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 encourages 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. (and don't end up carrying extra water)

 

[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.

 

[wisepilgrim]

I started with bladders, but switched to a sturdy bottle. The bladder is easier to drink out of, which is very good. But the bottle is much easier to refill.

I also buy some of those tasty vitamin tablet tubes that you can get from the pharmacy... the effervescent kind. That way when I find a fountain that tastes a bit too metallic for my liking I can spice it up.

 

[bestfootforward]

Bottles, bottles, bottles. Easier to use, fill, clean and know how much water you have

 

[dougfitz]

I do both. Bladder for ease of drinking, weight balance, etc when walking. Small bottle as a reserve to refill the bladder if I drink all its contents, for a hydration mix at the end of each day's walk, for treating water collected from an untreated source, and to have beside my bed during the evening. I have a bladder that doesn't need to be removed from my pack to refill it, and a fitting that can be used to replace the mouthpiece so that it can be refilled from a bottle, also while still in my pack.

I recommend using a bladder, but making sure you stay hydrated is more important than how you achieve that. Do something that works for you.

 

[henrythedog]

I do both, but the other way round. 2x500ml bottles either side of my pack; easily accessible whilst walking, and 1-2l in a bladder under my pack lid as a reserve. Once I’m certain I’m within an hour or so of my end point the bladder contents get ditched.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Should I start another poll?

 

[J Willhaus]

I think it is kind of like shoes, rain ponchos vs rain coats, backpacks, and other items. It is extremely individual and a poll probably won't solve it for you.

 

[dick bird]

I think it is kind of like shoes, rain ponchos vs rain coats, backpacks, and other items. It is extremely individual and a poll probably won't solve it for you.

Absolutely. You're the one that is going to have to carry it. Go for a few long walks and try out both solutions and see which one works for you.

 

[Donna Sch]

Depends on the route and the season. If the weather is hot, have at least one bladder.
If it is cool ie under 20 degrees bottles will suffice.
I used bladders on the VDLP in June/July and they were invaluable. Bottles on the Levante/Invierno in Feb/Mar as I didn't need to drink as much and there were more opportunities to stop for a coffee or drink.
Next Camino next May/June will be tubes on 2l soft bottles plus some extra in the front pockets depending on weather. We will be doing short stages however this time around.

 

[Donna Sch]

And I need my hands for my poles and my camera. Bladders let you use your hands for other things. But bladders can leak so I bring two.

 

[Robo]

And I need my hands for my poles and my camera. Bladders let you use your hands for other things. But bladders can leak so I bring two.

Just add a tube to the bottles
They have adapters to fit most store bottles.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Just add a tube to the bottles
View attachment 180344

Actually, that's exactly what I do. Half litre bottle with tube attached stashed in pack to keep everything cool, 1 l bottle in reserve used exclusively for refilling aforesaid half litre.

 

[Robo]

Actually, that's exactly what I do. Half litre bottle with tube attached stashed in pack to keep everything cool, 1 l bottle in reserve used exclusively for refilling aforesaid half litre.

I found last year, walking stages with no intermediate water points, that water management was essential.
Not wanting to carry extra weight in water, but carrying enough to be well hydrated.

Knowing my regular consumption is 10 kms / litre I could carry just the right amount and easily monitor consumption. Often reminding myself to drink more........

I never ran out. Or carried much excess.

Depending on the stage I usually carried 1.5 - 2.5 litres. a couple of days, 3 litres.
2 x 1 litre bottles on the front pack straps, always in sight with a drinking tube attached.
extra as required in my pack.
I never ran out.
And would finish most days with about 200-300 ml remaining in reserve.

I'd rather not be guessing how much water I have left.
Or find my water bladder has leaked. (It's happened)

 

[Harris]

Bottles

 

[bobojnr]

Both. Done so many of my first hikes in Crete gorges and mountains so found the bladder particularly easy to use. It was also very conveniently filled up with Metaxa for the return trip; that is before the no liquid rule for hand luggage came in.

 

[OZAJ]

I used a bladder once. The lid broke.

