Worth their weight in gold or 'don't bother' ?

[RobinGore]

Bladder, yes or no, I'll do a poll

 

[Pafayac]

When walking, 3 things to not forget:
- drink water
- drink water
- drink water
Personally, I cannot manage to drink enough (especially if the weather is not hot) without a bladder.

 

[CWBuff]

Yes for all the reasons @Pafayac said above and then some

 

[MikeJS]

For the same reasons as stated above. Plus, I can comfortably walk all day without eating but would not do well in the Spanish heat without drinking and a bladder ensures I stay hydrated.

 

[peterott]

I bought a backpack where I can easily grab each of the water bottles from the two outer pockets, without twisting my wrists.

Prefer this heavily over such a bladder and drink-hose

 

[J Willhaus]

Prefer water bottles.

 

[Robo]

I have used both bladders and bottles with drinking tube.
Ensuring adequate hydration is essential, and both methods allow for sufficient water to be carried.
By using a drinking tube, both methods allow for easy water access.
But which one allows for easy monitoring of consumption and water levels?

Front mounted water bottles….

For that reason alone I don’t use bladders any more.
On longer stretches, or more remote Caminos I would be forever digging into my pack to check water levels. That fear of running out, when using a bladder, caused me to carry too much water (weight).

Front mounted bottles, always in sight, allow precise monitoring, and I find encourage better hydration. I can drink to my planned consumption level freely, without worrying about how much water remains.

I loved bladders initially, but no way I would use them again.

I now remain fully hydrated, and don’t run out.

 

[roving_rufus]

Definitely water bottles- easier to see what I have drunk and what is left. Easier to wash and clean. And easy to replace if they get damaged or are leaking.

 

[davejsy]

Bottles (obviously reusable) every time.