All categories
Business & Offices
Electronics & Media
Fashion & Accessories
Groceries & Essentials
Health & Personal Care
Home & Living
Kids & Family
Sports & Outdoors
Search in ZoneOffer
If you spend time outdoors—hiking, cycling, running or camping—you probably know that water is the unsung hero of every trip. But the hydration system itself makes or breaks how well you drink on the move. A good bladder with a dodgy mouthpiece, or a brilliant bite valve with a kinked hose, can turn an easy day out into a dry, frustrating slog. Think of your hydration setup as the plumbing of your adventure: the pipes, taps, and filters all matter. Choose them well and you’ll stay hydrated, comfortable, and focused on the fun.
There’s a surprising number of add-ons for hydration systems, and knowing which ones actually improve your experience helps avoid clutter and pointless spending. Below are the essentials that most outdoor lovers swear by.
Your reservoir is the heart of the system. Standard sizes you’ll see are about 34 fl oz (1 L), 51 fl oz (1.5 L), and 68 fl oz (2 L). For day hikes, 34–51 fl oz often does the trick; for long summer days or multi-day trips aim for 68 fl oz or carry an extra bottle. Materials and opening styles vary—wide-mouth bladders are easier to fill and clean, while slide-seal options can be quicker to refill on the move.
These tiny bits are the most used parts of any system. A good bite valve should seal tightly, be easy to clean or replace, and deliver steady flow without constant biting. Look for replaceable valves and covers to protect against dirt and insects—especially if you’re mountain biking or trail running.
Longer hoses or quick-disconnect fittings can be lifesavers in the field. Extensions give you more flexibility if you use different pack sizes, and quick-release connectors let you remove the bladder without threading it back through a pack. Also consider kink-resistant tubing if you tend to coil your hose when stashing your pack.
Insulation stops your water from freezing in colder weather and from warming up too quickly on hot days. Sleeves slip over bladders or hoses and are thin, lightweight, and surprisingly effective. For winter trips, insulated hoses that keep your mouthpiece above freezing are worth their weight in gold.
If your routes take you beyond clean tap sources, a portable filter or purifier can be the difference between carrying gallons and refilling from streams. Inline filters, gravity filters, and small pump filters either attach directly to a bladder hose or act as a separate bottle filter. Opt for filters that remove bacteria and protozoa—some advanced models handle viruses, too.
Cleaning should be boring, but it keeps mould, funky tastes, and blockages out of your system. Brushes for bladders, small tube brushes for hoses, and sanitizing tablets are the simplest items you’ll buy. Clean immediately after use when possible, or at least flush with water and dry thoroughly between outings.
Small hardware like hose clips, pack straps, and mounting sleeves make your system sit comfortably. A clip that secures the hose to a shoulder strap stops slapping when you run, and quick-release clips let you detach the bladder for refilling fast. These little parts often get overlooked but deliver a lot of comfort.
In the UK there are several reliable retailers offering a broad selection of hydration accessories. Whether you prefer to test things in person or hunt for bargains online, here are places that consistently stock quality gear.
Cotswold Outdoor carries leading brands such as CamelBak, Platypus, and Osprey, including replacement bladders and bite valves. They’re a solid choice if you want expert advice in-store or free click-and-collect options across the country.
Go Outdoors is a great pick for competitive prices and seasonal sales. Expect to find hydration packs, replacement parts, and accessories suitable for hikers and cyclists who want good value without compromising basic quality.
Decathlon offers budget-friendly options under its in-house brands as well as a selection of accessories—ideal if you’re just starting or equipping a family. Their products often include simple bite valves, bladders, and cleaning kits that give excellent bang for your buck.
For cyclists, Wiggle and Chain Reaction carry a wide range of hydration packs and bike-mounted systems, plus specialist items like aerodynamic hose routing pieces and lightweight bladder options designed for bike fits.
These stores all stock hydration essentials and often offer seasonal discounts. Ellis Brigham tends to focus on higher-end outdoor brands, while Mountain Warehouse and Millets can be great for affordable basics and last-minute replacements.
Amazon has a huge range and fast delivery, which is handy for replacement parts like bite valves or valves caps. Make sure you check seller ratings and look for genuine brand products to avoid poor-quality knock-offs.
Halfords is a practical stop for commuters and cyclists looking for hydration options that integrate with bike racks and commuter packs. You’ll also find accessories like hose clips and bottle cages that complement hydration systems.
Different activities ask different things of your hydration system. Let’s break down what matters for the most common outdoor pursuits so you can buy only what you’ll actually use.
For easy day hikes a 34–51 fl oz reservoir or a couple of bottles often suffices. Prioritise an easy-fill wide-mouth bladder and a reliable cleaning kit. A simple bite valve cover and a hose clip will keep things tidy on the move.