I use half litre bottles distributed in my pack where they remain remarkably cool. Usually 2 litres.

Some say that storing the bottles inside the pack is a problem: you have to take the pack off to access the bottles. If you have a problem with that, bearing in mind that the water is likely to still be cool ...

 

[Sweething]

Just add a tube to the bottles
They have adapters to fit most store bottles.
View attachment 180344

These are exactly what I used, (although I did use a bladder when I first started training). Best thing since sliced bread .

 

[Roland49]

Never used a bladder and never will.
To much to care about. Especially in hot areas.

I'm a "camel" and even on hot days I rarely consume 1l of water while walking.
I fill up on the evening after I done all the necessary procedures of a long walk.
My "go-to" system are 2 half-litre single-use bottles. Sturdy, lightweight and cheap.

 

[ShellToucher]

Here is another hydration system that personally, I believe works better:

 

[Jeff Crawley]

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.

Not forgetting to empty bladder . . .

 

[Sd217]

bottles for all the reasons as above

 

[Pilgrim Patricia]

Re-fillable bottles (one litre or smaller)! Given the opportunity I'll freeze one or two overnight so they can keep others cool.

 

[dbeatriceb]

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

View attachment 180327

I’ve used both and definitely prefer bottles over bladder.
Bladders offer a certain amount of convenience but, for me, cleanliness is an issue. That is where I find a bladder inconvenient.
Also, carrying a water bottle on the front attached to the backpack strap plus carrying an extra bottle in a side pocket distributes weight differently and takes just a little bit of the load off my back.

 

[OSUbuckeye85]

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 encourages 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. (and don't end up carrying extra water)

What front-mounted water bottle do you use?

 

[JFG]

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

View attachment 180327

Definite yes. I used this one from Amazon after using the more popular brands and it worked great, it was sturdy, easy to clean and inexpensive. Not the greatest color though.

Hydration Bladder, 1.5L-2L-3L Water Bladder for Hiking Backpack Leak Proof Water Reservoir Storage Bag, BPA-Free Water Pouch Hydration Pack for Camping Cycling Running, Military Green 1.5-2-3 Liter​

 

[EWhite]

Learn More — One Bottle Hydration™

The One Bottle Hydration System adds a convenient CamelBak style drinking tube to your wide mouth Nalgene or Hydro Flask. Put One Bottle into your pack instead of a hydration bladder and enjoy convenience plus versatility!

www.one-bottle.com

 

[El Cascayal]

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

View attachment 180327

I find this kind of bladder system very difficult to use: unscrewing cap, water leaks out, need to get it out of backpack in order to fill…
I vote for this ingenious solution by Osprey (this is newest version): seals water tight, no spills, very easy to open, fill, and close. Once you get the hang of it, can fill it without getting it out of backpack but I prefer to pop it out and fill it from a faucet. Green arrow easy clip closing. Red circle easy to disconnect push button tubing.

 

[pkonopka]

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

View attachment 180327

Yes, get and use. Water bottles are fine but very inconvenient to use while walking. A good bladder (easy to fill, durable but light) is worth it.

 

[Leigharev]

I went this past September and brought my bladder with full intention of using it. The weather was more mild than what was typical for this time of year. I ended up re-filling a plastic water bottle at our stops and I would drink one bottle of Aquarius as well. I used the bladder only once during the early days of the walk.

 

[Bob P]

I did about 20 years of long distance cycling and skating when I was younger (40's-50's). Bladders were "all the rage" back then and I used them extensively. Watching the Tour de France one year, it dawned on me that if bladders were so great, why didn't the greatest use them?
Taking a clue from the "thru-hikers", I migrated to using various size screw-top bottles. I carry two-1 liter bottles and two-1/2 liter bottles. VERY seldom fill them all, but have on occasion. Empty they weigh very little. They can all be used with filters.
My pack has easily accessible angled side pockets and I fill bottles based on expected need for next interval.
I hated cleaning bladders and hoses

 

[Walkingat70]

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

View attachment 180327

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

View attachment 180327

I always use a water bladder. Got mine from Decathalon. 2 ltrs

 

[Walkingat70]

I find the water bladder invaluable. Basically hands free.

