Best outdoor backpack accessories according to redditors
We found 197 Reddit comments discussing the best outdoor backpack accessories. We ranked the 115 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 197 Reddit comments discussing the best outdoor backpack accessories. We ranked the 115 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
You know I had to do it to em.
Its a clip to hold up a hydration bladder.
I doubt you will find what you seek.
The most waterproof bags you can find will look something like this:
BackSak
Observe the somewhat complex closure mechanism required to ensure the bag is truly waterproof.
This bag probably doesn't have any internal pockets or padded sleeves for a laptop either.
What I think you might want to consider is a waterproof rainfly to cover your existing (laptop-friendly) backpack.
JoyWalker
I got a bladder hose like this with a few different adapters so it fits smart water bottles and nalgenes
http://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Bite-Valve-Color-Pack/dp/B006ZV5OIQ
I use these, they fit right on the tip of the glass tube snugly and only let vapor out when you bite down and take a hit. I suggest buying the 3 pack because gnawing on them will wear it down after a month or so and need to be replaced.
Edit: Fixed the link, was on mobile at the time
What price range are you looking for? Do your parents generally spend over $100 on your for gifts?
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Here are some basic ideas:
You could also add basic stuff like batteries, lighters, power bars, trash bags, first aid supplies and other consumables.
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Other items are harder to pick without know more details...
Here's some of the stuff I've gotten for airsoft from Amazon, for under $50:
Howard Leight Impact Sports - $38
Camelbak Water Resevoir - $25
NcStar small backpack - $32
Orca Tactical EMT pouch - $14
Pyramex I-force goggles - $15
Mechanix M-Pact gloves - $27
Condor Multicam hat - $11
One Tigris mesh/cloth mask - $13
From my experience these are good:
https://www.amazon.com/Hydration-Reservoir-Military-Replacement-Climbing/dp/B071DQSZB8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=waterbags+bladdrs&qid=1563148472&s=gateway&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VIK28MY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_BH0JAbK7WSW53 Emily confirmed that CAMELBAKS like these should be okay. :) so hydration packs with pockets are cool.
Gorruck 34L GR2 Coyote Tan - a good bag, heavy, uncomfortable, probably give it to my grandchildren in like 50 years
Flip Flops - generic things
Bigblue 28W solar charger - very good, can charge my battery up during the day if i leave it in the sun which I've never really done honestly
Jakemy hardware tools - seamed useful? i've never needed this
Army glove shells - i thought i used these a lot and were indistructable but now that i think of it, i don't use them that often and are probably pretty cheaply made.
Sharpie, pen, all weather notebook - probably should switch over to a fisher space pen...
Straws - these are probably already broken.
Whistle - really really really loud
Fire-striker, matches, lighter - i'm not sure i have enough ways to start a fire
Fresnel lens - ok, now i have enough
LED flashlight - i used to go running in the middle of the night with this flashlight, its tiny
LED flashlight - this isn't the one i have but looks kinda similar? i don't remember where i got mine
Earbuds - generic cheap earbuds
Leatherman Surge - given to me by my wife for passing the bar. thanks wife!
First Aide kit - i put mine together from stuff i've stolen from friends houses whenever i go over and use the bathroom
playing cards - these look very similar to the ones i have, they are plastic so they won't get rained on
glasses/ sunglasses - i have really bad vision
personal hygiene kit - aahhhh dry shaving
Sawyer Mini / syringe, collapsible canteen (dirty), heavy duty straw - i've never used this
collapsible canteen (clean) - i've never used this either
sewing kit - i've used this a lot
ID tags - i guess if i get blown up they'll know my blood type?
garbage bag - for when my pockets are full
elastic bands - i use these when packing to keep rolled socks and things from falling apart
Salt - i have nooooo idea why i have this
cooking grate - i'm not going to hold meat over a fire with a stick like some sort of caveman
heavy duty ziplock bag - in case my mapcase breaks and other reasons
rip-patch - leftover from when i needed a pack because i bought a crummy cheap inflatable sleeping pad.
Army Fleece Beanie - i always keep this at the top of my pack
4 Bungie Cords - not the one i use but similar. to make a field-expedient shelter
Trowel - for disposal of biological wastes
Lensatic compass - because GPS should only be a backup
Pocketboy 130 folding saw - i have a bigger one for yardwork, this small one is really great
Tent stakes - for tent staking
Ravpower 26800 Battery - use this all the time can fast chage my stuff
Battery Battery holder, cables, wall charger - all fits togehter like glove!
