If you like to be prepared on your adventures, but don’t need the carrying capacity of a day pack, grab yourself a hydration pack instead. These compact backpacks are specifically designed to carry a water bladder plus some essential items. The best hydration packs give you instant access to water – no more faffing about with water bottles – and spreads the weight evenly across your back.
Of course, there are different types of hydration packs on the market. Most are lightweight, have a breathable harness system, and extra space for gear and food. One hydration pack should work well for most outdoor activities but certain designs are better suited to certain sports.
It may be that you prefer a hip pack to a backpack. In which case, head straight to the hydration hip pack options (coming soon!) to see if that ticks more boxes for your activities of choice.
To help you choose the right pack for your adventuring needs, we’ve put together this handy guide to the best hydration packs for hiking, running, skiing and biking.
- FAQs with choosing the best hydration pack
- Best hydration pack for hiking
- Best hydration pack for running
- Best hydration pack for mountain biking
- Best hydration pack for skiing and snowboarding
- Hydration waist packs and hip belts
- What to look for in the best hydration packs
Summary of the best hydration packs in 2024
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| Product | Water capacity (litres) | Total capacity (litres) | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregory Nano H2O 18L Hydration Pack | 3 | 18 | Hiking | $ |
| Geigerrig RIG 500 Hydration Pack | 2 | 10 | Hiking | $ |
| Deuter Ascender 13 Trail Running Backpack | 4 | 13 | Trail running | $$ |
| CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack | 1.5 | 2 | Running | $ |
| Osprey Duro 15 Hydration Pack | 2.5 | 15 | Distance trail running | $$$ |
| Osprey Katari 3 Hydration Pack | 2.5 | 3 | Mountain biking | $ |
| Salomon XT 15L Hydration Pack | 2 | 15 | Biking, hiking, general | $$ |
| Osprey Kamber 16 Snow Pack | 3 | 16 | Skiing and snowboarding | $$ |
| Lowe Alpine Nijmegen 6L Belt Pack | 1 | 6 | General, hiking and biking | $ |
| Osprey Talon 6 Waist Pack | 1.5 | 6 | General, hiking and biking | $$ |
| CamelBak Podium Flow Hydration Belt | 0.6 | 2 | General | $ |
FAQs with choosing the best hydration pack
Hydration packs with 1 litre to 1.5-litre water bladders are designed for short excursions when a lightweight pack is preferable. An hour’s trail running or short mountain biking trail.
On the larger end of the scale, 3+ litre water bladders are heavy when full and bulky. They’re more suited to hikers than runners or mountain bikers. Water bladders with a 2 litre to 2.5-litre capacity are a good balance for distance runners, cyclists, skiers, or adventures in hot climates.
Best hydration pack for hiking
Gregory Nano H2O 18L Hydration Pack
For day hikes where only lightweight kit is needed, the Gregory Nano H20 is a competitively priced and reliable hydration pack. Its 18-litre capacity is plenty to carry water, snacks, and a mid or top layer. There’s also an external bottle sleeve and attachment point for carrying extra gear. Top and side zippered pockets give you a place to keep small items while an easy-pull drawcord provides quick access to the main compartment.
The pack comes with Gregory’s 3 litre 3D hydration pack. This fits inside the main compartment while the hose threads through straps on the shoulder and secures to the sternum strap.
Pros
- Comfortable back panel
- Decent internal capacity and external attachments
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Waist strap would not support much weight
Find the latest price on:
REI
Geigerrig RIG 500 Hydration Pack
The rugged design and multiple attachment points make the Geigerrig a versatile hydration pack that is great for day hikers who like to keep things minimal. Its 10-litre capacity also makes it a wise choice for long-distance runners and bikers, though it lacks the ventialtion and comfort of higher end running packs. Multiple internal and external pockets keep your kit organized while compression straps minimise movement. Plus, the pack has a headphone port so you can listen to motivational music on the go!
The Geigerrig RIG 500 has a unique hydration system which allows you to pump air into the bladder. A hand pump connects via a removable tube and attaches to the front harness. This clever system allows you to maintain pressure within the bladder as it empties so the water flows easily to the self-sealing bite valve. The slide opening makes this bladder super easy to clean and refill too.
For more information read our full review of the Geigerrig RIG 500 Hydration Pack.
