Best Hydration Packs 2023

Whether you're running, mountain biking, hiking or even dancing at a festival, the best hydration packs quench your thirst no matter the adventure. Compact yet comfortable, hydration packs feature a built-in supply of your preferred fluids to keep you, well, hydrated without interrupting your momentum. And although they usually offer less space than a traditional daypack, their ergonomic designs, adjustable straps and additional storage compartments make it easy to pack for fast and light travel in a variety of conditions.

The best hydration packs make it easy to access essential fluids.

Once only seen on the backs of mud-splattered mountain bikers, specialist hydration packs are now recommended for anyone taking part in high-output activities like hiking and trail running—and in some circumstances, they’re required. For example, anyone planning on running an ultra now legally needs to wear a hydration vest, and most seasoned ultra runners recommend wearing one anyway. Combine these reservoirs with the best in lightweight fabrics, well-engineered straps and fastenings, plus storage for any essentials, and you've got a selection of bags just waiting for adventure.

Admittedly, a dedicated hydration pack can sometimes feel like overkill for short runs, rides and casual hikes, but having enough water with you, especially in warmer weather, is essential. If you're sweating, you need to replace lost fluids to protect yourself against heat stress, maintain normal body function and, importantly, maximize your performance levels.

Below you’ll find our top hydration packs for hiking, cycling, day trips and even kids, each of which comes with either a water reservoir or soft flasks. Some are designed for specific sports, but we've also included a smattering of hybrid options that could help keep you hydrated throughout the day.

Backcountry

Activity: Hiking, everyday use | Pack volume: 16 liters | Water volume: 2 liters | Weight: 1.43 pounds

The CamelBak Octane stands out as a rare example of a dedicated hydration pack loaded with trail-specific features that's stylish enough to be used as a daypack, or even a work bag. The Cordura Nylon 75 denier fabric makes the bag super strong, and appreciably lighter than most, while the semi-ridged EVA foam back panel, with molded air channels, does an impressive job keeping your back cool when hiking. It's not as efficient or supportive as the Osprey's pack frame, but the payoff is a comfortable, go-anywhere, do-anything pack that will fit most people with ease.

Camelbak has included the 2L Fusion reservoir, and we had no issues with it when refilling, or leakages. You do need finger strength to open and close the waterproof sipper, though. We noticed that the open Big Bite valve made it easier to take gulps, especially compared to the smaller bite valves on flasks, although we recommend you actually use the on/off lever to avoid dripping.

Great for fast hiking, slow running and everything in-between, the layout of pockets—shout out to the elasticated mesh panels that are great at clinging onto discarded layers—is impressive, and if you need additional space, one side pocket has the capacity for a spare 32-ounce water bottle. There's also trekking pole attachment loops, and we even found room for our 15" laptop, although for safety sake, you may want to remove the hydration reservoir before stuffing your tech inside.

And our final words of praise go to the combination of a roll-top closure, compression straps and side zip (much like a winter sports backpack) that makes accessing everything, even the stuff stashed in the bottom, quick and painless.

The Octane is also available in a 12L and 22L capacity for those that require less or more space.

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REI

Activity: Hiking | Pack volume: 24 liters | Water volume: 2.5 liters | Weight: 2.95 pounds

The Osprey Manta 24 is a compromise-free choice for anyone looking to cover distances with a loaded pack in the heat. Made with water-resistant Bluesign-approved fabrics, this serious hiking backpack has Osprey's latest adjustable (5 positions across 4 inches) version of the AirSpeed suspension system and tensioned mesh back panel that helps your back stay cool. It's one of the best framed backpack systems available.

There's a dedicated zipped sleeve and 2.5-liter Osprey Hydraulics bladder for keeping you hydrated, and the clip-together-pull-apart tube system makes cleaning easy. We also appreciate the magnetic attachment on the sternum strap for the bite valve, which keeps everything tidy but accessible, but you need to be accurate with your placement to avoid the hose pinging away from the clasp.

Twin zipped hip pockets can store loads of gear, the main compartment has a wide-opening U-shaped zipper for easy access, there's two extra bottle holders, which can be accessed without having to take the pack off, plus a rain cover, robust trekking pole attachments and even an ice tool loop complete the impressive spec list.

The Manta is also available in a larger capacity, and the Osprey Mira (22 and 32 liters) is essentially the same design in a women's-specific fit.

