Osprey Hydraulics LT Reservoir Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
![]() This Product
Osprey Hydraulics LT Reservoir | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $32.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $40 List $38.02 at Amazon | $34.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $30.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
|||||
Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Large handle and long collar for easy filling, easy to clean, inexpensive, extended hose attachment | Thick and durable bladder, handle for easy filling, drying accessory, excellent flow rate, narrow and rounded profile for easy fit in narrow packs | Lightweight, slim profile, simple to use, easy to clean | Durable, great water flow, easy to fill and clean, versatile use, good price | Durable, versatile and lightweight design, good flow rate, great price |
Cons | Hard to flip inside out, plastic taste | Bulkier components don't pack down | Not as durable as other options, connections get gummed up without lubrication | Can't flip inside out | Harder to clean, bite valve doesn't lock off |
Bottom Line | This lightweight reservoir has a lot of fun features | This top performer stands out for its quality construction and easy filling profile that is reliable for hydration on backcountry adventures and day trips | A lightweight and slim bladder that's especially suited for ounce-counting athletes pushing deep into the backcountry | This is a high value bladder with stellar performance for a decent price | This durable, lightweight, and simple bladder won't take a toll on your wallet |
Rating Categories | Osprey Hydraulics L... | Gregory 3D Hydro | Hydrapak Shape-Shif... | CamelBak Crux Reser... | Platypus Hoser |
Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
Ease of Care (25%) | |||||
Ease of Filling (20%) | |||||
Quality and Durability (15%) | |||||
Weight and Packability (15%) | |||||
Specs | Osprey Hydraulics L... | Gregory 3D Hydro | Hydrapak Shape-Shif... | CamelBak Crux Reser... | Platypus Hoser |
Weight of Bladder & Tube (oz) | 6.15 oz (2.5L) | 7.1 oz (3L) | 5.40 oz (3L) | 8.40 oz (3L) | 4.2 oz (3L) |
Bladder Capacity Options (liters) | 1.5L, 2.5L | 3 L | 2L, 3L | 1.5L, 2L, 3L | 1L, 1.5L, 3L |
Dishwasher Friendly? | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Plastic Taste | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Bite Valve | Bite valve with shutoff twist valve | Push-button on/off valve | Bite valve with shutoff twist valve | Bite valve with updated shutoff valve | HyFLO bite valve |
Can bite valve be removed? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Hose Connection | Extended quick release hose (no swivel), no release at base of bladder | Mid-tube quick release, but can be changed to the base. | Quick release (no swivel) | Quick release hose (no swivel) | Screw-on hose |
Closure Type | Slide top | Screw top | Slide top | Screw top | Screw top (hose connection) |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Osprey Hydraulics LT comes with a few more bells and whistles than most bladders. It's easy to use and compatible with most backpacks.
Performance Comparison
Ease of Use
Simply put, this bladder is easy to use. The bite valve is simple, doesn't leak, and provides ample water flow with minimal effort. The twist lock mechanism is harder to use than a simple switch, but if you don't like it, you can switch it out, as this model is compatible with many other valves and tubes. We like the magnet it comes with as well. It easily connects to the tube (anywhere you please) and you can choose where to attach it on your pack. We prefer it on our chest strap while running and hiking.
Another cool feature is the location of the quick release hose. Instead of the quick-release being at the base of the bladder, it falls about halfway up the hose. This is advantageous when you want to disconnect your bladder without digging through a pack full of gear. This is especially useful when we were on the move or out backpacking.
Ease of Care
This bladder is quite easy to clean, but not as convenient as other flip-top varieties. The opening huge allows you to easily get a brush inside, so scrubbing inside isn't too hard. That said, when trying to flip it inside out, our efforts were deemed useless because of the plastic handle and hose connection. Because of this, we opt to simply rinse it out and allow it to dry. Afterward, throw it in the freezer to kill any unwanted and lingering bacteria.
Ease of Filling
Similar to other HydraPak manufactured models, this bladder is quite easy to fill in both deep and shallow environments. It stands out for its attached handle and the extended tongue that provides easy filling in all situations!
Collecting water from trickling streams is a cinch, and filling in shallow water fountains is easy too.
Quality and Durability
We had no issues with leaks in the bite valve or pack after our months of testing. It is made from a TPU film that is quite durable but not as puncture resistant as thicker filmed options in this review.
Weight and Compressibility
A little heavier than other flip top versions, this 2.5L bladder weighs roughly 6.15oz. Because of its extended tube that does not detach at the base of the bladder, it is not super packable.
Value
This is an inexpensive bladder with great features and performance. If you're on a budget, know that it is of value, and offers good performance for the price.
Conclusion
If you seek a lightweight but high performing bladder with all the bells and whistles, this is a great option. Take it running, hiking, or camping…whatever you please!
Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
Learn More