Army Poncho - wear it, make a tent out of it etc
Microfiber towel - not the one i use but similar. i mainly use this for when the kids accidentally fall in a lake like they tend to do for some reason
Down Jacket - cheap chinese knockoff... i feel bad for not buying american
Wet weather top - not sure this is worth the space/weight
Wet Weather bottom - not sure if this is worth the weight/space
Silkweights - PJs! and warmth
Jungle Blanket - this is a lot better than the army's woobie. lighter and warmer
Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet - again, gift from wife. she wanted me to chop things and be more manly, generally. now i come home with parts of wildlife for her to cook
Map of New England - or, how i stopped worrying and love dismounted land navigation
PT belt - keeps me safe in all situations
Compression straps - i don't like lashing things to the outside but i guess i can if i wanted to
Fork and Spoon - stole these from the kitchen. i'll probably be replacing this soon with something titanium.
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EDIT: i just priced it out: $1,585.08 total
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VIK28MY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_BH0JAbK7WSW53
This minus the solar panel (apparently waterproof doesn't mean "can survive a downpour at electric Forest).
And if we're talking safety, what about the safety of the belongings of the attending folk? Clear bags seem to spell high risk of theft. I know most people have the best intentions, but I've seen people at other festivals who didn't have clear bags get their stuff pick-pocketed! Like I understand the fear of someone bringing a weapon in, but isn't that the purpose of searches? And what's going to happen when 90% of the attending folk are turned away for not having a clear bag...
I use this kit. Most important part is the hanger because it lets your bladder dry out properly so you don’t need to use soap on it. Best $8 you’ll spend.
I believe this one is the same bladder.
I ran a sawyer mini off of a platypus drom for a couple months on the PCT. Not only the cheapest and lightest gravity system I'm aware of, but as long as we backflushed after each use we had no issues even in the desert. The mini threaded directly onto the drom and we cut the drom hose shorter, stuck it on the Mini's "out" nipple and then used the piece that came with the drom to thread onto the top of Smartwater bottles. As long as we kept it loose for some airflow into the bottle we had a great stream. Once we were done filtering all we had to do was screw the piece onto the bottle the rest of the way, lift it up above the drom and give it a squeeze to clear the filter. Pretty damn cheap and easy. You won't break any speed records, nor will it last long if you aren't diligent about backflushing every couple liters, but in this day and age you don't need to pay $100 for a MSR Hyperflow for personal use. Though I absolutely love MSR equipment, filters included and there's a place for them too. Hit me up if you want to know more!
Also- well done getting your Eagle. Got mine in '06. Represent us well out there!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XVV54DF
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0014BD3DK/ref=mp_s_a_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1501437765&sr=8-20&refinements=p_89%3APlatypus&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=platypus+water+bladder&dpPl=1&dpID=41MP4QIC5WL&ref=plSrch
As several others have mentioned in here, you're better off going with the Sawyer. This is because it comes with multiple bags to squeeze filter water through, and it can attach to most water bottles if you don't want to carry the collapsible bag with you.
I want to take a moment and touch on a point you've made about "being difficult to carry more than a few hours of water." I've spent a significant amount of time through South America on foot with heavy gear, and four liters of water was usually my intake for the working day. You may want to look into a small hydration system with a 3L pack and then carry a 1L bottle in case you need/want to filter more.
I can't speak highly enough about this pack:
https://www.goruck.com/bullet-ruck/
and I use a 3L Source Hydration pack with it - (they make several different kind, but here is the one that goes with the small go ruck)
https://www.amazon.com/Source-Tactical-3-Liter-Hydration-Reservoir/dp/B005QI8IOQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1502802166&sr=1-3&keywords=source+hydration+3l
Great video! Can't believe you're bringing an external monitor/keyboard/mouse with you, but I guess it makes sense given your job. Is the water bottle necessary? You can use plastic bottles or try out a rollable plastic bottle like Evernew (https://www.amazon.com/Evernew-Water-Carry-Hydration-Pack/dp/B001ASIRMO?th=1&psc=1). I'd also recommend against the UE Boom. I love mine and it is nice for travel, but it takes up quite a bit of space. If I'm desperate for a speaker nowadays I take the UE Roll which is much more compact and has an elastic band making it easier to wrap onto things.
