NALGENES or RESERVOIRS for BACKPACKING?! The great debate!! | Miranda in the Wild
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Nalgene or reservoir?! Water bottle or bladder?! The GREAT debate over whether a water bottle or a reservoir is best for backpacking hydration is finally settled with THIS VIDEO! Okay, not really, but after years of switching between the two I can at least share some thoughts on which hydration system I think is best for hiking and backpacking! I've been fully devoted to water bottles and reservoirs at different points in my backpacking life, and now I'm ready to tell you which one I think is best! Watch the video to find out which hydration system I love best for backpacking and hiking! Hope you enjoy, friends!
Pros and cons of hydration reservoirs for hiking and backpacking: 0:30
Pros and cons of Nalgenes: 4:22
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Shop Nalgenes: www.rei.com/se...
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Producer: Miranda Webster
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I want a full video of you talking about the personalities of each outdoor brand. The "who would you date" was hilarious and spot on
It wasn't just me.... love when she was off topic(: we got to see the unscripted thoughts.
I just got off a trail where water is only sourced from tanks spaced out two days apart. I have two 1L smart-type bottles, two 2L Sawyer pouches and two 1L Sawyer pouches. I was happy to be able to fill the pouches with unfiltered water and transfer them to my bottles as I needed the water, and simply roll up the emptied pouches for transport. A hiker I bumped into at one of the water tanks was complaining about how he didn't have capacity to carry the water he'd need because he only had two 1L nalgenes.
So ... A combo of bottles and foldable/rollable pouches/bladders works best.
I love those Sawyer pouches, have used them for years ang have never popped one. It's so easy to store 2-3 empties in the bag to fill up as needed.
@@farstrider79 yeah they weigh nothing and are invaluable when you need the capacity to carry water. Also, those people who burst them must be folks who don't understand that there's a limit to the pressure they should exert on the bags, and that the filter flow is much more dependent on how clogged/clear it is, and not on how much force they use to squeeze.
@@praktika1082 agreed, sawyer pouches are a low weight high utility addition to the pack 👍
For a longer distance and/or multi-day hike-in camp I'll definitely have both. The bladder stays in my pack and is what I'd drink out of on the trail. But once I put my pack down to set-up camp, then out comes my canteen/s and the bladder won't see any more use until I pick my pack back up.
For day trips however then just a water bottle will do. Easy, straightforward, and pack is probably light enough that it's no bother to take it off and put it back on multiple times to reach for the water bottle.
I tell my customers to keep their (rinsed out and empty - not necessarily dry) bladder/reservoir in a zip locked bag, in the freezer. It kinda acts like a cryogenic chamber, stopping any bacterial growth/mold etc. I prefer bottles myself
Brillant! I hang mine in the closet with a plastic hanger in it to keep it opened up a bit but I like this idea!
*goes to put mine in the freezer**
Currently on pct and I'm using a CNOC Vecto for dirty water, 2 1L Smartwater bottles, 1 1.5L Smartwater bottle and I have a CNOC Vesica stashed in my pack in case I need an extra liter. I will use these Smartwater bottles indefinitely and the CNOCs can take boiling water. Every single bottle I carry is threaded for my Sawyer. Working great for me so far!
Nalgene can also double as a "foam" roller releasing those leg muscles after a long hike. Works even better with warm water. So much utility for a little extra weight.
Wow! I never thought of this and I use a foam roller before I start every hike. I was wondering what I was going to do on a multi-day backpacking trip and this is a great idea.
A combination of nalgene and reservoir seems to be my preferred method. The nalgene specifically for the cooking benefits. But, adding a metal straw with a soft silicone tip for easier drinking from the nalgene, has been a game changer!
I’m the same way ☺️ love my combo bottles and reservoir set up
Nice Idea!‼ I have the same straws, but never thought of that.🙃
They make a great combo😁
Swap the nalgene for a stainless steel or titanium water bottle, if your filter goes out or in an emergency you can boil water in the bottle.
@@lostonpurpose3734 True. But for many people, the extra weight of those bottles would be an unwelcome challenge.
@@BingWatcher titanium is lighter than a nalgene
I use both, I like to keep my reservoir for strictly drinking water when I'm on the trail and then use my Nalgene as my cooking water. I find the measurements on the Nalgene suuuuper useful in that regard.
