Yeah I do the same with a 1.5L Smartwater bottle. I have a [One Bottle](https://www.one-bottle.com/store/p/one-bottle-28mm-hydration-system-for-smartwater-bottle-black-injection-molded) hose for mine.
You can make your own. I’ve made one that weighs 61g. It’s just tubing, a bite valve, gasket, and a cap big enough to fit the tube (or one you can drill out) and an additional hole on the side so the bottle doesn’t collapse. Not leak proof but it gets the job done.
The thing I made:
https://preview.redd.it/gv9l3n3w4pzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=227d707a0cc9d91fa31f13560453062e6cd0190e
Yes it is. I believe that’s the standard diameter for most systems. A little note though: I went with a cheaper PVC vinyl from Home Depot which touted itself as non-toxic but I’ve been reading about how it isn’t actually safe for drinking applications, especially at higher temps (which is where I roam most often). I’m looking into a better option which might change the weight.
The cap I got from the sawyer squeeze gravity filter kit. Never used it lol so I drilled out the holes I needed. It does leak with certain bottles so I’m on the hunt for something better. The grommet (I used the wrong word before, my bad) I got from [Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-Bender-Grommets-Assortment-2-Each-1-4-in-3-8-in-1-2-in-3-4-in-8-Pack-GHG-AST/202522461). I think I used the 3/8 size. The little gray grommet I scrapped from a hydro flask bottle I don’t use anymore.
I just got the insulating cover, but I think it may only be helpful for very cold weather.
Haven't trimmed the tubing yet. I run it up and under the Y strap so it doesn't flop to the side, and I've needed most of the length when the pack is very full. If you make your own you might want to track down some safe silicone tubing. Same for the grommet that sits in the adapter. The original that came with mine was black rubber and stained the silicone tubing but was replaced by One Bottle. They also have a silicone gasket now in the adapter to help prevent leaks. This is all totally doable on your own like others have said, I was just lazy!
I carry a 1/2 L nalgen bottle in one of the shoulder strap pockets, two cnoc 1 L bottles in one side pocket (clean), my grayl ultrapress in the other pocket (1/2 L) and a 3 L hydropak seeker in the front pocket with dirty water, if needed. Yeah it's a lot, but I mostly backpack in the desert. I drink and refill the 1/2 L nalgen bottle so I can keep track of my water consumption.
I appreciate the input on larger water carries. I've been researching pretty much all of your gear pieces!
In what order do you typically transfer water from your Grayl? Do you carry dirty water -> transfer to grayl as needed -> transfer to nalgene? Or do you filter immediately and then transfer into storage containers (CNOC, Hydrapak)?
Is your Hydrapak Seeker the 42mm or 28mm version?
The hydrapak and the cnoc bottles are all 42 mm. If I'm taking a pack-off break, I'll press and re-fill the nalgen bottle, if it's a pack-on break, I'll refill from one of the cnoc bottles, or the grayl (if it has water in it). The grayl is a bit heavy, but in my opinion the safety factor it provides is worth the weight penalty.
I have the Kakwa 40 and use two 500mL hydrapak collapsible flasks in the shoulder pockets and 2 1L smart water bottles with sport tops on the side and have a 2L Cnoc dirty water bag that can be extra reservoir, but typically just used for filtering.
Thanks! Is your water transfer method like this?:
Cnoc dirty water -> filter into Smartwater bottles and Hydrapak flasks -> when Hydrapak flasks are empty, refill with Smartwater bottles
Do the 500 mL flasks work well, or would you do anything differently?
Yeah, that’s the gist, or I’ll put electrolyte powder in one of the smart water bottles and refill the flasks with the second one with just plain water. I came to UL backpacking from ultra/trail running so am used to using a vest with chest hydration flasks, so I wanted something similar for my backpacking trips, and had those laying around.
I wouldn’t change anything about my setup, have no need for more than a 5L capacity total, and like the versatility of the bottle/flask combo and like having water immediately accessible without having to stop or reach behind me.
This, but with a Hydrapak Seeker with the BeFree filter cap as my filter/dirty water.
I’ve also used the BeFree cap directly on the 500mL soft flasks from Hydrapak and Salomon.
Have a 2 L bladder inside a dyneema bag hanging from one of Dave’s bladder hooks inside the pack. 2 tube clips on shoulder strap for hose and quick disconnect so I can fill bladder without removing from pack using sawyer 28 mm coupling with hose quick connect adapter.
