CamelBags for airsoft

Main Advantages of a Hydration Bladder:

• More Efficient Use of Space - The bladder conforms to its contents, so a 3-liter bladder takes up less space than two 1.5-liter PET bottles or canteens. Unlike bottles, a bladder takes up less and less space as it empties. An empty bag takes up almost no space.

• Instant Access to Water - Hydration bladders feature a tube with a bite valve at the end, allowing you to drink on the move without having to stop and take off your backpack. The tube and valve can be operated one-handed, so you can keep holding a weapon and stay ready for action.

How to Choose a Hydration Bladder

The most basic parameter of a hydration bag is its capacity. There's not much variation here – most of the bladders we offer hold around 3 liters. That is enough water for a day, though during high-exertion activities it’s recommended to drink double that amount. A 3-liter bladder fits into most small backpacks, and most hydration-compatible pouches for tactical vests are designed for this size. However, a smaller hydration bladder can also be very practical, such as this 1.5-liter one from Mil-Tec. It can fit into large general purpose utility pouches on a vest.

You should also consider how you'll carry the bladder. If you're already planning to carry a backpack, then just the bladder without dedicated pack is sufficient. But if you want to travel light while still carrying enough water, it’s better to purchase a hydration pack with a dedicated lightweight carrier – like this one from Source or this one from GFC. These packs usually need to be the same brand as the bladder itself due to differences in how the bladder lid access is designed.

Which Hydration Bladder is the Best?

Hydration bladders are relatively complex pieces of equipment with a lot of moving parts and a need for quality materials. This is truly a case where “you get what you pay for.” Among manufacturers, the Israeli brand Source stands out for its quality and design. Their bladders are widely used by armed forces worldwide. Their big advantage is that you can buy replacement parts – so if only the tube gets damaged, you can replace it without buying a whole new bladder. They also feature a wide top opening, allowing you to reach inside and clean it more thoroughly.

If you're on a budget, we also offer several affordable models from GFC and Mil-Tec. These are often based on popular, proven designs, so compatibility with standard pouches and packs remains intact. Mil-Tec also offers a compact 1.5-liter model.

Hydration Bladder Maintenance

Hydration bladders require a bit more care than canteens. One key rule: never forget your bladder closed up in a closet after returning home. After use, you should rinse it with clean water and leave it open, upside down, to dry. If possible, disconnect the tube and bite valve and dry them separately. This is usually enough for bladders with antibacterial inner coatings.

If you forget to clean and dry it immediately, you can wash the interior with water and a bit of detergent. In worse cases, our hydration bladder cleaning kit can help – it lets you thoroughly clean even hard-to-reach parts like the inside of the tube.