Paddy Pallin offers a wide range of hydration solutions tailored to meet your hydration needs during your activities. All our Hydration products are BPA-free and include water bladders and water bottles from the world's leading brands such as Camelbak, Nalgene, MSR and Klean Kanteen. Whether you are after super lightweight foldable or tough heavy duty plastic or  stainless steel water bottles, our range includes  a variety of innovative products with features such as filters and fully collapsible designs. 

FAQs 

Should I use a water filter or purification tablets?

It depends! If the water source you’re using is clean, you want to kill as many germs as possible and you have time to wait, water purification tablets are a great choice. However, if your water source is dirty, you’re more concerned about microbes such as Giardia and bacteria than viruses, or you want to clean your water quickly, then use a water filter. You can also use both types of water treatment together – a filter to remove dirt and larger microbes and purification tablets to make sure any remaining germs are killed.

Does Paddy Pallin sell water purification tablets?

Yes, we do! We sell the Katadyn Micropur Forte range of tablets and liquids. These purify water using a combination of silver ions and chlorine. Micropur Forte kills bacteria and viruses within 30 minutes, but it may take up to 2 hours to treat germs such as Giardia and other cysts.

Can I attach a water filter to my hydration bladder or water bottle?

Yes! But it depends on the brand. Many threaded-top water bottles will connect with water filters, but you need the correct thread type and brand. Most water bladder hoses will attach to water filters to directly filter water into the bladder, or you can buy an attachment to connect them. You can also buy an inline filter that can be inserted into your hydration reservoir hose.

Can I add hydration drinks or cordial to my hydration bladder?

It’s not a good idea to put anything but water inside a water reservoir. Sugars and other additives in electrolyte drinks can stain the bladder, leaving it discoloured or forever tasting of the drink. It can also encourage germs to grow inside the bladder. However, so long as you wash your hydration bladder regularly, you will keep it tasting fresh.

How do I clean my hydration bladder?

It’s important to keep your water bladder clean so that mould and germs don’t grow inside it. Brands like CamelBak and Osprey supply cleaning kits that include spacers to keep the bladder open while drying, cleaning brushes for the bladder and hose, and cleaning tablets. To wash, just use mild soap and warm water. For a deep clean, use hydration bladder cleaning tablets. You can also mix 1/4 cup of baking soda and 3/4 cup of water for every litre of bladder capacity. Make sure you flush the cleaning solution through the hose and bite valve. Let it soak for 20 minutes, or the recommended time for cleaning tablets. If necessary, use brushes to scrub out the hose and reservoir. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with fresh water.

You don’t have to deep clean your hydration reservoir every time you use it – sometimes just rinsing and drying is all you need. Ensure you dry the bladder thoroughly after each use or washing. Choose a non-humid place where it can stay for a day or two. Hang it upside-down and stop the sides collapsing by putting an open pair of tongs or another large utensil inside. Front-opening bladders might need mopping inside with a fluff-free cloth to speed up drying. You also need to dry the hose. Disconnect it from the water bladder and remove and wash the bite valve. Hold one end of the tube and swing the rest around to shake out any water. Hang the hose to dry for at least a day.

Can I freeze my hydration bladder?

Yes! You can freeze your water bladder between uses. Not only does this kill germs, but the ice inside will help you cool down the next time you fill up your reservoir. Rinse the bladder thoroughly before putting it in the freezer. Never fill the bladder more than 3/4 full – leave room for the ice to expand so you don’t burst the reservoir. Also, don’t leave any water inside the hose and squeeze out as much air as you can. If you’re planning to drink the icy water on your next outing, consider how long it will take to melt before you need to drink. Fill the bladder only 1/4 full before freezing, then top it up with water well before heading out so the ice has time to melt. 

How do I stop my water bladder from tasting like plastic?

You may find just washing with fresh lemon juice is enough to take away the plastic taste of a hydration reservoir. You can also use the recommended cleaning tablets from the manufacturer. You can even try cleaning your water bladder with toothpaste, but make sure you thoroughly rinse it afterwards, so no sugar residue is left inside. However, if these methods don’t work, try this instead: Fill your reservoir 3/4 full with water and the juice from a fresh lemon. Don’t fill the hose. Freeze the bladder overnight. Thaw the bladder then rinse thoroughly.

Can I wash my water bottle in a dishwasher?

Most water bottles are safe to wash inside a dishwasher. Just check the care instructions on the bottle, its packaging or the brand website. Lids are best washed in the top rack of the dishwasher and well away from any heating elements.

Can I wash my water bladder in a dishwasher?

It depends on the type of reservoir and what it’s made from. Always check the manufacturer's care and cleaning page for maximum temperatures and advice. In general, if the reservoir opens from the top, it can be washed in the top rack of your dishwasher. If it opens from the front, water can’t circulate properly and therefore the bladder can’t be washed in a dishwasher.

Can I put hot water inside my hydration bladder?

It’s best not to put hot water into your water bladder and never add boiling water. Check the brand’s website for care and advice. For example, Osprey Hydraulics Reservoirs made by HydraPak can tolerate liquids between 0 and 60°C.

Can I put boiling water in my Nalgene water bottle?

Yes, it is safe to put boiling water into Nalgene Tritan water bottles. They are BPA free and won’t soften due to hot water.

How do I stop water from sloshing around inside my hydration bladder?

Remove as much air as possible from the bladder by squeezing it and either pinching open the bite valve or sucking until water comes through.

Are there replacement caps for Nalgene water bottles?

Yes, you can buy replacement caps for Nalgene’s narrow mouth and wide mouth water bottles at Paddy Pallin.

Can I replace the mouthpiece on my water bladder?

Absolutely! Replacement parts such as bite valves and sheaths, hoses and magnetic strap keepers are available for hydration reservoirs. Try not to bite too hard when drinking – light pressure should get you all the water you need and reduce the chance of splitting the bite valve or sheath.

Does Paddy Pallin have water bottles that are BPA free?

Yes , Paddy Pallin only stocks water bottles that are BPA free. Most of our water bottles are also free of BPS, BPF and phthalates. Nalgene bottles are free from all of these chemicals.