To bladder or not to bladder... that is the question!

[HangNhike]

I am headed out to the AT on Tuesday for 4 days - 40 miles (Springer to Neel's Gap). I just purchased my first internal framed back, I was using a VERY old Kelty external for years, so I am excited. Well my new pack has pockets on each side for bottles (typical) as well as a seperate compartment for a hydration bladder. The bottles I have are 48oz Nalgene's equaling 96 or almost 3 liters. I don't currently have a hydration bladder. Should I make the investment into a hydration bladder of rthis trip or is it overkill?

We are using a Katadyn gravity filter so we can fill up accordingly. I've read some articles stating that you shouldn't carry more than 2-3 liters at a time, other say carry as much as you can. I just wanted some input from those who actually hike this area

[Rocket Jones]

I haven't hiked that area, but I cut the hydration bladder pocket out of my pack to save a couple of ounces. I just use bottles in the side pockets, and have a 2 liter platypus softside bottle that rolls up and stores small. I use the 2 liter if I need the extra carrying capacity or for my overnight camp.

[slbirdnerd]

I haven't hiked that area, but I cut the hydration bladder pocket out of my pack to save a couple of ounces. I just use bottles in the side pockets, and have a 2 liter platypus softside bottle that rolls up and stores small. I use the 2 liter if I need the extra carrying capacity or for my overnight camp.

+1, only I haven't cut up my pack yet.

[Deadeye]

+1, only I haven't cut up my pack yet.

+2, haven't cut my pack, either. FWIW, I tried the drinking from the hose thing and didn't like it. I found I drank less because I was sipping just enough to keep my whistle wet. I prefer to camel up, and fill a liter (two if I'm unsure of finding frequent water) for the next hour or two of hiking.

[Cedar1974]

+2, haven't cut my pack, either. FWIW, I tried the drinking from the hose thing and didn't like it. I found I drank less because I was sipping just enough to keep my whistle wet. I prefer to camel up, and fill a liter (two if I'm unsure of finding frequent water) for the next hour or two of hiking.

And this is why I said get something cheap from Wally World rather than gettign the expensive stuff up front. The great thing about the stuff from there is it isn't too expensive, and will at least last long enough for you to see if you like it enough to upgrade.

[Rolls Kanardly]

I haven't hiked that area, but I cut the hydration bladder pocket out of my pack to save a couple of ounces. I just use bottles in the side pockets, and have a 2 liter platypus softside bottle that rolls up and stores small. I use the 2 liter if I need the extra carrying capacity or for my overnight camp.

I took my 100 ounce hydration bladder out of my pack and replaced with 2 x 2 liter roll up platypus'. Saves weight and space when empty and gives me more when I need it. Also the bite valve was not giving me the water flow I wanted. I get refreshed quicker when I use a bottle.
Rolls

[Wise Old Owl]

There is a current thread going on
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/show...es-vs-Bladders

[bfayer]

I find I love bladders for hiking, but I hate them for camping.

They are a pain to pull out of the pack and refill, they are terrible to get water out of for cooking, and in cold weather the hose freezes.

But I love the ease of grabbing the hose and drinking on the go.

If I know I will be hiking long days in hot weather, I take a bladder. If I know it might freeze, or I am planning on cooking more than one meal a day, or spending more time in camp, I take bottles.

Both have their place.

[Gravytrain]

I find I love bladders for hiking, but I hate them for camping.

They are a pain to pull out of the pack and refill, they are terrible to get water out of for cooking, and in cold weather the hose freezes.

But I love the ease of grabbing the hose and drinking on the go.

If I know I will be hiking long days in hot weather, I take a bladder. If I know it might freeze, or I am planning on cooking more than one meal a day, or spending more time in camp, I take bottles.

Both have their place.

We ran into this problem when I was in the Army and we introduced hydration systems like Camel-Bak into our packing list. What we ended up doing was pulling the bladders out when we got to our bivouac for the night and put them inside our sleeping bag with us. of course, we used those big heavy USGI MSS, so we would put our boots down in the bottom too. They would be almost completely dry by morning, and more importantly, NOT frozen!

Some of the guys that brought those Warm Hands air activated heaters for your gloves, would instead slide the heater inside the carrier for the bladder at the end of the day, and that did a decent job of preventing a full freeze.

[Energizer Bunny]

I live in N Ga and we have had our fair share of rain so far this year (and last). There should be no water shortage issues. With that being said I have found that I love the bladder when I am hiking, but like bfrayer said it is a pain at camp. I recently started taking a nalgene with me that I fill for cooking and camp stuff and found it works out well. I hope this helps - enjoy!

[HangNhike]

Well I guess I will have a lok at the map and see where the water spots are. Last year when we did a section in TN the only was source was a dribble and very muddy. The other two guys are "over packers" and have 2 32ox z nalgenes plus 70oz camelbacks each so we had enough to get through the second day. Part of me just doesn't want the extra weight... the other half doesn't want to run out of water lol

[Nutbrown]

I actually like the bladder for camp. Mine holds 4 liters, so I fill it up 1x, and have it hanging from a tree branch with the hose clamped. Easy water for cooking, washing, and plenty to last through the evening and on till morning for coffee and breakfast. With the bottles you are always going for a refill.

But to answer your question, I wouldn't bother with the investment on this trip. I tend to make one big purchase each section hike, and a bladder system will cost about $100. I would wait till the next trip. ...it always stings a little when you finally have all the gear you need and you don't get to make the one purchase each time, so spread the joy

[HangNhike]

But to answer your question, I wouldn't bother with the investment on this trip. I tend to make one big purchase each section hike, and a bladder system will cost about $100.

$100? I was looking at the 3L Camelbak Antidote and it was $35... the Osprey and Lezyne are similar. Which bladder system are you refering to?

[Nutbrown]

Sorry, I thought you were considering changing the system, not just the carrier...

[redseal]

You do not need a bladder. If you found a system that works for you that is all that matters. For me, I like a bladder as I can grab a quick drink while walking. I typically carry an empty bottle such that I can mix up a breakfast shake or something when I do not want to "pollute" my water bladder.

[Nutbrown]

I got the whole system...the 2 bags and the filter in between. It's the platypus.

[HangNhike]

Ya just the carrier. I am considering ADDING the camelbak to my exsisting 2 Nalgene's... It just seems liek it may be a bit much

[Sarcasm the elf]

I am a huge fan of my hydration bladder. Simply put, having a drinking tube on your shoulder strap encourages you to drink when you're thirsty and does a much better job of keeping you hydrated then hiking for an hour in between water breaks.

What I am NOT a fan of is the internal hydration sleeves that manufactures build into packs, it just isn't practical to have to remove all of your gear in order to access your bladder each time it needs to be refilled. My bladder rides on top of my other gear inside my pack, usually with 1-1.5 liters of water in it. This way it is the very first thing I see when I open my pack, I can see how much water is in it and I can easily refill it without having to dig it out of my pack.

I will often use a 1 liter nalgene as well, keeping a liter in my bladder and a liter in the bottle. When the bladder gets empty I pour the water from the Nalgene into it, then when I pass a water source I just fill up the nalgene, add aquamira and put it back in the side pocket.

[Nytro]

I have bottles as well and bladders, I prefer bottles as I feel bladders get grimy after a couple of days. Also even with a large 3 liter platypus zip big, the water tastes funny when theres only a little left.

[lemon b]

Won't use one. They seem unclean.