I usually prefer TPU soft bottles, since they roll up tiny when empty, but same; reservoir for water only, plus a couple refills (HydraPak Seeker 3L) when I'm in a place I need to carry 2-3 days of water, then TPU bottles for extra cooking water and for electrolyte mixes. Since most of the small TPU running bottles are 250 or 500ml, they're already pretty much the 8 or 16 ounces needed for most meals.
My SmartWater bottles are very reusable! I have a couple that I cycle through that range from months to years old and which have collectively seen many dozens of days of use. I've never had one fail per se, although I've recycled one or two after losing caps. The Sawyer filter compatibility is excellent and I find them so much easier to drink from than wide-mouth Nalgene bottles.
Ditto
Yep
Exactly. My go to as well.
However, REI can’t make money off of smart water bottles…
@@mcculloughdakota You got it! ;) - Team SmartWater bottle with screwed-on Sawyer filter.
Cancer
Bladder for water on the trail, Nalgene for water in camp. I keep the boddles 😉 empty and inside the pack or hanging off the back of the pack when on trail.
That Gregory bladder looks great - the rigid back is a great feature. Just might have to replace my faithful Camelbak bladder.
That Gregory bladder looks really well thought out and well designed. That said I've found water bottles to be best for hiking and backpacking and bladders with hoses to be best for bike riding and trail running.
I have the Gregory bladder and it’s great. 👍🏼
My sentiments exactly. For a normal hike, the less drama the better. Bottle ftw.
It's pretty dang amazing. I had the platypus big zip before and the Gregory 3D solved every issue I had.
Can I just say, that Rainer's (I assume it was him, anyway) maniacal laugh at the end of the video made my day
LOL!!!!!!!!!! I will never hear "water bottle" the same again. THANKS!
Another great, fun video. On my bikepacking, I carry both. Through out the day while I am riding, I drink "sip" out of my reservoir. And the at camp, I cook using water out of the nalgene. Great info as always!
My current setup is to carry both a baby nalgene for measuring and nuuns, and a water bladder for more consistent hydration and capacity
Another fun video. I love watching your videos. I also have reservoirs AND wadder bawtles and use them for different adventures. I like the zip top/fold top reservoirs because they are easy to clean. I can get my hand all the way to the bottom. The down side is they can be a little more cumbersome to fill if you have to use one hand to for your water source and one hand for the reservoir. In that situation, I have a small piece of plastic pipe i stick in the top to keep it open while I fill. Thanks for all the fun videos.
Like many commenters, I also use both! I find I drink more during the hike if I carry the reservoir but I like to have the nalgene for getting a lot of water down quickly, for measuring out water for cooking, and for mixing in electrolyte tablets! I have done hiking with just one or just the other and found that I vastly prefer to have both on hand. If I was worried about the weight of the nalgene, I take a collapsible, lightweight bottle. Bit more finnicky to use, but does the job!
They're both great.. I always have a reservoir cause I love the tube and my packs are built with it in mind... But the Nalgene is for that hot water bottle trick at night. If it's cold-ish it's a no brainer - i'm bringing the Nalgene bottle..
I am so happy that REI lets you all be yourselves. That's the key to all of this and bigger name brands just never seem to get that. Let good people show that they're good people. Thanks for the info! Sticking with my reservoir for my hot and strenuous hike of the Black Forrest Loop this summer.
I use a combination of both for a variety of reasons. But! I did learn that you can fill a resouviour with the specific brand of water filter ( trail shot) I use without removing it from the pack! You just connect the tube to the filter and pump away! No worrying about getting it back in a full pack!
Yay she is back! Love your videos Miranda!
I have used water bladders for many years. They work. That's all I have to say about that right now. I have transitioned over to the smart water bottles for weight unless the Temps get below freezing. Then I use the Nalgene bottles. Will not go back to the bladder system, just too many problems for me. Especially with the mouth piece, leaking and mud.
