Years ago, hikers swore by water bottles alone. Today, however, hydration bladders are becoming increasingly popular. So, which one should you choose? Each has its pros and cons. The following comparison will help every hiker make the right choice based on their own needs.
The classic hiking water bottle: reliable and versatile
The classic water bottle has more than proven itself: it is an essential piece of equipment for hiking. Indeed, it is crucial to have something sturdy to store drinking water in. You run no risk of puncturing your metal water bottle, even if you accidentally drop your backpack. Furthermore, this type of bottle can last for years, which is a real bonus if you go hiking often. And even if it wears out, replacing it is effortless and affordable, as metal water bottles are relatively inexpensive.
The other advantage of a metal water bottle is that it can hold different types of drinks: water, coffee, tea, and more. What's more, a metal bottle is very easy to maintain; a simple wash will thoroughly clean it and prevent bacteria and other build-ups. Last but not least, a metal water bottle protects your drink from the cold: the water, tea, or coffee you carry inside will not freeze in no time, even if you keep the bottle close at hand.
However, metal water bottles are not without their drawbacks. One of the main downsides of carrying this type of gear is that it is less practical on the trail. While hiking, you often need your hands free to scramble, cross rivers, or negotiate obstacles. Not to mention the need to stop, open your backpack, and search for the bottle every time you want a drink.
Metal water bottles are also heavy. When pack weight matters on a hiking trip, carrying two or three full bottles isn’t appealing. Yet you may need to, because metal bottles often have limited capacity. And they take up just as much room in your rucksack when they’re empty.
The hydration bladder: practical and innovative
A hydration bladder is a flexible plastic reservoir fitted with a drinking tube. While hiking, it makes taking regular sips extremely convenient: just bring the tube to your mouth and drink. No need to stop, open your backpack, or contort yourself to reach a bottle. In fact, this hands-free convenience is the secret behind its popularity. Many endurance athletes rely on it for hydration: cyclists, motorsports drivers, runners, and more. There are two main types of hiking hydration bladders: standalone reservoirs to slide into your backpack, and dedicated packs with built-in hydration systems.
For hiking, a hydration bladder that fits inside your hiking rucksack is a practical choice. It’s leakproof and flexible, so it can fit even when your pack is tightly loaded. Weight is another significant advantage: for the same capacity, it’s much lighter than a metal water bottle. Hydration bladders can generally hold more water, too. Capacity varies by brand and model, but is typically between 1 and 3 litres.
However, a hydration bladder is difficult to clean. For this reason, it is not recommended to fill it with drinks other than water. Indeed, poor cleaning can easily lead to the growth of microorganisms, not to mention unpleasant odours. In addition, a hydration bladder is more fragile than a metal water bottle. It can withstand impacts, but not sharp or pointed objects.
Finally, a significant drawback is that a hydration bladder does not allow you to monitor your exact water intake. Because drinking through a tube is effortless, you might easily drink too much and too frequently. If you are in a situation where rationing water is essential, you would have to pull the bladder out of your pack, which is inconvenient. While smart hydration bladders with electronic flow meters at the bite valve do exist, they remain expensive.
A matter of taste and habit
As you can see, deciding between a hiking water bottle and a hydration bladder is not straightforward. However, if you are a seasoned long-distance hiker, a hydration bladder will certainly be more practical and beneficial given its capacity. For short day hikes, a flask or water bottle is more than enough. Ultimately, it is also a question of personal preference and habit. You can easily test both a water bottle and a hydration bladder to see which one works best for you.
