You could use the "pillows" also or make your own and just resoak them as necessary for hydration. Amazon.com: Zilla 11733 Cricket Water Pillows, 6-Pack: Pet Supplies
When I used gels, I put them in a lid with just enough lip that the crickets couldn't drag them out. I emptied, rinsed, and refilled every day. That way there was no chance of them drying out. Now I just use cotton balls and the crickets get all fresh fruits and vegetables to make them nutritious and are dusted with either vitamins or calcium at every single feeding.