Waterproof sleeve for hydration bladder?

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Kirk_Ferentz

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Feb 16, 2010
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To clarify, I am looking for something to put a barrier between a hydration bladder that might leak and other stuff inside the main compartment of a large ruck sack. I have to think that there are options for this, but I am having a he** of a time finding something that fits the bill. It should be something very light, as I just need a thin waterproof layer that can handle normal wear and tear inside of the pack. It would also be good if there were some sort of attachment point on it so that I can hang it inside of the pack.

I know that it may be impossible to have it be waterproof at the top end, as there needs to be space for the hydration tube to come out.

The best idea that I have had so far is just to throw the bladder inside a dry bag, but it is loose and it doesn't have a good way to attach it so that the bladder hangs inside of the pack.
 
Maybe a cut-out from a 3-mil (or thicker) heavy-duty plastic "leaf and garden" bag would do it. It would definitely be light-weight and since there would be no seams, water-proof.

FWIW, i make sure my hydration system doesn't leak *before* putting inside my pack. In any event, i've had them leak a little bit through the top and since i only use them in warmer months it's never been a big problem. The "leaf and garden" bags are my "go-to" for most gear that needs to be water-proofed and light-weight.
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
To clarify, I am looking for something to put a barrier between a hydration bladder that might leak and other stuff inside the main compartment of a large ruck sack. I have to think that there are options for this, but I am having a he** of a time finding something that fits the bill. It should be something very light, as I just need a thin waterproof layer that can handle normal wear and tear inside of the pack. It would also be good if there were some sort of attachment point on it so that I can hang it inside of the pack.

I know that it may be impossible to have it be waterproof at the top end, as there needs to be space for the hydration tube to come out.

The best idea that I have had so far is just to throw the bladder inside a dry bag, but it is loose and it doesn't have a good way to attach it so that the bladder hangs inside of the pack.
Click to expand...

I was going to suggest a drybag. Especially since it is a multi-use item.
 
OwenM said:
How about a pack liner? Then your stuff is protected from the bladder, and depending on the pack material, it replaces a pack cover, too.
I use the 45L of this with my Osprey Exos 46:
http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/or-gear/accessories/ultralight-dry-pack-liner-45l.html
There are other pack liners out there, but this is my first, so I have no experience with them.
Click to expand...


A pack liner is good but I don't want a liter or two of water to drain into my pack and soak it and sit there in the pack. In my previous packs, the hydration bladder has gone in a side compartment that is sufficiently separate from the main compartment that I'm not too worried about it, but in my bigger pack that I just bought, you have to just hang them in the main compartment if you want to put them up against the high back area.

I don't know about just using a cut plastic bag, as I need to somehow hook the top of it to the pack so that it doesn't just slide off the bladder.

Maybe I can find a dry bag that fits a bladder better. But if anyone has any other suggestions, let me know.
 
How big is the bladder?

A gore-tex boot liner might work.

Or a heavy ziplock freezer bag.

Get a Euro sealer then you can make your own custom bag.

Most bladders are pretty tough though ... never had one leak but guess you never know!
 
How about a LOKSAK OP Sak? According to the specs here, they measure 20" X 12.5" so I would think you would have room for most bladders. My Camelbak 3L is 17" X 8" empty.

You might be able to seal the top except for where the hose exits the bag and it could be used for its intended purpose around camp. Maybe even an emergency water carrier too?
 
Yeah I suppose you could just tighten a bag around the bladder and let the bladder hold the bag up. I was thinking something more along the lines of a sleeve that had some sort of attachment point on it so you could attach it/hang it inside of the bag and it would actually work to support the bladder.

My molle hydration carrier (one of the typical military style pouches) would work well since it's long molle strips will slip behind some big plastic plates on the back of the pack. The problem is that these sorts of pouches won't hold water due to their drainage holes in the bottom. Also, they are heavy and I want to keep weight low.

I did see last night, however, that my 13L dry sack actually works pretty well when I put two 2L bladders inside of it. It has one D ring at the top that I can use to hang one corner of it from the top of the pack. Maybe I can figure out a way to hook the other corner as well. Another option that now occurs to me is that I could get a light military style hydration pouch and just put a dry bag inside of it.

A lot of thought put into this, but I find that if I don't secure my stuff the right way before a hike, it will sure enough end up in the wrong spot or crushed or broken, or in the case of a hydration bladder, empty with my pack soaked.
 
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