Hiking water pouch

Water bladders are designed to transport water while also making drinking more convenient and efficient.

Our outdoor experts have tested 21 of the best hydration bladders over the last 8 years. This updated review features 12 top options built for adventures lasting a few hours to multiple days. Each product was tested hands-on while hiking, camping, trail running, and backpacking. We've traveled across the globe visiting far-off lands with each bladder in tow. After our initial testing, we keep using each option, updating our findings and comparisons over the years. Armed with this experience with these products, we offer our unbiased recommendations built to help you find the perfect bladder for your hydration needs.

Hiking water pouch

Switchback Travel Brian McCurdy. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us. No matter the length or location of your hike, hydration is one of the keys to staying happy and healthy on the trail. There are a number of ways to ensure that you drink enough water throughout the day, but by far the most convenient is a hydration pack. An all-in-one system that includes a sleekly paired daypack and hydration reservoir, a hydration pack makes loading, carrying, and accessing water a breeze. Below we break down our favorite hiking hydration packs of , from minimalist vest-inspired models to feature-rich designs that can even accommodate an overnight load. For more information, see our buying advice and comparison table below the picks. Weight: 2 lb. Capacities: 18, 22, 30L Included hydration: 2. The liter version can easily accommodate a down jacket and shell, snacks for the day, and other essentials, and organization and on-the-go access is well thought-out and convenient. You can go a lot of directions with a hydration pack: Our picks below run the gamut from uber-featured and supportive rigs to stripped-down vests for fast and light endeavors. For the standard day hike, many of these packs are too big or too small, too overbuilt or too streamlined; on the other hand, when we put on the Skarab, it was just right. But this is a pack that makes hydration and everything else easy—just fill up the premium Osprey Hydraulics LT reservoir, slide it into its pouch behind the backpanel, and hook up the quick-disconnect hose, which routes cleanly through a port and secures via a magnet onto the sternum strap.

When performing any outdoor activity, staying hydrated is key.

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With so many hydration packs on the market, how do you pick the right one for you? Our team has tested over 43 hydration packs since in search of the best of the best. From the Sierra mountaintops and coastal foothills to the desert red rock landscapes of Arizona and the grasslands of Minnesota, these packs have accompanied our testers on hundreds of miles of hikes, bike rides, and even backcountry ski trips. Each model was rated across several key performance metrics, including hydration system quality, storage volume, and carrying comfort. No matter where your next adventure takes you, we'll help you find the best hydration pack to meet your needs and budget. It's important to stay hydrated out there , and there are lots of ways to do so. Our outdoor-loving gear testing experts have tested the best products available to help you with this ever-important decision. Whether you're seeking the best hydration bladder for your daypack, the top hydration packs specifically for running , a top-rated hydration hip pack for biking , or simply looking for the best water bottle , we have you covered. We loved the Osprey Syncro 12 right off the bat, which was only confirmed by our testing as this pack rose to the top across many of our test metrics. It has a versatile design, quality construction, and a thoughtful storage and organization layout.

Hiking water pouch

A hydration pack—that is, a backpack with a built-in water reservoir—makes it easier to stay hydrated on the trail. After six years of testing, we still like the updated Osprey Skarab 18 for people over 5-foot-8 and Osprey Skimmer 16 for those under 5-foot This pack is affordable, easy to use, and comfortable for hikers who are taller than 5-foot The hydration system holds more than enough water 2. It works well for anyone 5-foot-8 and under. This pack offers everything we love about the Osprey Skimmer, plus features to make longer hikes more comfortable, including a cushioned hip belt, extra pockets, and a breathable mesh back panel. It works best for people 5-foot-8 and under. Similar to the Osprey Mira 22 in every way but size, it has a slightly taller profile, making it a good fit for people who are over 5-foot The best packs have hip belts, to ease the weight on your shoulders, and mesh or foam back panels, to help keep your back cool.

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The Platypus Hoser can't be scrubbed at all because the attachment is at the corner and very small. We tested it while ski touring in the winter and backpacking through hot desert conditions. But unlike the Manta, its layout is featured without verging on overkill: For over a pound less, the Citro still has a range of storage, including a main compartment, generous accessory pocket with scratch-free liner, front and side dump pockets, hipbelt pockets too small for our smartphone, unfortunately , and a dedicated zippered pocket for the included 3-liter reservoir. Bite valves from Osprey left , Gregory, and CamelBak Cleaning a Hydration Reservoir Let's be honest: cleaning a hydration reservoir isn't our idea of a good time. What to look for when shopping for water bladders? Fusion 5. To be fair, these are integrated very well into the design, and the tool space works equally well for stashing smaller items e. These are easy to open and close with the flick of a thumb. None Bite valve with lock arm shutoff valve in separate attachment kit. Mid-tube, but can be changed to the base.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Hydration reservoirs are also typically lighter than water bottles in ounces per liter. The complaints against hydration bladders are that they taste like plastic or leak, but I tested the top hydration reservoirs to see how the water tasted after hours of hiking, if they leaked under abuse, and if they are easy to clean.

Water helps to increase your endurance while improving your performance. This design allows you to give water to a pup or even fill up a small water bowl. For those who don't require insulative properties, the more affordable and lightweight MSR DromLite is another option to consider. Weight and Packability 6. Read more about us. Sustainability Badge. The HydraPak Shape-Shift is a lightweight bladder with a slim profile. Not only that, but this reservoir easily turns into a handwashing station, shower, hot water bottle, and more. Screw top options like the Gregory 3D Hydro and CamelBak Crux both have openings large enough to fit some kitchen utensils inside to help facilitate drying. This is important to ensure that water doesn't build up or pool. Check the capacity of your hydration bladder to ensure that the reservoir has enough space to hold the amount of water you intend to carry. Tack on a full set of features including a rain cover, trekking pole attachment, gear loops, and two large main compartments and a 2. Minimalist designs omit many organization features—sometimes including the shove-it pocket—so keep an eye out for the number of internal and external pockets if those are important to you. When evaluating pack weight, keep comfort and storage in mind Hydration Pack Features Reservoir Compatibility Hydration packs include a range of features that make them more compatible with a hydration reservoir than a standard daypack, including tube ports, routing tabs, and magnets, easy-loading sleeves or dedicated pockets with hangers, and, every so often, insulated compartments for your water.