A**I
My preferred hydration system, among several brands
I've used several brands over the years and so far this one covers the bases the best.The others… Camelback… hate the small ring opening - not hygienic. High Sierra… mouthpiece started leaking after 2 months. Deuter… not bad but mouthpiece is very big and has way too big hard plastic parts.So here's what I like about this one:(Size: 3 liters) The material is lighter than others I've tried. (Shaving off ounces on everything in your pack makes a difference to your total load.) I like that you can turn it inside out to clean. This is a BIG plus in my book. A moldy or slimy bag is a really bad thing! The material is more flexible than other brands I've tried. Easier to shape to your pack. (See pic of Sports 3Liter beside competitor 2 liter, both filled to one inch from top.) Rolls up smaller when empty - packed in luggage etc. (See pic of 3Liter Sports left, next 2 liter competitor, right. Covered hose reduces warming (and freezing). Hose is more flexible than others I've used. Comfortable mouthpiece. Straight shape… easy to thread and doesn't hook. Slider at top is good… no leaks, slides easily, minimal hard plastic parts. Has a small loop to thread a hanging strap through.No plastic taste (after careful washing before first use).What I don't like: Loosening the hose connection is very hard for my old hands. It's tough to unclip.I'll update downstream on wear and tear.
J**Y
Great for a gravity filter system with the Sawyer Squeeze
I was interested in using a gravity filter method to filter my water but wasn't interested in paying $100 for a Platypus set. This was about $17 when I bought it, even cheaper now, and a Squeeze filter is $30. Add the little adapter you'll need for $8 and a Platypus 2L bottle for $8 and altogether it's a $63 or so gravity filtration set!My last trip I was at the Great Smoky Mountains and it was reported that the spring at the shelter I was going to stay the first night was dry. When I found a spring on my way there I drank a bunch, filled up my 1.7L of water bottles, then filled this bladder up since it's not just for filtering but good for transporting as well. No water will come out until you attach that hose end. I met a thru hiker at the shelter so I we shared the water and nobody had to go looking for water. If you're planning on doing any hikes where water could be in short supply having a gravity filter is a great way to carry more water without having to carry more bottles. It's also a great way to sit back and enjoy nature for awhile instead of squeezing a bag for 5 minutes or something. Even better if you have a large body of water it literally takes 2 seconds to fill this thing because of that wide open top. Believe me standing in frigid Lake Superior with a Sawyer bottle would have been murder but with this it was almost instantaneous.It seems pretty durable so far even with it rubbing up on trees, and going through 11 days out and about. I tied some bank line and twine to make a loop with a carabiner so I can more easily hang it on trees. Prusik knots are great for this sort of thing. I basically use another carabiner to connect the little loop on top of the bag with the rope. I've used it this entire time hanging it by that loop and there is no give or any indication it won't hold up for many more trips to come. The bag is held nice and firm by the blue top better than I originally thought it would.Another couple of great features that make this bag great for a gravity filter is the hose can be turned downwards whereas many hydration bladders only go up. Also, the water outlet on the bag is up maybe 1/2" from the bottom so sand and debris can sit on the bottom of the bag and not go down the line jamming up your filter.This hose does fit the gray adapter for the Squeeze very well. However I've found several people had the same problem as me with the water leaking around the gray adapter. After trying different gaskets I've just resorted to good old teflon tape which seals it tight. No more wasted water.
R**B
Quality product with excellent customer service.
I purchased this water bladder with the specific intent of using it on long bike rides and general camping use. The size was it's biggest selling point, the 3 liter capacity is perfect for long adventures.The water bladder was packaged in a basic cellophane bag with standard cardboard box and air cushioned packing material. No damage marks on the box or package were present when I got it.Unfortunately, it had a small almost insignificant hole which was just a factory defect. Obviously you can't expect wet one they make to be perfect so I tried getting a replacement from Amazon however, the only option available was a refund and to repurchase the product. Instead I emailed the manufacturer and the process to get a replacement was beyond incredibly fast and easy.Jaclyn replied to my email almost immediately and initiated a replacement for my order. She then followed up to make sure that I received the product and was satisfied with it and the speed of service was amazing, my replacement came the next day!(I did get same day shipping for my original purchase). That level of customer service is what will keep me coming back for a long time!The water bladder itself is fantastic! The 3 liter capacity is great and the bag is well designed with every seam holding strong during a weeks worth of abuse biking and camping, even enduring me dropping my fully loaded pack on the hard dirt numerous times to rest. No leaks or signs of weakness from the seams or the filling port at all with any of the torture I put it through!Cleaning this bladder is a breeze since it flips inside out and because of that you feel like you're getting it really clean not just hoping you rinsed it enough like other bladders (great for the germaphobe in me). The straw port on the bottom doesn't leak and holds strong even if you pack the bladder into a backpack kind of tightly. The straw itself is made of quality material with a nice bite valve that was comfortable and seems very durable. The insulation on the straw kept me from getting that lovely warm shot of water that happens when the straw isn't insulated. Detaching and attaching the straw is easy and once it "clicks" in you know that it's going to be secure.When it comes down to it, this bladder performed well across the board. Price point, capacity, ease of cleaning, quality materials, insulated straw, nice straw clip, the top closure is perfectly secure with no fear of leaking, and an excellent flow rate with the bite valve. All in all, if your looking for a high capacity bladder that you can trust at a great price point this is the one you want!
Trustpilot
3 weeks ago
2 days ago