Happy Trails 👣
I use both for backpacking. I like a 3L reservoir for when I make camp. One of the first things I do is fill it up, sterilize the water, and that 3L plus 1L in the Nalgene will get me through 'til morning. And I use liquid sterilization drops, to get those 4L all done all at once. One and done. I can't stand sitting around squeezing those filter things. I also have the Nalgene in my tent at night, to stay hydrated. Then, on the trail, I use the Nalgene, refilling as needed, and sterilizing with a Steripen if I'm feeling lucky (they don't always work), or drops. But I almost always backpack in the mountains where water is plentiful. And if it's not, I'll carry extra water in the reservoir. Basically, everyone has to try things out, to see what works for their needs.
Thanks I thought it was going to be a boring water container review but out of nowhere comes a question about dating an outdoor brand. Where else can we get that important info. This channel is always making me smile and laugh.
you don’t need either! every couple days I just cup my hands and sip on some muddy water. I’ve had giardiasis 9 times, and I’m infested with more cryptosporidium than a cow pond. All worth it to save 1.5 ounces #ultralight
Love your videos. I used to do both until I came across a Nalgene drink tube conversion kit from Source Tactical Gear. I also use the Humangear capCap on my remaining bottles, so I don't have to open the entire Nalgene to drink when not using the conversion tube.
That Gregory reservoir sounds pretty amazing! Since I normally use my hydration vest for runs/ long hikes, I haven't had to buy a separate one for backpacking, but if I ever need to, I'd definitely check something like this out!
I like to use both, so I can add flavor/electrolytes to the bottle and keep hydrated on the move with the bladder. 😁
i was thinking of doing this for my 3day backpacking trip in May! Glad someone else thought this too.
I do basically the same thing, but instead of a bladder, I use large ultralight bottles. By pouring into smaller, more manageable bottles for drinking, I get the best of both worlds. I add the flavor powder to the smaller bottles.
I use both a bladder and Smart water bottle. The bladder for ease of hydrating consistently while hiking, and the Smart water bottle to use for mixing flavored electrolyte tablets/powders.
I'm 100% Team Reservoir, but then I'm also a 3-season day hiker. As you said, there's probably a place for both depending on your needs. To address some of the points you brought up, Osprey makes a cover for the mouthpiece that keeps it out of the dirt for about $6. I don't know whether it would work on a Gregory system but it might. Another plus you didn't mention is that freezing the reservoir or filling it with ice water feels so nice on your back if you're hiking in hot weather. And as you said, I find that I drink more if I can sip as I go rather than waiting for a break. Happy hiking!
I just bought that very reservoir from REI and so far I am very impressed I like that it has quick disconnects making it easy to hook up to my katadyn hiker Pro water filter thank you for the new video
I also hem and haw about which to carry, for all of the reasons already mentioned. Some random additional thoughts:
I find it nearly impossible to get my Nalgene bottles back into my pack's designated bottle pockets without major body contortions (and even then not always.) It is *so* much easier to drink from the reservoir hose, I don't even have to break my stride.
A commenter below mentioned Source Tactical Gear, where you can buy parts to enable you to drink from a Nalgene bottle, while it sits in a pack pocket, via a hose. Best of both worlds! The only downsides are that the hoses are crazy heavy/bulky ('cause "tactical, bro!" LOL) and they are also ridiculously long. (Or maybe the problem is just that I am ridiculously short.)
Osprey's bladders also have a stiff back to help facilitate pack-shoving.
A variation on something others have mentioned -- I carry nothing but water in the bladders, and as soon as I'm back from a trip, the bladder and hose get rinsed and emptied and then put into the refrigerator, where they stay until the next trip. I've never had a problem with nasties growing inside.
Gregory has a little cover you can get for the mouthpiece so it doesn’t get dirty when not in use, definitely recommend!
Loved the video. Very informative without preferring one over the other.
2:00 - The Camelbak MIL Spec 100oz reservoir is great as it has an insulated tube and is large enough to put ice in. Also easy to clean and has a cap on the mouth piece to stop dirt etc from getting in :)
I use both but most often a reservoir. The best thing about my reservoir is that my daypack tends to live in my bedroom near my bed and if I want to have a drink during the night I don't have to sit up. It's Awesome. Also very good when you are sick and need to stay hydrated.
