DIY Hydration Pack

Hydration packs and bladders slip over a bag, wrap around the waist or attach to kayaks and canoes. Many outdoor gear makers produce hydration packs that cost between $25 to $200 dollars. If you want to save costs, consider using old home brew equipment to fashion a homemade hydration bladder to be used with packs of your choosing. Supplies for home brew equipment are available through home brew stores, hardware stores or through specialty retailers.

Things You'll Need

  • Bladder from wine-box
  • Detergent and warm water
  • 3/4-inch circuler piping cap
  • 1/3-inch home brew tubing, 3 feet
  • 1 brew kit tube pinch
  • Old daypack (optional)
  • Bite valve (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find an old bladder from a wine box. If you do not drink wine or have no access to the wine boxes, these mylar bladders are available through many large chain outdoor gear retailers. Wash out the wine bladder if yours is used. Remove the cap and rinse the entire bladder and let it dry.

    • 2

      Push one end of the rubber tubing over the outflow nozzle on the circular piping cap. Fill the bladder with water and then screw the circular cap onto the wine bladder opening. Pinch the other end of the tubing with the home brew tube pinch-clip. If you want a bite valve for the bladder, purchase a bight valve at bike shops or outdoor retailers that sell hydration packs and accessories and push it on the end of the tube.

    • 3

      Slide the hydration bladder into a discarded or old daypack and use it as an inexpensive and homemade hydration pack.

    • 4

      Slide the newly fashioned hydration bladder along kayak deck bungees and run the hose to the cockpit to have a source of water through the day's paddle.