Tag: hydration

CamelBak Rim Runner 22 Review: Your Go-To Day Hike Pack
CamelBak Rim Runner 22 Overview

We’re privileged to hike in a world that’s brimming with excellent day packs to choose from. Fierce competition leads to product innovation and refinement, qualities which are evident in the CamelBak Rim Runner 22.

A long-standing favorite among avid day hikers, the Rim Runner line has recently been updated with a fresh aesthetic and CamelBak’s new CRUX reservoir hydration system. The old-school hydration bladder company has breathed new life into this tried-and-true day hiking backpack without spoiling the elements that made it great in the first place.

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Due to the above improvements on an already stellar pack, we have named the CamelBak Rim Runner 22 our Classic Pick for Hydration Packs.
CamelBak Rim Runner 22 Overview
CamelBak Rim Runner 22 Specifications
Gear Review of the CamelBak Rim Runner 22
Where to Buy CamelBak Rim Runner 22
CamelBak Rim Runner 22 Specifications
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Gear Review of the CamelBak Rim Runner 22

Here in TrackTown USA (i.e., Eugene, Oregon), there are a myriad of trails and public paths that cut through town, scale the local buttes, and extend far into the mountain ranges. The Willamette Valley, which cradles inhabitants within a protective embrace, has been called a hiking haven for a reason.

Exploring TrackTown with the CamelBak Rim Runner 22.

The CamelBak Rim Runner 22 has had my back much of this past summer as I’ve traversed the area’s urban and rural trails on day hikes, dog walks, and long jogs. On each excursion, it has provided stellar support when I needed it most.

There were days when I took my dogs, Huckleberry and Buste,r out to popular hiking sites, such as Spencer’s Butte and the Fern Ridge Reservoir, where I cherished the Rim Runner’s multitude of pockets.

Pockets galore on the Rim Runner 22. There’s a place for everything.

Separating my own snacks from the dog treats was convenient, but even more important was having separate storage compartments which kept everything I hold sacred in this world far away from the used (ahem, poopy) dog bags. Pack it in, pack it out, people! Even if it’s icky.

I tended to completely remove the CRUX water reservoir on urban hikes in favor of a water bottle or two, which were easily stored in the mesh side pockets. This allowed me to pack more gear, like a small laptop, into the reservoir’s compartment.

On long runs, however, the hydration bladder was a godsend. Snagging a sip of water was as easy as could be.

Hydrate!

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

Fun fact: I’ve always been a fan of pockets. Big pockets, small pockets — doesn’t matter. The more, the better. You’ve likely noticed this trend if you’ve read through my other product reviews.

That said, Whoa Nelly! — Does the Rim Runner have a lot of pockets for a day pack? There are eight (!) exterior pockets and two interior mesh pockets, not to mention four exterior gear loops, a key ring hook, and multiple adjustable straps.

The exterior mesh pockets fit water bottles well.

My revelation was when I first packed up the Rim Runner for a day out on the town. Fully packed and organized, this backpack sparked joy in my heart. Marie Kondo would have been happy to see that every piece of my gear had a home within the pack.

A well-pocketed pack makes for a well-organized hiker!

The largest compartment was home to the hydration bladder, the next largest was home to my change of clothes, and each smaller pocket was perfectly sized to house such things as my netbook, wallet, keys, phone, and so on.

When I needed my credit card to buy a burrito for lunch, I knew exactly where to find it. Bucket-style backpacks are great for some people, but I like to keep things organized. You know that the item you need always finds its way to the bottom of those bucket packs, especially when you need it in a hurry.

Digging Deeper

The CamelBak Rim Runner 22 is a multi-faceted backpack that acts bigger than it is. The Rim Runner is fitted with structural support and padded comfort that are comparable to some of the lightweight backpacking backpacks on the market, but its limited 19.5-liter carrying capacity is middling for the day pack segment.

What makes this day pack stand out from its competitors is the integrated 2.5 L CRUX hydration reservoir. This new system delivers water 20% faster than its previous rendition — according to their testing. With my testing, sipping on the go is actually faster than it ever was before. CamelBak invented the “hydration pack” market, and still does it best.

The CRUX Reservoir from CamelBak, included with the Rim Runner 22.

A plastic hook on the CRUX bladder slides into a rigid loop within the Rim Runner, locking the reservoir in place so you don’t end up collapsing a lung trying to slurp through a crooked hose. With this setup, everything stays in place as it should, even during a bouncy jog.

The CRUX reservoir hooked into the Rim Runner 22.

Without the bladder, the Rim Runner weighs in at a class-competitive 25 ounces, but that number spikes to a hefty 32 ounces when you add in the empty water reservoir. It’s not the lightest pack in its segment, but the supportive hip belt will help keep things comfortable.

The hip belt on the Rim Runner 22 sits a bit high, but is more supportive than most hydration packs.

Speaking of which, the hip belt fits 28-42 inch waists and is lined with a breathable mesh that continues up the entire back of the pack. Two small pockets adorn the hip belt, which is a nice touch not often seen on day hiking packs, but they’re so cramped that you’d be hard-pressed to fit more than a tube of chapstick or a snack bar in each.