The Nalgene has been my go to, with some adaptations. The Camelback bite valve lid and the Chute lid both work on a Nalgene bottle. This deals with the weakness of Nalgenes, they are hard to drink out of, even with the insert. The Nalgene bottles are better to me than the Camelback so the hybrid works for me.
Get a one bottle hydration system that fits a Nalagne or the version for Smart water bottles - best of both worlds.
I’m glad that smartwater bottles seem to work for so many people, but I do still worry about plastic waste in the long run. Even if you use your smart water bottle for weeks, it’s going to end up being tossed in the trash or recycling eventually. And while the bottles themselves are technically able to be recycled, less than 30% of plastic water bottles actually are. And even when they are, they’re usually not recycled into new bottles, but single use, disposable plastic items. While keeping your pack relatively light is important , I personally do not feel like it’s worth the few ounces you do save. While it’s not possible to be completely eco friendly on trail, I do think it’s important to do our part to be conscious consumers and invest in items that will last for years or decades. I have a diy French press that my dad made out of half of a Nalgene bottle that still works like a charm almost 30 years later.
How he make it? I tried something similar with a metal water bottle we had laying around (i was worried about the plastic ones melting/deforming). The lid is one of those coffee lids types and seals through friction with rubber gasket. My “french press” consists of that metal water bottle with a very thin see through cloth filter at top locked into place with the lid. Let the coffee brew a couple of minutes, then just pour out into my mug. Last time i tried it, it was a fine grounded coffee grounds which is probably the incorrect ground size for this set up, but even then, like 99% of the coffee beans were filtered out. Only very fine grounds were left in the end result which didn’t really matter as it settle towards the bottom. Easy set up to clean afterwords.
I do like both! The Gregory I have has the spout which helps with simplicity, I can simply fill up my Nalgene and wash my hands :)
I have the Gregory bladder too and I like it for day hikes where I don't need to worry about refilling it. For backpacking I use 2 nalgene bottles and 1 smart water bottle with the filter on my shoulder strap. I totally agree that there are uses for both which is why i have both too!
A few years back I found the best of both worlds. First is the Camelbak Hands-free adapter. Currently, discontinued but you can still find them on-line thru Esty and other places. It's a reservoir like hose that fits onto the now discontinued Camelbak EDDY bottle, not to be confused with the EDDY PLUS. Again, the EDDY bottle has been discontinued, but you should still be able to find them. The other product is again a reservoir like hose made by a company called Blue Desert out of Israel. It comes with two adapter caps, one fit a Smart Water size top the other fit a wide mouth Nalgene bottle. Either product allows you to store your water bottle in your water bottle pockets on your pack and run the hose over your shoulder.
I'm in the mix of both category. I have a reservoir for my drinking water and than I have my bottle to use freeze dried foods as it is indeed super useful with the measurements of the bottle
Nice video! Water bottles is my favourite topic, as I have every Nalgene bottle of their portfolio... twice.
Also I have tried reservoires, but I stick to Nalgene bottles, BUT: I also use the Convertube system, you should defenately take a look at this system, because you get the best of both worlds.
You can hook up a drinking tube to widemouth bottles (and also usual PET bottles), so you can drink from a tube but out of your Nalgene. It's perfect!
Nalgene bottles are not recyclable, smartwater bottles are.
Thank you so much for this tip, convertube is exactly what I needed! Never knew it was a thing
@@magorzata6085 It's great! I use it even on small dayhikes because it's so easy to clean and maintain. Also: My water bottle pocket is outside my pack. So it doesn't take away space on the inside, like a reservoir does. It's also easier to refill than a reservoir is.
@@helpfulcommenter On the other hand . . . my Nalgene bottles have lasted pretty much FO-EVAH :D
🤣🤣🤣 This was amazing... great info and super hilarious about saying "wawder bawdle" and dating the brands and the outtake at the end killed me!
Source has a tubing system (like those on reservoirs) that can be attached to a nalgene bottle. So now you can drink from a tube on the go from a bottle.
I’ve seen a lot of people who put markings on their smart water bottles with a permanent marker. I will always use the 1 liter smart water bottles. A big plus for me it that it works with my water filter.
Markings for what, measurements?
