Best outdoor backpack reservoirs according to redditors

You know I had to do it to em.

Its a clip to hold up a hydration bladder.

Not sure if this is the best place to post this, but if anyone's camelback bladder is grimy/old or just need a new one, there's a nice sale on amazon for a $16 camelback reservoir, 70 oz. You can also get the 100 oz at REI for $17. They're normally double the price. Here are some links:

Amazon


REI

I drink way too much water all the time, thus the large amount of water I bring with me on trips. Also, haven't invested in a filtration device yet, but that is next!

So, from left to right:

• Canon T6 with 18-55mm lens and two extra batteries - Good starter camera (Just getting into photography)
  
  
• Nalgene 1L bottle
  
  
• Paracord Survival Bracelet - has compass, flint, and knife
  
  
• Gerber Multi-Tool
  
  
• Cheap $9 "Survival Knife" from walmart with flint
  
  
• Coleman 300 Lumen flashlight with extra batteries
  
  
• Cheap 200 Lumen headlamp with extra batteries
  
  
• A way too big first aid kit (has basically everything you need for anything)
  
  
• Portwest Classic Rain Jacket (also very cheap with no liner, will be upgrading sooner than later!)
  
  
• And lastly, the Teton Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration pack. I've upgraded the 2-liter bladder in this to a 3 liter camelback bladder since I drink way to much water!
  
  And that's it! Here's the links to everything below:
  
  
• Canon T6: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DJDSAVU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• Nalgene 1L: Get these at academy sports! They're only $10 there and hold literally anything including boiling water.
  
  
• Paracord: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FZBZWHE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• Knife: Don't even know the brand, but it gets the job done, definitely recommend spending some more money on this rather than a camera
  
  
• Coleman Light: https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Divide-300-Lumen-BatteryLock-Flashlight/dp/B01BUEO9LA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495394484&sr=8-2&keywords=Coleman+300+Lumen
  
  
• Headlamp: Not sure of the brand on this either, got it from Gander Mountain since they're going out of business in my area
  
  
• Way too big first aid kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000069EYA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• Portwest Rain Jacket: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDIP4D8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• Teton Pack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OXPC07E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  
  
• Camelback Bladder: https://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-90857-Antidote-Accessory-Reservoir/dp/B00B5E9Q3M/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1495394613&sr=1-5&keywords=camelbak+3l
  
  
  

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

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

What price range are you looking for? Do your parents generally spend over $100 on your for gifts?

​

Here are some basic ideas:

1. Headlamp: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077Z3LNX9
   
2. Stove: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L5S65HR
   
3. Pot: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BVOME9Y
   
4. First Aid Kit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000G7WRBC
   
5. Spoon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045UA8G2
   
6. Sleeping Pad: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BZ3C900/
   
7. Water Filter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EHPVQW
   
8. Water Bladder 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000AQYY38
   
9. Water Bladder 2: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J2KEGY
   
10. Water Bladder 3: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RC9BZ4G
    
11. Trowel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BFHT4P3
    
12. Trekking Poles: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XM0YGW8
    
13. Battery Pack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0194WDVHI
    
14. Socks: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074ZR5SJQ
    
15. Buff: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BJ3N9MF
    
    You could also add basic stuff like batteries, lighters, power bars, trash bags, first aid supplies and other consumables.
    
    ​
    
    Other items are harder to pick without know more details...
    
    

• Tent - do you want to sleep in that hammock, or want a tent too?
  
• Sleeping bag - 30F or 40F bag may be goo enough for Texas 3-seasons?
  
• Backpack - want to keep the one you have, or upgrade?
  
• Footwear - boots or trail runners?
  
• Shirts / Pants - sizes and styles you prefer?
  
• Jackets - need waterproof? puffy warm? other?

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.

​

EDIT: i just priced it out: $1,585.08 total

It's the LANZON 3L Water Bladder. Has a lot of features my previous one didn't have such as a hanging loop, anti-microbial coating, and top that opens for easier cleaning. It should be noted that the hose can come out if it's not connected well (found that out after a hike with a slightly leaky bag). I'm pretty happy happy with it so far.

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.

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

I believe this one is the same bladder.

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.

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

Plus one to this suggestion. Evernew is another great brand:

https://www.amazon.com/EVERNEW-Water-Carry-Hydration-Pack/dp/B001ASLWSK

After experimenting with other brands, I find Source brand water resevoirs to be superior. No bad tastes, easy to fill, and never had one leak.

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.

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.

