Whether you’re hitting the trails for a multiday trek or simply hopping on your trusty bike to get to the office on a hot day, having water accessible on your back helps you stay hydrated, healthy, and properly fueled to perform. And sure, you could carry your favorite water bottle, but it’s nice to have your hands free on the go.
That’s when a compact, lightweight, and comfortable hydration pack comes in handy. These are the best hydration packs for every kind of activity — and every kind of athlete.
Before you invest in a new hydration pack, there are a few key features you’ll want to consider:
Activity and Capacity: First, how much water do you need to transport? If you’re looking for something small and light that holds enough water to get you through a moderate hike or short bike ride, a 1.5-liter pack or smaller will do the trick. On the other hand, if you need to pack water for a full day or a strenuous activity on an especially hot day, you’ll want something with 2 to 3 liters of water storage. Some packs also have external pockets or straps for water bottles.
Extra Storage: Next, consider how much additional storage you’ll need in the pack. Some hydration backpacks are big enough to hold your gear for several days of camping, while others are slim, light, and offer minimal additional gear storage space.
Load: Weight also matters. Remember, you’ll be carrying the pack on your back, and it only gets heavier once that bladder is full. Choosing a lighter, slimmer pack will be easier to carry and a good idea for longer hikes and rides. Chest and hip straps can also help better distribute the weight of your pack for a more comfortable fit. The more adjustable the pack is, the more likely you are to find your perfect, chafe-free fit.
Hydration packs are a must-have for anyone serious about hands-free water intake, particularly while on the go. Our roundup explores the best packs for many specific needs, so you’ll never be without a cool — and sometimes, even potentially life-saving — sip, whenever you need it.
Stash much more than water in this large-capacity hydration backpack. Not only does it accommodate a 3-liter water bladder, but it also has ample room for other gear and plenty of pockets to keep things organized.
If all that gear gets heavy, simply secure the bag with the adjustable hip belt. The drinking straw has a shut-off switch to prevent messy leaks on the move.
Get all of the genius CamelBak engineering and quality without a steep price tag. This is the brand’s more pared-down, minimalist design, but it does the trick to keep you hydrated and comfortable on long outings. This pack is soft, breathable, flexible, and made from 100% cotton, making it especially comfortable for days on the trail.
This lightweight vest keeps your water close to your body and evenly distributed for a more comfortable fit, which makes this a great option for especially strenuous hikes or runs.
It has two secure and adjustable chest straps that minimize bounce and chafing, and your 1.5 liters of water are easy to access, thanks to the QuickConnect chest magnet that holds the straw in place.
If you prefer to not hold water on your back, this compact hip pack is a good option. In addition to two water bottle holders, the pack also stores a 1.5-liter internal bladder accessible on the move via a foot-long hydration tube. Plus, the pack has many small pockets to stash valuables and even a compact rain jacket for inclement weather.
Stash your laptop, a change of clothes, and 3 liters of water in this comfortable commuting pack. The bag has super-soft and breathable air pads to keep you cool and comfortable on the way to work.
In addition to the liquid bladder, the bag offers 9 liters of storage space and even has a helmet strap that accommodates cycling and motorcycle helmets.
This sleek pack is designed to fit a woman's body. It packs 2.5 liters of water in a comfortable, secure way, thanks to a removable and adjustable hip belt and padded pockets.
Mesh side pockets provide easy access to snacks on the move, and an internal zippered pocket is designed with small compartments to keep your bike tools neatly organized.
Avoid chafing, bumping, and bruising with this tight-to-the-skin vest-style pack. It comes in five sizes — from XS to XL — to fit every body type, and has adjustable chest straps to grip your body like a glove.
The pack comes with two soft flasks to hold on either side of your chest and has space for an additional one-liter bladder. Plus, it’s full of small pockets to stash valuables and fuel.
Pack it all into this heavy-duty pack, with 31 liters of storage space and over seven pockets for organization. The back panel has a 3D design that optimizes airflow on even the hottest days on the trail.
Plus, this pack is engineered down to the smallest detail, with over seven pockets, including an easy-access mesh front pocket to keep gear organized and the essentials accessible.
When all you need is a place to store your water comfortably, this adorable patterned pack is a great choice. It holds up to 2 liters of water in the removable water bladder and has two slim zippered pockets on the outside to hold your phone, wallet, or other valuables.
The pack is eco-friendly and made from recycled materials. The water bladder is made from BPA-free EVA-alternative plastic, which is both lighter and more durable than standard plastic bladders.
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