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What are Hydration Packs?
[Updated February 2024] A hydration pack is a hydration system designed to make drinking convenient and efficient. It is often a backpack that contains a reservoir or “bladder” commonly made of rubber or flexible plastic that has a hose allowing for hands-free drinking.
Importance of Hydration Packs
Hydration backpacks are mostly used for hiking and traveling. Carrying a water bottle while hiking can be difficult, but now technology has created the hydration pack, a much better way to carry your water while hiking. Water bottles will always remain, but hydration backpacks make things easy. They make carrying around water less awkward as well as keeping its users more easily hydrated.
How to Choose the Best Hydration Backpack
If you are going to buy a hydration backpack, first make sure that the pack is designed for the activity you intend to use it for. Next, you’ll want to consider things like size, water storing capacity and some extra features.
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There are different types of hydration bag packs
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Hiking hydration packs:
These backpacks are the standard packs used for hiking and normally have ample space for food. They may have extra layers and can carry more water.
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Running hydration packs:
These backpacks provide more storage than vests which makes them a better option for long trail runs which require extra food and clothing. Every running backpack has a hydration reservoir for easy sipping of water on the go. Many backpacks also have pockets on the shoulder straps or on the sides if you prefer to have water bottles.
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Cycling hydration packs: These backpacks are designed specifically for mountain biking and road cycling. Hydration packs which are specially designed for road cycling are normally compact and low-profile so they feel light and give more stability on your back. The low-profile won’t create wind resistance.
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Snowsport hydration packs:
These are specially designed for sports that are played in the snow. Snowsport hydration backpacks are made to help keep water warm and stop it from freezing.
Hydration Pack 101
Why Hydration Packs Are Needed
Hydration packs are useful when hiking, biking and any other outdoor activity. They save time. Instead of stopping on the trail, pulling out a water bottle, unscrewing the lid and knocking back your hiking water, all you have to do is take a sip from the bite valve on the hose that connects to the water reservoir in your backpack.
Following are some of the reasons why you should consider buying a Hydration Backpack:
Convenience
Hydration backpacks are one of the best alternatives to water bottles. With hydration backpacks, you don’t have to stop or slow yourself down. To drink water, you simply grab the drinking tube connected to the water reservoir and drink.
It provides easy access and also allows you to drink on-the-go without having to reach out for your bottle or asking someone else to get it out. Modern backpacks are often compatible with hydration packs. Normally, there is a separate section for a hydration bladder. It has a small opening on the side or at the back with“H2O” written on it for the pipe to come through. The drinking tube can be extended to your shoulder and you can drink easily to keep yourself hydrated.
Stability and Weight Distribution
Hydration packs have space for storing water on either side of the backpack to even out the weight. It is good to carry heavier weight on your back and not the sides.
Compact
Hydration backpacks come in many different shapes and sizes, giving you the ability to select the one most suitable and comfortable for your body as well as one that is most suited to the purpose you are going to use it for. The material used to make the hydration packs are not hard materials like a plastic water bottle. The pack may seem large when you first put it on, but it will shrink down as you drink water. You can easily pack it once it’s empty.
Medical reasons
Hydration backpacks help maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of the main medical reasons for using a hydration pack is that it will keep you hydrated. A hydration pack is a blessing in disguise to keep your drinking water. Staying hydrated drinking is vital for things like immune health, mood, muscle function, joint, and brain protection and digestion.
Cost
Hydration backpacks are higher priced than water bottles, but looking at the benefits, you will see it ends up paying for itself. Initially, you will pay more at the time of purchase for a hydration pack, but think of all the water bottles that you have purchased, and will purchase, for activities where water is needed. Hydration backpacks last a long time, so the cost benefit is more than you actually think when buying it.
BPA Free Plastic Components
Hydration packs come with BPA free plastic components, removing the use of poisonous plastic. Most of the bladder will probably be made of BPA free material, but make sure to check this before buying it.
Now let’s see the Top 5 Hydration Pack in 2023
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Between $100-$200 price range
CamelBak 2016 M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack
It is one of the bestselling and longest-running CamelBak packs. It has everything needed in a hydration pack. The M.U.L.E. has a narrow-gauge design that keeps it light and maneuverable even when it’s fully loaded for a day of mountain biking, it won’t get in your way. CamelBak pack allows you to carry three liters of water and a day’s worth of snacks and gear. It also has a magnetic tube trap that snaps easily into place, so you can hydrate without taking your eyes off the trail.