Comfort – 4 Stars

A well-padded back panel and straps provided me with all-day comfort that was supported by a surprisingly capable structure. All of this was covered in a breathable mesh, which helped to keep things dry, but the lack of true ventilation channels resulted in a sweat-soaked back more often than not.

Standard fare for a hydration pack, including air mesh support. The hip belt support is a bit extra.

Durability – 5 Stars

The thick fabric on the Rim Runner feels impenetrable, and it is complemented by an assortment of sturdy straps, zippers, and buckles. I noticed some wear on the mesh padding that contacted my lower back, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary, and overall, this pack appears as if it should last a long time.

Fully packed and ready to get dirty.

Packability – 4 Stars

Pockets and compartments galore! This pack has adequate space and storage for just about all your needs. The hip belt pockets are laughably minuscule, however, and filling up the 2.5 L reservoir certainly reduces any extra storage space you may desire for bulky items. Ditch the reservoir in favor of a water bottle when you need to carry a heavier load.

Here’s what I can fit inside one hip belt pocket.

I reduced a star for the hip belt pockets — if you’re going to include them, make sure they can carry stuff. Otherwise, they’re just adding weight.

Fit and Adjustability – 3.5 Stars

The hip belt and shoulder straps adjust well enough to fit a person of a certain stature, but they can be restrictive if you don’t have the body type the Rim Runner was designed for. Check the measurements to make sure this pack is right for you.

The Rim Runner is CamelBak’s male-specific pack in this segment. Women and/or shorter-torsoed men should look into the CamelBak Helena.

Hydration – 5 Stars

CamelBak is synonymous with hydration systems, and for good reason. The new CRUX hydration bladder is the company’s best integrated hydration system yet. Drinking is easy, the bladder stays in the proper position, and it’s simple to fill and clean.

Many integrated bladder points on the Rim Runner make on-the-go hydration a breeze.

Grievances

A little more bolstering could have gone a long way. Though the Rim Runner is covered in breathable mesh everywhere that it touches your body, I found I always had a severely sweaty back after a few miles under the summer sun.

Contemplating the sweat.

The cushioned protrusions that press against your shoulder blades and lower back should be more pronounced, with thicker grooves in between them. This isn’t because the pack needs more cushy comfort, but the separation provided by thicker padding would allow better airflow to dry out sweat-covered skin.

As it was, my back and this pack were soaked in sweat after a few miles on those hot summer days.

Final Word

The integrated CRUX hydration bladder is a game changer, but that’s not all that makes the CamelBak Rim Runner great. Durable design, convenient storage options, and impressive structural support are the true pillars of this iconic day pack.

Where to Buy CamelBak Rim Runner 22

We tested the CamelBak Rim Runner 22 in Charcoal/Grecian Blue. It is only offered in this size, and is technically a unisex pack, though it caters more towards a male’s physique.

The counterpart to the Rim Runner 22 is the Helena 20, which costs the same, has different color options, and fits a female physique better. It’s also slightly smaller, with an overall capacity of 20 liters (rather than 22), but with the same 2.5 L CRUX bladder included. It also has a women-specific S-shaped harness and shorter back panel.

Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website at no extra cost to you. When you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, and this directly supports the creation of our gear reviews, guides, and other outdoor content. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
October 3, 2019
MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle Review

MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle Overview

Some like it hot. Some like it cold. Get the best of both worlds with the MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle. Designed with altruism at its core, MiiR is a quality brand that demonstrates the fine intersection of design and functionality. This sleek bottle is an affordable insulated stainless steel option that contends with others in its class. It has a simple, bold lid, keeps your drinks hot and cold (as advertised), and slips neatly into nearly any pack or purse.

Due to the form factor and cost, we’ve awarded the MiiR Vacuum Insulated bottle our Budget Pick for Urban Hikers.

Keep your tea hot while trekking the concrete jungle (or cold when traversing an actual jungle) and read the full MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle review below.

Vacuum Insulated Bottle Specifications
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Gear Review of the MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

My favorite thing about backpacking, hiking, or any kind of nature activity is the absence of manmade structures, capitalistic businesses, and droves of people. Yet there are some comforts that a city provides. When my friends and I hike, we joke about wanting hot coffee at the top of a hill, laughing at the idea of a Starbucks on top of a mountain in the wilderness. Bringing a disposable cup on a hike is not practical and the overall damage to the environment, so oftentimes, hot liquids are simply not carried on the trail.

The MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle.

On my way to wander Mount Rainier National Park I made a pit stop for some good old-fashioned battery acid courtesy of Starbucks (hey, it is local, I’m in Seattle!). The MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle easily transitioned from being a cup-holder-friendly water bottle to a hand-holding coffee bottle.

Later that day, on the peak under hail, I sipped piping hot coffee. Dreams do come true, I guess.

Drinking hot coffee at the top of the mountain.