You can definitely get away with a few less boxers/socks, but if you hate doing laundry then it is what it is. To go a step further you could probably ditch the Chucks and just keep the Nike/sandal combo, but I'm the same way and usually pack Chucks or Vans because they're great casual shoes and pack up relatively small.
Plus one to this suggestion. Evernew is another great brand:
https://www.amazon.com/EVERNEW-Water-Carry-Hydration-Pack/dp/B001ASLWSK
I have the Rush 72, brother has the Rush 24. Great bags, right?
Anyway, I wanted a hydration system for mine, and I did a ton of research, ended up settling on this one, based on a bunch of reviews.
I don't remember if the bladder compartment is the same on the 24 as it is the 72, but that thing is absolutely perfect in mine, and I use it all the time.
The Evernew system is great. I like it a lot.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000AQYY2Y?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title
She doesn't necessarily need to buy a hydration pack, just the bladder which is much cheaper.
I bought this one for Bonnaroo last year and it was perfect. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071DQSZB8/
I have a source hydration bladder and a universal tap adapter for it. The tap adapter is stretchy, so you can also put it over a bottle or hose if you want. The Q&A on the universal tap adapter page mentions that it fits on camelbak systems, but I can't verify that as I don't own one. This system is solid: I've taken it running, hiking, etc. and on a goruck challenge and it's has no noticeable damage.
Full disclosure: those are my Amazon affiliate links.
Lots of EQV users--myself included--have success slapping a CamelBak bite valve on the bag's glass stem to keep vapor in.
It can be a PITA but also it weighs very little and is pretty simple to use - just gets annoying "squeezing" a lot of water through the filter, specially if you are filling up like 4L of water for camp. I did buy a 900mL Evernew water bag that works much better than the bag that comes with the squeeze. I also saw a post AT hiker review where he mention that getting the regular squeeze is better than the mini, since it has much better flow. He suggested for short (non thru hikes) that the mini should be fine but he preferred the regular, even with the little weight penalty.
The 'official' cleaning kits come with something like this. That would seem to suggest that's the preferred way to do it, even if you save money by bending a wire hanger yourself.
They sell them in packs of 3. Why steal?
i first tried it about 10 years ago with a Platypus Gravityworks filter and it blew my mind. Since then i give just about every other filter in-line and theyre all pretty good. Platty is the heaviest and most expensive and Sawyer mini is the cheapest, lightest, but shortest lived with the most drinking resistance (but thats still not much resistance at all).
The liberation of being able to just scoop up your water and go - especially with a bigmouth type bladder, is really nice.
The lightest version ive found so far is an Evernew 2L zip-top bladder (1.8oz) + Evernew bottle drink tube kit (1.8oz) + Hydroblu or Vecto filter (1.4oz) = 5oz
Adding capacity means i only need to add additional 1.8oz 2L bottles since the hose + filter can be swapped from bladder to bladder.
EVERNEW water bag 2L EBY209 (japan import) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CHW23YA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_coiRCbQ205J6R
EVERNEW Hydration Tube https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AQYY2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AoiRCbET78B19
Versa Flow Light-Weight Camping and Outdoor Water Filter System - Hollow Fiber Inline or Straw Filter with Clear Window that Filters 100,000 gallons for Survivor and Emergency Filtration (Personal) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CTAMKHE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_epiRCbDWMAXRP
While the Evernew is the lightest, Hydrapack Shapeshifter (short & fat version) at 4.8oz with the hose, and 2.9 without, is still my preferred because its easier to handle in and out of my pack’s side pockets. Its soft whereas the Evernew is pretty stiff
Hydrapak Shape-Shift 2L Reversible Reservoir, Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSVTIHR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VuiRCb5B7BW05
You can shorten yourself, delete everything before /dp/number? and after it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074S9DSB3 Same thing, lesser tracking for everybody.