 

[Martin-B]

Another vote for bottles, just the ones you buy the water in, easily refillable, recyclable when you've finished. I carry a bottle or two on the pack and a 400/500 ml bottle on the shoulder strap for easy access, I look for bottles with a wider opening as they're easier to refill and they don't crumple up when you drink which means they last longer. 2 bottles lasted the entire Via Francigena and I'm still using them 18 months later for local walks. I did try the drinking tubes but found no real advantage over just drinking from the bottle. For me the secret is having a bottle that's accessible without stopping or having to remove the pack.

 

[el-pe]

I use a bladder when I hike locally, but no on the camino, mostly due to my pack choice. My camino pack has side pockets that are easily accessible, plus I have a front strap water bottle.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

The weight of a bladder is usually less than the equivalent size bottles etc. Plus, just pop the mouthpiece in and drink. It is a no brainer for me.

 

[Blister Bill]

Leaving aside hygiene it comes down to flexibility. I get two of the Powerade bottles on arrival- sturdier and good tops. If for any reason I need to carry more water I grab a liter bottle. They fit easily under any tap, fit neatly onto either side of my pack, am able to take one with me if needed. If one is damaged or needs replacement no dramas. Bladders are so inflexible and tend to be filled because of the hassle and so you end up carting around unnecessary weight. I get there are very loyal adherents but for a camino bottles are such a no brainer.

 

[trecile]

It was also very conveniently filled up with Metaxa for the return trip;

The Metaxa was for its antimicrobial properties, right?

Bladders offer a certain amount of convenience but, for me, cleanliness is an issue. That is where I find a bladder inconvenient.

Bladders are not inherently less hygienic. So long as you are putting fresh water in them regularly they really don't need to be cleaned while on the trail.

Here's a pretty extensive post from @davebugg

This post was written to dispel some common misinformation which is sometimes used to claim that hydration or water reservoirs/bladders are either less sanitary to use or are less convenient to use than bottles. Oft times there is a difference with which someone 'perceives' or approaches a products usability, but this is typically more of a subjective preference, than a real world objective and functional difference.

I'm NOT writing this post to suggest that I and others who prefer reservoirs are making the superior choice; I am posting this to preempt those who misstate facts, or who have insufficient facts to claim that using hydration reservoirs is the WRONG way to go.

1. Sanitation. With water carry, bottles have no advantage. Reservoirs stay just as sanitary. They do not require cleaning every day, nor do they need to be dried.

As with plumbing, it is the change of water and water flow through frequent use which keeps bottles, reservoirs, and tubing fresh and sanitary. With normal use, both bladders and bottles are constantly refilled and emptied That keeps them sanitary UNLESS contaminated water is introduced, or other fluids with sugars (juices, energy drinks, soda pop, etc.) are put into a bottle or a reservoir.

While working for a public health district, I did a review of the literature, which I again did in 2016 and 2022. Comparisons of bacterial contamination levels between bottles and hydration bladders were indistinguishable -- both had equally low rates of bacterial contamination. And both were at about equal risk for developing significant levels of bacteria and mold if not cleaned and dried properly prior to storage. In the last few years, the hydration reservoirs have become more modular in nature and have wider openings to access the water compartments, making it much easier to clean and prepare for storage than previous generations of the product.

One example study, from 2009:
https://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032(09)70419-3/fulltext

When it is time to store bottles or bladders away for the season, they can be sanitized if desired with a bit of bleach added to the final rinse water during cleaning. It is not necessary, but there is no harm in doing so. Then they can be rinsed out and be allowed to dry.

Molds and other nasty things occur if either container is stored with water over a period of time, or have contained other fluids which might have sugars and then are not properly washed out prior to long term storage. Mold may also form in the shorter term when fluids with sugars are exposed to warmth and sun.

Also, not all discolorations are harmful molds. Most times, it may be an algae growth from leaving stagnant water exposed to light.