Pros
- Enough storage for day hikes
- Made of durable nylon
- Comfortable back padding
- Dishwasher safe bladder
- Excellent hydration system
Cons
- One size – women may not be able to get the best fit from the harness
- Not especially good ventilation
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
Best hydration pack for running
Deuter Ascender 13 Trail Running Backpack
The Deuter Ascender 13 Trail Running Backpack is a trail running specific backpack that offers an ultra lightweight pack without skimping on any of the essential features needed to make a great trail running companion.
This backpack is a lightweight option for anyone that enjoys long mountain days running on the trail. But its 13 litre capacity also makes it ideal for fast and light hikers wanting to cover good distances in minimal time.
It has some excellent features to make long runs as comfortable as possible. These include a front holster pocket for poles, excellent shoulder straps that are adjustable, comfortable and breathable, and handy storage pockets. But most importantly, the Ascender offers multiple options for hydration: two soft flask pockets on the shoulder straps and an internal hydration sleeve that can hold a 3 litre water bladder.
An excellent does-it-all hydration backpack if you’re wanting to carry more than just water.
Pros
- Lots of hydration options
- Great fit and comfort for long runs or day hikes
- Lightweight
- Good storage
- Well ventilated
- Good value
Cons
- Too much storage capacity for some
Find the latest price at:
Deuter | Alpine Trek
CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack
If all you need is 1.5 litres of water and a minimalist pack to carry it, then the Octane Dart Hydration Pack from CamelBak is the perfect option. The pack is ultra-lightweight and padded with comfortable 3D mesh that helps keep you cool. It’s also fitted with easy-access front-facing pockets. These stretch pockets in the harness allow you to store snacks and refuel on the fly. On the back of the pack is a zippered compartment large enough for essentials only. Plus, the front and back of the pack are fitted with reflective strips for extra safety on early morning or evening road runs.
A key feature of this running hydration pack is its water bladder. The pack comes with a 1.5 litre Crux Reservoir which features a wide opening and built-in handle for easy filling. Its On-Off valve prevents leaks while a self-sealing bite valve lets you sip with ease.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Ventilating material
- Water bladder included
- Dishwasher safe bladder
Cons
- Very limited storage space
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
Osprey Duro 15 Hydration Pack
The Osprey Duro 15 is another top choice for trail runners and distance runners, although it can also double as a day bag for hiking and biking.
The pack features Osprey’s trademark waist belt that wraps around the body. This is fitted with zippered pockets on each size which provide quick access to snacks or energy gels. Two more rear zippered pockets, large enough for a hat and gloves or wallet, are accessible without removing the pack. Plus, the harness, which resembles a running vest, has two stretch pockets for soft flasks, and a zippered phone pocket. Lower compression straps let you fit the pack more snugly on your waist while an adjustable and elasticated chest straps allow you to breathe normally.
Inside the main dual-zippered compartment there’s plenty of space for kit and there’s a separate zippered pocket for the 2.5-litre Hydraulics Reservoir.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Highly adjustable
- Lots of storage space
- Available in two sizes (S/M or M/L)
Cons
- Pricey
Find the latest price on:
REI | Osprey | Alpine Trek
Best hydration pack for mountain biking
Salomon XT 15L Hydration Pack
If you are planning a day hike, bike ride, or longer trail run, you need enough backpack space for your essentials, plus an easy way to stay hydrated. However, the last thing you want is to be bogged down with unnecessary weight or an overly large pack.
The Salomon XT 15L Hydration Pack ticks all these boxes and then some. It hugs your back, while the padded backrest and harness mean you can carry a reasonable amount of kit in comfort. Plus, there are plenty of handy pockets for your smaller items, including waist-belt pockets for snacks and energy gels. You can also tuck your rain jacket under the handy bungee cords so you can grab it without having to open the main pack.
The two-litre BPA-free reservoir has a drip-free bite valve so you can drink on the move.
This is an excellent pack for short adventures or demanding workouts where you need to carry a few bare essentials while staying hydrated.
Pros
- 15-litre gear capacity
- Comes supplied with a BPA-free two-litre reservoir and drinking hose
- Space for an additional two 500ml soft flasks – not supplied
- Padded, adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt
- Five external pockets
- Strong, ripstop polyamide construction
- Very light
- Understated design
Cons
- Quite long – may be too large for shorter users and some women
- Only available in black
Find the latest price on:
Alpine Trek | REI |Amazon
Osprey Katari 3 Hydration Pack
The Osprey Katari 3 Hydration Pack is designed for hot weather mountain bikers who need to drink a lot but don’t need to carry much stuff. The pack comes with a 2.5-litre water bladder but has just 3 litres of gear capacity. This bladder fits into an external sleeve with buckle closures, allowing you to refill easily. Stretch side pockets give you a place to store snacks, repair kit or a small bottle.