Digging Deeper

Lid

While on the windy drive to Paradise, I hastily tightened the cap on the lid and tossed it into my passenger seat. As I tuned the radio, I had that “Oh snap!” moment and reached over to see if the bottle had leaked puddles of dark liquid onto my white seats. It had not. No spills, no leaks, no need to panic.

The Perfect Seal lid (named by MiiR), really does create a perfect seal. This thing does not leak.

The lid, while also being crafted with leak-proofness, is a large triangular shape that’s super easy to hold. This makes it easy to transport, dare I say easier to transport than its competitors? I do.

The lid is triangular in shape and refuses to leak. Also great for hanging onto things.

Durability

I am a believer in stainless steel because stainless steel is a believer in me. Through many drops, bangs, and crashes, the MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle withstood my torment (a.k.a. butter fingers) and has yet to really falter.

A bottle that can handle a few falls.

I will note that after taking a dive into rough, wet, mossy concrete and rolling down a small hill, the bottle earned a few scrapes and tiny dents (like really tiny).

Form Factor

The MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle is tall and slender, which means it’s an easy bottle to stash in a gym bag, leave in a cup holder, and tote while hiking. The bottle is also lightweight, which, when compared to other insulated stainless bottles, is a big (or light?) deal.

On my hike up to Camp Muir, I stashed the bottle in the exterior open pocket in my day hike pack. It was easily accessible, as well as convenient to carry towards the top of the climb while wearing gloves in the midst of a hailstorm.

The lid is easy to use with gloves, and the bottle is grippable no matter what.

Initially, I was not into the shape of the bottle. I’ve always preferred my stainless steel cup, the one that looks like a glorified red party cup, sometimes known as a tumbler. However, after using the MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle in my daily adventures, the form factor grew on me. It is convenient to close the bottle completely, and it eliminates the necessity of straws. And straws are causing a lot of problems.

Hey there, good lookin’.

Insulation

Tired, cold, and in need of a warm cup of joe.

As I approached roughly 8,200 feet, the skies were obliterated by clouds, hail flew at me from all directions, and I concluded the ascent of my hike. The trail was consumed by snow fields. What’s a girl to do? I opened up the MiiR bottle, filled with hot Americano, and laughed to myself as I sipped Starbucks, alone and content, in the middle of a hailstorm with less than ten feet of visibility

In contrast, while on a visit to Ventura, California, the MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle was the perfect iced coffee container. After buying an iced coffee at 5 p.m. (a terrible idea in retrospect), I refrained from finishing my drink because, well, I wanted to sleep that night! The next morning, I rediscovered the bottle, which was still filled with iced coffee and clinking ice cubes.

The manufacturer claims 12 hours of hot or 24 hours of cold. I can definitely say that this is possible if under the right scientific circumstances. When the bottle is full and sealed, the liquid can stay hot or cold. The fullness is key. Let’s say you get just two shots of hot espresso, and they sit at the bottom alone; they will cool down much faster. When put to the test, this bottle performs, but let’s face it, in real life, you rarely wait 12 hours to drink your coffee, or 24-plus hours to finish a cold beverage. Every time I wanted my hot or cold liquid, hours later, it was ready for me.

The coffee was hot after this, too.

Grievances

The MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle has definitely been a game-changer for me, and is my go-to choice for hot and cold liquids these days.

My only concern is that the exterior of the bottle, while not changing temperature based on the inside liquid, is freakin’ cold when it is cold out. Like brrr, going to freeze my fingers off, cold. This can be avoided by not touching the bottle directly during the cold temperatures, of course, but having gloves on at all times isn’t very practical.

This makes for an ironic moment of drinking lovely, warm liquids while also freezing off your hands. Note that while some other insulated stainless steel bottles do this, it seems particularly bad on this MiiR bottle.

Final Word

The MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle is my new go-to. It’s capable of keeping things hot, yet also able to maintain the chill. Break up with disposable coffee mugs and plastic water bottles already, get insulated!

Where to Buy MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle

We tested the MiiR Vacuum Insulated Bottle. There is only one size and kind currently at MiiR, and we like it a lot. MiiR also offers Wide Mouth insulated bottles, and while they work great, we don’t love the sizes offered (12, 20, and 40-ounce).

Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website at no extra cost to you. When you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, and this directly supports the creation of our gear reviews, guides, and other outdoor content. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.

December 30, 2017
Polar Bottle Insulated Sport Review
Polar Bottle Insulated Overview

Let’s be honest. Most of us can get all geeked out about the baffle construction of our sleeping bags or the brightness-to-weight ratio of our headlamps, but how many times have you stopped to think about your insulated water bottles? If you answered “Um…never,” then you are in the same boat as I was. However, this is small thinking, my friends. We must be better than this! Water is perhaps the single most important element of a safe and enjoyable jaunt into the wilderness.

We don’t need much. But we do require a container that doesn’t leak, doesn’t break, fits easily in a pack, and keeps liquids at a temperature of our choosing.