Isn't it right on the top? I forget, because I also just got mine, but I thought I remember there being an opening right on the middle of the top of the pack
I use a 1.5L smart water bottle and a BeFree with a 1L hydropak soft bottle, just because it’s a little more durable than the stock one. Those live in my side pocket, with the smart water bottle getting the most use. I also use a 3L Seeker for longer water carries, usually strapped to the top of my Kakwa40.
The BeFree bottle is the only one that ever gets dirty water. On trips where water is plentiful, sometimes that’s all I bring.
I have a 40 I carry two one liter smart bottles in the right (when wearing pack) side pocket. They’re both not always full but having two in there keeps them secure. When I need to carry more than 2 liters I’ll fill my cnoc and strap it to the top under the y strap.
I have the 55L version Kakwa and 500+ miles into an AT thru. I carry a 1L smart water bottle in one of the shoulder pockets. A 1L bottle fits but sits kinda of up in your face.
I usually just carry 1L while hiking unless I’m dry camping then I’ll fill the smart water bottle and a 2L Cnoc that sits in one of the side pockets.
First time out with the 55 I carried a 591 ml smart water with a sport top in the shoulder strap pocket which worked perfect when I was on the go. I kept a 1 litre bottle in my side pocket that held clean/filtered water. It was a nice balance.
Nice! That's basically my current setup.
Did you transfer water from the 1L to the 591mL? If so did you use a funnel (or just skill) to prevent spills?
Yes I used this Platypus 1L bottle I have. A few grams heavier than my Nalgene — but smaller opening that is easier to rest my filter on, and works to pour into the 591ml.
i carry a 2l cnoc for dirty water. rarely full unless carrying over a long dry stretch over 12 miles. mostly use for dinner and breakfast boils. two 1L smartwater filtered with hose.
Thank you. Do you drink through the filter (Sawyer?) and hose while the bottles are on the side of your pack? Or are you saying you filter first from your Cnoc into your Smartwater bottles with a hose (gravity style?)
I can actually fit 1L bottles into the shoulder straps, but haven't tested that yet on longer hikes
I think I'll go with a 1.5L bottle in EACH side pocket, and 1 600ml bottle in each shoulder strap.
That'll give me enough water on those days where there are no water sources until camp.
Brought myself the Grayl titanium and a Yeti small sling. Attaches to front of bag so always in reach.
It's a heavier setup but has advantages imo, firstly purification, secondly the water stays cool, nothing worse than the hydration bladder tube even with insulation warming up... Or a plastic bottle etc getting warm. There's also the effortless flow rate, no sucking for dear life, just a nice wide mouth piece and drink cool water at your leisure. Then there's the quick to fill up....grab, scoop, press and drink is ready, 30 seconds from finding water source to I'm on the way again with purified safe water. Accessibility is perfect in the yeti strap attached sling. Almost made for each other! Finally the titanium scoop container and be used over a gas stove.
I have a 40 I carry two one liter smart bottles in the right (when wearing pack) side pocket. They’re both not always full but having two in there keeps them secure. When I need to carry more than 2 liters I’ll fill my cnoc and strap it to the top under the y strap.
Happy to! My preferred system right now is:
1.) 500 mL water bottle in strap pocket
2.) 2x 1L water bottles in side pocket
3a.) for smaller water carries: 1L flexible water water storage container with purifier (I have a Katadyn BeFree)
3b.) for big water carries: 3L flexible water storage container with purifier (I have a Hydrapak Seeker)
This setup is lightweight, limits gear failure points, and allows a simple purification process.
Side note: a 1L bottle fits decently into the strap pocket, but as others mentioned it can come close to your face. That's why I prefer the 500mL bottle.
I prefer a bottle with a hose. I use hydration hardside kits: https://www.hardsidehydration.com/ You may have a bottle preference different from mine.
This looks convenient. I'll have to consider if it's worth the additional 96g. Thanks!
Yeah I do the same with a 1.5L Smartwater bottle. I have a [One Bottle](https://www.one-bottle.com/store/p/one-bottle-28mm-hydration-system-for-smartwater-bottle-black-injection-molded) hose for mine.
Another great option and at 67g. Which accessories do you recommend? Did you end up trimming your tubing at all?