Yes, when you’re rehydrating food, you need to be able to meter out at least roughly close to what the pouch calls for, and it can be hard to just eyeball it. Marking in centimeters and fl oz/cups, so you can handle whatever the specific brand of food uses, if you buy commercially produced food.
I do that. Just measure out volumes in a pyrex measuring cup & take a sharpie to it.
@@DominiqueB uhhh... my pot has measurments inside it lol
I carry both to ensure im always drinking. However the nalgene being able to hold boiling water is great if you run out. Boiling water isthe most through watwr trestment in the woods.also nalgenes allow you to pour water over a burn or wash a wound. Thanks Miranda.
You are so freaking entertaining! I like your point on the weather during your hike on which one you choose though, good tip
Here's a great tip for storing a water reservoir - after drying but before putting it away, insert a few sheets of paper towel. Any small amounts of water still in the reservoir will be absorbed over time.
I tend to like a water bottle more myself over a reservoir since it's just more simple for me to fill and clean for everyday purposes I use it for. I've tried some of the popular brands like HydroFlask, Cotopaxi, Thermoflask, and Yeti and all of them have their pros and cons of course, but out of them I do like the Yeti the most. I keep hearing about Nalgene and I decided to grab one today and it's rather different but so far I'm impressed with the quality over the stainless steel rivals. Excited to try this out!
I like a small 16 ounce nalgene ( hot drinks, measuring, and sleeping bag heater) and a 2 to 3 liter bladder. Sometimes a water source is a ways away from a high camp and it's nice to load up to maximum before heading higher.
I hadn't planned on buying MORE gear this year... But, you talked me into it XD The DETACHABLE HOSE!!! Frickin. SOLD. And I'd totally date Gregory gear or Columbia, lol!
I'm totally team reservoir. Love the idea of a big pool of water supply that I have, for drinking; cooking; cleaning etc. Plus it's lighter. And is great in terms of weight distribution. I do have an ultralight silicone 0,5l bottle with me though for occasional use.
If you’re going to hike in colder temperatures water bottles are recommended. Store them bottom up when carrying them because the ice will form on the bottom of the water bottle rather then freezing the lid shut.
My local backpacking spot has a LOT of tannins in the water. So much so that we call it Harriman tea (Yes, Miranda, that Harriman). It causes me to pee an uncomfortable amount at night. To avoid this I take my 3L reservoir and either my 32 or 48oz Nalgene. That way I have as much non-pee-inducing water for as long as possible. At camp the first night I pour the water from the Nalgene into the reservoir. I then use the Nalgene as a tent pee bottle OR (not "and", or) if the hike goes near my favorite spring then I use the Nalgene to fill up from the drizzle that comes out of the rock face and I have super fresh spring water to take home with me!
One thing you left it is that water reservoirs have insulating sleeves for the bladder, tube, and mouth piece that can be purchased.
I use Nalgene for my daily drinking and River fillips but I’ll always be a reservoir girl for hikes/backpacking. I find the convenience of the straw ensures I drink more and stay hydrated
You sure make me smile, Miranda! (Thank you!)
I have seen and broken to many Nalgenes to use them anymore, same goes with most bladders although ones like the Iceplate that are designed for use with plate carriers are much more durable, and also quite heavy. I either use a stainless bottle or if I'm worried about weight a smartwater bottle, they can be used for months if you take care of them.
Have you ever carried a “smart water” bottle or an even more basic (less plastic) bottle? Give it try. Way lighter and they basically last forever too (can we at least agree they are definitely reuseable and potentially lower impact than nalgene if you do re-use it?). Also, they cost like .79.
My usual carry is a befree filter with the supplied 1l bottle for dirty water filtered into a really cheap plastic water bottle.
I started with Nalgene but switched reservoirs several years ago. I recently picked up a couple of CNOC’s collapsible silicon bottles and I’m going to try those on my hikes this year to see if I want to switch back. I’m considering going back to bottles because I’m lazy and hate having to take the time to clean out the reservoirs instead of chucking a bottle in the dishwasher. 😅
Shhhh you’re not allowed to mention superior pieces of gear and systems that REI doesn’t carry lol
♥️ using the sit pad!
I use a Nalgene tube conversion kit. It's great for backpacking bc it's easier to fill a bottle over my Reservoir. However for day hikes when I know I will need a lot of water I tend to use a reservoir till it's empty then fill the bottle w/ tube at a source and finish with that if need be.