As luck would have it, the Polar Bottle Insulated Sport checks all these boxes, and with a surprisingly low cost, it’s our Budget Pick Insulated Water Bottle for the Day Hiker.

While we also tested this bottle for backpacking, in the end, we don’t think backpackers really need insulated water bottles. You probably have a mug for hot cocoa at night and a regular water bottle or bladder for trail hydration. But for those of you who are active frequently and want a lightweight water bottle with some insulating powers (nowhere near a stainless steel water bottle), by all means, consider this a great option.
Polar Bottle Insulated Overview
Polar Bottle Insulated Sport Specifications
Gear Review of the Polar Bottle Insulated Sport
Where to Buy the Polar Bottle Insulated Sport
Polar Bottle Insulated Sport Specifications
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Gear Review of the Polar Bottle Insulated Sport

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

I used the Polar Bottle on multiple day hikes in the hills above Sacramento, on an overnight backcountry trip in Tahoe, and once while trail running. While I was impressed by this bottle in many ways, two things really stuck out.

First, it doesn’t leak. That is exceedingly rare in my experience, which is quite extensive as a competitive trail runner and extreme backpacker, and I very much appreciated not having a constant dribble of water saturating my shirt and my pack. Major props to Polar.

On a trail run with the Polar Bottle Insulated Sport. No leaks make for a happy hike.

Second, the removable CarryLoops are awesome! It seemed a bit gimmicky to me at first, but it was great being able to clip the bottle to my pack with a carabiner or to run a strap through it.

The CarryLoop on the bottle was surprisingly handy.

Digging Deeper

Lid

I tested the fancy Zipstream High Flow cap and the regular sports bottle cap. The pictures you see here are the normal cap, the fancy one is red, and has a self-sealing valve designed for on-the-go drinking. That sounds a little like marketing speak to me (and it is), but it didn’t leak and I was able to get large mouthfuls of water on the go, exactly as claimed. The regular lid worked as well as every other sports bottle cap, and didn’t leak, either.

The lid screws off completely for ice, too.

The regular lid on the Polar Bottle Insulated. Screws off for ice.

Durability

This thing is designed for the road. It’s made of tough but flexible plastic, so it’s virtually crush-proof. If you took a sharp knife to it, you could destroy it (if I got a nickel for every time I said that…), but it won’t dent like a metal bottle.

Form Factor

I was impressed with the comfort and feel of the Polar insulated bottle. It has grooves in all the right places and conforms to the hand nicely. I tested the 24-ounce version, and the capacity of water while on the move felt just right.

Long, fairly narrow, easy to grip, and has cool insulating foil on the inside that makes it look cool.

Insulation

I like room temperature water when drinking from a standard water bottle, and the Polar Bottle is more like a normal bottle with a bit of insulation. In an effort to really test this bottle, I filled it with ice cubes a few times, as well as boiling water once.

Cold: While the water stayed cold for about two hours, the ice melted in less than an hour. Polar uses a foil layer to insulate, and it’s specifically designed for cold. It generally claims to keep your cold water colder for “twice as long”, and I’d say that’s true. But don’t expect ice cubes the next day.

Hot: The water remained hot inside the bottle for two hours, and warm for another hour after that. The same foil technology works for insulating warm water, but Polar does not claim that this bottle is meant to insulate hot water. It can do it, but it is not really meant for that.

Note: When you put boiling water in the Polar Bottle, the bottle itself may change shape a bit (not permanently). Don’t freak out when this happens, but also steer clear of extremely hot liquids in this thing.

Grievances

No real grievances for a lightly insulated bottle that is easy to drink from and doesn’t leak — just some commentary.

I find this bottle a little heavy for backcountry activities. I generally like to use Gatorade bottles or regular plastic water bottles when I’m on walkabout, and to me the insulation isn’t worth the extra weight. I’m typically an Ultralight Backpacker, and have a small cup that is my pot and mug, so I drink hot liquids when at camp. I also don’t need my backcountry water to get any colder, and would never have access to ice.

So, I would say great bottle, but not my first choice if I’m going light in the backcountry. And only meant for backpackers who want a lightweight insulated bottle, rather than bringing a big stainless steel one. A day hike, trail run, or bike ride is where this bottle shines.

Final Word

The Polar Bottle Insulated Sport is durable, comfortable to use, easy to carry, and refreshingly leak-free, all with light insulation that works as claimed. Polar just does a bottle right.

Where to Buy the Polar Bottle Insulated Sport

We tested the 24-ounce Polar Bottle Insulated Sport in the Artist Series colorway. Polar Bottle, that’s the full name of the company, offers these bottles in tons of different designs, but their construction and features are all roughly the same. You can get them in 12- or 20-ounce versions, but we like the 24-ounce version for full hydration.

The bottles come with the regular cap, but you can upgrade to the Zipstream High Flow cap for $3. If you really value your drinking speed, go for it; otherwise, the regular cap works well.

Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website at no extra cost to you. When you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, and this directly supports the creation of our gear reviews, guides, and other outdoor content. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
December 27, 2017
Platypus SoftBottle Review: Ultralight Hydration for Hikers
Platypus SoftBottle Overview

The Platypus SoftBottle is about as lightweight as a water bottle can get; it attaches to popular ultralight water filters and is as reliable as a soft bottle can be.

There is an endless array of water-carrying devices on the market, everything from old-fashioned canteens to high-tech hydration packs. As the ultralight mindset has become more mainstream among today’s modern backpackers, these products have had to slim down to meet the needs of the lightweight adventurer.

Platypus has been making water bottles for over 20 years, and in that time, the company has refined its designs to be leaner, stronger, and more versatile.

For these reasons and more, we’re awarding the Platypus SoftBottle as our Classic Pick for the Ultralight Backpacker.
Platypus SoftBottle Overview
Platypus SoftBottle Specifications
Gear Review of the Platypus SoftBottle
Where to Buy Platypus SoftBottle
Platypus SoftBottle Specifications
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Gear Review of the Platypus SoftBottle

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

My appreciation for the Platypus SoftBottle has culminated over many adventures. I’ve used Platypus’ collapsible water bottles for years, rarely sparing a thought for them because they’ve simply done what they were supposed to do.

The Platypus SoftBottle chilling with water.

On long backpacking trips, I’ve carried several, cramming them deep within the darkest corners of my backpack, filling the spaces between my food bag and dirty socks. They’d always fit in somewhere, whether full or empty. The most I’ve ever hauled was seven liters of water across a dry 45-mile stretch of the Mojave Desert, and those SoftBottles sure were easier to pack than a bunch of hard plastic bottles would have been.

On my latest venture, I filled my SoftBottles and took them into the Panamint Mountain Range of Eastern California, where I had the opportunity to compare the classic 1L Platypus SoftBottle to the new 1L DuoLock SoftBottle.

The regular Platypus SoftBottle and the DuoLock in the Panamint Mountain Range.

A quick note on the DuoLock: it’s more useful than I had expected it to be, especially the attached carabiner clip that doubles as a handle. It made the bottle much easier to use as an actual bottle rather than just like a water storage bladder, which I tend to use the original SoftBottles for.

The DuoLock functions better as a true water bottle than the original SoftBottle due to the carabiner clip and double lid. However, it weighs more and doesn’t thread with water filters.

Ultimately, the original Platypus SoftBottle won me over because of its simplicity and lighter weight. I’d recommend the DuoLock for an average day hiker, but if you’re going ultralight, there’s no beating the Platypus SoftBottle, especially if you’re already using the Sawyer MINI or Squeeze, as the DuoLock doesn’t have threads for those filters. The original SoftBottles are better than any other bottle I’ve ever used for lightweight water storage and drinking.

Digging Deeper

Lid

Twist on, twist off. The lid is sturdy, tight, and the universally common threading will fit with small-mouthed water filtration systems. Its mouth is wide enough to pour liquid into and is comfortable for drinking, but not large enough for ice.

Durability

The Platypus SoftBottle’s plastic is capable of withstanding the typical drops and scrapes that every water bottle on a backpacking trip tends to go through. That means no plastic surgery required! I haven’t tested this specific bottle’s durability extensively, but my larger 2L SoftBottles have lasted me for literally thousands of miles and dozens of spills.

That said, it’s called “Soft” Bottle for a reason. This is not a Nalgene or stainless steel bottle, and won’t stand up to a skewering.

Form Factor

The Platypus SoftBottle rolls up like a little taquito when empty. You can stuff that baby anywhere. As for when it’s filled with water? Well, that’s the beauty of a collapsible bottle. It’ll slide into any nook or cranny large enough to hold the water within.

The “soft” in SoftBottle means it’s collapsible.

Drinkability

My favorite part of the Platypus SoftBottle is what I like to call the “chug factor” (trademark pending). The bottle’s mouth is wide enough for a good flow, and since it’s collapsible, it’ll shrink as you swig, allowing you to down the whole bottle in one go. Pro-tip: if you have decent access to water and feel dehydrated, chug it all in one go. You won’t have to carry that weight!

Grievances

This is less of a grievance with the product (which I think works perfectly well for what it is) and more of a reminder to use it as intended. I’ve busted open a couple of these bottles on the seam below the threading when squeezing the life out of them to filter water through my Sawyer Squeeze. Using a Sawyer filter with a Platypus SoftBottle is common for thru-hikers, so be forewarned.

The SoftBottle was not technically designed to be used for this purpose, so it’s not at fault, but I wanted to let you know before you popped a Platypus.

Final Word

The Platypus SoftBottle is a lightweight and flexible water bottle that will fit just about anywhere you can shove it, and it connects to standard small-thread water filters. What are you waiting for?

Where to Buy Platypus SoftBottle

We tested the Platypus SoftBottle 1L, which is the largest size they make in this form factor. It’s also offered in a .5L — we like the larger one because the weight is not that much more, and you can haul a lot more water.

