Camp Hydration
Staying hydrated is fundamental outdoors, and our camp hydration range covers how you carry and treat water: bottles, hydration bladders, storage containers and the LifeStraw and MSR filters and Aquatabs purification tablets that make backcountry water safe to drink.
Match your gear to the trip, a bladder for hands-free sipping on the move, sturdy bottles for camp, larger containers for basecamp, and a filter or purifier wherever the water source is uncertain. Safe, easy water keeps energy and morale up.
Want help sorting your water setup? call into the Land & Sea concept store at 36 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland for a hands on look, or shop online with fast, tracked delivery right across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about camp hydration
Water bottle or hydration bladder, which is better?
A bladder lets you sip hands-free through a hose while walking, which encourages you to drink more, but is harder to clean and check levels. A bottle is simple, durable, easy to refill and clean, and doubles for mixing drinks. Many people use a bladder on the move and a bottle at camp.
How much water should I carry?
It depends on heat, effort and how far apart water sources are, but a rough guide is around half a litre to a litre per hour of activity, more in heat. On dry routes, carry enough to reach the next reliable source with a margin, and know where you can safely refill.
How do I clean a hydration bladder?
Rinse it after each use, and periodically clean with warm soapy water or a cleaning tablet, using a brush for the hose and bite valve. Dry it fully, propping it open, to stop mould, storing a damp bladder is the main cause of taste and hygiene problems.
What is the difference between filtering and purifying water?
A filter physically removes protozoa, bacteria and sediment, which covers most New Zealand backcountry sources. A purifier also deals with viruses, which matter more overseas or near human or farm contamination. For NZ tramping a quality filter is usually enough, but treat any doubtful water.
How do I stop drinking water tasting of plastic?
Wash new bottles and bladders before first use, avoid leaving water sitting in hot sun, and choose BPA-free or stainless options if taste bothers you. Keeping gear clean and dry between trips, and not storing water in it long-term, keeps the taste fresh.
How do I keep water from freezing or overheating?
In the cold, carry water close to your body, insulate bottles, and blow the water back down a hydration hose after drinking so the tube does not freeze. In heat, use an insulated bottle or sleeve and keep it out of direct sun to keep water drinkable.