Bladder durability

thanks Dondo

Its always helpful to read about gear failure because it can help minimize issues in the future.

I noticed you didn't mention MSR.

I use a 2-liter Dromlite. The only problem I've ever had was user error-in that I didn't screw the cap on tight enough. Had it for around 7 years, and looks about the same.

That’s great to hear, Paul. In the spring of 2010, I started using a 4-liter Dromlite because of the failures of the platys and Nalgene Canteen. You can see it hanging from the tree above my camp. I hadn’t mentioned it yet because it’s only been in use a short time. Your experience gives me that confidence that the Dromlite will last a real long time.

My brother and I have also been using Dromlites for years (My brother has had his for probably 5 – 6 years). Only failure we had was when he didn't do up the small lid tight enough. We have been using the 6L version.

He has the older version without the handle around the lid (which is annoying and fairly useless). His weighs about 30 or 40g less than my newer one.

Biggest downside is cleaning and draining them since the opening isn't on the end.

I love the MSR suck tube/shut off valve aswell. Very easy to get enough water out with minimal effort. I've also got the shower hose attachment which I've used a couple of times car camping. It worked really well.

We've been using the Source Widepac bladder for many years. I think it's the best system on the market. Easy fill, easy clean, easy open/close, taint-free, andti-grunge treated and tough as tough can be. It's also cheaper than the equivalent Platy or Camelback.

Lots of good reviews too:
http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/reviews/other-equipment/hydration-systems/source-widepac-3l/36562.html

I too use the 2 liter Dromlite. With the spigot tap makes it a handy addition around camp. That little shower attachment works surprisingly well too. Mine go back many years now and still have plenty of life in them.

I've never had problems with Platypus bags.
I've had plenty of problems with CamelBacks from my mountain biking days, primarily the screw cap failing to seal well/worn out O-rings. I blew a seam/tore one of them in a fall…but that's a freak occurrence.

The only time I use a bladder anymore is in my Nathan race vest on long runs, usually only over 3-4 hours. Anything less, I prefer running with handhelds.

I don't use bladders backpacking anymore…to much fuss for me. I like empty 1 or 1.5 liter bottles and Aqua Mira drops or pills…I prefer being able to just scoop and go without taking my pack off, especially on fast-paced trips. I was using pre-mixed drops on my last trip and virtually eliminated "stopping" for water. No unpacking or messing with hoses either.

ive had source bags go POOFY … no prob with camels or platys yet

At 67 I wish MY bladder was more durable. :)

I've never had any issues with my CamelBak or Platy gear.

That said, I've stopped using bladders and have gone back to plastic water bottles or bottles connected to the Platy Drink Tube Kit. If I'm not using the tube, I just flip the bottle over in the side pocket. And, at camp, I just take the tube off and replace it with the original top. For me, it seems like the best of both worlds.

I have a six liter dromedary that is over 7 years old. I can't even begin to fathom how many user days it has. Lots of canyoneering, backpacking, almost daily use in my small hydration packs, etc.

Bomber.

From the reviews it appears the dromedary is definitely bomber. However, is the Dromlite "bomber enough?"

Adding my own experience to the list… I've been using Platy's for 7 years now, and I've never had a problem — not even once! But I have read enough to conclude that:

1. All the major brands are pretty darn dependable – durability difference is a non-issue.
2. Take into account how your bottle/bladder will fit with the rest of your system (hydration, filter, etc.) when deciding on a brand or type.
3. ALL brands will have the occasional lemons and nothing lasts forever — so always check before each trip for wear.
4. Always double check caps and connections when in use! This will prevent the vast majority of leaks and mishaps.

Finally, how bomber is bomber enough? Given the very high dependability of all the major brands… Do we need the heaviest, most robust Dromediaries? Well, how bomber do you need your packs to be? 1000 denier ballistic nylon — and nothing less will do? Maybe, or maybe not.

Jeff, I do think that the Dromlite is "bomber enough."

"is the Dromlite "bomber enough?"

Yes.

+1 for the dromlite. I used to use platypus bladders until one of them started leaking. The platy plastic seemed to lose some of its flexibility over time and it eventually "cracked" at a fold near the bottom. I switched to a 4L dromlite after that (over 4 years ago) and it has been great. I use it practically every weekend and I've had zero issues.

it seems that many of those with failed platy's had a failure due to the material cracking or similar when folded. do those of you who have switched to the dromlite still fold your bag?

I've only been using mine for a ~3mo now, but I'm careful to make sure I don't abuse the bag and it's been fine for me so far.

Yes I fold my Dromlite in have when empty. Since it is fabric it does not crease when folded. No problems so far. I have one that's 7 years old.

I never folded the bladder deliberately. IIRC, the old platys had a flat bottom such that they could be placed standing up when full. When empty, a crease would form on the bottom as the sides of the bladder collapsed against each other. This is where the crack occurred for me.

I just checked out the current platypus products and they appear to have a different design. It doesn't look like there is a flat bottom anymore, so maybe creases won't form and cracking will be less likely.

Needing more capacity, I'm wondering if I could cram a 4 liter Dromlite into my Nathan HPL20 race vest built for a 2 liter….maybe I could under fill it (3 liters)…

???

Does anyone have experience with the durability of "Ultimate Directions" bladder?

I have had one for about 4 years, however, most of my hikes encounter regular water crossings so I only use it once or twice per year. It has a roll top closure like a dry bag, therefore it is super easy to clean and fill.

Michael, I just recently picked up an Ultimate Direction Wasp hydration harness that uses the Platypus sourced 64oz. rolltop bladder you mentioned, only tested in the house so far, haven't done any epic long runs that required that much water. In house bounce test, punch test, step test, throw test, all seemed to be promising.

"I never folded the bladder deliberately…When empty, a crease would form on the bottom as the sides of the bladder collapsed against each other."

I think this is an important distinction, the dromlite lies flat when empty, and doesn't really fold. Where as all of the other bladders fold the same way, every time. I wonder about the material difference, but am not knowledgeable enough to comment.

based on this thread I am thinking about upgrading to the 4 liter.

Craig wrote: "Needing more capacity, I'm wondering if I could cram a 4 liter Dromlite into my Nathan HPL20 race vest built for a 2 liter….maybe I could under fill it (3 liters)…"

It will work. I could fit something like 2.6 liters in my old, HPL20.