The Fusion features a unique waterproof zip closure that easily slides open and closed, offering a nice alternative to slider designs like the Big Zip Evo and HydraPaks above. The Hydration Bladder has a superior seal inside the bladder cap to prevent leakage under physical pressure. Screw top options like the Gregory 3D Hydro and CamelBak Crux both have openings large enough to fit some kitchen utensils inside to help facilitate drying. Over the last year of testing, we haven't observed this, but time will tell as we continue to use it throughout the years. Don't be afraid to strap it to the back of your pack or throw it around the climbing crag, even though it's not as thick and durable as its predecessor.

The only bladder that doesn't have a locking mechanism in the valve is the Platypus Hoser, which unfortunately resulted in our testers getting dripped on occasionally. If you tend to be particularly hard on your gear, it might be worth checking out models like the HydraPak Force—which is built with heavy-duty TPU—or the HydraPak HydraSleeve and CamelBak Stoaway, both of which feature durable nylon sleeves.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.

Our business began as Dirt School in 2006, a mountain bike coaching company set up to deliver the best learning and support a mountain biker could ever want. HydraPak’s new Contour here is our favorite design for minimalists, with fewer features and significantly less bulk and weight. The water drinking tube comes with an additional extension tube to prevent difficulty when drinking from the tube itself, and can be held into place via a tube magnet preventing the tube swinging during movement. Also, we take the time to see how long each keeps your water cold in the summer and which tubes freeze up in the winter. water bladder and two 500ml Harrier soft bottles in the front of your race vest can offer more balance weight distribution.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. Crux delivers 20% more water per sip, with an ergonomic handle for easier refilling, and an on/off lever that makes it easy to prevent leaks. When testing how well the insulative tubes resist the tube from freezing, we used the non-insulated HydraPak Shape-Shift bladder without any insulation as a control. On the other hand, reservoirs with sliders rest in a shut position, so you’ll have to pry them open underneath the water source. The bite valve mouthpiece is comfortable to drink from – no frustrating dribble of water that is hard to get at – and locks to prevent leakage.

We found ourselves getting drip-drizzled on during missions where our bags were packed full, pushing water from the bladder out of the mouthpiece. We’ve simply had too many experiences with hydration bladders leaking through the bite valve, and we’re especially wary of this for new users who haven’t yet learned the caution required. Simply blow into the bite valve when you’re done drinking to send the water back to the insulated reservoir. But don’t read into it too much: The Crux is a durable and easy-to-use hydration bladder and one of our consistent go-tos for hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking.Products that score highest in this metric are simple and lightweight without too many bells and whistles. Leak-proof and reliable, each is engineered to keep water at the ready, allowing you to do what you love - longer. 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. We don’t love that the cap comes free of the reservoir (making it easy to drop or lose) and the drink tube doesn’t features a convenient quick disconnect, but for the entry-level user who just gets out a few times a year, the Cenote will get the job done. Minor shortcomings aside, this hydration bladder offers the best insulative properties of any model we tested thus far and is our recommendation for those who are in super cold places or like to keep their water cold in the heat.