Platypus has also recently released the DuoLock SoftBottle. We tested this as well, and while it’s a great bottle, we still like the original SoftBottle for ultralight backpacking. The DuoLock has a carabiner clip for hanging, a locking opening to drink from, and a screw-off opening for easy filling. All of these are good features and work surprisingly well. If you don’t plan to use the SoftBottle with a water filter or want a more feature-filled water bottle that weighs a bit more, consider the DuoLock.

Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website at no extra cost to you. When you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, and this directly supports the creation of our gear reviews, guides, and other outdoor content. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
December 15, 2017
Glaceau Smartwater Bottle Review: Trail-Tested Simplicity
Glaceau Smartwater Bottle Overview

Water has forever been our lifeblood. But it’s also our leash, tethering humanity to its flow, keeping our pioneers from venturing into the wild unknowns of the world. Over many millennia, our brightest minds have worked out new ways to carry water across long distances: everything from animal bladders to woven plant matter to pottery. Human ingenuity never ceases to amaze me.

Modern-day explorers are fortunate to live in a time when one of the best water-carrying devices to have ever existed is stocked by the pallet upon grocery store shelves, and it usually costs a buck or two. That’s right, I’m talking about the Smartwater Bottle, brought to you by Glaceau. Don’t roll your eyes — you know the one.

Smartwater bottles are cheap, durable, featherlight, and fit into just about any water bottle pocket on any backpack. You can find them almost anywhere, and they come with water inside!

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For these reasons, we’re awarding the Glaceau Smartwater Bottle our Budget Pick award for the Ultralight Backpacker.

Now, we know what you’re thinking. A disposable, $1 water bottle as an award-winning product? The reality is that many folks on the trail, especially thru-hikers and weight-conscious backpackers, use a Smartwater Bottle. Our goal is to tell you what works in the wild, and this water bottle does the trick.
Glaceau Smartwater Bottle Overview
Smartwater Bottle 1L Specifications
Gear Review of the Glaceau Smartwater Bottle
Where to Buy a Glaceau Smartwater Bottle
Smartwater Bottle 1L Specifications
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Gear Review of the Glaceau Smartwater Bottle

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

The Smartwater Bottle has been my backpacking water bottle of choice for years. That said, I only used it for drinking clean water until one day on the trail, I learned it could help me filter dirty water as well.

Smartwater Bottles look good on the trail.

When I first started using the Sawyer Squeeze water filtration system, I quickly broke through a number of Sawyer and Platypus water bladders. The seams at the neck would always pop. Those plastic pouches are no match for my super-strong squeezing muscles, apparently.

One day, upon hearing my frustrations, a passing hiker told me to try screwing a Smartwater Bottle into the other end of my water filter. Then simply “squeeze” the dirty water through.

Sawyer Squeeze plus Smatwater Bottle equals thru-hiker heaven.

And it worked! I was done destroying bladders from that day forward. Now, anytime you catch me out in the wild,s I’ve got one “dirty water” Smartwater Bottle and one clean one. Double fisting, as the kids say.

The “dirty” Smartwater Bottle sits in my backpack pocket as such, with the Squeeze attached and ready to filter.

Digging Deeper

Lid

The lid is the universal “small” size for disposable water bottles. The threads are the same as most other disposable bottles, and work specifically with the Sawyer Squeeze or Sawyer MINI filters and other, larger filters with water bottle adaptors.

The Smartwater Bottle lid is classic for most disposable water bottles. Tiny, which is great for drinking. These threads are also the “universal” ones that fit with a lot of different water filters.

The lid screws down tight onto the Smartwater Bottle ensuring a good seal, even after a lot of use. That said, it’s small, doesn’t attach automatically, and is therefore easy to misplace or drop down a cliff, so be conscious of that.

Durability

Smartwater Bottles can take a beating. I’ve dropped them on rocks and squeezed the hell out of them when filtering with the Sawyer Squeeze. The bottle will get crinkled and scarred, but I’ve never had one leak on me, and there have been times when I used the same bottles for months at a time on thru-hikes.

About a thousand squeezes in, a Smartwater Bottle is still going strong.

Form Factor

This bottle is a little longer and thinner than your average one-liter water or soda bottle. It fits well in every backpack side pocket I’ve ever used, and its length just makes it that much easier to grab. Your hand comfortably wraps around it, unlike those chunky Gatorade bottles or more burly water bottles.

Easy to store and hold.

Drinkability

Flows well and simply out of the small lid. The best part is that you can squeeze the bottle and gush cool water all over your face on a hot day. Ahh…!

Grievances

What about the penguins?

The only real downside is that it’s a disposable bottle, and you will eventually toss it to grab a new one at the next town or before your next trip (because it comes with free water, so why not?). Recycling is usually an option in trail towns, but not always, and even if you do recycle the bottle, who knows where it will really end up.

Final Word

The pinnacle of human engineering? Perhaps. The Glacaeu Smartwater Bottle can hold its own against any outdoor water bottle on the market, and it costs as much as that candy bar you were going to grab anyway. If you need a water bottle, just buy it.

