Osprey  Hydraulics Reservoir - 3 Liter

I bought the osprey 3 liter hydration bladder about 4 or 5 months ago, and hadn't used it until about a week ago(or should I say,TRIED to use it). The bladder seemed durable upon first glance. However after filling it up the first time and putting it in my pack. I noticed the next morning as I was preparing to leave for my hike the floor was covered with water. The plastic nipple where the hose attaches to, had a crack. That is definitely the weakest point of this bladder. The plastic nipple is really flimsy not tough enough to handle the abuse that is expected from hikers (i.e hose get snagged on something or brushes up against something while putting it in your pack. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED:)

This reservoir is a little larger than the original; it still fits in my Raptor 10 pack but I have to fold over the ends of the reservoir to zip the pack closed. The worst modification is the closure; the shape (too wide and too shallow) makes it hard to get a good grip and close properly. It takes effort to ensure the lid is going on straight and if you don't, your water will come gushing out when you're not expecting it. The hose is also longer which may not be a problem for some, but I've found it's too long for me.

My significant other and I both purchased this bladder to go with our new Osprey packs for a multi-day backpacking trip. We made the mistake of not testing the bladders before we left for the trek. My bladder ended up having a leak near its base and was totally unusable. My boyfriend's leaked at the nozzle whenever it was turned to the "on" position. I really regretted not bringing my old trusty Camelbak! We trusted the Osprey brand from previous purchases, which is why we didn't test drive these bladders. I definitely learned my lesson there.

I have many different size and shapes of water bladders from the big three (Camelbak, Platypus, and Osprey). Each one meets a specific need. This 3L Osprey with the stiff backing works perfect in a non-framed daypack. I specifically use this one in my REI Flash18 to give it some structure. The volume is perfect for an extra long hike where water is questionable or unavailable. The only thing I don't like is the bite valve. There isn't anything wrong with the flow, etc. It's just doesn't feel right for me. The newer model Ospreys have a hose that will work with a Camelbak bite valve so I removed the Osprey bite valve and replaced it. Now it's perfect.

I bought this not long after I picked up a Osprey Aether pack. my first use was a day hike and my next use was a summit of Rainier. This was one of the best products I have ever owned. The magnetic attachment to my chest strap gave me quick access and kept it out of the way during some more technical climbs. The quick 90 degree switch can be turned on and off with ease and no leakage down my gear. I love how easy it was to hydrate and how ergonomically designed the product is to fit so well with my Osprey pack. My other hydration pack felt so bulky while in my pack against my back. This upgrade was an easy choice and the best choice I made in regards to comfort and capacity. Cleaning is easy as it is easy to disassemble. I have the 3 litre version and so glad I went bigger. Great job Osprey.

First, Osprey makes a great product. And I would recommed Osprey to anyone. On a recent mountain bike ride I fell onto my back rupturing the bladder. Instead of it failing at points which you would think would be obvious, seams, filler cap, drinking tube, it burst just above the filler cap. I purchased this one to replace it. My pack is a 2012 Viper 10 with a 100oz/3 liter bladder. This new redesigned bladder does not fit into my pack. It is too big. So if you have an older Osprey you might want to try to source one of the old style bladders.

The connector from the hose to the bag broke off after a couple of uses. The staff and REI was very hesitant to replace the bag insisting it wasn't a defect in the product and that I had abused it. Not the case. I've had the same reservoir from a different brand for ten years and never had a problem. After talking to a manager I finally was able to get a replacement. (This was the first thing I ever tried to return to REI after how many decades?) That being said, I like how the reservoir fits and rides in my pack (it's a pack I use for backpacking, extended climbs, and ski mountaineering). Love the magnet hose to strap feature. As long as it holds up, I think it's a good product. I would recommend it with caveats.

My wife and I each have one of these 3L bladders. We use them regularly and have do so for the past 10 since we got them. They have performed well, been easy to use/fill, and the plastic frame aids in their stability. I did have an issue that did not excite me, but all ultimately went well. The nipple where the hose attaches to the bladder cracked on mine. I was perturbed as the items in the bottom of my pack got soaked, but things go wrong occasionally. I took it back to REI and they swapped it out. I plan to continue using these at this time due to the positives.

I bought this product to upgrade in size from a 2L Platypus. My number one complaint about the Osprey bladder is it is very hard to get tight enough not to leak, and it usually takes several tries. The unsuccessful tries end up soaking my pack. When you do finally get the mouth closed tight enough it is almost impossible to open again. The best part of this product is the plastic rail that goes from top to bottom, this makes getting the bladder in and out of the pack much easier than any other bladder I have tried. However the plastic contraption prevents you from being able to remove the hose, which complicates cleaning. I am hoping that I can learn to overcome the leaking, as I really do like the ease of getting this bladder in the pack.

I decided to purchase this one since I have an Osprey backpack and I somehow thought that the hard back would somehow be of use. I cleaned and cleaned it. I tried bleach and also tried cleaning tablets. Regardless of what I did, the horrible foul taste would not go away. If I bleached it, filled it, and then hit the road, within an hour or two the water would be foul again. I decided to try a Platypus instead. It is great and has no foul taste. Not having a hard back seems to make no difference. I wouldn't waste a penny on this item and intend to return it but have yet to do so.