HydraPak Seeker Water Bag Overview

Backside Line

When evaluating minimalist hydration techniques, the Seeker affords the sturdiness that the Platypus Platy lacks, however that’s the solely side we favor. We’ve got put the Seeker by means of the ringer over a number of seasons of mountaineering and climbing; up to now, 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 means of the extensive opening. We’ve gotten used to it over time, however we nonetheless want to make use of two arms to carry it whereas consuming and tip it slowly. It has additionally retained a rubbery style, even after being totally 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 wonderful alternative. In case you’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 capable of take a look at it extra totally than different merchandise, and its standout characteristic 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 a great, light-weight choice for lengthy days within the mountains once we aimed to shed ounces. Its delicate, versatile materials makes it comfy towards the again whereas mountaineering or climbing, and it suits simply into any bag. 

Ease of Use

One factor we seen immediately is that consuming from the Seeker is tougher than from related merchandise. Its delicate, versatile materials mixed with the extensive mouth opening makes spills arduous to keep away from. We’ve spilled throughout ourselves extra occasions than we are able to rely. Whereas we’ve gotten used to it, we nonetheless have to carry the bag with two arms and thoroughly pour water into our mouths. 

One different factor we seen throughout testing is that the darkish shade 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 saved 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 difficult to totally 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 may’t match a hand by means of the opening; a protracted brush could be useful.

Style

We don’t love the rubbery style that the Seeker retains, even after being cleaned totally. Over time, we have now additionally seen that the material deal with connecting the twist cap and the bladder has begun to develop a moldy odor. This may be a care subject; if you happen to wash the Seeker usually and dry it totally every time, it’ll possible be much less liable to growing 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 up to now. 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 inexpensive 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 predict the HydraPak Seeker fills an necessary 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 powerful use. For minimalist backpackers and alpine climbers, the HydraPak Seeker is a light-weight choice that endures the take a look at of time.

What Different Hydration Bladders Ought to You Take into account?

Listed below are another minimalist choices that we favored from our line-up of the greatest hydration bladders.

CNOC Open air Vecto 2L Overview: 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 wash and dry. With a large opening on one finish that closes with a slider, you may scrub out all the 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 arduous 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 better option, however for the germ-conscious, the Vecto affords a bit extra peace of thoughts. 

Platypus Platy Overview: 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 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 package deal.

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