Camelbak vs Osprey: Hydration Bladders

A standard Camelbak hydration bladder and the Osprey Hydraform hydration reservoir go head to head. I compare the features and function of both bladders. On a strictly functional basis, both of them work fine. However the Osprey bladder has some extra engineering that make it superior to the Camelbak in my opinion, although it does weigh more than the Camelbak. For minimalists and ultralight hikers, the Camelbak will certainly serve you well. I think the extra weight for the Osprey system is worth it, especially if you are going to use it in a frameless daypack or summit pack. The extra structure provided by the Osprey bladder makes a big difference in terms of comfort.

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• ColoradoCamper
• Camelbak
• Osprey
• Hydraform
• Hydration
• Bladder
• Water
• Reservoir
• Gear
• Review
• Backpacking
• Hiking
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[phrankus2009]

Because of a bladder's propensity for failure, I carry TWO of the CamelBak 70 Oz bladders, in my CamwlBak BFM tactical pack ... This not only allows for redundant spares (all parts) but also allows for variable content. I can have one for "dirty" water, with an inline filter AND one that has filtered water with electrolyte solution, mixed in. Of course, 4 Liters IS a lot to carry but I do live in Central Texas and I only fill both bladders to capacity when water sources (re-supply) is "iffy".

[ColoradoCamper]

@phrankus2009 I usually carry a lot of water with me too, but I've given up on bladder systems. I packed up the night before a trip and woke up in the morning to find my pack and all its contents soaked from a micro-leak in the bladder. I was furious. Had it happened in the field it could have been a dangerous situation.

So now I'm back to bottles. Not as convenient as a bladder, but pretty much 0% failure rate.

[phrankus2009]

@ColoradoCamper Agree, on "all that" and, I have had issues with the 2-qt soft military canteens, as well.  I do carry a 40oz Kleen-Kanteen and I have the option of carrying the Swiss Ranger Volcano Flask but have not yet integrated that. Eveything, in ALL my packs (including EDC pocket pouches) is either inherently water-proof or is packaged in dry-bags or HD ZipLocs ... I have been using an MTM Survivor Dry-Box (tronics) but kinda heavy and bulky. Far from Ideal ... WEIGHT ! Ahhrg !

[ColoradoCamper]

@phrankus2009 I keep all my essential gear in dry bags too. I usually stash my camera and electronics in a small roll top dry sack. You could try something like that to save the weight and bulk of a dry box.

[ColoradoCamper]

@randytang7 Thanks for your ideas and for sharing your experiences. The ID lanyard would definitely work well.

I'm afraid that my leaking problem has put me off bladders for good. I'm sure the military ones work a lot better and can take some abuse, but nothing beats the durability of a water bottle, in my opinion.

[randytang7]

@randytang7 Also, to help with your micro-leak problem, you may want to consider the military version of CamelBak hydration back. It has a quick release connection point which will allow you to add a filter and else, and is much much more rugged. I have two 3-liters bladder stuck in my emergancy pack at all-time and had not experience any leakage. Just a little personal experiences. =)

[randytang7]

A little suggestion, a little upgrade you could do is to get a retractbale ID lanyard thing and attach the drink tube to your straps. That will bring the CamelBak to the same as the Osprey's magnet. Another advantages it has is it allows you to operate hands free. For example, if I have a close encounter and have to shoot while I'm drinking, I could use my both hands and all I need to do after I'm done drinking is simply let go of the bit valve and it would retract back to the original position

[ColoradoCamper]

@sers333 I believe all the Osprey Hydraforms come with the magnetic clasp to attach to any sternum strap. You don't need to buy it separately and it should fit just about any strap.

[sers333]

The Osprey HydraForm comes with the sternum strap magnet? or we have to buy the accesory for a non osprey backpack.

[ColoradoCamper]

@kktpp I pretty much agree with your points. Although I must say that a few months after I made this video, my Osprey started leaking so it mush have a very small puncture. I hope you have better luck with yours.