When does a water bottle become a 'hydration system'? That's whatyou're about to find out. Either way, a permanent container for yourwater is a more environmentally friendly alternative to disposablebottles of water, and cheaper in the long run, too. A full hydrationsystem is carried in a rucksack, with a drinking tube to allowcontinual refreshment, and they effectively remove that oldestexcuse for a rest: stopping for a drink. Water bottles don't comeany more simple or straightforward than the Nalgene Lexan. Lexan isa tough, clear plastic used in riot shields, and has become popularbecause of its strength; it also has the advantage that it won'ttaint the water and leave it tasting foul. It has a wide neck forice cubes or soup, but a narrow-neck version is also available forthose who don't like wet T-shirts when drinking. It will happilytake boiling water, too. Next up is the timeless Sigg aluminiumbottle. The Sigg has been favoured by walkers and climbers for yearsbecause of its ability to take sustained abuse (a 100ft drop on to arock won't break it). What's more, all those dents will testify toyour hardy, outdoors spirit. The Sigg is also extremely light, withan interior coating to keep the drink untainted. You can fit a'hydro-tube' to convert it into a full hydration system, althoughthe design is some way from perfect, and you will end up ingestingas much air as you do water. The tube also tastes of plastic, so ifyou think you're going to need a hydration system more often than aplain bottle, the dedicated versions are better. The Platypus is oneof the original dedicated hydration systems, and a favourite becauseit is taste-free and unbreakable. It will sit in most packs with fewproblems, and as you consume its contents, it shrinks to take upless space. It's very light, and you can add ice cubes thanks to thewide-seal closure. You needn't worry that it's going to spring openand drench your pack, either - even jumping up and down on it won'tburst the Platypus (in fact, it is guaranteed for life). Like theNalgene, it stands up to both freezing and boiling liquids. LikePlatypus, Camelbak manufacture water bladders of various sizes tofit into your rucksack. The Camelbak Unbottle is a well-thought-outpiece of kit, with insu-lation to keep drinks cold (or keep themfrom freezing in winter), and an extremely useful 'HydroLock' valveto keep the reservoir from leaking when not in use. It is, however,heavier than the Platypus. The Camelbak Blowfish, on the other hand,is an example of what happens when you take hydration systems totheir logical conclusion and make the water reservoir an integralpart of a purpose-designed system. The Blowfish incorporates a three-litre bladder and a superbly designed 15-litre rucksack that sitssnug on the back, is stable when running and has enough space (withthe expandable panel) for clothing and food. The drinks are on me...
Platypus Big Zip Hoser
Good standard two-litre- capacity hydration system at a realisticprice.
Stockists: 01629 580 484
Price: pounds 18.99
Camelbak Blowfish
Superb, stable, purpose-built rucksack incorporating three-litrereservoir. Stockists: 01423 325 325
Price: pounds 69.99
Nalgene Lexan
Good, solid, taste-free bottle with one-litre capcity.
Stockists: 01629 580 484
Price: pounds 8.99
Sigg Adventure Bottle
Brilliant one-litre bottle but poor hydration system.
Stockists: 0116 234 4611
Price: pounds 8.95
