Staying hydrated on the water is vital to an athlete’s safety, health, and wellbeing. But while training out to sea, having quick and easy accessibility to fresh water is not an easy task. Water bottles can be bulky, heavy, and when moving around inside a vessel, can cause significant damage. Keeping that water bottle within arm’s reach and secured to the boat can also be challenging.
Here at Vaikobi, we are paddlers, sailors and ocean addicts ourselves, so we’ve designed a range of hydration bladders ideal for paddlers, kayakers, and ocean athletes of every sporting discipline.
What are hydration bladders?
A hydration bladder is a soft and durable bag that holds water comfortably on an athlete’s back during sport. Using a hydration pack allows paddlers to carry large amounts of water for long periods of time and provide fresh water via a tube, meaning the bag doesn’t have to be removed to take a drink. As your very own personal hydration system, a water bladder is a great addition to the inventory of any training athlete, particularly for long-distance sessions.
Can you put a water bladder in any backpack?
A backpack or lifejacket with a hydration pocket is the most effective way to carry a water bladder. If you place a loose water bladder in a bag, it can spill if the bag comes loose or comes into contact with other valuables in the pack. It is possible to put a water bladder in any backpack, but it should always be stored in a separate pocket and may require an extra clip or pocket on the backpack to hold it upright or secure it in place.
How to use a hydration pack inside a life jacket:
- After unpacking your hydration pack, connect your hose to the bladder.
- Remove the circular cap/hose on the bladder, and fill the bag with water. Re-secure your cap to prevent leakages.
- For 1.5L Bladder: Secure the black attachment clip by sliding it into the top of the hydration pack - this will keep the bladder from moving inside or sliding out of the hydration pocket.
- Slide the full hydration bladder into the pocket located on your PFD.
- Feed the hose through the tabs located on the lifejacket, first passing over the shoulder and then to the tab on the front of the chest near the chin.
View the Vaikobi hydration bladders system instructional video here.
How to clean a hydration bladder:
The Vaikobi 1.5L Hydro System Bladder contains a four-piece cleaning kit that includes a dry rack, a long flexible brush, as well as a large and small brush. Use the brushes, a small amount of dish soap, and warm water to scrub the inside of the bag. This will prevent the build-up of bacteria over time. Clean the mouthpiece and run warm soapy water through the hose after use. At the end of cleaning, rinse the bag entirely with fresh water. The dry rack can be inserted in the bag to open the hydro pack, allowing the inside to air dry, ready for its subsequent use.
What hydration bladders do Vaikobi offer?
1.5L Hydro System Bladder
Designed to integrate seamlessly with your PFD, this bladder features a structured shape to minimise bounce, a high-flow mouthpiece, and an 90cm insulated hose for quick access on the move. Made from food-grade materials free from harmful chemicals, it's built for both performance and safety.
A compact, taste-free hydration solution designed to sit neatly in the front pocket of the VXPII PFD for convenient, hands-free access while paddling. Its trapezoid shape keeps it secure and upright, while the long tube allows you to drink easily without disrupting your stroke - you can cut down the tube to suit you.
Designed to integrate seamlessly with Vaikobi PFDs, this 500mL Hydro Bladder fits perfectly into the all pockets on our PFD's. Its longer length tube allows for flexible routing through your PFD for convenient, hands-free hydration. The tube can also be trimmed to suit your preferred setup. Made from taste-free, BPA-free materials, this reservoir is a clean and efficient way to stay hydrated on the water.
Which hydration bladders fit into which Vaikobi PFD's?
Once you’ve chosen the right bladder size, the next step is finding the PFD setup that fits it best. Here’s a breakdown:
- V4 – The most versatile option, with two front pockets that fit the 500ml bladder, plus a large back pocket that holds the 1.5L bladder and 1L Bladder.
- VXPII – A great mid-range setup, featuring a front pocket that fits the 1L bladder and a large back pocket for the 1.5L bladder.
- VXI – Designed for simplicity, the VXI includes a large back pocket that can hold both the 1.5L bladder and the 500ml bladder.
- VXS - built for sailors who want a simple and snug fit - the VXS can hold snacks in the front, and a 1.5L bladder in the back.
- Impact Vest - built for high impact sports - fits the 1L Bladder in the back pocket.
Shop Vaikobi Bladders and Replacement Mouthpieces here