As we expect from Osprey packs, the Katari 3 is made from durable fabric and features a comfortable harness system. Plus, a foam back panel with air-mesh and central air ventilation prevents sweat build up. So if you like to ride light or you tend to ride in hot climates where extra water is more useful than an extra layer, then the Katari 3 is a smart choice.
Pros
- Quick access to the bladder
- Comfortable and well ventilated
- Quality construction
Cons
- Limited gear storage
- No waist strap (although it’s not essential for a pack of this size)
Find the latest price on:
Osprey | Amazon | Alpine Trek | Evo
Best hydration pack for skiing and snowboarding
Osprey Kamber 16 Snow Pack
The Osprey Kamber 16 Snow Pack is specifically designed for adventures in the snowy season. It’s fitted with vertical snowboard and diagonal ski attachment points for carrying your gear when hiking in the backcountry. You can also attach other gear to these points, such as snowshoes and ice picks. The pack is reinforced to withstand abrasion from metal equipment. Plus, the main compartment is large enough to hold most probes and shovels, as well as a water bladder of up to 3 litres. Meanwhile, a zippered front compartment with internal pockets stores your sunscreen, spare layer and emergency kit.
Another nifty feature is an insulated shoulder strap which prevents your water from freezing in the tube on sub-zero days. This, coupled with a scratch-free goggles pocket and glove-friendly zippers and buckles makes the Kamber 16 the best hydration pack for snowboarding and skiing on our list. We like the shape too. Its contoured EVA harness provides some ventilation. Plus, it’s slimline and doesn’t restrict arm movement while skiing or touring.
Its 16-litre capacity is perfect for carrying water, snacks, and an extra layer, but it’s too small to carry mountaineering kit. Fortunately, this 16-litre hydration pack is also available in larger capacities and Osprey offers a woman’s specific version, the Kresta 14.
Pros
- Winter-sport specific design
- Fitted with thermal insulation sleeve
- Easy access compartments
- Available in multiple sizes
Cons
- Water bladder not included
- The hip belt is not robust enough for heavy loads
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Osprey
Hydration waist packs and hip belts
Lowe Alpine Nijmegen 6L Belt Pack
Offering the ability to carry two 500ml bottles, the Lowe Alpine Nijmegen 6L Belt Pack is a very similar waist pack to the below Osprey Talon. The Nijmegen also provides 6 litres of storage inside a main zippered section with key clip, two mesh belt pockets and a hidden security pocket next to the back panel.
However, compared with the Ospret, this Lowe Alpine waist pack offers better value, includes two bottles and is a more lightweight setup, Yes, it doesn’t come with the same eco-credentials as the Talon but it is a PFC-free product putting it a step in the right direction.
Overall, the Nijmegen provides excellent comfort when hiking fast in warmer conditions. But it’s also very well suited to cycling on both longer distance rides, where extra carry space is invaluable, as well as on short rides when you don’t want to set up bike bags or attach panniers.
Pros
- Three pockets plus main compartment
- Comes with 2 x 500ml water bottles
- Good value
- Comfortable
- Padded, adjustable hip belt with quick-release buckle
- Vented back panel to minimize sweating
- Compression straps to secure your gear
Cons
- Too bulky for running
- Not as many pockets as the Osprey
Find the latest price at:
Rab | Amazon
Osprey Talon 6 Waist Pack
Osprey makes some of the best backpacks and luggage in the world. The small but spacious Talon 6 Waist Pack is ideal for minimalist day hikers and bikers who want to carry more than a water bottle and want to have a few extra essentials in easy reach.
The Talon 6 Waist Pack has a six-litre gear capacity plus space to carry two 1000ml water bottles. For comfort, the lumbar pad and waist belt are made from injection-moulded foam which also provides a nice secure fit, and the belt is fully adjustable to suit most waist sizes.
Compression straps ensure all your gear stays close to your body and won’t bounce around on the trail. The contents of the pack are easily accessible via a large top zip, and there are plenty of pockets for smaller items, too.
This is a fantastic waist pack for anyone who only wants to carry a rain jacket, snacks, water, and a first aid kit when out adventuring.