>https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Walker-Waterproof-Backpack-15-90L/dp/B074S9DSB3?ref\_=Oct\_BSellerC\_3400441\_0&pf\_rd\_p=92f33321-3812-5f05-9e58-2dccfac1c1a8&pf\_rd\_s=merchandised-search-6&pf\_rd\_t=101&pf\_rd\_i=3400441&pf\_rd\_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf\_rd\_r=F9H1NT77G5T2MPSH4B95&pf\_rd\_r=F9H1NT77G5T2MPSH4B95&pf\_rd\_p=92f33321-3812-5f05-9e58-2dccfac1c1a8
damn I would ever only really use them for camping though, wouldn't it be a bit weird to use it on a school bag down the street?
I just went back and looked, this is the one I bought. Only 9 bucks! It's pretty serviceable, you just have to make sure to pull it all the way over the top or like the last inch or so up there will get wet (though not if you combine it with an umbrella).
I don't know much about these backpacks. I know Outdoor Vitals has a related podcast where they mentioned that they're not happy with the design of their current backpack.
Speaking to backpacks I know of in your price range, I'd recommend the Kelty Redwing 50 (or if you prefer sierra.com). It's a good pack, especially to get you going. Its strengths are organization: plenty of pockets and sleeves to stash things, there are passthroughs behind the upper pockets on the sides so that you can slide long objects behind the pocket and rest them in the waterbottle mesh pocket (tent poles, trekking poles, sun umbrella). It's not very waterproof, so you might want to get a pack cover and it does not have hipbelt pockets, but you could buy one from a different vendor: Gossamer Gear has good ones that ship quick, but they are not waterproof so if rain is in the forecast, bring a ziploc sandwich bag for your electronics.
It has an adjustable torso length system to get your pack fitted to you (it's a little confusing to work at first, but it's good adjustability).
Just be careful to get the newer model that hides the daisy chain webbing on the front of the pack. In the old model, this daisy chain is visible.
look for kits for cleaning water bladders, they have small, soft brushes on long springs so you can scrub the inside of the silicone tube that goes from the bladder to the demand valve. Should work just fine on an STP. Found one! There's probably others that don't have the extra stuff if you prefer.
These are relatively inexpensive, but cool to have items:
Long Handled grill basket
Collapsible solar light
personal water filter
Haul and hang kitchen organizer
Daypack There's nothing special about this particular one, but every car camper needs a daypack for hiking.
Battery pack for charging small electronics
Weatherproof matches
Hiker's Emergency whistle
Mosquito head net
Hydration bladder
Collapsible water jug
Condiment squeeze bottles (for more efficient cooler packing)
https://www.amazon.com/EVERNEW-EBY207-Evernew-Water-1500ml/dp/B001ASIRMO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1533760953&sr=8-2&keywords=evernew%2Bhydration%2Btube&th=1&psc=1
super light, super packable, quite durable. I've been using a pair of these for years.
Compatible with sawyer squeeze as well
This was the thing I was talking about. Compacts real small when your not using it:
Osprey Adult Airporter LZ Backpack Travel Cover, Shadow Grey, Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RZV0VB0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_U6iszb2BCWSZK
I went straight to the Evernew bags. The bags that sawyer sells are pretty terrible.
You don’t need to buy a whole new pack. This happened to me and I bought this from Amazon and have never had problems.
EverNew are the water bags that fit, and they're a lot better than the bags that come with the Sawyer.
But right now it's kind of hard to find them. Once word got out they they're a good fit on the Sawyer filters they've been sold out.
http://www.amazon.com/Evernew-Water-Carry-900-ml/dp/B001ASIRMO
Just FYI: If you go for the Squeeze, get one of these Evernew bags.
They are much nicer and way easier to fill than the standard bags Sawyer ships with that filter.
Nice thorough review. +1.
I have the similar AK rig, and I have to admit, I wish I had gone with a 100% MOLLE rig.
I did a chunk of research the other day, and I think personally I'd have to go with a waist-loaded option. For whatever reason, having straps on my shoulders makes it annoying to really couch a blaster in my shoulder, on top of the straps -- don't ask me why, it's just always... Not quite right.
That said, if I had to rebuy my rig, I'd spend a bit more and get this setup:
I'd probably go with a double pouch on each side, carrying 8x18 + 2 or 3 in/on the blaster + sidearm + holdouts. More than enough.
Everything's on the waist, out of the way so you keep utmost in upper-body maneuverability. Everything's also off to the side, so you can go prone/flat against walls pretty easily on either side, whereas the chest rig made bellying up to a wall less than ideal.