2. Ease of Use. I find it personally easier to raise the mouth tube on my shoulder strap to drink from. I do not like to reach around to a side pocket, or even need to take off my pack to do so. I definitely do NOT like stuff hanging on my shoulder straps like bottles of water.

Again, this is personal preference, not an issue of something being 'better'. Access water bottles is not an issue of usability for bottle users.

3. Weight. Here is where two major claims are made, one is correct and the other is not.

A typical empty 2 liter reservoir weighs around 4 to 6 ounces. The equivalent in bottles around 1.5 to 3 ounces. Depending on bottle material used, though, bottles can weigh up to 8 ounces.

So while it is correct that bottles can weigh less, it is not a significant issue of consideration with overall backpack weight.

The other issue is reservoir water capacity and total weight.

You do not have to fill a reservoir to the tippy top. I will carry as much water as I need to carry from water source to water source. If the next water source is 32 kilometers distant under a hot sun, I will carry up to 4 liters. If the next water source is a few kilometers distant in cool weather, I might carry a half liter.

4. Refills. This is actually a subheading under 'ease of use', but it is frequently pointed to as why bottles are better than reservoirs.

I can refill my reservoir without even removing my backpack. One does not need to pull a reservoir out of the pack. It is a matter of using a quick disconnect system which is a simple and cheap add on accessory. My water filling process goes something like this if I want to refill or do a bit of a top off:

1. I pull the collapsible bottle from my side pocket and unscrew the Quick Disconnect lid from the bottle
2. I Fill the bottle and replace the Quick Disconnect lid.
3. Quick Disconnect the mouth piece from the feed tube and connect the water bottle to the feed tube.
4. Gently squeeze the water in the collapsible bottle into the feed tube, filling the water bladder.
5. Disconnect the bottle and reconnect the mouthpiece. Stow the water bottle

For those interested in adding a Quick Connect adapter to your hydration reservoir/bladder, I've added a link below. With the quick disconnect added, I don't even need to remove my backpack or daypack to do a quick and easy refill of the bladder.

NOTE: The video shows the quick disconnect being used with a water filter as used when wilderness backpacking. For a camino I leave off the filter altogether. The refill cap is simply attached to my collapsible water bottle, after it is filled with water from a fountain or faucet.

For refill bottles.... I use an extremely lightweight collapsible bottle (click the bold blue wording) that can hold up to 1.5 liters. Empty, it rolls down to a small bundle that are easily stashed in an outside pocket.

Many times, I will carry 1/2 liter in the collapsible bottle as a quick backup as the weather or the distance between water refills dictates. So, if I decide to, say, carry 1 liter of water between water resupply points, I will fill the reservoir with 1/2 liter, and then carry 1/2 liter in the bottle, keeping the bottle partially collapsed and tucked into a side pocket.

By doing the above I do not need to see the water bladder itself in order to be assured of adequate water or to avoid accidentally running out of water.

The collapsible bottle I use is just one container option. The refill adapter with the Quick Connect kit can also fit on a variety of empty bottled water containers.

So those are the major issues that always seem to come up. There are others, but those above are the major ones I keep seeing pop up..

 

[kmrice]

I use bottles. Tried bladder once on the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon. I thought it would help me stay hydrated. What I discovered was that even though I thought I was drinking a lot was that, at the end of the day, I had drunk a lot less than I thought. I went back to bottles; now I always know how much I have drunk.

We use Vapur brand bottles; they weigh almost nothing and when not in use can be rolled up into almost nothing so we carry several extras.

 

[RobinGore]

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.

I'm training with one at the moment - so far so good, not cumbersome at all

 

[RobinGore]

Definite yes. I used this one from Amazon after using the more popular brands and it worked great, it was sturdy, easy to clean and inexpensive. Not the greatest color though. View attachment 180372

Hydration Bladder, 1.5L-2L-3L Water Bladder for Hiking Backpack Leak Proof Water Reservoir Storage Bag, BPA-Free Water Pouch Hydration Pack for Camping Cycling Running, Military Green 1.5-2-3 Liter​

hahaha - that's the first thing I liked about it (the color) ... yah I'm training with one right now, so far it's okay