Pakteen 1000D 1.5L Omega

Bought this to replace my Osprey Hydraulics 2.5L bladder, which started leaking from the tube insertion point after only a few uses. This bladder is a bit heavier than others due to the "mil specing". I'm not military, but wanted a bladder that would stand up to sustained use over multi-day backpacking trips and this one fits the bill. I've found I'm happy to deal with the few extra ounces in exchange for the peace of mind that comes with knowing this thing won't soak my pack unexpectedly. The 1/4 screw close top is great - creates a quick and tight seal. The quick release hose valve does its job beautifully (just a couple of drops of water are lost when the tube is removed even when the bladder is totally full). The bladder is easy to fill horizontally from low-volume streams, thanks to the stiff plastic thumb grip just below the screw cap opening. Haven't had a chance to use this in cold weather yet, so I can't attest to the effectiveness of the hose insulation, but it seems to be of a pretty standard quality and thickness (or maybe slightly thicker than most).Apart from the weight, there are three minor drawbacks to this bladder, in my opinion. 1) The cap cover is a bit bulkier than I'd like. It does allow me to simply drop my pack on the ground anywhere without worrying about gunking up the mouthpiece (which I appreciate), but I wish it were less bulbous. 2) I'm not a big fan of the color. The desert brown insulator hose is not really my thing, since I'm not military and don't go in for camo climbing gear. Also, the dark brown color of the bladder itself means I'll need to keep the bladder in the shade during breaks on warm days, as I imagine the water would heat up rather quickly in the sun. (Obviously, this could be a big plus if I ever need to thaw out water that's frozen in the bladder overnight.) 3) I do miss the convenient magnetic clip on my Osprey hose, which kept the hose fixed to my pack's chest strap while hiking. I hate having things swinging around at my sides, so I found the magnetic solution ingenious, since I didn't have to hassle with tying or strapping the hose in every time I put on my pack (and undoing it every time I wanted to take it off). I'll have to come up with a way to attach a magnet to this Camelbak hose now that I've gotten use to the Osprey innovation. Shouldn't be too difficult.These minor complaints aside, this is definitely the best bladder I've owned. I'm surprised it hasn't shown up in reviews by companies like OutdoorGearLab yet. Especially considering the price (only a few dollars more than the non-mil-spec Camelbaks), this bladder is a great value.

My HAWG camelback bladder from 2006 finally gave up the ghost and this looked like the only option for a ~3L replacement. I was skeptical about it; feels flimsier than the old one. but so far it has worked flawlessly. Things that have improved:Bladder web:Central webbing not only keeps a half full bladder from sloshing, but it also keeps a full bladder from bulging front to back. The old one bulged a lot and the new one has increased total storage space in the bag. This may be my favorite feature, I'm not too worried about it being harder to clean, as you can see my cleaning method below.Tube disconnect:This is one area I worried about, as the tube does not take much force to connect. It doesn't feel like it should be secure, but so far it has been 100% water tight and easier to refill since you dont have to thread it through the bag each time.Mouth opening:Same as the tube, the quarter turn closure with a lightweight plastic handle does not feel as secure as cranking down the old one ~20 turns with a thick plastic handle. But so far, perfectly watertight, lighter, and super convenient.Other differences:Total tube length is longer than the original, neither good nor bad in my case. Neoprene insulation on the tube is nice with 0 downside. The dust cover on the nozzle is great to have. (It can make it harder to fit through older straps and fittings)Flavor:Amazon told me to rate the flavor... So... Good? First thing I did was shook up baking soda and water inside when I got it and let it sit for a while, draining it out through the drinking tube (my standard method for washing a camelback bladder). This new one never had a noticeable flavor to the water.

I like Camelbak for hiking and the bladders are perfect for what i need. This is my second as first was 10 years old and I wore it out. Holds more than enough water. The center rib keeps the water from sloshing around. Bite valve lasts forever and has an "off switch" for the valve.

The product performs very well! Given the 3L size, quality construction, and neoprene-covered tube, this product performs very well. I do a 10-mile hike at various elevations in southern Arizona and do not go without my CamelBak bladders! I top them off with wate, and ice and do not worry about puncturing the bladder. Very durable, easy to clean, and the plastic taste wears off after about 2-3 washes. Be sure to let air dry for a few days before sealing the lid.

After buying an EMS Long Trail backpack with a hydration bladder pocket I started shopping for one. I looked extensively at many models and brands. After looking at all the products on the EMS and REI websites I checked out the Camelbak site and discovered their Mil Spec series. I liked these for their heavy construction and features, but did note two complaints about leaks around the clean out opening. I got a good price on Amazon and fast delivery from the seller. Upon receipt I filled this to the 3 liter mark (just at the bottom of the opening) and after drying thoroughly turned it upside down and put light pressure to the bladder and observed no leaking. *** Update: After using my Camelbak DAILY for 5 months on my Appalachian Trail thru-hike I have to say that I have been very satisfied with this product. I kept well hydrated as it was much easier to grab the hose and bite valve than to remove a water bottle from my backpack side pouch while wearing the pack. I only used pure water (no flavored drink mixes) in the Camelbak and experienced no issues, even with minimal cleaning. I expect the Mil-Spec Antidote will continue to hold up well, and I will buy another one for my girlfriends backpack.