It does a better job.

By Gluemess Ranked #29 - Water Treatment December 18, 2008

The major benefit of a bag like this, over a camelback or lexan bottles, is not so much to replace both with one but to utilize the versatility/capacity of a large water container that can also doubles as bladder. You can leave the camelback at home and keep the benefits of a bladder. They are collapsible and only take up as much room as the volume of water they hold, so if space it tight, they are pretty versatile. I bought this after wearing out two Nalgene 3L Wide-Mouth Canteens, and have been satisfied with the durability on the trail & compatibility with my water purifier. I use the 6L Dromedary Bag in my pack (about 1/3 full) and fill it as needed when hiking. Then, when you get to camp, you can fill up the bladder and have enough water for dinner and breakfast from one trip to fill it. The lining inside is nice and prevents bladder taste.
I had problems with the MSR Hydration Kit hose line becoming kinked in my pack, so I opted to assemble my own with a camelback bite valve/tube (which is more rigid to prevent kinking) and a Nalgene lid adapter (cause I already had one). I think that another good alternative is using the MSR spigot Cap with a Camelbak bite valve and hose - if it will stay together securely. Then it may be easier to use for washing cooking/dishes in camp. The nylon cord around the parameter is great for hanging up. A bag like this is not going to replace all your water holding needs - I still take a hard Nalgene bottle or mug, to mix drinks in, but the large capacity allows me to carry a smaller .5L to save space, instead of two or three 1L bottles. For me, it just works better.

View Details: MSR Dromedary Bags

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No