By: Johnny Mack
Instagram: @soulseekersnation
When the invention of backpack hydration bladders and drinking tubes were introduced, it revolutionized how people went about hydrating on their adventures. It also created the opportunity to soak any and every item you may keep in your backpack when the inevitable happens and the water bladder leaks. This is where Hardside Hydration and their creation of the Swig Rig capitalized with their solution to the problem.
About Hardside hydration
Hardside Hydration was formed from the need to create a hydration system that wouldn’t leak. After having a bladder pop and soak their gear on an elk hunt, owners, Dane and Dustin, set off to create a better solution and the creation of the Swig Rig was born. Utilizing what most outdoor enthusiasts already carry, they created a vented cap to fit a Nalgene bottle to use with a hydration hose and boom, problem solved. Their next idea came from the use of disposable water bottles. They adapted their Swig Rig system for disposable water bottles which was named the Swig Rig Ultralight.
About the swig rig
The Swig Rig system is predicated upon use with traditional Nalgene bottles. Hardside Hydration implemented their systems to work with the 48 oz. bottles but the straw can be cut shorter in use with 32 oz. bottles as well. They also offer insulated versions of the Swig Rig as well as an insulated sleeve to fit the 48 oz. bottles to reduce exposure to the elements. One of the highlights of the Swig Rig system is the ability to disconnect the hose from the lid. This is useful when unscrewing the lid without having the hose twist and tangle.
The fun thing about the Swig Rig system is the ability to store your hydration system wherever you want. You can use and external pocket on a pack, a water bottle holder or you can still stuff the bottle into your pack without fear of having it leak all over your gear. The Swig Rig Ultralight will fit any disposable water bottle with a 28mm opening and is a great option to have if you prefer to use your Nalgene for other fluids.
Pros
- Creates the ability to store your hydration bottles on the outside or inside of your backpack.
- Provides the ability to refill your water storage easier because bottles stand on their own unlike water bladders.
- Offered in insulated and non-insulated models for harsher conditions.
- Can be used with reusable water bottles in case you forget your Nalgene bottle at home.
- Now offered in a wide mouth/high flow version.
- Great customer service.
cons
- Water hoses are still annoying to clean.
- Unlike water bladders that compress when water is removed, water can slush around in the Nalgene bottles causing noise. The ultralight version reduces this as you can squeeze the bottle to eliminate the excess space.
details
- Swig Rig Wide Mouth with 48 oz. bottle – $58
- Swig Rig Ultralight with straw – $36
- Extra straws, hoses and insulated sleeves are available
hydrate better
If you are looking to hydrate better on your next adventure, then keep Hardside Hydration and their Swig Rig in mind. I have really enjoyed my experience with the Swig Rig as well as knowing that my water is not going to ruin my gear. I recommend picking one up for yourself or others as they make great gifts. You can also save yourself 15% by using the code soulseekers15 at checkout.
Thanks for reading this gear review. If you want to know more about the Swig Rig and my experience with it, feel free to ask by clicking here. In the meantime make sure to check out our show SOUL SEEKERS on CarbonTV as well as follow us on Instagram @soulseekersnation. Knowledge is power and MENTORSHIP IS CONSERVATION.