If I wanted to go for extras, I'd want to look at a Mag Recovery Dump Pouch for one side.
For those that want the shoulder support, you can get an H-Harness
Now for the really crazy research that I did.
I considered adding hydration of some kind, which gets a bit tricky for waist packs. The slickest hydration pack I could probably find was the Condor Hydro Harness which actually fits nicely with all of their gear -- but you need to have a compatible chest rig to use it properly... Which means things on the shoulders. Even more cobbled together solutions, such as an H-Harness + Hydration carrier has the same problem, although less so.
Fortunately, there are solutions! MOLLE-compatible 'side' hydration pouches, such as the Source Kangaroo 1L or the Blackout! Side Hydration Pouch would take the water off the back. 1L is a lot less, as most backpacks are 2, 2.5, or even more in capacity. The downside of any hydration pouch is twofold in this case:
That said, Source does make some pretty awesome extras, both of which seem really useful the former of which may even work to deal with problem #1 in this case.
There's another alternative to this, too, though! I personally find my Nerf habit totally niche, so I always feel a bit guilty getting something JUST for Nerf... But Nalgene bottles or the like are really useful otherwise, so that's always a nice option.
I personally think I'd lean towards the straw option, as it's easier to clean and more universally usable, although I'm not entirely certain I'd like the bulk of a Nalgene bottle on my waist and the slosh factor, both of which are lesser issues when dealing with a bladder. Maybe I'll try and find a suitable pouch for a 32oz Nalgene canteen and get the SNEP...
EDIT: Malformed link.
The following is strictly a backpacking list, as it includes lightweight items that cost more for that reason:
ULA Circuit Pack $225, 41 oz
Tarptent Double Rainbow Tent $289, 42 oz
Therm-a-rest X-lite regular size sleeping pad $100, 16 oz
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 degree Sleeping Bag $250, 20 oz
Sawyer Squeeze Mini Water Filter $23, 2 oz
Evernew Water Bag 900 mL + 2000 mL $30, 2.5 oz
MSR Pocket Rocket $40, 3 oz
Petzl Tikkina $20, 3 oz
Some cheap aluminum cookpot, $20 5 oz
Total: $997, 8.4 lbs
The main ones I'm actually recommending are the first 6 on the list, as the rest were just chosen to show that it is possible to stay under $1000 with everything else you'll need, although unfortunately with sales tax it's over $1000 already.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some of the National Parks like Yosemite NP and Sequoia NP require bear canisters like a Bear Vault or a Bearikade.
Using the evernew compressible bottles with the sawyer screwed on to the top is my favorite option by far, and solves all problems. But they ain't cheap.
Also, as a side, planning on following this DIY pre filter add on before my next trip.
Any bottle you have or want, with this
I use a Camelbak Antidote
https://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Way-Hydration-Reservoir-Bicycling/dp/B010IS0OUE/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1483623437&sr=1-4&keywords=water+bladder
this works fine. Not as nice as the camelbak it replaced but nothing wrong with it.
I bought size small, and it fits my 26L GR1 pretty well. Plus it's cheap so who cares what happens to it...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6R4FBT
I just ran a few more liters through it and the flow rate is now acceptable on the Squeeze. I'm currently getting all my gear ready now for today's trip. I always feel like I'm forgetting something, but it is only for a night so I should be fine.
Also, I have some 2L Evernew water containers that I use for my water filtration system. I have one for dirty water, two for clean water, and I have a bunch of interconnects to connect to a bunch of stuff. I love these things. They have been much tougher than the ones that come with the Squeeze. Also, the way that I have mine, I can set it up as a gravity feed system and do other stuff at camp while the water filters.
I'd say each person should have their own Sawyer Squeeze at the minimum. Also a backup for if the filter clogs and can't be cleaned/backflushed (aquamira tabs is what I carry with my first aid stuff). Those bags do break too, so having a backup squeeze bag for each person is crucial.
I use these bags: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ASLWSK
Cool, thanks. I might get that Platypus one instead since it's about the same price ($30) on Amazon. Do you have any problems filling it or anything like that? I was looking at another Platypus bag here and some of the reviews made it sound like a total pain in the ass to work with, which is what lead me to the Camelpak.
