Gear: 65L Osprey Atmos and 35L Golite Jam
I've recently been having the same debate with my gear; trying to find a lighter option for a bladder and where to keep the damn thing.
I have a 2L Camelback that is about 5 years old. This version is a lot skinnier than what they make now. Because of this, it is thicker and does not fit well in the pocket inside my pack. I need to unpack my entire bag when I refill water. Call me lazy, but I only like to pack my bag once a day.
On most of my AT hike, I kept it in the side pocket. I would try to counterweight the bladder on the other side of my pack, but obviously the more water, the heavier it is and vice versa. I am only able to keep it inside this pocket because it is skinnier than what they make now.
I also tried it in my stretchy (the outermost pocket on my Osprey pack), but I felt like it pulled me back too much.
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I know you said not to talk about bottles, but that is what I am currently using. I am all ears for a lightweight, bladder option.