I use a combination of a water reservoir and smart water bottles or nalgenes to drink from.
I just empty water into my bottles to make sure I am drinking enough. With my water reservoir I just don’t drink enough.
It might sound like a pain but it’s actually super helpful if you aren’t a good water drinker on trail ☺️
I carry 1 one liter nalgene and 1 two liter reservoir. I love the convenience of the reservoir drinking while I walk, but I also want a backup on my side that I can see how much is in it. That way if I'm particularly thirsty one day, I don't drink all my water without realizing it. I like being able to measure out how much water I'm using for meals and having the capacity for heating it up and putting it in my bag if it's cold out although I've never actually done it.
Another option to think about.... It is just as easy and convenient to drink out of a Salomon soft flask in a pouch on your chest and it even has a filter! Then smart water bottles and a CNOC bladder for long carries that also fits your filter is really the most convenient and the lightest weight option. If a Salomon flask breaks you don't get your gear soaked. If your bladder breaks...you may have wet gear because it's in your pack. In the winter a nalgene is nice because you can throw it in your sleeping bag to keep it from freezing.
Nalgenes for winter only, Reservoirs for day hikes where water sources are limited. Otherwise, Smartwater or Lifwater bottles with a Sawyer Squeeze and a CNOC water bladder for dirty water. Bury your water battles in snow during the winter and they will not freeze.
Miranda... You're amazing..
Love your videos. ❤️
Now.. can you get in touch with Nalgene and tell them to start making the Oasis model bottles again... Thanks. 😁
Great video! I was just thinking about the difference between nalgene and res while I was hiking the other day. VID REQUEST :) Safety and security while hiking/backpacking. Specifically, what are some tips/tricks/habits to get into to ensure your outdoor adventure is safe (i.e. how much first aid to bring, what items in a first aid, etc.) and secure (i.e. do you leave your gear unattended? For how long? Where do you put your ID/money etc? What determines the kind of bear spray to buy/bring/rent. Thanks!
“…non reusable water bottles like Smart Water bottles…”
every thru hiker ever: * crickets *
* glances at their smart water bottles they’ve been reusing for 1000+ miles *
This. Also no mention to their audience that Sawyer, Platypus, etc filters are literally threaded to fit onto these bottles.
When we’re done with our smart bottles they go into the recycling and become new gear too. Also not mentioned.
I assumed she just meant that some reasons she prefers a Nalgene over a reservoir wouldn't necessarily apply to a smart bottle, like being able to pour boiling water into it to use as a heating pad.
What I understood Miranda saying is that they are _traditionally_ non reusable. They are sold as single-use bottles, to be trashed (often) or recycled (not often enough) - or cleverly re-used again and again by savvy hikers. (-:
@@DominiqueB Just FYI Nalgene bottles are #7 and can't be recycled. A cracked Nalgene ends up in the landfill.
@@helpfulcommenter I'm not singing the praise of one system over another, just noting a point of terminology. The "non reusable" or "single use" term commonly thrown around by 99% of the consumers in the English-speaking world and by the soda and bottle manufacturing industry has been taken to task in a few comments here. I got 41 millions hits when i entered "single use bottle" in my search engine, all the top ones referring to those &*^%$%# "throw-away" plastic bottles. I'm obviously not Miranda, but i'm feeling confident that she only used the term that way, as it is commonly referred to, not implying in any way that _she_ thought it was non reusable. This side-thread has little to do with the topic of the video, but it's always interesting how it's hard to communicate even over the most simple terms. (BTW, and as far as i know, #7 can be recycled in _some_ facilities, but it's a huge PITA, so indeed, it usually ends up being trashed. )
the laugh at the end boosted my serotonin
Great Video‼️
Thanks for the helpful info‼️
Reservoir for hot days, hydro flask in winter (definitely won’t freeze), nalgene as back up on long hikes, hikes w camping and daily use.