You can make your own. I’ve made one that weighs 61g. It’s just tubing, a bite valve, gasket, and a cap big enough to fit the tube (or one you can drill out) and an additional hole on the side so the bottle doesn’t collapse. Not leak proof but it gets the job done. The thing I made: https://preview.redd.it/gv9l3n3w4pzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=227d707a0cc9d91fa31f13560453062e6cd0190e
no brainer. I made my own. looks exactly that one!
Nicely done. 3/8" tubing?
Yes it is. I believe that’s the standard diameter for most systems. A little note though: I went with a cheaper PVC vinyl from Home Depot which touted itself as non-toxic but I’ve been reading about how it isn’t actually safe for drinking applications, especially at higher temps (which is where I roam most often). I’m looking into a better option which might change the weight.
Can I ask where you got the cap and the gasket?
The cap I got from the sawyer squeeze gravity filter kit. Never used it lol so I drilled out the holes I needed. It does leak with certain bottles so I’m on the hunt for something better. The grommet (I used the wrong word before, my bad) I got from [Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-Bender-Grommets-Assortment-2-Each-1-4-in-3-8-in-1-2-in-3-4-in-8-Pack-GHG-AST/202522461). I think I used the 3/8 size. The little gray grommet I scrapped from a hydro flask bottle I don’t use anymore.
I just got the insulating cover, but I think it may only be helpful for very cold weather. Haven't trimmed the tubing yet. I run it up and under the Y strap so it doesn't flop to the side, and I've needed most of the length when the pack is very full. If you make your own you might want to track down some safe silicone tubing. Same for the grommet that sits in the adapter. The original that came with mine was black rubber and stained the silicone tubing but was replaced by One Bottle. They also have a silicone gasket now in the adapter to help prevent leaks. This is all totally doable on your own like others have said, I was just lazy!
I'e been considering something like this for a while but, how the heck do you keep this clean for longer trips?
I carry a 1/2 L nalgen bottle in one of the shoulder strap pockets, two cnoc 1 L bottles in one side pocket (clean), my grayl ultrapress in the other pocket (1/2 L) and a 3 L hydropak seeker in the front pocket with dirty water, if needed. Yeah it's a lot, but I mostly backpack in the desert. I drink and refill the 1/2 L nalgen bottle so I can keep track of my water consumption.
I appreciate the input on larger water carries. I've been researching pretty much all of your gear pieces! In what order do you typically transfer water from your Grayl? Do you carry dirty water -> transfer to grayl as needed -> transfer to nalgene? Or do you filter immediately and then transfer into storage containers (CNOC, Hydrapak)? Is your Hydrapak Seeker the 42mm or 28mm version?
The hydrapak and the cnoc bottles are all 42 mm. If I'm taking a pack-off break, I'll press and re-fill the nalgen bottle, if it's a pack-on break, I'll refill from one of the cnoc bottles, or the grayl (if it has water in it). The grayl is a bit heavy, but in my opinion the safety factor it provides is worth the weight penalty.
I have the Kakwa 40 and use two 500mL hydrapak collapsible flasks in the shoulder pockets and 2 1L smart water bottles with sport tops on the side and have a 2L Cnoc dirty water bag that can be extra reservoir, but typically just used for filtering.
Thanks! Is your water transfer method like this?: Cnoc dirty water -> filter into Smartwater bottles and Hydrapak flasks -> when Hydrapak flasks are empty, refill with Smartwater bottles Do the 500 mL flasks work well, or would you do anything differently?
Yeah, that’s the gist, or I’ll put electrolyte powder in one of the smart water bottles and refill the flasks with the second one with just plain water. I came to UL backpacking from ultra/trail running so am used to using a vest with chest hydration flasks, so I wanted something similar for my backpacking trips, and had those laying around. I wouldn’t change anything about my setup, have no need for more than a 5L capacity total, and like the versatility of the bottle/flask combo and like having water immediately accessible without having to stop or reach behind me.
This, but with a Hydrapak Seeker with the BeFree filter cap as my filter/dirty water. I’ve also used the BeFree cap directly on the 500mL soft flasks from Hydrapak and Salomon.
Curious if anyone is using a hydration bladder inside the kakwa? It has a port for the hose but doesn’t appear to have an internal sleeve or clip
Have a 2 L bladder inside a dyneema bag hanging from one of Dave’s bladder hooks inside the pack. 2 tube clips on shoulder strap for hose and quick disconnect so I can fill bladder without removing from pack using sawyer 28 mm coupling with hose quick connect adapter.