On longer trips you’ll want a 68 fl oz bladder or larger, plus an inline filter if you plan to refill from streams. Insulating sleeves and spare valves are smart additions, along with a quick-disconnect hose for easy packing and drying.
Cyclists benefit from low-profile packs, kink-resistant tubing, and quick-release fittings so you can take the bladder out quickly. Consider insulated hoses if you ride in cold weather, and check hose routing options if you use aero bars.
Runners need ultralight, minimal systems: a small 34 fl oz bladder or soft flasks paired with a lightweight vest often works best. Look for low-bounce hose clips and small bite valves that don’t get in the way of breathing rhythm.
A clean bladder is a happy bladder—and a mouldy one is a health hazard. Make cleaning part of your trip routine. Here’s how to keep everything fresh without fuss.
After each use, flush your bladder with clean water, remove the hose and bite valve, and hang everything upside down to dry. If you can’t dry immediately, store the system in the fridge or use a small amount of sanitizing tablet until you can clean properly.
Weekly or after a long trip, use a mild bleach solution or specialized reservoir cleaning tablets followed by thorough rinsing. Use long brushes to scrub the inside of bladders and the tubing. For stubborn smells, a paste of baking soda and water left overnight often does the trick.
Store bladders dry and open to prevent condensation and mould. If space allows, hang them or keep them flat in a breathable storage bag. Avoid storing them with the bite valve closed and folded, which traps moisture.
Bladders and accessories aren’t always one-size-fits-all. Here’s a quick guide to help you avoid costly mismatches or awkward adapters at the trailhead.
Most reservoirs come in 34 fl oz, 51 fl oz, and 68 fl oz sizes. If you see a size listed in liters on a product page, convert approximately: 1 L ≈ 34 fl oz, 1.5 L ≈ 51 fl oz, and 2 L ≈ 68 fl oz. Keep these figures handy when comparing capacity.
Wide-mouth bladders are easier to clean but may not fit all pack compartments. Also verify that bite valves and hose diameter match—many manufacturers use standard sizes, but some proprietary fittings need brand-specific replacements.
If you mix brands, buy an inline adapter or quick-disconnect coupling so hoses and filters can connect safely. Many UK stores stock universal adapters, especially in the cycling sections.
There’s no single right answer, but these rules of thumb will help you decide what to spend money on.
Buy a solid bladder from a reputable brand and a leak-proof bite valve. These are the parts most likely to ruin a trip if they fail. A well-built reservoir will last years if cared for.
Simple items like hose clips, lightweight sleeves, or extra straps are easy to replace and don’t need premium price tags. Cleaning brushes and sanitizers are inexpensive and work well across brands.
If you’re going remote and refilling from natural sources, a good filter is not optional. Cheaper filters can work for occasional use, but for regular backcountry travel a higher-end filter (or purifier for virus protection) is a better long-term investment.
Seasoned hikers and cyclists pick up a few tricks that can change your hydration game without costing much.
If you have a long day in hot weather, chill your water or partially freeze the bladder overnight. It melts slowly and keeps your drinks cool for hours. Just don’t overfill before freezing—leave some space to accommodate expansion.
Stuck without a hanger? Thread a clean sock through the bladder opening and prop it so airflow circulates—this speeds drying and keeps the reservoir open so it doesn’t re-condense.
When you buy spare valves, hoses, or adapters, package them with a small label noting which pack or bladder they belong to. It saves confusion when multiple people in a family have similar gear.
If you’re unsure what to buy, visit any local outdoor store for hands-on advice—Cotswold Outdoor and Ellis Brigham staff often have practical experience. Alternatively, Decathlon staff tend to be very helpful for budget setups, while Wiggle and specialist cycling stores will advise on bike-specific options. Online reviews and community forums are useful too; look for recent user experiences on the exact model you’re considering.
Ask yourself: how long is the activity, how remote will you be, what are the weather conditions, and how important is weight? Match answers to the accessory list above and choose reputable stores that offer warranties or genuine replacement parts. That way your hydration system will keep you sipping, not struggling.
Now that you’ve got the essentials and know where to shop in the UK, you’re better equipped to pick accessories that fit your adventures. Happy trails—and stay hydrated!
Conclusion: The right hydration accessories turn a good outdoor day into a great one. Choose based on activity, invest in the core parts that fail least, keep things clean, and shop at reliable UK retailers to get genuine replacements when needed. With a few smart purchases and regular maintenance, your hydration system will be one less thing to worry about on every trip.
| Hydration System Accessories | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Montane Softflask Straw Long | £ 12,- | |
| Montane Softflask Straw Short - Clear Hydration Solution For Runners And Adventurers | £ 12,- |
