BōnDry Hydration Reservoir Dryer Review

by Brian Mullin on November 5, 2020

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The Fossil Outdoor BōnDry quickly helps dry out hydration reservoirs, keeping them mold and mildew free. The BōnDry is inserted into the reservoir, and its highly absorptive proprietary fibers pull out all the internal moisture and wick it away to the external air where it can evaporate. It comes in black and retails for $19.99.

Anyone that has used a hydration reservoir has used multiple techniques to dry it out, including using a coat hanger, stuffing it with paper towels, hanging it upside down, insert kitchen tools, or measuring cups, putting it in the freezer, etc. Some of the Hydrapak reservoir designs allow you to turn the reservoir inside out, which helps, but it’s still a pain. The BōnDry (pronounced Bone Dry) simplifies this process and offers a foolproof method for drying.

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Features

The BōnDry is a 3.5″ x 17″ rectangular strip that is about 1/4″ thick. It’s made of ethically and sustainably sourced fibers as well as fibers created from recycled plastic bottles. The BōnDry is reusable, and when it gets dirty or needs cleaning, it’s machine washable.

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Many reservoirs manufacturers such as CamelBak and some of the Hydrapak versions utilize an internal center divider, so you’ll need to cut the BōnDry in half along its two center seams for it to fit properly. The forked tongue shape will now slide around the reservoirs center divider.

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When using it with some wide lumbar shaped reservoirs, you might want to jam the BōnDry inward slightly to bow out the inside to facilitate a quicker drying and prevent any wet spots. Or you can fold it in half like the next picture shows.

  • Works on most bladders and insulated water bottles
  • Absorbs Moisture Quickly
  • Moisture Transport Technology
  • Leaves bladder fresh and dry
  • Removes moisture that can cause germs
  • Reusable
  • Sustainably Sourced
  • Made in the USA

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Impressions

I did have one short lumbar reservoir in which the BōnDry seemed to worked the best by folding in half (an inverted V); that way, it ideally got the moisture out in the corners. Otherwise, I just inserted the entire length down into the reservoir for the drying process to begin. I cut mine in half about 50% of the way since all of my reservoirs have a center divider design. Splicing them down the middle left a somewhat frayed look, but the BōnDry was still functional and never caused me any issues. You could also just get two BōnDry’s is put them on each side of the divider.

Once the BōnDry is inserted, it takes around 6-8 hours or more to dry out the reservoir, offering a mildew and mold-free environment for fresher tasting water. The BōnDry goes to work quickly, absorbing all the moisture in the reservoir by using the fibers’ capillary action to wick the moisture out of the reservoir. Having a longer length of the material outside the reservoir improves the drying time.

Simple steps to follow: Rinse the reservoir, insert the BōnDry, and put your gear away until the next adventure while it does its work! When you’re ready to use your reservoir again, remove the BōnDry, and fill your reservoir with water.

The life expectancy is a hard one to judge, but they state up to a year of survival when used several times a week, meaning it’s good for hundreds of uses.

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Photo courtesy of Fossil Outdoor

Bottom Line 

The Fossil Outdoor BōnDry Hydration Reservoir Dryer was designed to draw moisture out of water bottles, soft flasks, and hydration reservoirs to prevent mildew and mold from building up. The fibers’ capillary action quickly wicks the moisture out of the reservoir and into the air. BōnDry is manufactured in the USA and made from sustainably sourced biodegradable plant fibers and fibers made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. It’s perfect for bikers, hikers, runners, and outdoor athletes that want to keep the funk out of their water carrying supply. I do wish that it came precut for using in reservoirs with center dividers.

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