Where to Buy a Glaceau Smartwater Bottle

We know, this is a unique and surprising review, but the reality is it’s an amazing piece of backpacking gear. You probably know what a Smartwater Bottle is and where to get one. In case you don’t, go to almost any gas station, roadside stop with a refrigerated section, or grocery store in the U.S., and you’ll find them. You can also buy in bulk.

A Glaceau Smartwater Bottle typically costs about $1. If you want to buy them in bulk, you can below.

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October 24, 2017
Katadyn Hiker Pro Review: Trusted Trail Water Filter
Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter Overview

Through all the misery of water gathering, the Katadyn Hiker Pro has won me over, and I’ve been using the series for almost 10 years. The Hiker Pro pumps quickly, is relatively lightweight, simple, and makes water taste great.

Water treatment is one of the most loathsome activities we have to do in the backcountry due to ever-present bacteria and protozoa in surface water. There are plenty of ways to filter water, but some hikers don’t want to pump water because it’s time-consuming and laborious. Others don’t want to use a gravity or squeeze filter because gathering water can be tricky, and the flow may be slow. People are picky and exhausting, especially when it comes to how they filter water. Despite the above, pumping water remains very effective.

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These features, and the fact that it has found a happy home in backpacks for more than a decade, have led us to award the Katadyn Hiker Pro our Classic Pick for the Wilderness Backpacker.

While we highly recommend this filter, we are aware that pump-style filters are not as popular as they once were. We think they have some solid points over other types of filters, and the Hiker Pro optimizes these points. That said, if pumping is a laborious chore for you, consider a different treatment style, like UV purification with the SteriPEN Adventurer Opti, or the gravity-based Platypus GravityWorks.

Even the clearest glacial stream is suspect, so don’t risk it. Check out our guide to water filters and purifiers to learn how to protect yourself from waterborne illnesses and the inevitable trail tales that follow. Read the full Katadyn Hiker Pro review below.

Update: The Katadyn Hiker Pro was tested in 2017 and has not changed since then. We still think it’s an excellent filter.
Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter Overview
Katadyn Hiker Pro Clear Microfilter Specifications
Gear Review of Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter
Where to Buy Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter
Katadyn Hiker Pro Clear Microfilter Specifications
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Gear Review of Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

I was two weeks into a four-week trip to Montana when the Katadyn Hiker Pro arrived at the forest service ranger station. I had already been on the trail for eight of those 14 days and was ready to test a new piece of gear.

The redesign of the Katadyn Hiker Pro uses a clear plastic so you can see when your filter is dirty.

My next outing with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation was a two-day float on the South Fork of the Flathead River on the hunt for spotted knapweed: an invasive plant that is spreading quickly through Montana’s wild spaces. Water levels were low as the last weeks of summer brought warm, dry weather to the area. Several fires were burning in the national forest, and air quality was deteriorating almost daily. Despite this, the float was a dream. Gliding through the rugged river canyon, we saw eagle and osprey flying overhead and cruised over emerald pools teeming with giant schools of trout and whitefish.

We would use the Katadyn Base Camp Pro in camp, but on the river, the water jug was on a different boat and inaccessible. After a warm day of slow going and no sign of our takeout point, I swooped in with the Hiker Pro. The bottle adaptor made pumping water from the boat’s edge and into everyone’s Nalgene a spill-free snap, even as we bounced over riffles and mid-stream boulders.

River float with the Katadyn Hiker Pro. It sure is easy to pump!

Two days later, I found myself hiking 35 miles one way into Glacier National Park. The hike from Two Medicine to St. Mary’s was challenging and overwhelmingly beautiful. Late summer in the high country, however, meant that normally raging streams and waterfalls were reduced to muddy trickles.

In a particularly hot and exposed area, a small, flowing spring sprawled across the trail. No more than two inches deep, treating this water with a different style of water filter may have been nearly impossible. But, the Hiker Pro was able to draw even this shallow stream into my CamelBak and Nalgene using its small screened pre-filter, which also helps extend filter cartridge life.

Pulling water from a tiny trickle is possible with pump filters like the Katadyn Hiker Pro.

These were the moments I knew I had chosen wisely when I first picked up my Katadyn Hiker Series filter 10 years before, and why I still use one today in the right circumstances.

Digging Deeper

Ease of Use 3 Stars

Once you learn where and how everything on the Hiker Pro goes, filtering water is straightforward. That said, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the filter before use in the field as some assembly is required and may not be intuitive. Also, the Hiker Pro comes with a lot of pieces that, if not secured, can fall out of the carrying pouch.

The Katadyn Hiker Pro comes with a lot of pieces. Get to know them before you head out.

Some filters require a separate carbon filter to remove odors, flavors, and chemicals from water. The Hiker Pro’s pleated glass filter has an integrated carbon core that makes water taste great, and makes it so you don’t have to figure out a separate piece of the puzzle. Even cloudy water is clear and tasty when using the Hiker Pro, which is comforting and delicious during a hot hike. (Filter longevity is greatly reduced by frequent use in heavily clouded water, and even the best filter can’t remove high levels of toxic or malodorous chemicals, whether naturally occurring or otherwise.)