I accidentally left my Gregory 3L reservoir for a few days and there was some schtuff growing inside the bladder and inside the tube. bummer. but, found a narrow and long enough bristled dish brush to get inside bladder and scrub inside with vinegar and water. and the tube, i took some paracord and ran it through the tube and tied knot at one end, then tied the other end to sink with a foot or so of slack. Then filled tube with water until cord was soaked and ran tube back and forth along cord and made sure to bend the tube and twist it a bit so i was hitting all the inner surface area. Worked great and took two mins.
I normally use a hydro flask or my yeti cup when I’m at home. But at work I have to have a clear water bottle on the warehouse floor. Been looking at buying another nalgene just for it. Plus how much easier the cap is to take on and off I feel I’ll drink more water.
Sorry best water container is hands down a single wall titanium or stainless steel water bottle. Can boil water inside them which is the best way to sterilize water (kill bacteria and virus). Ps dont close the lid on any container that has boiling or near boiling water might burst open.
G’day Miranda! Can you do a video of how to set up and pack down your hiking tent in the rain? That would be fabulous! Cheers mate!
Another great video! I’ve used only water bottles when backpacking, but have considered a reservoir because sometimes I have trouble drinking enough water while backpacking.
I can’t wait until REI starts selling long pockets that attach to shoulder straps, used to carry disposable water bottles and redistribute the weight out of the pack more evenly across the body.
Then we can watch a video that includes the benefits of re-using that disposable water bottle.
Am I making a newbie over Carey mistake by doing both? I use the bottle as backup incase reservoir goes empty before I expected it to and don’t come across other bodies of water in nature soon enough. I also use the bottle for storing water I plan to use for cooking. Much easier than dumping reservoir into a pot.
Store water bladders in the freezer to keep bacteria free - once cleaned. Thanks for uploading.
I never consciously gave a lot of thought to it until now, but I've realized I carry a bottle in colder weather and a bladder in hot weather.
You can get drinking tubes that attach to smart water bottles (smaller threaded bottle opening). The bottle is kept on the outside of the pack for easy refill and you can see how much water you are drinking. The hose is easy to flush. The tube I have has a cover over the drinking spout to help keep it clean - so long as you do clean it periodically.
BTW - a Pro for Nalgenes is that they are nearly indestructible and I have heard that they will replace a broken bottle for free (not verified).
I do 750ml Nalgene and if im worried about having water I'll use my platypus water filter system. You can clean filter to a reservoir pack with tube so you can use it as a reservoir system and I'll fill it and the Nalgene up. I'll have lots of water. Otherwise just the Nalgene and filter into it with the platypus and leave the reservoire/clean bag at home. Save some space. Generally I'm sharing, filtering for 2 or more folk.
Most of the hikers I encounter just use a Smart Water (or similar) bottle. They're cheap, light, available at any convenience store and fit most filters. Plus they come with water already in them. They also fit in a shoulder strap harness, so they're easier to access than a Nalgene.
I have several bladders, but I rarely use them.
Good info! Nalgene's are bullet-proof. Drop it, no problem, even in very cold or very hot weather.
I live in Mississippi and only hike in the South, but I have been caught off guard and have gotten very cold. The humidity is tricky here. For a day hike, maybe use a bladder, but for an overnight, I think I would chose to have one nalgene in case I need a bed warmer and a smart water bottle and sawyer squeeze.
Love the Nalgene Ultralight bottles…I have only used them in walks so far but am going to trail test them soon, feeling optimistic.
3.5oz for a Nalgene Ultralight 32oz bottle is pretty good. A regular Nalgene is around 6-7oz.
.. Empty 32 oz Nalgene is 4.0 oz.
.... filled 1 qt./32oz.=36oz.wt ......filled to top of container (minus thread) +4oz =36 oz. ..... 41.5 oz wt. ... standard 30 yr old Nalgene ... opaque with blue caps
...... I have two dozen of these ,, also use as ice replacement in coolers and in boat drink compartment ...freeze 3/4 full ,,bottles swell ,but after thawing have extra drinking water ..... don't know what the difference is to the newer models ,much harder ,clear bottles but these have performed well for many years .....hot ,,cold and very impact resistant ..
..don't know if the newer models are as durable for impacts ...
What’s like a Nalgene but just a little narrower to fit in car cup holders or maybe even possibly bicycle bottle brackets, but still carries more than the 16 oz Nalgenes?
