Hydration Bladder

mtbjunkie08

Hi,

I recently bought one of these Hydration packs: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/High-Sierra-D ... 4897.l4275

The pack itself is fine and so was the bladder at first. However, unfortunately after a few rides the bite valve has started leaking. I was looking into replacing the bladder with the Camelbak antidote but they are rather expensive for what is essentially a plastic bag. I thought another option would be to just buy the camelbak hose and bite valve but I dont know whether it will fit the bladder I have, does anyone know if they are a standard size/fixing on all bladders?.
Alternatively does anyone know of a cheaper good quality bladder?

Cheers,

Andy

The Rookie

I use a genuine Camelback from army surplus, I won't mention the price as it upsets anyone who has paid full price.

It's fitted in a cheap and cheerful mountain warehouse pack.

raldat

What he said. I use a cheap tesco pack with a camelback bite valve. Perfect. It provides the right angle mouthpiece which the tesco one did not and a bite valve that works. I buy mine on my regular visits to the US so probably even cheaper than the Rookie's.

mtbjunkie08

I wonder if I could just buy the Camelbak bite valve and see if it will fit into the tube?

mtbjunkie08

The Rookie wrote:

I use a genuine Camelback from army surplus, I won't mention the price as it upsets anyone who has paid full price.

It's fitted in a cheap and cheerful mountain warehouse pack.

Could you link me to their site?

mcnultycop

Hydrapak bladders can be cheaper than Camelback ones. Mine has been in use for maybe 3 years.

lostboysaint

mcnultycop wrote:

Hydrapak bladders can be cheaper than Camelback ones. Mine has been in use for maybe 3 years.

And are much better. Easier to fill/empty and keep clean, better valve.

raldat

mtbjunkie08 wrote:

I wonder if I could just buy the Camelbak bite valve and see if it will fit into the tube?

Don't know your bladder so can't comment but that is what I did with my Tesco one. Works just fine.

The Rookie

mtbjunkie08 wrote:

The Rookie wrote:

I use a genuine Camelback from army surplus, I won't mention the price as it upsets anyone who has paid full price.

It's fitted in a cheap and cheerful mountain warehouse pack.

Could you link me to their site?

No, it was a local bricks and mortar outlet.

grenw

I get my bite valves from some Vietnamese seller on ebay. 2 for £8 free postage. They arrived around a week after order and are the genuine article.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-New-Camelba ... AQ:US:1123

mtbjunkie08

GrenW wrote:

I get my bite valves from some Vietnamese seller on ebay. 2 for £8 free postage. They arrived around a week after order and are the genuine article.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-New-Camelba ... AQ:US:1123

Thats good, do you get charged any extra import duty/tax though?

grenw

Nope. Nothing - they came with the proper sticky label filled in for customs.

mtbjunkie08

GrenW wrote:

Nope. Nothing - they came with the proper sticky label filled in for customs.

The bite valve arrived today but unfortunately does not fit my bladder's tube So looks like i'll be looking for a whole new bladder after all.

rockmonkeysc

I use a Camelbak Mule. It was expensive but it's lasted 6 years so far and showing no signs that it will need replacing any time soon.
To make one for £20 either the quality wont be as good or child labour is used to make it so cheap.

CitizenLee

I find the Osprey bladders better than Camelbak and others. Easier to clean and has a stiff back plate to stop them sagging in your bag. Magnetic sternum clip for the bite valve is a nice touch too. I use one with a Dakine Drafter.