What’s a hydration bladder?

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A hydration bladder is a sealed plastic bag that connects to a hose for drinking during sports activities. It’s used by hikers, bikers, and runners for readily available water supplies, and can hold more liquid than traditional water bottles. The bladder can be filled with a screw cap or an open top, and some feature insulated hoses. Cleaning kits are available to prevent mold formation.

A hydration bladder is a sealed plastic bag or sack that connects to a rubber hose to be used as a drinking system during sports activities. The size and features of the hydration bladder will vary by manufacturer, and most bladders are designed to fit inside a specially designed backpack with a hole to allow the hose to extend from the inside of the back to the rear. outside for easy access. The end of the hose will feature a bite valve that will prevent water from seeping in when not in use.

Hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, runners, and a variety of other athletes use backpacks equipped with a hydration bladder for added comfort and readily available water supplies. Most can hold more liquid than traditional water bottles, and a person can drink from a hydration bladder hands-free for an extended period of time. This makes using a bladder especially useful for mountain bikers, who need to keep their hands on the handlebars to maintain control of the bike. Using a hydration bladder allows a mountain biker to drink with less risk of falling; Many riders are discouraged from drinking regularly on a ride because water bottles are cumbersome and difficult to get in and out of a cage. Hydration packs solve this problem.

The method by which water can be poured into the bladder can vary depending on the manufacturer. Some bladders will have a large screw cap that will allow one person to put liquids and ice cubes into the unit. Other hydration bladder designs feature an open top that is then folded back on itself and secured with a hook and loop strap or other security method. The bladder must be leak proof regardless of the security method used.

Some bladders feature insulated hoses to prevent the water or fluid from heating up during exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight. The bladder itself is usually enclosed in an insulated package, so further insulation is not necessary. The hose and bladder will occasionally need to be cleaned, which can be difficult on some bladder designs. Most companies that sell hydration bladders will sell cleaning kits to help the user prevent mold from forming in the bladder, especially if liquids other than water are regularly poured into the unit. The hose can be especially difficult to clean, and some chemicals are available to do the job.




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