallons of useful info.
MI Timberwookie thanks brother.
Wasn't expecting much out of this review. Wrong! Excellent overview, thanks!
Canesser thank you for watching. I appreciate it.
Thanks for the video! Very educational!
Nice Video. Well Done
Great video. Thank you.
Nice summary
Robin Mills thank you for watching and the comment.
Great video.
Good job man 👍
What was the first back pack you had on?
Great video by the way!!
Mike Carpenter source tactical operator pack. I have another review of it.