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my old Camelbak bladders are looking a bit manky, the GF struggles to open them at times and i've never liked the fact that you can't get into them properly to clean them and let them dry.
want a top opening one.
looking at the following on CRC.....
evoc... but no loop on the top to attach it in the rucksack (whether the pic on thei rsite is old and it does indeed comes with a loop... 😕 )
[img] 
?w=430&h=430&a=7[/img]
evoc "insulated"... does have loop on top, doubt the insulated hose makes much difference other than hiding the mould.
[img] http://media.chainreactioncycles.com/is/image/ChainReactionCycles/prod113491_Clear_NE_01?wid=500&hei=505 [/img]
or....
osprey... lots of nice features, but supposedly tastes a bit plasticy....
[img] 
[/img]
any other suggestions welcome.
* yes i am probably over thinking this.
I have 2 Osprey bladders - not top opening, though I'm sure they're made of the same stuff, but they don't taste of anything. Except water.
The newer Camelbak ones open on a 1/4 turn, and are big enough to get yer hand in..
Maybe worth having another look at them?
Hydrapak ones with the baffle down the middle are my favourites - least sloshy bladder ime. I do admittedly swap the valve (same as the Evoc one I believe) to a Camelbak valve though
does the quick release thingy seal up when you open it? i.e. water doesn't flow out of it when detached?
[i]" . . . any other suggestions welcome"[/i]
I've started using [url= http://www.cascadedesigns.com/ie/platypus/hydration-systems/hoser/product ]Platypus[/url] bladders, with a small opening. Between rides, I just pop a screw cap on the bladder itself, and store it in the freezer.
They also do a [url= http://www.cascadedesigns.com/ie/platypus/hydration-systems/big-zip-lp/product ]wide-opening version[/url], if that suits you better.
Whichever you end up going for just make sure you wash it out thoroughly before you use it for the first time. I won't make that mistake again... 😳
[i]does the quick release thingy seal up when you open it?[/i]
Yep.
I use Cenote ones from the US and they've been blooody brilliant. Easy to clean, environmentally friendly, good spout etc.
Suggest keeping in the salad box of your fridge over the freezer as my old bladder perished over time.
Finally replaced the £3.99 cameltoe on my camelbak as it was pissing down my leg without the valve closed.
Might have to get one of those evoc bladders as I like the idea of the large opening for easy cleaning.
I just got for these, never really known any difference between these and the £25 versions with names on them??
Okay the bite valve might be a bit nicer but they all do the same thing.
I had a Camelbak bladder, the old type
Then bought a Mule which came with the new bladder
The new bladder is MUCH better. You could get your arm in before so I find hanging it up and a couple of kitchen paper towels and it's dry, though that hasn't changed
What has changed a lot is the removable hose which means I can dry it. I don't use the bladder much and don't want to block up my freezer. I use a whip around to get most of the water out, then use a hairdryer and a funnel to give it a quick blast. It's bone dry after that
Source
Osprey
Are the ones in ourhousehold
Both been fine
I got a Source Divide bladder last Christmas, really pleased with it and very easy to keep clean
https://sourceoutdoor.com/en/home/149-divide-hydration-system
Got a newer Camelbak last year which replaced the older one and much better to open and the opening is a lot wider so easy to get your hand in for cleaning etc. and they now have the integrated drying hook under the opening. My only issue is the hose still gets bits of gunk sticking in it if you use diluting juice.
Also aren't the Camelbak bladders covered under a lifetime warranty so you might be able to replace them under that?
evoc one is older Hydrapak design rebranded which is good but the newer Hydrapak ones with the baffle down the middle is what I currently have and is really good.
The mount piece can't match the flow rate of the Camelback but it does me fine.
Hydrapak after sales support is also very good. My bite valve broke, I simply emailed asking where I can buy a one from and they sent me a new one free of charge no postage etc. Quick replies too ...
Hydropak with the baffle
Got one of those Osprey bladders recently in Whistler due to mine puncturing en route. I love it, nice and easy to fill and clean with the separating hose half way. Tastes as plastic and rubbery as all of them!
Like being able to turn my evoc inside out to give a good wash. Expensive though.
Source.
Just don't leave the plastic closure clip at home when you go on a 10 day trip to Norway.