Hydration Packs & Bladders

Staying sufficiently hydrated is an important part of our everyday lives and becomes even more pertinent when we’re exercising or utilising our energy for other outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. To ensure this healthy lifestyle, BCF online and instore have a range of hydration packs, bladders and water bottles that are often an essential part of the outdoorsperson’s hiking pack or backpack. Without this vital piece of gear, dehydration or heatstroke may set in, causing serious health and safety risks so ensure you have the perfect way to store water when you head off the grid with hydration packs from Camelbak, Fifty/Fifty, Outrak and Wanderer.

What are the benefits of a Hydration Pack?

Rigorous physical activity and the natural heat of Australian summers causes our bodies to perspire at a higher level meaning it’s extremely important to keep our fluid intake up. Hydration packs and bladders are great for people always on the go that don’t want to stop or slow down to pull out a water bottle. With a built-in water storage reservoir in some hiking backpacks or your very own hydration bladder, you’ll have easy and convenient access to water via a drinking tube and bite valve.

Popular among athletes and outdoors-people, hydration packs have proven useful for walking, running, hiking, camping, mountain bike riding, motor biking and more. With two and three litre hydration packs available online and instore at BCF, it will still be important to locate water sources if you are heading out on an extended hiking or camping trip. Confirm water is fresh and running with the local ranger prior to your expedition or alternatively bring back up reservoirs or water bottles.

If you don’t need the hands-free style, BCF stock a wide variety of water bottles in varying sizes to suit your needs and don’t forget to explore the hiking gear range full of the best pieces of equipment for your outdoor adventure including hiking boots, pants, tents, poles, day packs and more.

What is the best hydration pack?

Available in a range of sizes, hydration packs are the lightweight, convenient way to overcome thirst while on the trail that are also designed to suit your needs for a number of outdoor activities, but how do you choose the right one?

The answer to the question “What is the best hydration pack?” is not an easy one as it heavily depends on the energy you will be exerting. To start with, it’s best to understand that there are two standard choices – a hydration pack with its own reservoir or a backpack with a water bladder integrated. Alternatively, if you already have a hydration pack, there are hiking backpacks that have a pocket or sleeve for you to insert your own bladder.

If you’re an avid runner or cycler, you’ll likely be searching for a lightweight bag that won’t slow you down or affect your range of motion whereas those who are camping or hiking will need to focus more on ensuring there is an adequate water supply. The smaller a hydration pack, the more often you will have to find a water source to refill it so it may do you well to buy a higher volume than you think you will need so you are not left stranded with no water and can just fill it partway if the whole amount is not needed.

As with all wearable bags and backpacks, it’s important that you find a hydration pack or hiking backpack that is suited to your body. This means ensuring that the shoulder straps and any waist straps (if included) fit you so as not to cause discomfort or to hinder your performance and physical abilities while outdoors.

How to clean a hydration bladder?

It’s important to recognise that although the care of your hydration bladder is important for the longevity of the product, they do not require a lot of maintenance. They do not need to be cleaned after every use, rather, they usually only require a wash before being stored away for long periods of time. However, they should be dried out after every use as any remaining water can lead to mould. To help dry the bladder completely and ensure the sides don’t stick together, put something inside to keep it open and the air flowing. Anything you have laying around your house will do the trick, such as a whisk or balled up paper towels.

If you have a hydro pack or hydration reservoir (particularly one that can be turned inside out), you can clean this in your dishwasher while others, such as Camelbak, will need to be washed by hand. Use warm or hot water (not boiling) with cleaning tablets, dish soap or other natural cleaners such as bi-carb soda, lemon juice or vinegar. Some hydration bladders will come with a cleaning kit that includes a long piping brush that will clean the inside of the tube and mouthpiece as well as a scrubbing brush. If your hydration bladder doesn’t include these items, you can use a regular cleaning brush from your kitchen.

If you’re particularly worried about the growth of mould in your hydration bladder, you can wash it, dry it and store it in your freezer to help prevent bacteria. This trick is particularly useful for those who fill their hydration bladders with sticky, residue-leaving liquids such as sports drinks.