From what I've read the platypus bottles have issues with the threading. I recommend these evernew bags which have no issues with threading. In the event your sawyer bags break you could use one for filtering in a pickle. I carry two 1.5L
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AQYY38
However the suggestion of the smart water bottles probably works just as well at a fraction of the price. I don't know what the bottles weigh but the 1.5L evernew bags are 1.5oz. I like the bags because they get smaller if I'm not using one.
Also, I love my sawyer squeeze. I didn't get the mini due to reading about flow issues. I don't have a mini so I can't make a real judgement call.
Sorry latitude, didn't mean to blast your comment. I was just looking to add relevant information to the discussion.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004QMF0U8
I have two. One is a plate bag that fits inside, the other is a backpack. Both Source.
https://www.amazon.com/Source-Tactical-Widepac-Profile-Hydration/dp/B008S9DYLC/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2I2SK2PACNJTJ&keywords=source+3l+bladder&qid=1563160629&s=gateway&sprefix=Source+3l%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-5
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QI8GA2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This:
http://www.amazon.com/Evernew-Water-Carry-Hydration-Pack/dp/B001ASISRS#
With this:
Evernew Hydration Tube EBY271 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AQYY2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5xkJub17B09EB
I have used two systems in my time spent hiking. One was a 96oz [Nalgene wide mouth canteen] (https://www.amazon.com/Nalgene-96-Ounce-Mouth-Canteen-Bottle/dp/B000BS0AR4/ref=pd_sim_468_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000BS0AR4&pd_rd_r=6G5N7XE6N68GYYMSM1ZB&pd_rd_w=IB7cI&pd_rd_wg=6zKwz&psc=1&refRID=6G5N7XE6N68GYYMSM1ZB) with a [Source Convertube] (https://www.amazon.com/Source-Outdoor-Convertube-Bottle-Adapter/dp/B004QMF0U8). The second is a [Osprey 3L bag] (https://www.amazon.com/OSPREY-Hydraulics-Reservoir-Liter-Color/dp/B01JSSNKRO/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1498454724&sr=1-2&keywords=osprey+3l+hydration+bladder).
I loved my Nalgene/Source convertube combo. Easy to fill and clean. I had an unfortunate situation with hot water tasting like scalded onions being put into the bag(not my mistake but I paid a heavy price for it). After cleaning it with bleach twice, the water tasted normal but the bag smelled like the onion water for a little while. After 4 bleach cleanings it smelled fine. The Nalgene ended up busting when I had to break hard in my car. It fell from the passenger seat into the floor. I e-mailed Nalgene about but didn't get a reply. I was interested in finding out if they thought the bleach or the hot water might have compromised the bag. The hot liquid warning was for 212 degrees and the water was not boiling when placed into the bag. The Source hydration kit was great. It worked flawlessly. No taste or smells. Easily cleaned. The rubber washer that I lost didn't seem to be a standard size and was impossible to replace. Otherwise I would still use it.
With the Osprey I found that the throughput of water was higher than the Nalgene/Source combo. The water has a slight plastic taste. I have used it less than 5 times and the plastic taste has lessened with subsequent uses. So I am hoping that it will go away completely. The hard side of the bag helps a lot. It would be harder to place it into my Osprey bag without it. The quick connect tubing is a good idea. The bite valve is harder to clean than the Source one I had. The Osprey bag itself was as easy to clean if not more so than the Nalgene wide mouth canteen. The tubing is stiff and makes it difficult to connect the [Osprey quick connect kit] (https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Hydraulics-Quick-Connect-Kit/dp/B00IO06L92/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1498455360&sr=1-3-fkmr0&keywords=osprey+adapter+kit). I think a nice touch is that the plastic clip that holds the flap shut is attached to the bag so it will not be lost. I love the magnetic chest strap clip that came with the bag. A thing to note is that when I purchased the my hydration bag, it listed that the bag under normal use should last a year. The description was vague as to how much use it was tested for in a year. I have a feeling the upper seal will eventually fail but it has not leaked on me yet.
Overall, I have not been disappointed in either of my choices. Both of the choices I have had will perform quite well. I would substitute a Platypus bag for the Nalgene if I had a do over.
No real experience with this product but it could be a good compromise between the ease of drinking with a hose without the annoyance of refilling a bladder inside the pack. Different reviews say that it works on Smart Water bottles. Might be something interesting to try out.
