On several web pages I read that empty 4-5 L wine bladders should be just perfect for water storage on hikes. What I can see is that they are extremely small and light weight. The one I've got at hand right now is easy to refill with water, holds 4 L, it's cap holds tight and it has a weight of only 40 g (or less - it is still wet from washing it). Conventional plastic bladders from the outdoor store can't beat that! What I worry about is its durability and stability. Who has experience? Should it be protected in the bush from spiny plants and acute equipment? Or are these bladders indestructible?
Update (Jan. 27th, 2012): Okay we tested it. Last weekend during our Royal-NP hike, we took a 4 L wine bladder and additionally a 5 L water bladder from the supermarket. We found the latter to exist just a couple of days before the hike. On the robustness side, both types of bladders seem equal to me. Probably they are made the exact same way. The rubber cap that is easily removable but safely holds the content inside the bladder, are similar, too. We put each bladder into a robust plastic bag to give a bit more protection from pointed gear in the rucksack etc. Both could be returned intact. I feel pretty comfortable to take them on long hikes as well. From the taste's point of view, I would recommend to use the water bladder. Even after multiple rinsing, the wine bladder still tasted like wine.
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