Sign in Pro
Best Hydration Pack
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Capacity
When trying to figure out the size of your hydration backpack, you’ll need to think about what you’ll most likely be doing while you are outdoors. If you know you need a hydration backpack for road cycling and you only plan to be outside for a couple of hours, then getting a more simple, lightweight pack would probably suit your needs and save you money.
However, if you are the type of outdoor enthusiast who likes to be outside for several hours, and you like to plan a lot of long-term activities, then you will probably want to consider a larger pack that will also provide you with extra storage options. Also, depending on the activity you partake in, like mountain biking or climbing mountains, then you’ll probably need more rock climbing gear carrying capacity in your hydration backpack anyway since you’ll need to carry more with you based on what you might encounter when you are outdoors.
If you’re doing anything for long periods of time in the mountains, you’ll need to carry a lot of water with you, but you’ll also need to hold extra food and extra clothing, and you might even need some type of emergency shelter. Hydration packs designed to hold several liters of water typically offer these other benefits, like the CamelBak M.U.L.E.
Ease of Use
Hydration Systems and Ease of Drinking
When you are selecting a hydration backpack, you’ll want to see how easy the hydration backpack is to use each time you need to take a drink, since some hydration packs work better than others in this category. Typically, higher-priced hydration packs perform very well each time you take a drink and usually provide you with hands-free options so you can get the water you need while you stay active. Also, if leakage is a concern, then look for a bite valve that features an on and off switch.
When you’re considering what hydration backpack to buy, you want to make sure the hydration backpack allows you to easily drink from it while you are actively moving. Also, you want to make sure you don’t wind up with anything that will leak onto you and create discomfort. So, look for hydration packs that have easy-to-drink from systems that are hands-free, and feature valves that can be turned on and off easily.
Filling
Another thing you’ll want to factor in is how easy the hydration backpack you are considering for purchase is to refill while you are outdoors and on-the-go. You want something that is both easy to drink from and easy to fill so that you won’t have frustrations when you are in the middle of your outdoor adventures and active.
So, how do you check your hydration bladder choices to figure out how easy each one is to fill? First, you need to see how easy the pack is to fill by trying to access the hydration bladder in the pack. Some hydration packs make their hydration bladders easier to access than others, usually by design.
To check and see where the hydration bladder is located in your hydration backpack, lift up the hydration pack’s cover, and look through the opening. Then, you’ll be able to see where the hydration bladder sits within the hydration back.
Some hydration packs still provide easy access because they feature hydration sleeves that keep the bladder in a zippered area of the pack. Hydration packs designed like this gives you full access to your hydration bladder without you having to totally take your pack apart.
Either one of these hydration backpack styles offers easy refill hydration systems, and you want to think about which style you prefer by analyzing where you are likely to be refilling your pack. Almost all hydration bladders are easy to refill from a kitchen sink, but if you need to refill from more shallow sinks or natural bodies of water, then you might want something that has a quick disconnect fitting. Hydration bladders that feature this make it easy to both access and refill them.
Comfort
How comfortable your hydration backpack feels when you wear it will depend on a wide variety of factors which include support, ventilation, and the straps on the system. We’ll cover each in a bit more detail below.
Support features
How much support you’ll need from your hydration backpack will depend on the amount of gear and items you typically bring along with you. If you tend to need a lot of gear when you are outside, then you’ll definitely want a hydration backpack that features extra support. Most manufacturers know this and design their hydration packs to fit this concept. Minimalist packs won’t give you a lot of pockets or carrying space for extra storage. So, if you plan on taking longer outings and know you can run into a variety of weather conditions, you need to consider purchasing a larger pack that will bring you both more support and comfort when you need it.
Larger packs are designed to carry more deals, and also feature better overall support systems to balance out this need. Most larger hydration packs give you more padding in your waist area, in your should strap, and also have a back pad. Also, some larger hydration packs are still made to be fairly lightweight and feature wireframes. Having extra support will give you more comfort when you know you’ll be going longer and need to carry more items with you.
Ventilation systems
Most high-quality hydration packs feature good ventilation systems, meant to help air out your back, shoulders, and waist as you move and sweat. It’s nice to keep both yourself dry and your back dry as you perspire and stay active, and most hydration packs offer a decent amount of breathability to assist with this issue. Remember, the hotter the temperature is when you are outside, or the more you sweat, the more ventilation you will need out of your hydration backpack.
To get a hydration backpack that offers a good ventilation system, consider hydration packs that have open mesh construction to enhance breathability and keep you cool. Most hydration packs have mesh-covered foam back pads that also have air channels to boost breathability. One pack on our list that offers a great ventilation system is the Osprey Syncro 10 because it has a mesh back pad and a lightweight wireframe.