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REI

Activity: MTB, cycling | Pack volume: 7 liters | Water volume: 1.5 liters | Weight: 1.2 pounds (with reservoir)

Designed predominantly for mountain bikers, but perfectly comfortable for hiking, the Osprey Seral 7 does away with the sweaty back commonly associated with active use backpacks, but still offers a generous capacity for gear, and 1.5 liters of water.

Made from tough recycled polyester, it's a bag that can take plenty of abuse, which is important—as we discovered during testing—if you're riding a bike without mudguards. Thankfully the hose (with an excellent bite valve) wraps around the front and clips onto strong magnets, so it remains shielded from all but the worst mud and dirt. Crucially, it's also easy to grab and take a sip while riding.

Having seven liters of capacity may be too much for some people, and it's certainly bigger than average, but we didn't find the size to be excessive, and appreciated having extra space for layers and slacks as well as tubes, pumps and tools. If you have a smaller frame, however, you may find it a little cumbersome.

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Black Diamond

Activity: Hiking | Pack volume: 8 liters | Water volume: 2.5 liters | Weight: 0.73 pounds

Whether you're hiking, fast-packing or trail running with plenty of kit, the Distance 8 backpack is one of the best we've ever used. It’s remarkably light but impressively robust thanks to the use of Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) ripstop, a material more typically used, surprisingly, in knee and hip replacements.

The harness has a tight-fitting running style, with stretch woven wings that extend from the back panel and hold the pack snugly, eliminating the risk of chaffing. These panels also feature stash pockets (big enough for a spare layer) you can access while moving, and on the main shoulder straps they've included a well positioned zip pocket that's ideal for your phone. As an added bonus for hiking pole users, the backpack has an ingenious Z-pole storage solution that enables you to access them without removing the pack.

Annoyingly, the Distance 8 doesn't come with soft flasks, but we think, if you're in the market for this style of bag, you may have some already available with a running vest. If you don't, Black Diamond sells 500ml Soft Flasks which I recommend, and the high pocket position means you can drink without removing the flasks. Yes, it adds to the overall cost for beginners, but does save waste for more experienced trail runners. Available in small, medium and large sizes, and in a women's specific fit.

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REI

Activity: Hiking, days out | Pack volume: 18 liters | Water volume: 3 liters | Weight: 1.15 pounds

A full $120 cheaper than the Osprey pack on this list, but still packing plenty of features, this multi-purpose hydration backpack from Gregory is ideal for anyone on a tight budget. It's a great day bag, with just enough capacity for lunch and layers, while the enormous 3-liter reservoir should keep the whole family hydrated.

Three liters is a lot of water to carry, so don't expect this pack to be light when fully loaded, but it is at least versatile, with a top-zippered pocket, side stash pockets and a separate mesh water bottle holder (if you need even more water!).

There's not a huge amount of back support, but the grooved foam panel helps to keep your back cool, and we were impressed by the comfort, especially given the bargain price.

It's a no-frills choice to be sure, but given how well they've made the pack, that's not a bad thing, and we imagine many families will be grateful for the capacity, and huge amount of water it can carry. Just spare a thought for the mule who gets that job.

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Thule

Activity: MTB | Pack volume: 18 liters | Water volume: 2.5 liters | Weight: 2.29 pounds

Thule, like CamelBak, offers a wide range of hydration packs aimed at cyclists, and the Rail 18L is specifically designed for electric mountain bike riders. As well as a rider-specific set of internal pockets for tools, pumps and spare tubes, there's a large center pocket designed to carry a spare e-bike battery, so riders can explore well beyond their usual range.

It’s a neat extra, but in truth, this pack will appeal to all MTB riders thanks to the superb ReTract hands-free magnetic hose attachment that keeps the mouthpiece tidy without needing fiddly clips. Then there’s the large 2.5-liter reservoir and inclusion of a removable, lightweight Koroyd CE certified Level 1 back protector, plus waterproof rain cover, easy-access stash pockets and excellent build quality.

All these features help justify the high price, and go some way to explain the weight. When fully loaded you will greatly appreciate the wide hip, shoulder and chest straps to distribute the weight.

