HydraPak Seeker Water Bag Evaluate

Backside Line

When evaluating minimalist hydration techniques, the Seeker affords the sturdiness that the Platypus Platy lacks, however that’s the solely facet we choose. We’ve got put the Seeker by the ringer over a number of seasons of mountaineering and climbing; to this point, we haven’t encountered any leaks or tears within the materials. 

Throughout preliminary use, we discovered it difficult to drink from the Seeker. We shortly spilled water throughout ourselves trying to drink from the floppy bag by the huge opening. We’ve gotten used to it over time, however we nonetheless want to make use of two palms to carry it whereas ingesting and tip it slowly. It has additionally retained a rubbery style, even after being completely washed. 

Though it’s a bit pricier than comparable merchandise, it has an extended lifespan, making it a greater worth. For weight-conscious hikers, backpackers, and alpine climbers who additionally worth sturdiness, the Hydrapak Seeker is a superb selection. If you happen to’re looking for an entire hydration system with a hose, take a look at the remainder of our lineup.

And for more information, take a look at a few of our different in style gear guides:

How We Examined

We’ve got used the HydraPak Seeker all through a number of seasons of climbing, mountaineering, and backpacking. We’ve taken it on alpine climbs within the Sierra and Cascades, multi-pitch rock climbs in Pink Rock Canyon, and hikes in Joshua Tree. We’ve got been in a position to check it extra completely than different merchandise, and its standout function is its sturdiness.

Weight & Packability

The Hydrapak Seeker falls into the ultralight class of hydration techniques, weighing roughly 2.3 ounces within the two-liter measurement. We measured its minimal packed dimensions to be 7 by 2.5 by 2 inches. Whereas the Platy remains to be considerably lighter, the Seeker is a robust contender amongst light-weight choices. 

We discovered the Seeker to be , light-weight choice for lengthy days within the mountains after we aimed to shed ounces. Its comfortable, versatile materials makes it snug in opposition to the again whereas mountaineering or climbing, and it suits simply into any bag. 

Ease of Use

One factor we observed instantly is that ingesting from the Seeker is more difficult than from comparable merchandise. Its comfortable, versatile materials mixed with the huge mouth opening makes spills onerous to keep away from. We’ve spilled throughout ourselves extra instances than we will depend. Whereas we’ve gotten used to it, we nonetheless have to carry the bag with two palms and thoroughly pour water into our mouths. 

One different factor we observed throughout testing is that the darkish colour of the Seeker causes the water inside to heat up extra shortly when uncovered to the solar. This wouldn’t be a problem if the Seeker had been saved in a backpack all day, but when it’s mendacity out within the solar, your water will shortly change into much less refreshing on a sizzling day.

Ease of Cleansing

The Seeker dries extra slowly than different hydration bladders. It’s tough to completely empty after cleansing, and water tends to pool simply contained in the opening, even when hung the wrong way up. Scrubbing the within can be tough since you’ll be able to’t match a hand by the opening; an extended brush can be useful.

Style

We don’t love the rubbery style that the Seeker retains, even after being cleaned completely. Over time, we’ve got additionally observed that the material deal with connecting the twist cap and the bladder has begun to develop a moldy odor. This could be a care subject; should you wash the Seeker often and dry it completely every time, it’ll doubtless be much less vulnerable to growing a nasty odor.

Sturdiness

In comparison with comparable ultralight choices, the sturdiness of the Hydrapak Seeker really shines. Whereas the Platy ultimately tears on the seams after heavy use, the Seeker has not allow us to down to this point. We’ve got used each merchandise equally, taking them on a number of in a single day alpine climbs, quite a few multi-pitch rock climbs, and numerous mountaineering days. At an reasonably priced worth, the Seeker affords nice worth, because it lasts season after season.

Ought to You Purchase the HydraPak Seeker Water Bag?

Regardless of its drawbacks, we expect the HydraPak Seeker fills an essential area of interest. Whereas the Platypus Platy is our favourite within the ultralight class, the Seeker surpasses the Platy in sturdiness. Though the Platy has constantly failed over time, we’ve by no means wanted to interchange the Seeker, even after years of robust use. For minimalist backpackers and alpine climbers, the HydraPak Seeker is a light-weight choice that endures the check of time.

What Different Hydration Bladders Ought to You Take into account?

Listed here are another minimalist choices that we preferred from our line-up of the finest hydration bladders.

CNOC Outside Vecto 2L Evaluate: The Vecto is pretty light-weight, although it’s about an oz. heavier than the Seeker. A big benefit of the Vecto in comparison with the Seeker is how straightforward it’s to scrub and dry. With a large opening on one finish that closes with a slider, you’ll be able to scrub out your complete inside of the Vecto. It additionally dries quicker than some other bladder we examined; the Vecto was utterly dry in about 25 minutes after washing.

The onerous plastic slider makes it barely much less packable than the Seeker, and we’ve got issues about that piece failing. For the minimalist hiker, the Seeker stays a better option, however for the germ-conscious, the Vecto affords a bit extra peace of thoughts. 

Platypus Platy Evaluate: The Platy is our favourite ultralight, minimalist bladder. It’s barely lighter than the Seeker and packs down even smaller. We’ve got discovered it simpler to drink from, because the plastic is a bit stiffer. If it’s not utterly full, we will even drink from the Platy with one hand, like a hard-sided water bottle. It additionally tastes higher than the Seeker; we discovered it to be nearly taste-free proper out of the package deal.

The principle downside of the Platy is its sturdiness. Its stiff seams are inclined to tear over time. This normally occurs after important use, although, and it’s straightforward to note when the seams begin to break up earlier than they really fail. If you happen to’re looking for extra sturdiness, the Seeker outperforms the Platy.