Backside Line
When evaluating minimalist hydration techniques, the Seeker gives the sturdiness that the Platypus Platy lacks, however that’s the solely facet we want. We’ve put the Seeker by the ringer over a number of seasons of mountain climbing and climbing; to date, 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 making an attempt to drink from the floppy bag by the broad opening. We’ve gotten used to it over time, however we nonetheless want to make use of two fingers 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 related 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 alternative. In case you’re searching for a whole hydration system with a hose, try the remainder of our lineup.
And for more information, try a few of our different standard gear guides:
How We Examined
We’ve used the HydraPak Seeker all through a number of seasons of climbing, mountain climbing, 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 been in a position to check it extra completely than different merchandise, and its standout characteristic is its sturdiness.
Fast Specs
HydraPak Seeker Water Bag
Most sturdy hydration bladder
CleverHiker Ranking:
4.2
Value:
$25
Weight:
2.7 oz.
Dimensions:
12.5″ x 5.1″
Capacities Out there:
2L, 3L, 4L, 6L, 10L
Execs
- Sturdy
- Light-weight and packable
- Reasonably priced value
Cons
- Retains rubbery style
- Laborious to drink out of broad mouth opening
- Darkish colour causes water to warmth up shortly within the solar
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 possibility for lengthy days within the mountains once we aimed to shed ounces. Its mushy, versatile materials makes it snug towards the again whereas mountain climbing or climbing, and it matches simply into any bag.
Ease of Use
One factor we observed instantly is that ingesting from the Seeker is tougher than from related merchandise. Its mushy, versatile materials mixed with the broad mouth opening makes spills exhausting to keep away from. We’ve spilled throughout ourselves extra occasions than we are able to depend. Whereas we’ve gotten used to it, we nonetheless have to carry the bag with two fingers and punctiliously 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 difficulty if the Seeker have been stored in a backpack all day, but when it’s mendacity out within the solar, your water will shortly turn into much less refreshing on a sizzling day.
Ease of Cleansing
The Seeker dries extra slowly than different hydration bladders. It’s tough to totally empty after cleansing, and water tends to pool simply contained in the opening, even when hung the other way up. Scrubbing the within can also be troublesome since you’ll be able to’t match a hand by the opening; a protracted brush can be useful.
Style
We don’t love the rubbery style that the Seeker retains, even after being cleaned completely. Over time, we have now additionally observed that the material deal with connecting the twist cap and the bladder has begun to develop a moldy odor. This is likely to be a care problem; for those who wash the Seeker repeatedly and dry it completely every time, it’s going to seemingly be much less liable to creating a foul odor.
Sturdiness
In comparison with related ultralight choices, the sturdiness of the Hydrapak Seeker actually shines. Whereas the Platy ultimately tears on the seams after heavy use, the Seeker has not allow us to down to date. We’ve 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 mountain climbing days. At an inexpensive value, the Seeker gives nice worth, because it lasts season after season.
Ought to You Purchase the HydraPak Seeker Water Bag?
Regardless of its drawbacks, we predict the HydraPak Seeker fills an vital 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 switch the Seeker, even after years of robust use. For minimalist backpackers and alpine climbers, the HydraPak Seeker is a light-weight possibility that endures the check of time.
What Different Hydration Bladders Ought to You Take into account?
Listed here are another minimalist choices that we appreciated from our line-up of the finest hydration bladders.
CNOC Outside Vecto 2L Assessment: The Vecto is pretty light-weight, although it’s about an oz. heavier than the Seeker. A major 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 all the inside of the Vecto. It additionally dries quicker than every other bladder we examined; the Vecto was utterly dry in about 25 minutes after washing.
The exhausting plastic slider makes it barely much less packable than the Seeker, and we have now issues about that piece failing. For the minimalist hiker, the Seeker stays a more sensible choice, however for the germ-conscious, the Vecto gives a bit extra peace of thoughts.
Platypus Platy Assessment: The Platy is our favourite ultralight, minimalist bladder. It’s barely lighter than the Seeker and packs down even smaller. We’ve discovered it simpler to drink from, because the plastic is a bit stiffer. If it’s not utterly full, we are able to 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 bundle.
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. In case you’re searching for extra sturdiness, the Seeker outperforms the Platy.