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RAB

Activity: Trail running | Pack volume: 6 liters | Water volume: 1 liter | Weight: 0.04 pounds

This superb lightweight trail running vest from Rab comes with two short-hose bite-valve flasks (500ml each), and space for a traditional 2-liter reservoir (not included), if you're going to need maximum hydration. On one particular warm run, we really appreciated the breathable ripstop mesh fabric, and the fact there's enough space in the rear stuff pocket to shed a layer.

The sternum straps are a little bit fiddly, but adjusting them on the move was never an issue. Once secured, we soon forgot about them, and never experienced any pressure points or chaffing, even when sweating profusely. This could be thanks to the fact the mesh material holds 70% less water while being 50% lighter, according to Rab.

As we've come to expect from premium running vests, there's plenty in the way of well-positioned stuff pockets—including two superb front zips—for snacks, keys and even a phone, and the neatly positioned key clip on the shoulder minimizes jangling. There's also an emergency whistle, although we recommend that you deploy it wisely or it may well send the neighborhood dogs running.

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inov-8.com

Activity: Hiking, days out | Pack volume: 5 + 7 liters | Water volume: 1 liter | Weight: 1.15 pounds

British trail running experts Inov-8 make exceptional footwear and world class hydration vests, and the Race Ultra Pro 5 is highly recommended, but for versatility, their new 2-in-1 vest can't be beat, especially as it's currently on sale. Use it as a 5-liter, supremely comfortable hydration vest for shorter runs or when you're traveling light, but when the kit list does escalate, you can seamlessly attach a separate 7-liter bag for additional storage.

The hydration flasks can be mounted either around the hips in a holster position, or in the chest pockets, and you can swap the sip tube lengths to suit. You can even use a back-mounted reservoir, although we liked how the holster option freed up bag capacity.

The sheer number of pockets is another bonus, and the mesh side pockets can hold so much stuff, even with two full 500ml bottles. It's a treat for those who take their kit management seriously.

Given how much mandatory gear is needed for ultra-running events these days, it's a hugely sensible option, although versatility doesn't come cheap. Made from stretchy fabric and boasting plenty of adjustable bungees to help dial-in the fit, the vest molds well to your torso, and the slide-and-click mounting system for the separate bag is ingenious, creating a seamless join to the vest, and minimizing bounce as a result.

Our only real issue with the separate compartment was that it wasn't easily accessible when running. The top-to-bottom zip was great for packing, but make sure you don't load it with kit you're not prepared to stop for.

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CAMELBAK

Activity: Everyday wear | Pack volume: 5 liters | Water volume: 1.5 liters | Weight: 0.94 pounds

Boasting the same build quality, features and attention to detail as you'd find on their adult-sized packs, Camelbak's youth collection is easy to recommend. Made from a hardwearing recycled 200D poly fabric, the M.U.L.E. is compact, lightweight, adjustable and the mesh fabric used on the shoulder straps is very breathable.

It has a MTB style, but the weight of the pack is nicely distributed, so it’s equally good for hikes or days out in the sunshine. Our eight-year-old tester wore her sample everywhere, and she liked how easy the bladder was to refill. It has a large screw-cap opening, which meant spillage was kept to a minimum.

Adjustability is also impressive, and essential to fit a wide range of kids, and we appreciated being able to adjust the sternum strap so it doesn't slip off slender shoulders. Oh, and one final word of warning—don't show them the emergency whistle if you enjoy peace and quiet.

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Lunchbox Packs

Activity: Festivals, dancing | Pack volume: 8 liters | Water volume: 2 liters | Weight: N/A

In truth, all hydration packs could be taken to a summer festival and used as a practical way to carry water, while still being able to wave your hands like you just don't care. But after spending time with the Lunchbox, we were impressed by the comfort, build quality and especially the clever security details.

The back panel is plush, supportive and breathable, so it's comfortable even if you work up a sweat. The ripstop nylon fabric feels durable, and while the shoulder straps feel a bit stiff, the unisex sizing fit my medium frame without issue.

But the real selling point of this pack is its security measures which include anti-theft buckling zippers that should thwart would-be thieves, while pockets on the shoulder straps sit against your chest to keep valuables like a phone or wallet within reach.

As for hydration, the 2-liter bladder is housed in a leak-proof pocket, and we appreciate that the hose is insulated and the rubber mouthpiece comes with a plastic cover to keep it clean.

The brand also sells "skins" that let you personalize the design, as well as battery-powered LED string lights, which help you stand out in a crowd, although they do feel a bit gimmicky.

