How to Turn a Backpack Into a Hydration Pack – Guide to Installing Water Bladder

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Last Updated: April 26, 2022

Are you looking for a guide to help you with how to install hydration bladder in backpack? If so, you’re at the right place.

First things first, you should know you don’t really need a separate hydration pack. In this guide, we’re going to help you with how to put water bladder in backpack and much more.

These days enough tools are available that make customization possible. You can easily upgrade your backpack into one that boasts of a hydration bladder. For that, you won’t require a new backpack since you can just use an old one. All you need to do is go through our article and turn your backpack into a hydration pack.

What is a Hydration Bladder?

A hydration bladder is a reservoir that you can make use of to carry any type of liquid. You can easily fit these into regular backpacks that you use for the purpose of trekking. At the same time, you can even get a backpack already fitted with such bladders, these are called hydration packs.

The Workings of Hydration Bladders

Before you learn how to install hydration bladder in a backpack, you need to know how to use one. The main purpose of a hydration bladder is to hold the liquid for you inside the backpack. So, first and foremost, it must be able to do that efficiently without causing any type of spillage.

And in that regard, you must’ve noticed that these bladders use polythene or plastic as the makeup material. Also, you’ll see a hose running out of the bladder for the purpose of sipping the liquid. Having a hose makes it possible to drink the liquid without having to open the bladder again and again.

Also, the bladder works based on the mechanism of gravity, it’s evident from the placement of the exit towards the hose.

How To Install Hydration Bladder in Backpack

Step 1

The very first thing you must do is find a good location on your backpack where to put the water bladder.

Ideally, it must be big enough to hold the bladder. At the same time, the location must be tight to hold onto it efficiently. The side pockets of your backpack make for an ideal spot to hold the bladder.

Step 2

Once you decide on where to place it, pay careful attention to how you place it. You have to install it in such a way that the tube exit is at the bottom of the pockets. That’s because the hydration bladder functions on the basis of gravity.

Step 3

Ensure that you properly clip the hydration bladder to firmly hold it in place. At the same time, along with the harness, guide the bladder. In such cases, you may employ the chest harness.

Step 4

Testing the hydration system before you actually use it in the field is vital. See if there are any twists or knots that might block the passage of the liquid.

If you’re able to sip through the hose without any resistance, that’s it. You successfully turned a backpack into a hydration pack. You must ensure that when you’re using it in the field, the tube exit stays at the bottom.

Can You Put a Hydration Bladder in Any Backpack?

As I mentioned earlier, a hydration bladder is nothing but a reservoir for liquid. It could be plain simple water, an energy drink, or just about any liquid. It’s specifically designed to hang from a part of your body, typically in a backpack or around your waist.

So yes, you can put a water bladder in any backpack as long as it has efficient spaces to hold it. At the same time, the type of hydration bladder you require will depend on what activity you need it for. Also, that’ll decide if you need a backpack or a waist pack.

Say you’re an athlete who runs a lot, and you require a hydration system for that. You’ll have two choices: a running backpack or running vest.

Things to Consider in a Hydration Bladder

Now that you’re well-acquainted with how to indert a hydration bladder into backpack consider the following.

  • The Purpose

You can use it for a lot of activities. At the same time, it might not be possible to use the same bladder for every one of those activities. Thus, select a bladder based on the activity you wish to use it for.

  • Position 

No matter what type of bladder you get, unless you position it properly, it won’t function efficiently.

You must place it in such a way that tube exit faces downwards. That’ll make it easier for gravity to pull down the liquid towards the hose.

  • Material and Quality 

Ensure that the bladder you use is of top-grade plastic or rubber. The reason is that these materials have more durability compared to bladders made of cheap plastic. Trust me; you do not want to experience your hydration bladder leaking because it’s simply not durable.

  • Usability and Comfort

At the end of the day, you’re carrying it on your body while undertaking any physical activity. That’s why ensure that you select a bladder that doesn’t cause any type of discomfort or pain while using it.

Also, you need to think about whether it’ll be able to hold enough liquid to last your entire journey. At the same time, make sure that it doesn’t take too much space inside the backpack. If the bladder is too big, you’ll have to compromise on a few necessities or carry another bag. Both these options are not viable. Plus, choose one based on the length of your torso.