Pros And Cons of CamelBak 2016 M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack
- Good choice for those needing extra space
- It can store up to 3 liters of water
- Shoulder straps of CamelBak hydration pack are very comfortable even when packed full for a long
- The insulated parts work great for keeping water at the preferred temperature
- A bit heavy compared to other hydration packs
- Upper chest strap rides high, even when adjusted to its lowest setting
- The waist strap is a bit narrow
Below $100 price range
Tactical Hydration Pack
Hydration is important during outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and mountain biking. The Unigear Tactical Hydration Pack has multiple pockets and is equipped with the MOLLE system, which is one of the best hydration solutions that will serve you whenever you would need it.
This 2.5-liter hydration pack features a low-profile design and a minimal empty pack weight of just 1.3 pounds. In order to give better performance, it has been constructed with 600-denier rip-stop polyester construction which can stand up to the rigors of your environment.
Pros And Cons of Tactical Hydration Pack
- The shoulder pad makes it comfortable and easy to carry
- Adjustable chest and waist strap with tail holder more convenience for long journeys
- It has a bottom pocket which contains mesh pockets to sort your mostly-used stuff and one clip
- You can attach other MOLLE gear to this pack as both of its top and bottom pockets to have additional space
- Sleek and compact design: 19″ x 10″ x 1.5″ in size and 22 ounces in weight
- Water bladder seems a little cheaply made
- Drinking nozzle is bulky which makes it hard to use while wearing a helmet
- Pack seams are poorly sewn with multiple missed spots along several seams
Vibrelli Hydration Pack
This lightweight and durable hydration pack have many cool features which make it one of the best hydration packs. It has a high-flow bite valve which can be shut off by a button. Also, it has been made from medical grade materials with an antimicrobial treatment. It has intelligent storage options without being bulky. It weighs just 14oz (415g), and is a great cycling pack or running backpack.
Pros And Cons of Vibrelli Hydration Pack
- Quality water bladder
- It comes with reflective safety tabs which help keep you visible in low light
- The pack comes with external bungee straps which can be used for carrying additional things
- It is compact, lightweight, and tough
- The pack has a mesh pocket to hold the Music Angel portable mini speaker for listening to tunes while riding
- Material quality is not very good
- Not good if you want to carry heavy weight items
- The opening for a filled water bladder is small and hard to get into the backpack
G4Free hydration pack Sports runner Hydration Backpack With Bladder
If you are participating in outdoor sports, you need to make sure that you have enough water with you. You should have a hydration pack that does not leak water and has enough space to carry your belonging safely along with you. G4Free hydration pack provides you enough hydration for your whole day. It has adjustable shoulder/chest/waist straps. Its extendable bite valve makes it easy to reach and the complete pack size is L 8.26 * H19.68 * W 4.72 IN, Volume:12L, the bladder is 3L which is enough space to hold your necessities for traveling.
Pros And Cons of G4Free hydration pack Sports runner Hydration Backpack With Bladder
- Tough and water resistant high-density 600D polyester fabric, construction rope, high-quality buckle
- Perfect for hiking, running, cycling, walking or taking with you for a day
- Roomy Storage Pockets to safely carry your belongings along with you
- Made from good material and the zippers are large and solid
- The chest straps prevent bounce from exercising and biking
- Shoulder straps could use more padding
- The mouthpiece is not very good
- The water reservoir makes the water taste like plastic
Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack
Of course, a backpack with water bottles is an option, but that can be both cumbersome and impractical. A hydration backpack allows you to have water no matter where you go. One of the best rated packs is the Mubasel Hydration Backpack.
Pros And Cons of Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack
- Thermal design. This backpack doesn’t just hold water, it will keep it cold too. So, when it’s hot out and you’re ready for water, it will still be cold even after hours on the trail.
- The Mubasel Hydration Backpack it built to be 100 percent leakproof.
- Storage. This hydration pack includes 3 storage compartments so you don’t have to carry around another pack.
- Affordable. Hydration backpacks can get expensive. This one is under $50, so you can stay hydrated without breaking the bank.
- Not for small-framed people. While all of the straps are adjustable, the pack is quite large and might be difficult to carry for someone who has a smaller frame.
- Occasional leaks. While the pack is built to be leak-proof, some users have reported leaks in the pack over time. Mubasel, however, is very responsive and willing to replace the bladder if there are issues with leaking.
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Conclusion
We hope the information shared will help you in buying the best hydration pack for your needs. Please share your thoughts and experiences you had after reading this article.
Recently, I purchased Camelbak M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack. I use this bag every day for work and play. Enough space for work clothes, my personal first aid kit, raincoat, keys wallet, phone, kit, and it’s incredible. I fill the bladder first then pack it to get it as lean as possible. It’s not bulky at all though just something i do to make it easier to fill. I’ve taken it kayaking, biking, running and it’s been perfect for everything. The insulated parts work great for keeping water whatever temp you like. Awesome for the hotter days. And the great choice for those who need the extra space.
My friend and I both have Camelbak MULE. Not too big but can still fit plenty of things in it. He has a newer version and the bladder has so many great features.