Hiking and backpacking here in Southern AZ, I can't walk out of the house without a full 3L Camelbak Antidote, a full 1L bottle, and Skratch Labs mix packets. Maybe if I were in an area that wasn't 10% relative humidity and had occasional water sources, my perspective might change. But between Ft. Bliss, Desert Shield/Storm, and then living in Southern AZ, I can't justify carrying only bottles for hydration.
Also, I believe the baffle in the reservoir is less for rigidity and more to help keep a partially-full bladder from sloshing too much, making a bunch of noise and also shifting where the weight of the water sits.
My brother just passed out from dehydration on a 10 mile hike in Yosemite 😭 Thankfully we were around other people who had electrolyte packs 🙏 Stay Hydrated people
You can put reservoirs in the freezer (to store), which is a lot easier than drying them especially if it’s a flimsy one! Stops mould etc
I like to have some kind of water bottle for drink mixes. Even when I carry water bladders, I also bring a small bottle (which buys some insurance on that “oops, I drained my water bladder without noticing” thing in addition to holding drink mixes.)
i use both .. reservoir filled with filtered water for drinking while on trail & nalgenes in my pack for use when at camp .. works for me
I find Source bladders extremely useful, they come in 2 ltr and 3 ltr with a 3 ltr broader but shorter option.
They have large threaded filler caps with an integral plastic shelf to hold while you fill the bladder AND are fully top opening for easy cleaning, they have insulated drinking tubes with a choice of two styles of removable drinking nipples, one of which has a cover on a cord to prevent dirt contamination and accidental loss, i find them superior to the Camelback military and civilian bladders.
The other suggestion is to use the venerable plastic surplus Army 1 pint canteens, instead of Nalgene bottles, they can be fitted with a cups canteen metal AND a Hexi stove and placed inside an OD insulated cover this gives you 1 ltr of water, a stove AND a cooking pot inside a compact insulated cover, only slightly larger than the canteen.
The advantage of hexi stoves over gas is that when you run out of gas your burner makes a great model boat anchor, but if you accidentally run out of hexi tabs then you can just burn twigs and kindling in the stove instead.
As for water freezing in your bottles and bladders, i use Hothands heat pads placed under the canteen and inside the cups canteen metal, and inside the bladder sleeve holding the bladder inside my Crossfire Australia and Mystery Ranch packs, i have NEVER had a frozen water source on my pack, i also use them to keep my Katadyn POCKET water filter from freeze damage, by placing one inside the nylon bag it comes in whilst in my pack.
I think she mentioned that smart water bottles aren't reusable because soft plastic (unlike a nalgene) can leach chemicals such as BPA into the drinking water...not because you can't actually fill it up and use again, which I'm sure she knows you can.
AFAIK, Smart Water bottles are BPA free.
What I understood Miranda saying is that they are _traditionally_ non reusable. They are sold as single-use bottles, to be trashed (often) or recycled (not often enough) - or cleverly re-used again and again by savvy hikers. (-:
If its freezing outside just make sure to push the water back into the bladder. You can always still drink from the reservior if your hose freezes but it can be annoying
I use a katadyn reservoir for filtering, and a smart water bottle for drinking / mixing electrolytes
I like both on a long trek, its also easier to mix drink mixes in the water bottle and keep the bladder clean.
Definitely been going between the two for years. Just got a new resevoir recently, and took it out this weekend for a walk, definitely feeling those cons as it is drying out atm, and I definitely felt uncomfortable not knowing how much water I had left. On the positives, it was comfy and drinking on the go was great.
I ration water at 4 ltrs per man per day, in temperate weather, 3 ltrs for drinking and 1 ltr for washing/cooking, i have never had a problem estimating how much was left in the 3 ltr bladder by flow rate and pressure you just get a feel for it.
In hot weather 38 Deg C + i ration water at 1 ltr per hour for drinking.
I prefer reservoirs as well, especially when my dog is with me. One con not mentioned in the video, however, is it is much more difficult to tell when the water level is getting low. I have found myself running out of water or having too little to cook with by the time I get to camp. I have to remind myself to open my pack and visibly check the reservoir level at each water source spot so that it doesn't happen. Maybe Gregory could work on providing some kind of external indicator for water levels. 😉