Some years ago, hikers swore by the water bottle. However, it's clear that the hydration bladder is becoming increasingly popular. So, which should you choose? Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The comparison below will help every hiker make their choice based on their personal criteria.
The classic water bottle has more than proved its worth: it is an essential piece of kit for hiking. It's important to have something robust to store your drinking water in. You won't risk puncturing your metal bottle, even if you accidentally drop your backpack on the ground. What's more, a bottle of this kind can last several years — a genuine plus if you go hiking regularly. And even when it's past its best, you can easily replace it, since metal bottles are inexpensive.
Another advantage of the metal bottle is that it can hold different types of drinks: water, coffee, tea or others. It's also very easy to maintain — a simple wash will clean it thoroughly and prevent any bacterial growth. Last but not least, the metal bottle protects your drink from the cold: the water, tea or coffee inside won't start to freeze quickly, even if you keep the bottle within reach.
However, the metal bottle isn't without its drawbacks. One of the most notable downsides of carrying this type of equipment is that it's not very practical. When hiking, you sometimes need to climb, cross rivers or tackle obstacles where you need both hands. Then there's the need to stop, open your backpack and search for your bottle when you need a drink.
On top of that, the metal bottle is heavy. Knowing that pack weight is an important factor in a successful hiking trip, it's not very encouraging to carry two or three full bottles with you. And yet it is necessary, because metal bottles often have a limited capacity. On top of that, metal bottles are just as bulky in your backpack even when empty.
A hydration bladder is a type of flexible plastic reservoir fitted with a drinking tube. On a hiking trip, it's incredibly handy for taking sips on the go: simply put the tube in your mouth and sip. No need to stop, open your backpack or perform any acrobatics to reach your water bottle. This convenience is precisely what has made the hydration bladder so popular. Many athletes use one to stay hydrated: cyclists, motorsport drivers, runners, and more. There are two types of hiking hydration bladder: those you fill with water and place inside your backpack, and those that come integrated into specific bags.
For hiking, it's more practical to choose a hydration bladder that fits inside your hiking backpack. The hydration bladder is also watertight and adapts to any shape. Even if your bag is tightly packed, your hydration bladder will mould itself to fit inside. Of course, weight is also a considerable advantage of the hydration bladder: for the same capacity, it is far more lightweight than a metal bottle. Speaking of capacity, it's worth knowing that hydration bladders can generally hold more water than metal bottles. Of course, it depends on the brand and model, but generally bladders have a capacity ranging from 1 to 3 liters.
However, the hydration bladder is difficult to clean. For this reason, it is not advisable to put drinks other than water in it. Poor cleaning can easily lead to the growth of micro-organisms, not to mention unpleasant odours. Furthermore, the hydration bladder is more fragile than a metal bottle. It can handle knocks but not sharp or pointed objects.
Finally, one last significant drawback: the hydration bladder does not allow you to track exactly how much water you've drunk. Since it's easy to sip through the tube, you may tend to drink too much and too frequently. If you find yourself in a situation where water conservation is essential, you'd need to take the bladder out of the bag, which is inconvenient. There are connected hydration bladders that allow you to monitor consumption directly at the tube via an electronic system, but this type of product is still expensive.
The classic hiking water bottle: reliable and versatile
The classic water bottle has more than proved its worth: it is an essential piece of kit for hiking. It's important to have something robust to store your drinking water in. You won't risk puncturing your metal bottle, even if you accidentally drop your backpack on the ground. What's more, a bottle of this kind can last several years — a genuine plus if you go hiking regularly. And even when it's past its best, you can easily replace it, since metal bottles are inexpensive.
Another advantage of the metal bottle is that it can hold different types of drinks: water, coffee, tea or others. It's also very easy to maintain — a simple wash will clean it thoroughly and prevent any bacterial growth. Last but not least, the metal bottle protects your drink from the cold: the water, tea or coffee inside won't start to freeze quickly, even if you keep the bottle within reach.
However, the metal bottle isn't without its drawbacks. One of the most notable downsides of carrying this type of equipment is that it's not very practical. When hiking, you sometimes need to climb, cross rivers or tackle obstacles where you need both hands. Then there's the need to stop, open your backpack and search for your bottle when you need a drink.
On top of that, the metal bottle is heavy. Knowing that pack weight is an important factor in a successful hiking trip, it's not very encouraging to carry two or three full bottles with you. And yet it is necessary, because metal bottles often have a limited capacity. On top of that, metal bottles are just as bulky in your backpack even when empty.
The hydration bladder: practical and innovative
A hydration bladder is a type of flexible plastic reservoir fitted with a drinking tube. On a hiking trip, it's incredibly handy for taking sips on the go: simply put the tube in your mouth and sip. No need to stop, open your backpack or perform any acrobatics to reach your water bottle. This convenience is precisely what has made the hydration bladder so popular. Many athletes use one to stay hydrated: cyclists, motorsport drivers, runners, and more. There are two types of hiking hydration bladder: those you fill with water and place inside your backpack, and those that come integrated into specific bags.
For hiking, it's more practical to choose a hydration bladder that fits inside your hiking backpack. The hydration bladder is also watertight and adapts to any shape. Even if your bag is tightly packed, your hydration bladder will mould itself to fit inside. Of course, weight is also a considerable advantage of the hydration bladder: for the same capacity, it is far more lightweight than a metal bottle. Speaking of capacity, it's worth knowing that hydration bladders can generally hold more water than metal bottles. Of course, it depends on the brand and model, but generally bladders have a capacity ranging from 1 to 3 liters.
However, the hydration bladder is difficult to clean. For this reason, it is not advisable to put drinks other than water in it. Poor cleaning can easily lead to the growth of micro-organisms, not to mention unpleasant odours. Furthermore, the hydration bladder is more fragile than a metal bottle. It can handle knocks but not sharp or pointed objects.
Finally, one last significant drawback: the hydration bladder does not allow you to track exactly how much water you've drunk. Since it's easy to sip through the tube, you may tend to drink too much and too frequently. If you find yourself in a situation where water conservation is essential, you'd need to take the bladder out of the bag, which is inconvenient. There are connected hydration bladders that allow you to monitor consumption directly at the tube via an electronic system, but this type of product is still expensive.
