I made the switch from using a Camelbak bladder to the swig rig and it is so much more efficient than using the bladder. The set up was simple, although I didn’t quite understand what the black clip attachments were for at first since there wasn’t much instruction included on their benefit to the system for a first time user like me. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because I prefer the bite valve of the camelbak. I prefer to pinch the valve with my fingers to drink instead of biting since after hours of hiking my jaw gets tired and it can sometimes lead to a headache. The bite valve on the camelbak is much softer, wider, and very little bite force is needed to get the water flowing. The Hardside bite valve, however, is firmer and requires more precise placement of your teeth on the valve to get the water flowing, since the range of space to actually bite the valve without biting on the hard plastic inside the tube is much narrower. Because the range of space to bite is much narrower, pinching the valve with my fingers to allow water to pass is more difficult as well. The camelbak valve does seem to leak more and can come off more easily than the Hardside valve, but I find overall that the camelbak valve is easier to actually drink from compared to the Hardside valve. Additionally, the bite valve cover on the Hardside doesn’t stay on so sometimes I think it would be better to just remove the cap if it won’t stay on anyways. Lastly, I think there would be a benefit to creating a straw cover to protect the straw part of the Hardside Swig Rig when not using it. When I take the straw mechanism out to refill my water bottle while backpacking, I don’t typically have a place to put the Swig Rig while the straw is still attached to the Swig Rig Nalgene cap and tube. It’s an inconvenience to feel that I have to take the straw off the rig and find an available clean space to store the tube while using the Nalgene outside of actively hiking (walking around camp with the bottle, relaxing in a hammock with the bottle, refilling the water bottle, etc). I know there is an on-the-go attachment Hardside sells, but instead of purchasing and carrying an extra piece of specialized equipment, having a cover similar to the one Hardside sells for sporks would be a very simple fix to protect the straw while not in use. That way I would be able to set it aside without worrying about dirt, dust and debris getting on the straw. With all that said, I still prefer the Nalgene and straw tube over the camelbak. It’s easier to refill, I don’t have to worry about it popping or leaking while hiking, and once it’s set up I rarely if ever have to make adjustments. I just think there are some simple adjustments or additions that could be made to make the product even more comfortable and convenient for the user and hopefully Hardside sees this review as good faith suggestions to improving the Swig Rig system :)

Great alternative to a water bladder reservoir. I can get more use out of my Nalgene, which my water pump attaches to. Docked a star because the flow is REALLY slow compared to my previous CamelBak. When I’m out there in the heat, I want a fast flow of liquid.

This has been a huge level up on my hikes. I used to get dehydrated easily due to the hassle of reaching for my Nalgene but with this, water is readily available and I drink more during my hikes. My only problem is the bite valve: it makes it hard to get a substantial amount of water at once and also pinches the inside of my lips between the soft silicone and hard plastic. I wish I could get the water to flow more freely from the valve.

I have one knit pick and it’s the quick connect, it isn’t quite strong enough for military use, it occasionally gets bumped and disconnects. I’ve been running this through a wide mouth nalgene in an open top pouch on my chest rig, I keep the hose routed through the rig and when the nalgene is empty I swap it for the full one in my day bag. It’s sturdy, I never have to worry about rupturing a hyd. bladder while I’m getting bashed around in vehicles another huge benefit is that I can hydrate and continue to watch my arcs without dropping my trigger hand off my c9

Very good product. I like the delivery method using a nalgene bottle. Makes cleanup easier. I wanted give a 5 star rating, but The Swig Rig comes short on a couple areas: 1.) The mouth piece guard is wanting. Once the bite piece gets moist, the cap does not stay on. I hope you develop a snap cap like they have on Camelbak. 2.) The hose clip hasn't broken on me yet, but it seems a little flimsy and I can't trust it will hold up. I recommend you make it stronger. 3.) Finally, a cleaning instruction guide was expected, but not included in my kit. Would have liked to know how to clean my Swig Rig, especially the bite mouth piece. It still had water from my last few hiking trips. Aside from those issues, an excellent system and a fair price. I would recommend it!

Have only had this for a month and only used it once. So far so good. Set up was very easy. My only complaint is has to do with the lid for the water bottle and no way to secure it, so it needs to be removed, not a big deal if you only use it as a dedicated backpack system. However, I use my water bottles for both water systems and just carrying them around, so I still need the provided lid for the water bottle.

I am from North Carolina but put this unit to test in CloudCroft NM on a shed-Merriam hunt. My wife broke the tip off the valve that opens the unit to drink. She couldn’t get water out fast enough to suit her. I gave her the standard Nalgene bottle. I used her Swig Rig after my bottles ran out. They brought me in the replacement. I was surprised it had electrolytes in it which did me well. Rough country in CloudCroft. You will need water. I was pleased with it. Like any hydration system if you need a lot of water fast and you’re out of air then it’s not for you. I like the product. I have three units and two of the bottles. Great idea Hope they make one for the Grayl!

I use this as a water hydration system in a BCA float 32 backpack that I use for ski touring. I am a big fan and plan to use it in the summer as it is nicer to have nalgenes when backpacking in Colorado to scoop water out of creeks that is more difficult to do with water bladders. I do like being able to use a hydration hose when hiking though so I don't have to stop to take out my water bottle. The one thing that could be improved on this design is the locking/unlocking of the bite valve is a bit difficult to operate. Locking is easier but unlocking requires two hands. It may just take some more fiddling to make this easier. Otherwise this is a fantastic product!

Great idea definitely beats a soft bladder. The only negative is the stiff and slightly restrictive bite valve

I love this setup! I work as a service electrician and use this as my main water setup in my van. It works very well for driving and not having to take my eyes off the road while driving. I also love hiking and it is so much better than a camelback. Being a veteran I used camelback as my main water bladder. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good replacement for a camelback.

Very intuitive. It's become my go to hydration solution for most activities.