The Katadyn Hiker Pro filter element is made of pleated glass and comes with a pre-screen.

I prefer pleated glass over hollow fiber filters. With pleated glass, you don’t have to worry about freezing temperatures. If hollow fiber filters with water in them are exposed to freezing temperatures, the fibers can break and render the filter useless. This makes the Hiker Pro a sure thing in all types of weather, which means it’s better when the going gets tough.

Compatibility 5 Stars

The Hiker Pro is king when it comes to compatibility and versatility. During a two-day float trip in Montana, the Hiker Pro saved the day when we were separated from our gear boat and in need of a refill. I was able to fill everyone’s Nalgene’s of all sizes in a flash with the included adapter. When traveling solo, the Quick Connect fittings were key for quickly filling my CamelBak reservoir.

The cup adaptor fits onto most standard-sized water bottle threads. This makes for easy filtering.

That said, doing all of them at once isn’t the easiest thing, so I’d recommend picking a system and sticking to it.

Portability 3 Stars

The Hiker Pro packs up to a manageable size. As previously mentioned, there are lots of parts, two hoses, and the main filter is relatively large by today’s standards. It’s not the smallest filter available, but it easily slips into a daypack or external pocket of a trekking pack.

Filtration Rate 4 Stars

The filtration rate of the Hiker Pro is solid. It takes about two minutes to filter a liter, and the filter maintains performance even after heavy use in silty water. You can clean the filter screen to keep the filtration rate at peak performance, and make sure to clean the prefilter occasionally, too.

That said, this is a pump filter, and the act of filtering is labor and time-intensive. The Hiker Pro only pumps on the down stroke, so I would recommend it for solo use or groups no larger than three people. Pumping large quantities of water for more people would be nightmarish.

Only the downstroke pumps. If you’re filtering at ease from a boat on the river for a few people, it’s no problem. If you’re pumping water for a large group on the train,l it may decrease overall morale!

The Hiker Pro never slowed down when filtering. I only used the filter for a few days, but other personal Katadyn models I’ve used with the same type of filter have lasted months of heavy use. Flow rate does slow down at the end of the cartridge’s life, but it has never been a problem. You can see when the white pleated glass is extremely dirty, and now that there’s a transparent version of the Hiker Pro, you can see when the internal filter screen needs a scrub.

Bonus Points

In case you didn’t notice, the newest model of the Hiker Pro is clear! You can now see how your filter works and wow all your friends with the miracle of water filtration. Move over, David Blaine.

The clear body is not just stylish. You can see when the filter screen is dirty.

Grievances

I like simplicity. The Hiker Pro is simple. But could it be simpler? There are a lot of pieces, and the operation can be cumbersome when you’re alone and straddling two wet stones at a high water crossing, trying to filter water. I don’t know what I would suggest to simplify a great machine like the Hiker Pro, but I am really bad at simultaneously holding a water bottle, keeping the clean hose out of the lake, watching for bear,s and not falling in.

Juggling the filter, a water bottle, all the hoses, etc., can be a lot to manage for one person. You can dial in a system that works for you, but it could be simpler.

My other grievance is small, but it ground my gears in the field. If you’ve ever used a pump water filter, you’re familiar with the rubber hose that accompanies it. The water bottle adaptor has a smooth barb that slides in and out of the hose with minimal effort. The Quick Connect fittings, however, have a ribbed barb that is semi-permanent to create a better seal. While I appreciate the Quick Connect, it makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to switch between the water bottle adaptor and the Quick Connect fittings to be used with hydration bladders.

The only solution I could think of would be to buy another length of hose (more weight) or cut the existing clean hose in two (more difficult to filter in some situations with less length of tubing). I don’t usually carry the bottle adaptor as I mostly use a CamelBak reservoir, but I don’t like that I have to make a choice between using either when in the field.

I wish manufacturers would either make their whole system compatible with Quick Connects or refrain from using them at all. The in-between is a bit of a headache.

Final Word

If you’ve ever had Giardia, you know the importance of proper water treatment in the field. Instead of reaching for extra two-ply, grab the Katadyn Hiker Pro for quick filtration, easy use, and trusted water treatment on your next backcountry trip. (Maybe bring a roll and some Immodium just in case).

Where to Buy Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter

The Katadyn Hiker Pro we tested is technically called the Katadyn Hiker Pro Clear Microfilter, which is the newest edition.

Katadyn also sells the Hiker Microfilter (not the Pro). The differences are the Quick Connect fittings, which the Pro has and the regular version does not. This allows for better connection to hydration bladders. The Pro also comes with a screen on the filter, which helps to reduce clogs. These two elements are worth the extra $10 to us, but if you don’t need them, get the regular Hiker Microfilter, in grey.

Backpackers.com Affiliate Policy: This guide contains affiliate links, which help fund our website at no extra cost to you. When you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, and this directly supports the creation of our gear reviews, guides, and other outdoor content. Learn more about our affiliate policy here.
October 10, 2017