Pro tip: skip the expensive hydration bladder and grab a $5 smartwater bottle instead

I spent $45 on a fancy hydration bladder before my JMT trip last year thinking it would make life easier. First day the tube leaked all over my sleeping bag and I was stuck with damp gear. Second day I just tossed it and grabbed a 1.5 liter smartwater bottle from a gas station near Yosemite for $5. Threads fit my sawyer filter perfectly and I never had to wrestle with a slimy bladder again. Plus I could see exactly how much water I had left without twisting around to check. The bottle is way lighter and I just clip it to my shoulder strap with a carabiner. Has anyone else ditched the bladder for a simple bottle on long routes?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_elliot8d ago

Wait, you actually got that to work without the bladder getting nasty over time? I always figured bladders were the legit option cause they're made for hiking, but after reading this I'm starting to reconsider... Tried the smartwater bottle on a weekend trip after ditching my leaking bladder and honestly it held up fine even when I jammed it in my pack sideways. Guess sometimes the simple stuff really does beat the pricey gear.

blair5978d ago

So did you ever have issues with the smartwater bottle leaking or cracking over time... I've heard mixed things about how long they hold up on rough trails.