Staying hydrated on the water is essential for safety, health and performance. But carrying water while paddling is harder than it sounds - bottles are bulky, hard to secure and difficult to access mid-stroke. A hydration bladder solves all of that.
What is a hydration bladder?
A hydration bladder is a soft, durable bag that holds water and delivers it via a tube - so you can drink without stopping or removing anything from your PFD. Ideal for long distance sessions where staying hydrated without interrupting your paddle matters.
Can you use a bladder in any backpack?
A PFD or backpack with a dedicated hydration pocket is the most effective setup. Loose bladders in a general bag can spill or move around. Always store your bladder in a separate pocket with a clip or secure point to keep it upright.
How to set up a hydration bladder in your PFD
- Connect the hose to the bladder.
- Remove the cap, fill with water and resecure to prevent leaks.
- For the 1.5L bladder - slide the black attachment clip into the top of the hydration pack to keep the bladder secure.
- Slide the bladder into the pocket on your PFD.
- Feed the hose through the tabs on the PFD, over the shoulder and to the front tab near the chin.
How to clean your hydration bladder
The 1.5L bladder includes a four-piece cleaning kit - a dry rack, long flexible brush and large and small brushes. Use the brushes with a small amount of dish soap and warm water to scrub the inside. Clean the mouthpiece and run warm soapy water through the hose after each use. Rinse with fresh water and use the dry rack to open the bladder and allow it to air dry.
Which bladder fits which PFD?
- V4 - front pockets fit the 500ml bladder, rear pocket fits the 1.5L and 1L bladders.
- VXP II - front pocket fits the 1L bladder, rear pocket fits the 1.5L bladder.
The Vaikobi hydration bladder range
1.5L Hydro System Bladder - structured shape to minimise bounce, 90cm insulated hose and high-flow mouthpiece. Food-grade, BPA-free materials. Includes a four-piece cleaning kit.
1L Hydro Bladder - compact trapezoid shape designed for the front pocket of the VXP II PFD. Long tube routes through your PFD for hands-free access and can be trimmed to suit your setup.
500ml Hydro Bladder - fits all Vaikobi PFD pockets. Longer tube for flexible routing and can be trimmed to your preferred length. Taste-free, BPA-free materials.