Straps and belts
Depending on the amount of gear you’ll be carrying when you venture into the outdoors, you’ll need to factor in what you need for your straps and belts. The more gear you decide to bring along with you, the stronger your shoulder straps and waist belts need to be designed. Some packs give extra padding in the shoulder strap area and use wider design materials. Wider straps mean you have more strap contact with your shoulder, which decreases the number of pressure points you’ll feel in that area of your body.
Waist belts are typically designed with the same features of functionality in mind, and hydration packs that are made to be more stable will also be designed to spread the weight across your waist. Similar to shoulder straps, the thicker and wider the design, the better the support you’ll get from the waist belt area.
Top 10 Picks
1. Osprey Skarab 18
For a pack that is affordable, the Osprey Skarab 18 offers a lot of benefits, such as a 2.5-liter water reservoir, it's lightweight, and it is comfortable on the back. It might not have fancier additions, like a suspension system, but reviewers and testers agree, it still feels good on.
Read moreCapacity
With a 2.5 liter reservoir for water, you will be ready to hit the trails for a hike and with a moderate load. The women's version of this bag is called the Osprey Skimmer 18.
Ease of Use
While this quality of being a simple pack may not seem so great to some, to those who have used it, they rave about the easy usability of the water system and the overall feeling of comfort that the pack provides.
Comfort
This pack is great for hikes that run a moderate level of time and difficulty. If your load is heavy, there are optional hip and sternum straps. Even better, the EVA foam and mesh back panel provide you with great comfort and ventilation as well. The great thing about this pack, the Osprey Skarab 18, is that it really gets down to business and does the job of providing you with comfort, durability, and hydration without too much extra distraction, muss or fuss.
2. Osprey Syncro 15
We love this pack because unlike some others that can be a bit bulkier, the Osprey Syncro 15 is excellent for warm weather conditions. With a suspension system that is meant to cool and keep you ventilated, you will feel great using it on summer adventures outdoors.
Read moreCapacity
The design is narrow and slim, which is optimal for bikers, but surprisingly, it still packs quite a large punch. You can still fit a number of items in this pack that also features a front organizational compartment. Not to mention, you will be able to fit 2.5 liters of water in the liquid reservoir.
Ease of Use
Most reviewers agree that this pack is fairly simple to fill and load. The “straw” features a bite valve for easy drinking.
Comfort
Because of the Osprey Syncro 15's great mesh back panel that keeps you ventilated and cool, this pack is a sure option for hikers, bikers, or any other outdoor enthusiasts who itch to get out on a warmer day. There are both chest and hip straps that make the bag easier to carry when it's heavier. There are also compression straps to help provide more stability. Not only does the back panel offer airflow, but it also keeps those who have tried it feeling very comfortable, even on longer hikes.
3. CamelBak Fourteener 24
The CamelBak Fourteener 24 is a nice addition to the list, because it is highly durable, rugged for strenuous hikes, and will certainly keep you feeling hydrated with a 3-liter bladder. Not to mention, it is larger than some of the other bags, so you can fit all the essentials for a day's worth of trekking peaks.
Read moreCapacity
The CamelBak Fourteener 24 does a great job of hitting the mark for your outdoor's needs. It's comfortable, durable, and spacious enough to fill with important and essential supplies, like snacks, a towel, first-aid kit, and of course, the bladder system will hold your water. Boasting a 3-liter water reservoir, even the thirstiest of outdoor's enthusiasts should be fully hydrated.
Ease of Use
This pack is versatile and easy to use. The easily refillable Crux 3-liter hydration bladder is removable and has a large twist-off opening. You can easily add ice inside the bladder to keep your water cold for hours. The reservoir has an antimicrobial treatment that slows down the build-up for naturally occurring bacteria. The overall shape of the reservoir is comfortable and doesn’t slosh. Additionally, there is a water bottle pocket.
Comfort
While this hydration pack is a touch larger than others, it certainly remains fully comfortable and breathable, that is, according to the many testers and reviewers. Just by looking at the back of the pack, you’ll see plenty of foam padding for optimal cushioning and ventilation. Heavier loads are handled easily with the semi-rigid suspension system on the back. This system of suspension seems to hold and distribute weight very well and in a comfortable fashion.
This pack is also full of pockets that cater to everything from snacks, sunglasses, and extra gear.