I have a really long scrub brush thingy I bought for cleaning out my hose. I disconnect both sides and run that through with some water/bleach solution. Same with the mouthpiece, take it apart and use the scrubby thing.
https://www.amazon.com/TAGVO-Hydration-Cleaning-Universal-Collapsible/dp/B01GPXBOVY/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_468_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DYWGJAFNN56C9MNPH5SS
They make these backpack covers that are kinda like a shower cap for your backpack. They have an elastic band that wraps around the outside of the pack, covering it with a thin water proof layer. They are cheap and this solution allows you to pick whatever backpack you want.
https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Walker-Waterproof-Breathable-Traveling/dp/B01N6R4FBT/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1502726427&sr=8-3&keywords=waterproof+cover+backpack
I use a Sawyer Mini with a 3 L Camelbak water bladder and an Evernew reservoir. I modified the Evernew by putting some holes with grommets in the extra plastic on the bottom and running some string through it so i can hang it from a tree or whatever. Then I fill it up, screw on the Sawyer Mini, and attach that directly to the Camelbak via the tube I drink out of. Water flows from the Evernew, through the filter, into the Camelbak. Pretty easy setup, it works great for me.
I've heard of people using something like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006ZV5OIQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_31?qid=1466224027&sr=8-31&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=camelbak+bite+valve&dpPl=1&dpID=31ny3TqN1mL&ref=plSrch with the Extreme Q bag. I haven't tried it myself, so I can't comment on how well it would work.
UPDATE: So I ended up getting an elastic ruck cover off amazon with a cinch strap clip on it to hold it tight to the bag. Took it up to 100mph with no issues. I’m looking into getting some DWR but for now this seems to work fine.
I picked the medium size for my 26L GR1. Fits perfectly
100oz Camelbak Antidote in an old Wenger backpack I used for school. Has plenty of room for everything I could possibly need out on the trail with plenty of room to spare and doesn't weigh much.
I use this beast coming in at 100 fluid oz. I originally got it for backpacking and SCUBA diving (yeah all that compressed cold air makes you THIRSTY under water.... and it isn't as hard to drink as you think). Now i just throw that massive bladder into my work backpack and i've got water that'll last me all day.
As others have noted, specially with large bladders, when you drain them there is new space in your pack and things can shift more.
Lots of people have been mentioning hydrapak which is great, but Source Tactical Low 3L is the other best bladder maker. Has a lot of the same features including a devide the stabalizes the water a bit. They also have 'canteen' size bladders that fit well in side pockets and you can swap a hose between them.
Its a potluck for thought now I guess...(sorry bad joke)
The Osprey Airporter is great. I am sure that there are cheaper covers that would do just fine, but that is the one that I am familiar with.
I also am not a bladder fan and could not adapt to shoulder bottles ( though they do a great job as a counter ballance) I found an inbetween solution. Source makes a kit to adapt a hose to water bottles (prob DIY one aswell) This might be a good temp solution if you are not ready to spend on a pack yet. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004QMF0U8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484171712&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=source+hydration+bottle&dpPl=1&dpID=313jEs5YEAL&ref=plSrch
There are adapters that allow you to use a drink tube with a bottle.
http://www.amazon.com/Source-Outdoor-Convertube-Bottle-Adapter/dp/B004QMF0U8
These are a little gimmicky, but the idea is pretty simple. I used a similar set up before getting a pack that facilitates water bottle use a little better (on my old pack I couldnt retrieve water bottles with the pack on). Quality might be hit or miss, but considering what it really consists of there's not much to break. It's a bite valve, a tube, and a cap with a breather valve that screws onto a bottle.
It only solves some of the issues brought up. You still won't be able to judge remaining water.
As a long time backpacker, I can tell you that this advice isn't that great. Pick up a cheap one of these instead. Grocery store plastic bags are rarely waterproof. If you insist on using plastic bags because you don't want to spend $8 for a waterproof rain cover, then use the black/thicker plastic bags you get from the liquor store. These are much less likely to have holes and won't tear open when you desperately try to stretch it over a backpack.
Edit: I was referring to stretching it over a day-pack sized backpack. Obviously if you have a larger backpack, you're not going to try to put a small bag over it. If you have a big bag, use a sturdy trashbag like those force-flex ones. Or yano, get the rain cover linked above.