Kenetrek Boots

Water Bottles or Water Bladder

Water Bottles or Bladder?


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Didn't want to start a new thread, so I entered this old one. I was intrigued by Clay Hayes suggesting the Vargo BOT- a titanium water bottle with an o-ring that doubles as a pot.

It's expensive, so I balked until I found the Boundless Voyage (BV) titanium water bottle. It's the same size as the regular Nalgene bottles. The cap is junk since the threads strip over time and the metal on metal contact is kind of loud.

I discovered that the camelback lids fit it perfectly. I have the one that screws on the bottle and a screw top opening to fit your mouth easily. It also has a fancy magnet to hold the lid while open and drinking.

I bought the bottle from Temu for $50 and the Camelback lids in a two-pack from Amazon for $12. I used one last season and just added one more at $40 on sale for my son to carry.

The weight of the Nalgene is 6.5 oz and the BV is 13 oz. It is not insulated and shouldn't be if you plan to boil water for your food. If freeze-dried/add-water-type food is your primary staple, this is a great way to save weight since you don't need a pot anymore.

It also helps to have a backup if your filter breaks or you misplace your iodine pills.

Edit:
Camelback Chute Mag Lid
Boundless Voyage
 
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I use 2L bladder and carry a 32 ounce Nalgene; that way I’m not constantly checking bladder to see how much I have left. Can also mix flavors in Nalgene which is easier to clean
 
I run a 3L platypus bladder for hauling/storing but also bring a Nalgene for drinking, measuring for coffee and freeze dried meals etc. For longer trips I’ll also bring an extra 1L platypus - the things weigh nothing - to keep on the outside of the pack so I don’t have to go into the pack for water.
 
I love bladders but only use them warmer months. I had a bladder leak in wintertime and get my gear wet, it was a dam cold disaster. If my pack had a full proof way to isolate my bladder from gear I would consider using the bladder.
 
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With a couple of Llamas, I carry two 1-gallon bags of water and food in the panniers on the way in. Use them for packing out meat. On my pack, I will have a 2 or 3 L bladder and my titanium bottle- the metal type is not just light, but it also doesn't leave a metallic taste. Also good for flask material.
 
I use a bladder and a nalgene. The bladder gets trucked to camp and left, with nalgenes for day use usually. I dont like drinking out of a hose.
 
I started using the hardside hydration setup and after 2 seasons of using it I really like it! Kind of the best of both worlds.
 
Nalgene on my hip belt and hydro pack bladder in my pack for storage and filtration. I have trust issues with bladders
 
I've used both, depending on the situation. Bladder if it's a long hike, bottles when I am hunting more of a permanent stand.
 
Hiking is bladder, hunting I use Nalgene while hunting. Easier for me to filter water directly into bottle. Plus I like to glavor and or powdered electrolytes.
 
Im a strong believer in having both. I like to use my bladder when im hiking around so I can get to my water easily. I also always carry two nalgenes, one for dirty water and one for clean. Also I drink a lot of LiquidIV on the mountain and that is much easier to put in a nalgene!
 
Thinking about what the best option is for backpacking water. I am learning toward nalgeen bottles versus a water bladder, but wanted to hear you guys thoughts. Vote on the poll or leave you thoughts.

Thanks
Smartwater bottles are all I use anymore. VERY lightweight, no crinkle sound, and slip into most pockets with ease. Plus they are the same thread as the Sawyer filters.
 
Bladder and usually have a couple full nalgenes in the truck.

One of my friends always carries bottles and it always seems so much more inconvenient for him to drink water on the go
 
I’ve used a bladder for years. I like a 3L. Easy to drink on the go. It does present problems in cold weather. I generally stick the hose inside next to my back when it’s cold.
 
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