The 13 Best Hydration Packs-1
Mubasel Gear Hydration Pack
This Mubasel hydration pack is designed with minimalism in mind, the entire focus of the pack is on hydration, no frills or unnecessary features are included. The shoulder straps are built with soft padding that allow you to carry the bag with as little stress on your shoulders as possible. The pack on its own only weighs slightly over .5 pounds, making it one of the lightest hydration packs available today, even when the 2 liter bladder is filled. This lightweight design is great for the end of your hike or exercise regiment, as the pack will barely even feel like it's there when you're on the end of your water supply.
However, while the design of this hydration pack may be focused on the water supply and on minimizing weight, it does not mean the pack comes with no other features. There are small compartments to carry any items you might want to bring along, which are secured with rugged SBS zippers. The pack is also equipped with a nylon shell that is completely waterproof, meaning everything inside the pack can be kept safe from the elements. The pack also fully opens up when unzipped, making it much easier to clean than other models.
OXA 40L Hiking and Hydration Pack
This OXA hydration pack is the supreme choice for those looking for a hydration pack that can also double as an overnight backpack for serious camping expeditions. In addition to a 2 liter bladder, the pack provides plenty of space for a sleeping bag, small tent, or whatever else you might need for your outing. It also comes with a special sleeve that is designed for storage of your laptop or other electronic device. It is designed with a durable material that is meant to tolerate harsh camping conditions, while also being lightweight and not difficult to carry.
The straps of the bag are built with extra padding, designed for people carrying a considerable amount of weight for a camping adventure. The pack is also built with compression straps that allow you to secure large loads, without having to worry that anything will fall out of your pack mid-hike. The shell of the pack is made with a polyester material that is resistant to water, meaning anything inside of the pack, including your valuable electronic devices, will be kept safe from the weather. The water tube is also easily accessible, as it runs from a hole in the top of the pack through the shoulder straps to a spot right next to your mouth.
Nathan Fireball Race Vest
As you might have guessed from the name, the Nathan Fireball Race Vest hydration pack is designed for people looking to go fast, specifically runners who sustain high speeds. The hydration pack is built in a way that allows it to contour to your body shape, making it as aerodynamic as possible. A side-adjustable chest strap means the pack can be fitted perfectly for you and won't bounce around while you're running. If worn correctly, you won't even notice the Race Vest is slung over yourself, instead it will feel like an extension of your own body. This product is ideal for a high speed runner who is looking for a light-weight hydration system that won't slow him/her down.
The vest is able to store a 1.5 liter hydration bladder, which is an ideal size for a runner looking to keep the pack light while also maintaining a large enough water supply to stay hydrated. The pack also comes with two 12-oz insulated SpeedShot Flaks with push-pull blast valves. These allow the runner to carry extra amounts of water for emergency situations, that can be accessed quickly and effortlessly. The pack is also built with expandable mesh pockets where the runner can store gels and other necessities.
MIRACOL Hydration Backpack
While there are many advantages to the hydration pack produced by MIRACOL, this pack's claim to fame is that it can do a better job of keeping water cold than nearly any other hydration pack available in stores today. The pack is designed with a patented thermal insulation system that keeps fluids in its 2 liter bladder at cold temperatures for up to four hours, while other packs only keep the water as cold for a few hours at best. This pack is perfect for people who just can't take it when their water doesn't stay cold, and are looking to invest in a product that will make sure they don't have to drink lukewarm water on their next hike or bike trip.
This backpack is also highly durable, it boasts “military-grade” durability, and only weighs a single pound, despite the advanced thermal insulation system. The backpack also provides the user with a number of different pockets that can securely store any of the user's things. Also, the bladder is made with a BPA-free material that has been FDA-approved, meaning the bladder will never contaminate your liquids with toxins of any kind.
CamelBak Lobo Hydration Pack
The Lobo, despite its playful name, is a no-nonsense practical hydration pack option that will get the job done without any extra bells and whistles. It boasts a sleek design, that is both visually attractive and also aerodynamic. Despite its smaller size, it carries a full 3 liter water reservoir, meaning you should have plenty of water for a full day of physical activity. Yet, despite this sizable water reservoir, the Lobo also contains storage compartments to carry snacks, keys, wallets, or anything else you might need. These storage compartments aren't overly large, however, as the Lobo is designed for someone who is primarily focused on water needs.
The Lobo is built with a magnetic tube strap that keeps the water valve in place and prevents it from ever becoming detached accidentally. Also, for those who plan on using the Lobo for biking, the Lobo comes with a bike tool organizer pocket that is specifically built for storing those tools that are needed for quick mechanical repairs on your bike. The Lobo is built with highly sturdy material, and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Platypus Duthie A.M. 10.0
This is the ultimate hydration pack for those going on all-day excursions in the mountains, whether on a mountain bike or on foot. The pack provides 12 total liters of storage space, with external and internal pockets to store food, tools, and other equipment, as well as a fleece-lined pocket specifically designed for eyewear protection. The 3 liter BigZip hydration reservoir is able to hold enough water for a full day in the mountains, and is designed with a low-profile shape that distributes weight evenly. The reservoir is designed in a way that won't alter the taste of your liquids, and it is equipped with a hook system that holds the reservoir in place, so it won't move around while you're in motion.
The pack itself is easy to carry, as it is constructed with a lightweight wire frame that greatly reduces the stress load on your back and shoulders. The wire frame makes the pack feel as if it's supporting itself and floating above your shoulders, and the wires are well-padded, so you won't feel the wire digging into your skin. Also, the pack is furnished with Platypus's Rainfly technology, which allows the user to deploy a waterproof flap to protect the bag from rain.
CamelBak Fourteener 20 Hydration Pack
The Fourteener 20 is comparable to the Lobo, but is focused a bit more on carrying equipment instead of being designed solely for water transportation. Similar to the Lobo, it boasts a 3 liter water bladder, but the overall size of the pack is made bigger in order to accommodate more storage space. This makes it a great all-day pack for someone who is looking to carry a substantial amount of water while also having enough room for extra gear.
The Fourteener 20 is designed with the NV Back Panel, which delivers excellent air ventilation while simultaneously providing the user with a suspension system that makes the pack feel lighter. The shoulder and waist compression straps are much thicker and more robust than the ones of the Lobo in order to accommodate for the extra weight. The pack contains a number of different pockets great for organizing all of the different items you might want to place in your pack.
Which Hydration Pack is Right for You?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question; the answer depends entirely on your individual needs and interests. The factors you should consider when making your decision include the size of the bladder, amount of storage space, cold-weather capability, weight-support system, among others. By applying these factors, and using the guide above, you can identify the hydration pack that best suits your requirements.