Sure thing!

shorts

shirt

underwear

bubble

socks

backpack

(last two are amazon.de links, as amazon.com doesn't have it)

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.

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.

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.

+1, mylar balloons work great. I recently ordered one of these as (hopefully) a more permanent solution. My thinking was I could open up the top using the slide lock when I needed to sanitize. Assuming it doesn't leak, it should work well as a CO2 reservoir.

Edit: Forgot to post link, RJ-Sport 2.0L Water Bladder - Ideal Replacement Zip Top 2L Hydration Bladder Reservoir for Hiking https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F3LPDM3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uegqDb6YHEQY6

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.

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

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.

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)

I went straight to the Evernew bags. The bags that sawyer sells are pretty terrible.

Will work for sure! I bought an osprey one from REI for sale, ~$60-80 or so. Yeah, the price is steep but I have used it for 2 EDCs, 2 Moonrises, and about to be it's first time seeing lolla! I've gone camping,hiking, and biking with it too and its great. For me, I saw it as an investment since I knew I would use it heavily since I love being outdoors. I do recommend buying a cleaning kit from amazon, this is the one I bought recently:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BJ74DPH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hope that helps! Also, if you hang with molly, or have friends who do, when you share water with them, tell them to make sure they dont bite too hard on the valve. Some of my friends and or strangers who I have given water to have bitten through the rubber valve (easily replaced <$10). So yeah just something to keep in mind!

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)

I use a Camelbak Antidote

Do you think this setup will work?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JYHFJA/ref=gno_cart_title_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QX3UJ2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1KR89NQOCOASV

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

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

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.

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.

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.

I just bought this CamelBak bladder, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00437WWMA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I plan to put this into some cheap backpack and drink through the tube. How's that work?

I use a very odd and different style pack

I replaced the bladder with this.

Its extremely light weight and very comfortable. I did have to add my own waist strap which to me in the only con and its a small one in my eyes. They also aren't cheap, I bought mine used off of ebay and its been rock solid for going on 2 years now. Still looks practically brand new.

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.

I've had this guy for a year and it's falling apart:

https://www.amazon.com/WACOOL-Hydration-Bladder-Leak-Proof-Reservoir/dp/B016SSZD3G/

The name brand version is pretty fine. It's got a cover for the tube, a decent enough mouthpiece, and it's of a decent capacity.

https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-90352-Omega-Water-Reservoir/dp/B002QX3UJ2/

___

These are the most common carriers or bladders with bags I see in the army:

The I lost/threw away my camelbak after basic but I want to look professional
May or may not come with side clips for the carrier.

https://www.amazon.com/Voodoo-Tactical-Hydration-Carrier-MultiCam/dp/B0041DOI7S/

Just out of basic/I don't want to spend useless monies. Comes with side clips to attach to molle.

https://www.amazon.com/Mcguire-Gear-Tactical-Hydration-3-Liter/dp/B07PFY4829/

The only people that buy these in the units I've been in (3 intotal). Tend to add even more pouches and pockets with random cringy patches. They don't even carry anything in their bag.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00X40EVPS/

If the product doesn't come with clips you can use any generic clip or carabiner.

__

My personal advice

Literally any bag that can hold or fit the brand name 3L bladder. Just buy the camelbak bladder on it's own and find a used bag at a second hand store the carrier doesn't mean much as the bladder as you could literally just have a neutral colored draw string bag.

Then stuff both the bag and bladder in the bag you intend to use. If you need to clear your house (an Ill advised move) then you won't need water in the immediate circumstance. If you intend on wearing your backpack such as when you need to fully bug out and do foot march to your chosen location. From there you can sip and shoot (Ill advised move as well) needed. You still retain the option of walking around with the bladder and carrier on it's own when doing a patrol or when just sitting around.

Directly attaching the bladder to the armor is something I do infrequently as I find I need to attach it or strap it to my bag.

So following my advice:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3L-Water-Bladder-Bag-Military-Hiking-Camping-Hydration-Backpack-Camelbak-Pack/372282756359?hash=item56adc80d07

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 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.

If he doesn't have a good hydration setup yet then I'd suggest a Qore


Or a simple source hydration


As for a glock holster we would need to know which one he has (brand. WE, EF, TM, etc) b.c most of them aren't real steel sized and thus use smaller or larger holsters

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

Yep, zero degrees Fahrenheit. It was pretty cold.

Do you wear that under your jacket?

I have this Source Outdoors bladder and only the hose has a bit of insulation. I've used it in cold temperatures before (mid-30s + wind), but nothing like this.

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