As an outdoor enthusiast, you know how important it is to stay hydrated. Hydration packs are mainly designed to transport water so you can stay well hydrated throughout your hiking day. This way you don’t have to stop or slow down to take a sip of water, you just drink from the drinking tube connected to the water reservoir.
Comparison table
| Product | Water capacity | Check on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Osprey Skarab 18 for men | 2.5 liters | Check price |
| CamelBak MULE | 9-liter storage, 3-liter reservoir | Check price |
| Teton sports oasis 1100 | 18 liters | Check price |
Best Hydration Packs for Day Hikers. Review
Osprey Skarab 18 for men
- Dedicated hydration compartment with included BPA-free Hydraulics LT 2.5L reservoir by Hydrapak
- A true rucksack with a wide-mouth bucket-style opening to the main compartment.
- Dual mesh side pockets and under lid zip pocket
A hydration pack for men with a smaller version for women. The 2.5 hydraulic reservoir has a drinking hose that makes it easy to drink from. Other features include a wide mouth opening for the central compartment, 2 mesh side pockets under the zip pocket, removable webbing hip belt, adjustable sternum strap magnet, and front daisy chain attachment.
Pros
- Durable
- Breathable and comfortable
- Used for different types of hikes
Cons
- No rain cover
CamelBak MULE
- Air Director Back Panel: Channels airflow to keep you cool during intense rides
- Removable Stability Belt: Adds support and can be removed for a lighter fit
- Ventilated Harness: Lightweight and breathable for all-day comfort
A hydration pack designed for mountain bikers, but it’s versatile enough to be used for other activities including cycling since it can fit 3 liters of water and carry most of your essentials for the day. It has an air ventilator design for increased breathability and a tool compartment. The bladder is built with a Crux reservoir and an easy on/off lever so you can take in much more water.
Pros
- Versatile
- Breathable and lightweight
- Great stability
Cons
- Color fades quickly
Teton sports oasis 1100
- WATER NEVER TASTED SO GOOD: During a long hike having water so convenient and still cold…there’s nothing like it. Lightweight with a custom fit, you’ll forget you have it on until you need it.18L pack give you plenty of storage for your day hike
- HYDRATION BLADDER INCLUDED: 2-liter water bladder included; Complete with durable, kink-free sip tube and innovative push-lock cushioned bite valve; Large 2-inch (5 cm) opening for ice that also makes cleaning easy
- GET THE PERFECT FIT: Low-profile athletic cut with full adjustment fits all body types comfortably; Comfort-taped straps with high-density notched foam stabilizer and mesh covering means you can wear this pack comfortably for hours, Water backpack for hiking fits men, women, and youth
A 2-pound pack to carry your gear and water with an 18-liter capacity and a 2-liter reservoir with a 2″ opening for ice and easy cleaning. It features adjustable chest, shoulder, and waist straps for the perfect fit while the chest straps reduce bouncing and absorb shock. It comes in a wide range of colors and has a sewn-in rain cover.
Pros
- Huge water capacity
- Rain cover
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not very durable
What is a hydration pack?
This is a drinking bag that makes it easy to transport water. It features a hydration bladder that contains different capacities of water depending on the purpose of your hydration pack. Some packs are very small designed to carry little weight but remain secure while running or cycling, while others have much bigger bladders for extended hikes.
Types of hydration packs
Backpacks
These standard backpacks have water reservoirs and drinking tubes and come in a wide variety of sizes. They’re popular for hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, and cycling. They also have more storage space for food, gear, tools, or extra layers.
Waist packs
Designed to be carried around your waist and include water bottles instead of reservoirs and have small cargo space. They’re for light and fast adventures like trail run where you don’t need to carry a lot of gear and they don’t hinder your movements.
Conclusion
Choosing the right one will mostly depend on the intended purpose. The Osprey Skarab 18 for men or women hiking day pack will ensure you stay hydrated and you have all the essentials you need for the hike.
FAQ
What is a good size pack for day hikes?
Most hiking day packs have a 21-35 liter capacity and there’s still enough space for your food, clothes, and other extras.
Can you put a hydration bladder in any backpack?
Yes, you can turn an old backpack into a water hydration pack, but you need to know what you’re doing.