4. CamelBak Arete 18
This little backpacker's secret is a convenient size so that you can pack it away in a larger backpack or a suitcase until you reach your hiking destination. While its reservoir isn't quite as large as others, it does allow for 1.5 liters of water, so you should definitely be set for a day making your way through new landscapes that consist of a lighter hike load.
Read moreCapacity
The water reservoir, which keeps 1.5 liters of water in it, will definitely have you hydrated for a day around of sightseeing and light trailblazing.
Ease of Use
The simplicity of this bag keeps makes it easy to fold, pack, and go at a whim's notice. The reservoir sits flat against your back for easy access.
Comfort
If you are a no muss, no fuss kind of person who really wants to stick to the basics, this Arete 18 will definitely do the trick. It is both lightweight and affordable, so it suits backpackers on a tight budget. The CamelBak Arete 18 is constructed with durable, yet thin nylon, and it doesn't have a lot of extra padding. There is a removable sternum strap to help evenly distribute the weight of a heavy bag, but there is no hip belt. While it won't feel the best with huge, over-packed loads, it does feel comfortable with lighter packing for things like day trips.
5. Osprey Raptor 10
Another good choice for an all-around good hydration pack that can help you out if you plan on being outside for long periods of time is the Osprey Raptor 10 Hydration Pack. This hydration pack is designed to help you out on the longest and most difficult outdoor adventures you can take, and is made with a lot of durability.
Read moreCapacity
This bag’s capacity is 10L and the hydration reservoir can hold up to three liters.
Ease of Use
Osprey’s Raptor 10 Hydration Pack also features side compression straps to help make the load easier to carry and cross-functional compression straps for extra gear carrying assistance. Also, the lid lock attachment feature on this hydration pack can carry most bicycle helmets.
Comfort
Osprey’s Raptor 10 Hydration Pack comes with a bevy of thoughtful features like a detachable tool roll, a helmet carrier, and a great suspension system so that you’ll stay balanced and stable as you move. The winged shoulder straps contour to your body as you move, ensuring your comfort while exercising. This hydration pack is also designed with a front panel top pocket and a side zippered pocket so that you can bring along any of the items you need and safely organize them. For ventilation, the back of the pack is lined with mesh.
Osprey’s Raptor 10 Hydration Pack also features a blinker light, which has a quick light attachment in case you need to make yourself more visible. You also get a roll-out tool pouch with its own zipper lock for easy access.
6. CamelBak M.U.L.E.
CamelBak’s M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack is traditional hydration back that’s been available on the market since 1996, and it continues to be a widely used and popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts. This hydration pack offers a lot of versatile features that help to make it a good all-around hydration pack for those outdoor enthusiasts that like variety.
Read moreCapacity
This bag can hold 9L of gear and 3L of hydration.
Ease of Use
CamelBak designed their M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack to give you up to twenty percent more water each time you take a sip and also includes a handle that provides simple refilling as well as an on and off lever so you don’t have to worry about leaking. Plus, this hydration pack also features a Magnetic Tube Trap, which helps to secure your tube and keeps it available to you each time you need to use it.
Comfort
CamelBak’s M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack also gives you an air director back panel for extra ventilation, so that you stay cool and dry while you are on-the-go. For balance and even weight-distribution, there are compression straps, a waist belt, and sternum strap. You also get external hooks to help you carry your helmet along with you whenever you need to take it off.
Plus, this hydration pack comes with stretch overflow storage and allows you to stash an extra layer of clothing easily. Designed to keep you comfortable and going strong throughout your day, this hydration pack brings a lot of useful benefits to the outdoor enthusiast.
7. Gregory Mountain Products Nano 18
The Nano 18 is a versatile pack that can be used around town or in the mountains. Although there is a dedicated sleeve for the hydration pouch and hose, the reservoir is not included. On the bright side, this sleeve can be used as a laptop sleeve when you don't need to bring multiple liters of water. There are also two mesh side pockets that are large enough to hold big bottles of water as well.
Read moreCapacity
Slightly different than the other additions on our list, the reservoir is not included with this pack. For some, this may be seen as a disadvantage, but it allows you to choose your capacity and system. As a whole, this pack holds 18-liters. If you already have a favorite reservoir and hose, this is a great bag to pair it with. While we couldn’t find exact measurements of the hydration pocket, we think you could fit a two to three-liter bag in it. For days when you don’t need a hydration pack, the pocket also doubles as a laptop sleeve.
Ease of Use
As mentioned, you choose the reservoir that you want to use with this backpack. As for threading the hose through, there is a designated route to thread it through. The hose arrives at the strap of the backpack and is held in place. Additionally, there are dual mesh side pockets that can be used for extra bottles of water or other liquids.
