Highlander Dry Sacks and Water Bladder

› When out in wet conditions, you need to keep all of your kit dry, and although most backpacks offer some level of protection from the rain, very few are fully waterproof. It is therefore a good idea to line the backpack with a dry sack of the correct size. In hotter weather, when you need a good supply of drinking water, a hydration bladder stowed inside the backpack is a really good way of carrying the water and keeping it close to hand.

Drysacks
Available in various sizes, to suit different backpacks, Highlander Forces’ dry sacks are fully waterproof bags designed to line the main compartment of the pack and keep important items, like spare clothing, dry. Made from a strong and durable nylon taffeta fabric, with a PU coating and taped seams, the sacks are designed to keep the contents bone dry. The roll-top fastening keeps things watertight, and with the 40-litre version weighing just 116 grams, the sack adds very little weight to your backpack. Measuring 71 x 31cm, the 40-litre dry sack is large enough to fully line a large backpack, protecting everything inside.
The 8-litre dry sack is ideal for protecting critical items like phones or other electronics. Plus, when correctly sealed, it will float for a short time if your valuables end up in the water. This version of the dry sack can be fitted inside a smaller pocket of your backpack, and expensive items can be kept close to hand while being completely protected against water.

Hydration bladder
During hot weather, it is important to stay hydrated, and the Highlander 2-litre Hydration Bladder is a great way to carry water. It fits neatly into most backpacks and is particularly suited to ones that have a dedicated bladder pouch, as the hose can be clipped to the shoulder straps for easy access. No need to carry or unpack bottles, you do not even need to stop moving. The wide opening makes refilling easy and the high-flow bite valve, with cover, allows you to drink quickly and easily.
A Microban antibacterial coating protects against bacteria, and the neoprene hose cover provides protection and insulation. The rigid carry handle up top makes lifting the bladder in and out of the backpack easier. Filling the bladder with water and then putting it in the freezer for a couple of hours (but not actually freezing it) allows you to chill the contents before you load it into your pack.

Conclusion
Whether you are keeping water out of your backpack in wet weather with a dry sack or keeping hydrated in hot weather by carrying a hydration bladder, Highlander Forces has some quality products that are priced very competitively.