The Best Hydration Packs

The Best Hydration Packs

If you love spending time in the great outdoors, you know that carrying enough water around to keep you hydrated can be a huge hassle. Having to stop and dig into your backpack every half hour to pull out a water bottle that always seems to empty too quickly is one of the most frustrating things about hiking. Luckily, there is a line of products available that solve this problem entirely. Hydration packs are backpacks that double as giant water bottles. Just fill up your pack before heading out and take sips from the straw connector whenever you’re thirsty. Whether you’re a camper, hiker, or festival lover, hydration packs are the perfect way to quench your thirst on the go. We’ve put together this list of the best hydration packs around so you can start sipping stress-free.

Teton Oasis Hydration Pack

Enter the oasis

This hydration pack is a spacious and functional hydration solution for any outdoors enthusiast.
Best Overall

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Teton has been a respected name in hydration packs for a while, and this pack is a perfect example of why. A lot of packs on the market have room for the water reservoir and not much else. Fortunately, this pack from Teton has a roomy main compartment that can fit clothes, gear, or food for your travels. The smaller front pocket also is perfect for housing your keys, wallets, or other essential personal items. Teton’s two-liter water reservoir is built tough and comes with a large 2″ opening for ice and cleaning. The backpack also features compression straps to tighten your bag and reduce bounce while you’re out and about. The connected sip tube is kink-free and comes equipped with a push-lock bite valve that prevents water flow when not in use. This is a hydration pack that puts performance first. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want a hydration pack that can do more than just hold water.

Pros:

  • Comes with a sewn-in rain cover to keep your pack dry
  • The back panel is made with air mesh that keeps airflow moving to your pack while hiking

Cons:

  • The water hose might be a bit long for some

Water Buffalo Hydration Pack

Night moves

This hydration pack is a slick minimalist pack that boasts durability and style.
Best For Night Workouts

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This is a no-nonsense design from Water Buffalo. This hydration pack comes equipped with a two-liter water reservoir and a hose made of durable, BPA-free plastic. The pack is insulated, which means your cold water will stay cold for up to five hours after filling.

This offering from Water Buffalo is on the smaller side, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t fit anything in the main compartment. There’s plenty of room for clothing and other personal items in the main compartment along with your two-liter water reservoir. This is the perfect pick for people looking for a lightweight, on-the-go hydration solution without breaking the bank.

Pros:

  • Lightweight, ergonomic design
  • Low price point but still durable
  • Water hose is very convenient and usable

Cons:

  • The smaller main compartment might turn off those looking for a camping bag with more storage

CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. Kids Hydration Pack

Just for kids

Make sure your kids stay hydrated with this fashionable hydration pack.
Best For Kids

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If you have a hard time getting your kids to drink water, this hydration pack from CamelBak is a fun and functional solution to your water woes. CamelBak is one of the hydration pack pioneers, and this M.U.L.E pack is a continuation of their spotless legacy. The pack holds a 1.5-liter water reservoir that features a water hose and a mouthpiece that delivers 20% more water per sip than other leading brands. Another innovative feature is an on/off lever that makes leak prevention a cinch. CamelBak includes a safety whistle and reflective markers as added safety measures to ensure your kids’ safety while out on their adventures. The pack also features a spacious main compartment for gear and clothing and a stretchy overflow pocket made for rain shells.

Pros:

  • Contains a bike tool organizer pocket
  • Cool blue flame design perfect for kids
  • Includes safety features to set parents’ minds at ease

Cons:

  • Only holds 1.5 liters of water

Reinos Hydration Backpack

Hydrate in style

This hydration pack is the perfect choice for concert-goers looking to turn hydration into a bold fashion statement.
Best For Concerts

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If our other picks seemed too camping-centric for your taste, give this stylish pick from Reinos a look. This pack is super barebones but perfect for a night out dancing or rocking out at a concert. It comes in 15 iridescent styles with effervescent color schemes that are sure to turn heads on the festival circuit. The shoulder straps are fully adjustable to suit any body type and will ensure that your pack won’t bounce away from you while you’re dancing, biking, or working out. It comes with a two-liter water reservoir and a bite-valve water hose that prevents leakage and spills. This bag is only 13 oz., too, so you’ll have a hard time remembering that you’re even wearing it until you get thirsty. We can’t recommend this pick enough for those looking to add a vibrant statement to their festival and rave attire.

Pros:

  • Stylish, bold designs are perfect for concert-goers and ravers
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Incredibly affordable

Cons:

  • Hard to wash the bag and water reservoir

Neboic Two-Pack Hydration Pack

Twinning and winning

This two-pack is ideal for folks who want to match while hydrating.
Best For Couples

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Workouts always turn out better when you’re doing them with a partner, so this two-pack from Neboic is the perfect complement to your exercise partnership. These are no-frills designs that make little room for anything besides water, so they’re perfect for biking and jogging. Made with adjustable hip-belts and shoulder straps, these packs are specifically engineered to prevent bouncing and shifting while working out. Neboic’s hydration packs will stay form-fitting to your back no matter what kind of exercise you’re doing. The two-liter water reservoir refills from the detachable water hose, which makes for easy on-the-go refills. Neboic chose a sleek and minimalist design, but there’s still some neon flare in the logo and brand name that’s pretty eye-catching. For partners looking for a couples’ hydration pack set, look no further than this hyper-convenient set from Neboic.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and form-fitting bags that are great for intense workouts
  • Detachable water hoses make refilling easy
  • Durable design that prevents leakage

Cons:

  • Tiny pack that won’t fit much more than your water reservoir
  • A bit pricier than similar packs on our list

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I bring my hydration pack?

While you can take your hydration pack anywhere you can take a backpack, it’s most commonly used for workouts, hikes, camping, bike rides, and concerts or festivals. Hydration packs are a lifesaver in these situations because you can stay hydrated while remaining hands-free and alert. Many concerts and outdoor festivals even have water stations where you can fill up your hydration pack.

Can I buy a hydration pack reservoir without a backpack?

Yes, there are simple water reservoirs with straw connectors you can put in your backpack. These are usually a cheaper solution than buying a hydration pack, but they are also a bit more cumbersome, subject to leakage, and take up space in your backpack that could be reserved for other things.