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The best hydration packs combine functionality, comfort and durability to keep you hydrated through any activity. With these variables in mind, we pored over online reviews from trusted sources and put a range of hydration packs to the test ourselves, examining their performance, fit and overall quality during various activities. And to further refine our evaluation process, we also sought the advice of industry experts, including Colin Edwards, Bike Buyer for Evo.com, who provided valuable information and guidance. By combining our research, hands-on testing and expert consultations, we confidently identified 10 recommendations for the best hydration packs available on the market today.

Whether you're a trail runner, hiker, mountain biker or festival goer, there's a hydration backpack out there to help keep you hydrated. Here are a few key considerations to help you buy the right pack for your needs.

Consider how much water you typically need during any given activity. Hydration packs come in various sizes and typically support anywhere from 1 to 3 liters of fluid, along with additional space for other essentials.

Look for a hydration pack that provides a comfortable and secure fit about your torso. Consider options with adjustable straps, back padding and chest or waist straps to ensure the pack stays in place. Whenever possible, we recommend testing the pack with weight to see if it fits your body shape, size and preferred activities.

Evaluate the type of hydration system the pack offers. Most hydration packs come with a bladder or reservoir and a drinking tube, some of which are easy to fill and clean. Also keep an eye out for hydration packs that feature a convenient bite valve for easy hydration on the go.

Consider the accessibility of the main compartment and other storage pockets. Look for features like zippered pockets, stretchy mesh pockets or external loops that hold onto larger objects such as trekking poles.

Keep an eye out for features that promote ventilation and breathability, such as mesh back panels or perforated padding. These can help reduce heat and moisture buildup, ensuring you stay comfortable during prolonged bouts of exercise or activity.

Durable features include high-quality materials, reinforced stitching and abrasion-resistant panels. These ensure a hydration pack can withstand consistent use and last for prolonged periods of time.

It's important to stay hydrated while exercising, especially in warmer climates, and the best hydration packs make it easy to drink on the go, while also carrying all your kit.

Mountain bikers love the versatility a hip pack or backpack can offer, with capacity for tools, spare tires and layers, while runners often just need an ultralight vest with soft flasks and small pockets for a phone, snacks and other assorted essentials. Similarly, hikers are realizing the benefit of hydration systems, especially if they're spending all day on the trails.

While most people would prefer to travel without a backpack, we can't deny their practicality. Ultrarunners and trail runners are rarely seen without a hydration pack, and they're now mandatory in many official races, as a certain amount of safety gear needs to be carried. While not essential, we often run shorter distance with a hydration vest, purely for the versatility. Once you find one that fits, it's like a second skin.

This depends on the exercise you're doing and how long you're doing it for. For shorter activities (under an hour) you'll probably be okay with a hand-held water bottle in warm weather, but "if the ride is longer than two hours," says Colin, "it's worth investing in a pack that holds between 33 ounces (1L) and 70 ounces (2L) of water with additional room for tools, layers and snacks."

For full day activities, such as cycling, you'll need as much water and storage as possible, so look for designs with up to 100 ounces of fluid space. With these larger packs, you'll find that a capacity of anywhere from 6-18 liters is perfect for stashing plenty of layers.

"For mountain biking, hydration bladders and plastic water bottles are best," explains Edwards. Soft flasks are more often associated with running and fastpacking, and sit neatly on the shoulder straps. Larger volume hydration reservoirs have hoses attached to the base of the bladder, allowing you to drink virtually every drop. Clever channelling systems on the backpack keep the hose tidy, while clasps (magnets work best) hold it in place across the chest. These reservoir systems come with a range of valves and mouth pieces, with bite valves proving the most popular. Those designs with flow valves also prevent leakage when not wearing the pack.

"Managing water temperature is difficult," notes Colin. "Some brands have developed insulation kits for water bladders that help extend the temperature the rider chooses. Other methods such as adding ice cubes to your water or freezing water in half of your bladder seem to be used more than investing into an insulation kit. Both options work and it really comes down to preference."

If you're participating in winter sports, insulation sleeves can prevent the water in the mouth hose from freezing, but be warned, in both cold and hot temperatures your hydration reservoir will produce condensation, which can leave the inside of your backpack wet. In this situation, a separate compartment for your reservoir is recommended.