Comfort
The straps and back panel of this backpack are perforated and breathable. The zippers are easy to grip and slide well, the included hip belt is retractable, and the shoulder harness has tube routing. This pack is made to move with you.
There is also a decent amount of organization present for a hydration pack. The main compartment has a U- shape and fully unzips, making it easy to locate your items. The front mesh pocket features a buckle closure and some organization. Additionally, you have the reservoir/laptop compartment as well.
8. Osprey Seral Lumbar Pack
If you're a minimalist biker or just tired of carrying a backpack, this lumbar pack is a great option. It still provides enough space for personal items and a few tools. The bladder holds up to 1.5-liters and is a perfect size for short rides or races with refill stations.
Read moreCapacity
The hydration bladder of the Seral can hold up to 1.5-liters. For a short ride, or for races with refill stations, this is great. However, if you’ll be out for hours with no chance to refill the bladder, odds are that 1.5-liters won’t cut it. And if it does, you’re not drinking enough water.
Ease of Use
You’ll notice that the hydration bladder resembles a ziplock bag. It is thin and long and sits at your back. It is easily removed and put back into place and held securely in place with a divider sleeve and clip. The opening of the bladder is wide and allows you to small ice cubes if desired. Because the bladder is thin, the shape of the cube will be important.
The hose attaches to the belt with a magnet. Unfortunately, on a rough trail, it won’t stay in place. Many reviewers have created their own simple hacks to keep it from falling.
Comfort
The AirScape back panel provides great comfort and breathability. There are compression straps on the sides of the bag and a pull-to-tighten waist strap for a great fit. The well-thought-out design of the bag keeps it from bouncing around on uneven terrain.
Aside from the hydration pack, there is ample room for other items as well. You won’t be able to fit a jacket, but a few tools, energy bars, cell phones, and keys would fit perfectly. There is a small organizational wall in the easy to access front compartment, as well as two zippered side pockets.
9. Teton Sports Trailrunner
Teton’s Sports Trailrunner Hydration Pack brings you an affordable option for a good, functional minimalist type hydration pack which could be a good choice for you if you are purchasing your hydration pack on a budget. While Teton’s Hydration Pack doesn’t come with many bells and whistles, it does give you a simple, efficient, and easy-to-use system.
Read moreCapacity
This pack can hold up to two liters of liquid. Unfortunately, there isn’t much room for anything else in this bag.
Ease of Use
With the Teton Sports Trailrunner Hydration Pack, you get two liters of liquid capacity and a strong, kink-free sip tube that works with a push-lock cushioned bite valve, preventing leaks and making it easy to sip your water while you are on-the-go.
Comfort
If you need a versatile pack that can help you with long hiking, riding, or other types of outdoor adventures, this hydration pack can help keep you going strong throughout your day. It’s made to be lightweight, and it’s an excellent and comfortable backpack by design. It is fully adjustable and made to fit adults, children, men, and women. The straps are comfortably lined with mesh and for even weight distribution, there is also a sternum strap. Adding to the pack’s overall comfort, you also get a breathable mesh back panel to keep you ventilated and dry while you are active.
Teton’s Sports Trailrunner Hydration Pack also comes with safety features, which include reflective trim and strap clips to keep you visible in lower-lit conditions. Also, this hydration pack comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
10. Teton Sports Oasis
This hydration pack is perfect for day hiking as it doubles as a dry bag as well. This 18 L bag can be used to store your day hiking gear or if you want to use it solely as a hydration pack then you can insert the hydration bladder and stay hydrated. Great price for a great pack!
Read moreCapacity
Overall this hydration pack offers a variety of benefits and is worth the investment. It's capacity, of 18L and 2L of water, and multi-functional features make it hard to beat.
Ease of Use
The reservoir itself features a 2-inch opening. This makes cleaning a breeze and also gives you the option to add ice into the pouch. The drinking tube is kink-free and uses a bite valve.
Comfort
This pack can be used as a day pack and a hydration pack which makes it a multi-functional backpack that is ideal for day hiking. The adjustable shoulder straps ensure comfort and support for your back. Side straps on the bag allow you to tighten as needed to secure your belongings. Additionally, the waist belt and sternum strap help to evenly distribute weight, making the pack comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Even in the heat, you'll be comfortable with this pack. The back panel features air-mesh ventilation to keep you cool throughout your entire trek. This bag also comes with a rain cover.
Sources
- , The 7 Best Hydration Packs of 2019, Buying Guide
- , The Best Hydration Packs for Day Hikers, Buying Guide
- , The best hydration packs you can buy, Buying Guide