Hydration

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A HYDRATION PACK?

Hydration packs, hydration bladders and other complete hydration systems have many benefits including:

Convenience: No need to stop or even slow down for a drink. These hydration reservoirs have convenient bite valves and plenty of water storage, without the need for a refill while trekking.

Efficiency & performance: Hydration packs can carry more liquid than water bottles and are attachable to hiking packs. The convenience of on-the-move water supply lends itself to trekkers drinking more often and remaining hydrated.

Cool Factor: Hydration packs keep water cool and are hands-free. Temperatures can soar in Australia, making your hydration kit an essential component of trekking and mountaineering safety, and an ideal complement for other first aid gear.

HOW TO CHOOSE A HYDRATION PACK

Choose based on activity:

• Hiking, backpacking, mountaineering: Hydration bladder storage only (2-3 litres).
• Trail running, orienteering: Waist pack or small 1 litre hydration pack.
• Road cyclist focused on maximising speed: Small pack, traditional water bottle.
• Recreational cyclists: Small aerodynamic pack with 1-2 litre hydration bladder and minimal cargo space.
• Touring cyclists: Small to Medium pack with larger 2-3 litre hydration bladder.
• Mountain bikers: Large pack with 2-3 litre hydration bladder and ample cargo space.
• Skiers, Snowboarders: Small to medium pack with 2 litre hydration bladder and preferably insulation sip tubes to avoid freezing.

Some other considerations:

Bigger isn't necessarily better: A large hydration pack provides more water storage but may not be as stable, depending on your chosen activity.

Bite Valves: Bite valves are convenient for trekkers and mountaineers, although cheap quality hydration systems are prone to leak. Choose a quality product such as a Camelbak Crux Reservoir to ensure leak-free trekking.

PURCHASING A WATER BOTTLE AT ANACONDA

Anaconda stocks a great range of water bottles, water bladders, hydration systems and cleaning kits from great brands including Camelbak, Platypus, Osprey and Sea To Summit. A quality reusable water bottle can be your camping companion for years of reliable service. A BPA-free water bottle is lightweight and easily transported in a daypack, rucksack, dry bag or hiking pack, allowing you to move forward with confidence.Take advantage of Anaconda hydrapak, hydration bladder, hydration reservoir or water bottle options. We offer weekly specials, gift cards, interest-free afterpay and other payment methods to suit your style and budget. If shopping online, simply make a wishlist, add products to your cart and proceed to checkout for the best value hydration kits available. Whether you are shopping online or in-store, check out other great trekking, camping and mountaineering gear also, such as sleeping bags, headlamps, cookware, gaiters, tarps, iceboxes and spare parts for all your essential outdoor equipment.

WHAT KEY ATTRIBUTES SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A WATER BOTTLE?

Volume: How much liquid does it carry?

Suitability for activity: Is it appropriate for the activity I am doing? For example is it light and insulated, large enough, easy to carry?

Durability: Will it cope with being dropped or used as you plan to use it?

Ease of Use: For example straws allow for sipping without tipping, smaller openings minimize potential spillage whilst larger openings accommodate ice and are more convenient to clean.

Versatility: What types of liquids can you carry in it? Is it multipurpose?

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING WATER PURIFICATION TOOLS

The truth is that the method of water purification treatment employed depends on the location and nature of your chosen adventure/activity.

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a water purification and treatment method:

Purifiers v Filters: Gain knowledge about the sort of things you are trying to avoid in the water in the location you are camping, hiking etc...

Types of water filters and water purifiers: Different water treatment techniques vary in weight, time to treat, and effort required. Make sure that you choose a type that will suit you.

The role of a pre-filter: If the water source is going to be murky with large debris it is worth choosing a water treatment with a pre-filter.

Know water treatment best practices: It is important to learn basic hygiene and usage guideline for water treatment before attempting to purify water - knowledge is important to ensure that you use the chosen device properly.