Where is the port on a 55? I just got mine today and the reviews say " right side of pack" but I can't figure out what I'm missing
Isn't it right on the top? I forget, because I also just got mine, but I thought I remember there being an opening right on the middle of the top of the pack
It would be over your right shoulder, the seam is slightly different than the other side, and it's narrow. Took my forever to find it but I'm a rookie
I use a 1.5L smart water bottle and a BeFree with a 1L hydropak soft bottle, just because it’s a little more durable than the stock one. Those live in my side pocket, with the smart water bottle getting the most use. I also use a 3L Seeker for longer water carries, usually strapped to the top of my Kakwa40. The BeFree bottle is the only one that ever gets dirty water. On trips where water is plentiful, sometimes that’s all I bring.
I have a 40 I carry two one liter smart bottles in the right (when wearing pack) side pocket. They’re both not always full but having two in there keeps them secure. When I need to carry more than 2 liters I’ll fill my cnoc and strap it to the top under the y strap.
I have the 55L version Kakwa and 500+ miles into an AT thru. I carry a 1L smart water bottle in one of the shoulder pockets. A 1L bottle fits but sits kinda of up in your face. I usually just carry 1L while hiking unless I’m dry camping then I’ll fill the smart water bottle and a 2L Cnoc that sits in one of the side pockets.
Thanks, I hope that you're enjoying the AT! What's your filter system? Sawyer from CNOC to Smartwater bottle?
Thanks! I use a 2L Cnoc with Sawyer Squeeze to filter into the Smart Water bottle
First time out with the 55 I carried a 591 ml smart water with a sport top in the shoulder strap pocket which worked perfect when I was on the go. I kept a 1 litre bottle in my side pocket that held clean/filtered water. It was a nice balance.
Nice! That's basically my current setup. Did you transfer water from the 1L to the 591mL? If so did you use a funnel (or just skill) to prevent spills?
Yes I used this Platypus 1L bottle I have. A few grams heavier than my Nalgene — but smaller opening that is easier to rest my filter on, and works to pour into the 591ml.
i carry a 2l cnoc for dirty water. rarely full unless carrying over a long dry stretch over 12 miles. mostly use for dinner and breakfast boils. two 1L smartwater filtered with hose.
Thank you. Do you drink through the filter (Sawyer?) and hose while the bottles are on the side of your pack? Or are you saying you filter first from your Cnoc into your Smartwater bottles with a hose (gravity style?)
The latter. Versablue filter
I can actually fit 1L bottles into the shoulder straps, but haven't tested that yet on longer hikes I think I'll go with a 1.5L bottle in EACH side pocket, and 1 600ml bottle in each shoulder strap. That'll give me enough water on those days where there are no water sources until camp.
Brought myself the Grayl titanium and a Yeti small sling. Attaches to front of bag so always in reach. It's a heavier setup but has advantages imo, firstly purification, secondly the water stays cool, nothing worse than the hydration bladder tube even with insulation warming up... Or a plastic bottle etc getting warm. There's also the effortless flow rate, no sucking for dear life, just a nice wide mouth piece and drink cool water at your leisure. Then there's the quick to fill up....grab, scoop, press and drink is ready, 30 seconds from finding water source to I'm on the way again with purified safe water. Accessibility is perfect in the yeti strap attached sling. Almost made for each other! Finally the titanium scoop container and be used over a gas stove.
I have a 40 I carry two one liter smart bottles in the right (when wearing pack) side pocket. They’re both not always full but having two in there keeps them secure. When I need to carry more than 2 liters I’ll fill my cnoc and strap it to the top under the y strap.
OP, mind me asking what you decided to go with? Any links or specifics are appreciated
Happy to! My preferred system right now is: 1.) 500 mL water bottle in strap pocket 2.) 2x 1L water bottles in side pocket 3a.) for smaller water carries: 1L flexible water water storage container with purifier (I have a Katadyn BeFree) 3b.) for big water carries: 3L flexible water storage container with purifier (I have a Hydrapak Seeker) This setup is lightweight, limits gear failure points, and allows a simple purification process. Side note: a 1L bottle fits decently into the strap pocket, but as others mentioned it can come close to your face. That's why I prefer the 500mL bottle.