Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir Blue

Product Information

The most important part is not to let your bladder grow mold in the first place. To do that, be sure to store it full of warm water after cleaning and clean it out at least once a week (even if you’re using chlorine bleach – this is just good hygiene). Our Best Buy winner, the Platypus Hoser, has been hit by the recent inflation trend. While this bladder used to be a solid deal offered at a low price, recent price increases have narrowed the price range between this model and many other top options. During our next product update, we will reassess our award winners to discern whether a better value option is available. Hydration bladders are made from durable, BPA-free plastic that is meant to have a long lifespan if cared for properly. This plastic comes in various forms: For example, Platypus products are clear and rigid, while most HydraPak offerings are opaque with a slight bit of stretch. Both styles get the job done; we have both an old Platypus Big Zip and Osprey Hydraulics that are still going strong after six years of use. In fact, the vast majority of durability issues seem to be the result of user error—it’s important to keep your reservoir away from sharp objects like microspikes and trekking poles, and store it in a safe place between uses. However, I usually give mine a thorough cleaning each month because we take long trips that last several days, and I don’t want to deal with mold near the end of our trip! Final Thoughts

Bite valves are not all created equal, so there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing between hydration reservoirs. The first is whether or not the valve has an on/off mechanism, which is almost a requirement in our opinion. Accidental leaks happen more than you would expect, whether you sit on your valve, place it underneath a heavy object, or have a flaw in the seal. Most of the bladders on our list feature bite-valve shutoffs, but the budget models (particularly the HydraPak Cenote and Platypus Hoser) do not. Adjustable bite valves generally use a twist or switch mechanism (although Gregory currently uses a button); we’ve found switches such as those on the Platypus Big Zip EVO and CamelBak Crux to be the easiest to operate, as twist designs can be difficult to adjust with one hand. Various bite valve styles (from L to R: Osprey Hydraulics, Gregory 3D Hydro, Camelbak Crux) Since we’re avoiding bleach and other cleaning liquids, it’s important to fully clean it to prevent mold from growing on the inside walls. 3. Scrub Down Each Individual Piece Follow this step by step guide to always have a clean and new looking hydration bladder! 1. Remove the Hose and Empty any Remaining Water An osprey is a water container that has become popular with hikers for its high capacity, durability, and effectiveness.It comes in different sizes and shapes, but the basic idea is the same across models – it’s a bladder that holds water, with a hose extending from one side. It had a little aftertaste at first, but after a few uses it went away. If this problem persists, squeeze a lemon into the bag, fill the bag with water and freeze, this should eliminate the problem. Many of the Osprey bladders are designed with parts that can be taken apart and cleaned. You should remove the bite valve so that you can clean the inside material.

Boiling Water – This could damage the container, and possibly ruin it completely. If it does become damaged because of the water you won’t be able to return the product. Bleach – Bleach is great for cleaning more items, but it should be avoided for all Osprey products. An all-new comfortable handle allows for true one-handed filling. This easier-to-fill design is also easier to carry and pour. However, at the end of the trip, I still found it necessary to clean the bladder thoroughly! Otherwise, mold starts growing inside it. What to Avoid When Washing the Osprey Bladder In our freezer tests, the HydraPak HydraSleeve kept the main body of the bladder from freezing, even after leaving it in there for 24 hours. While there was a lot of ice inside, it wasn't completely frozen.

The last factor to consider here is a bite valve’s flow rate, or how much water comes out with each sip. Generally speaking, we’ve found that Platypus and CamelBak’s designs dispense a lot of water, while HydraPak’s bite valves (including those on the Osprey Hydraulics reservoir) are slightly more conservative. Brands like to tout a fast flow rate as a selling point, but in the end it’s completely a matter of personal preference. All of the bladders on our list are easy to drink from and dispense water just about as fast as we can drink. Each bite valve has it's own personality, but in general they're all thoughtful, convenient designs The Platypus Hoser is an affordable and simple bladder with a lightweight and durable profile that will fit into nearly any type of hydration sleeve. The flow rate is ample, delivering water with minimal effort. The price is also right. If you're seeking a straightforward bladder that'll keep you hydrated on the go, this is a great option. The carry handle is robust; you can feel its quality, and you will be confident it won't brake. The large opening makes the bag very simple to fill, whether you are filling it from a tap or a stream. My favorite hydration bladder is the Platypus Big Zip EVO Reservoir because it is durable, reliable, easy to use, easy to clean, and has a fast flow rate. It comes in three sizes, 1.5 liters, 2 liters, and 3 liters, allowing you to choose which will work best for you. Before you can begin to clean and wash the bladder you need to make sure there’s no water left inside the container.

If you leave it upside down for around 10-15 minutes that should be enough to get most of the leftover moisture out. 2. Rinse out with Hot WaterBut while it feels like slider-top reservoirs win out in most metrics, twist-cap bladders are distinctly easier to fill, thanks to the integrated handle that holds the opening ajar. On the other hand, reservoirs with sliders rest in a shut position, so you’ll have to pry them open underneath the water source. Each manufacturer has come up with a solution for this, including CamelBak’s one-handed pinch-grip on their Fusion, or the handle on Platypus’ Big Zip EVO. You’re likely to learn the ways of whatever model you choose, but for those looking for the height of filling convenience, a twist-cap bladder might be your best bet. Osprey's Hydraulics (and Hydraulics LT pictured here) features a convenient pour spout Hydration Bladder Durability Additionally, while hiking with the HydraPak HydraSleeve in the desert, we loaded it up with ice-cold water. Throughout the day (our hike was six hours), the water stayed icy cold, and ice cubes were still inside after the hike. Temperatures were between 80 - 90F that day. Overall, the HydraPak HydraSleeve offers excellent insulation that'll keep your drinks cool in the summer. Some people strongly prefer drinking cold water, and if that's you, this model does it best. Ease of Care

You don’t always need to fully clean your Osprey after every use, especially if you follow these tips below! This is a burly and reliable option has an awesome flow rate and convenient features, but long-term testing isn't favoring the zip closureA well-designed hydration bladder with a few features that set it apart from other competitors in this field. Osprey says: We’ve also found slider-top reservoirs to be easier to empty, especially HydraPak models with pour shields (as Osprey calls them). This design allows you to remove the contents with precision, which helps when transferring water to a pot or other bottle. Conversely, twist-tops are imprecise and often have places where water can hide, which isn’t helpful when you’re trying to dry the reservoir out completely. There are two main styles of hydration reservoirs—those that feature a top opening that seals with a slider (or in the case of the CamelBak Fusion, a zip), and those with a twist-cap closure (generally on the front, although the Platypus Hoser’s is at the base). Both are time-tested designs, but differ slightly in terms of functionality, especially when it comes to filling, emptying, and cleaning. Most hydration bladders user either slider or twist-cap closures In terms of storage – it’s best to deflate the bladder as much as possible and store it vertically in well-ventilated bags. It will keep it from developing mold or mildew stains inside. Tips For Keeping The Reservoir Clean