The Mountain Safety Research (MSR) DromLite Hydration Bag Review

The MSR Dromlite 2 liter and 4 liter Hydration Bags

I have recently made a move to lightweight gear, and smaller volume packs. I start early and hike hard so as to enjoy the afternoons exploring. I usually take a hammock withh a mosquito net and tarp, and enjoy hot meals at night. The Mountain Safety Research DromLite Hydration Bags (hereafter called the DromLite or bag) are collapsible, roll-able fabric water reservoirs. They are made of "MSR red" 200-denier Cordura which is welded together to seal the edges creating the envelope-type storage containers seen here. The fabric has a thick plastic-feeling coating on the inside. The MSR logo is applied to the face of the DromLites.

At the top of the bag is metal grommet that can be used to hang the bag on a nail or hook. A small carabiner, piece of cord or webbing can be placed through the grommet too. I have a hang strap from MSR on my 4 L bag.

At the lower end of the bag is the 2.15 in (55 mm) ID (inside diameter) threaded opening used to fill or empty the DromLite. Please note that the newest version has a low profile handle at this spot that the old versions do not have, otherwise they are the same. The opening closes by way of what they call a 3-in-1 cap. This is a big cap (one) that fits the threaded opening. A smaller cap (two) unscrews to reveal a half-inch ID (13 mm) opening that will allow a reduced flow. In the small cap is a flip top valve (three) that gives a fine squirt of liquid.

Another option is the Dromedary Spigot Cap that fits all the DromLite and Dromedary bags. This cap screws on to the bag and then the center swivels to let the spigot be aligned straight up-and-down. A flat 1.25 in (32 mm) handle turns 180 degrees. When pushed to the right side of the cap the valve is off and says so on the flat side of the handle. When rotated to the left side it opens the valve to the on position. A small clear dust cap snaps over the end of the spigot, and is attached by a 2 in (51 mm) tether to keep it from being misplaced.

I have been using MSR's original Dromedary bags since they came out in the early 1990s. In the early 2000s they introduced this lighter version which I jumped all over as I was just starting my great weight-reduction program. MSR says that they are 30% lighter which I just verified as I have a 2 L Dromedary bag here too. I have always been a bottle user for my water, although the past three years has seen me switch to more and more hydration bladder use.

The DromLites were bought for just two very specific uses for me.The first is for extra water hauling. Some hikes have to be done in multiple days with no reliable water sources. In fact some just don't have water, period. And since most areas like this tend to be deserted of trees, and are what we fondly call the "grass-land type locales", the added heat factor makes it necessary to carry even more water than I might need otherwise. The shape of the DromLite bags works very well for me to put the extra water weight where it works best. I will either place it in the pack tight to my back sitting vertically, or I will put it flat on the top of my pack right below the top lid.Because the filled bag is like a water-pillow it does not dig into my back like a bunch of extra Nalgenes might. And the best thing is that when I have used the water up they take a fraction of the space all the empty Nalgenes would once they were depleted, plus weigh less.

The ability to collapse and pack flat is the reason for the second way I use the DromLite bags. Occasionally I have a camp that is far from a water source. By filling the DromLite with filtered water I was able to hang it in a tree and use it for all of my in-camp water needs. When I was packing up the next day I just rolled up the empty DromLite and toss it in my pack. I use it the same way for trips that see me making a base camp that I will spend more than one night at.

Using the optional Spigot Cap makes it very easy to use to get just what is needed. The ease of using the handle to control the flow is much easier than messing with the squirt offered by the 3-in-1 cap that the DromLite comes with. Otherwise to use the center cap the bag must be sitting, not hanging, or it is very easy to end up with water everywhere. I always bring the Spigot Cap for in-camp use.

One of the best things about the DromLite is filtering water into it. I have the original MSR Miniworks filter that attaches directly to the threads of the openings on the DromLite bags. This makes it very convenient as the bag can just sit in my lap or on a rock while I pump. Once the bag is full I hold it by the opening, remove the filter and replace the cap. Ta-da! I now have a full bag of water.

I tried to use the DromLite as a hydration bladder using the Hydration Kit but did not care for it. I find that purpose-made bladders work much better.They are very easy to clean and rinse out. I shake as much water out of them as I can then pull the sides away from each other and hang it from clips I have in my gear room for the purpose of drying water reservoirs. Even my oldest Dromedary bag still smells fine.I have never had a leak in any version of the bags. I tried using a 6 L older version as a pillow, but it did not work well for me as I like my arm under my pillow. 12 lb (5.4 kg) of water on it does not feel good.For the uses I bought them for, the DromLites work very well and I plan on keeping them around for some time to come.