Pros
- 6-litre gear capacity
- Two 750ml water bottle pockets (bottles not included)
- Five pockets plus main compartment
- Padded, adjustable hip belt with quick-release buckle
- Vented back panel to minimize sweating
- Compression straps to secure your gear
Cons
- The minimum waist belt size is 25 inches, so it may be too large for some women
- Quite expensive for a small waist pack
- Too bulky for running
Find the latest price on:
Osprey | Amazon | REI | Alpine Trek
CamelBak Podium Flow Hydration Belt
Whether you’re heading out for a jog or a short hike, the last thing you want is to be thirsty. And while you could carry a water bottle in your hand, there are better options – like the CamelBak Podium Flow Hydration Belt.
This product is essentially a small waist pack with a snug pocket for a 21oz water bottle. Its two-litre capacity gives you just enough space to stash some snacks, phone, a first aid kit, or your hat and gloves. However, what it does best is carry your water bottle so you can keep your hands free.
The breathable mesh construction helps keep you cool, while the supplied 21oz water bottle is just big enough to get you through a couple of hours of activity. There are even a couple of small external pockets so you can keep things like keys and energy gels within easy reach.
This minimalist hydration solution is ideal for short, fast activities when you don’t need to carry a lot of kit.
Pros
- Gear capacity two litres
- Liquid capacity 21 fluid ounces – BPA-free bottle supplied
- Main compartment plus two external pockets
- Integrated tool organizer for mountain bikers and cyclists
- Fits waist 28-46 inches
- Lightweight but sturdy construction
- Breathable back panel and waist belt
- Reflective details for increased safety at night
- Contains recycled materials
- Well priced
Cons
- Not as easy to use as a hydration reservoir with a bite valve
- The waist belt may not go small enough for some users
- 0.62 litres of water could be insufficient on hot days or for longer workouts
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI
What to look for in the best hydration packs for hiking, running skiing and biking
Types of hydration backpacks
Hiking
The best hydration pack for hiking will have plenty of storage space for food, clothing, and other gear as well as a full water bladder. Hiking hydration packs tend to have more padded harness systems, making them comfortable to wear all day long.
Running
Compact and close-fitting, the best hydration pack for running should be lightweight and streamline. A wide pack will have you bashing your elbows on each arm swing. Likewise, the bottom of the pack should finish at the top of the waist rather than sitting on the hips as a normal backpack would.
Because of this, running hydration packs tend to have a smaller gear capacity and more quick-access pockets on the front of the pack. Running packs also need a more secure harness system that wraps around the upper body and prevents bouncing.
Biking
These are designed to feel stable on the back and minimise wind resistance. The best hydration pack for mountain biking is low profile and compact but should still offer enough space for a top layer, puncture repair kit, and snacks. The waist strap should be minimal too so it doesn’t affect comfort while peddling. Some are also fitted with an external helmet and light attachments and reflective strips.
Skiing and snowboarding
Skiing and snowboarding hydration packs have a similar design to hiking packs. Gear storage is important but they should also be streamlined. Key features to look for in the best hydration pack for skiing include glove-friendly zippers, helmet and equipment attachments, scratch-free goggle pockets, and insulation for the bladder’s tube.
Hydration pack features
Gear capacity
Hydrations packs for running, biking, day hikes, and skiing usually range from 5 to 30 litres. 5-litre packs are tailored to runners and minimalist cyclists while 5 to 15-litre packs are best for a day cycling, distance running, or minimal hiking. Packs with a 15+ litre capacity are ideal for day hikes.
Work out how much space you need to carry your gear and pick a hydration pack with the right capacity for you.
Fit
As with a regular backpack, your hydration pack should match your torso size and sit comfortably on your back, hips and shoulders. The best hydration packs have multiple adjustment points so you can get the perfect fit. Some are available in two or more torso sizes or in a woman-specific or child-specific fit.
Ventilation
For more comfort in warm weather, we like hydration packs that have breathable materials, such as air-mesh, and moisture-wicking properties in the waist and shoulder straps. We also look for packs with ventilated back panels.
Weatherproofing
If you want to get outdoors in all weathers then you’ll need a hydration pack that withstands the elements. Look out for waterproof fabrics or materials with durable water repellent coatings (DWR). Alternatively, the pack might come with a lightweight waterproof cover.
Important features to look for in the best hydration bladder
- Water capacity: bladders usually have a capacity between 1 litre and 3 litres.
- Type of opening: fold top, zip-top, or screw top.
- Type of bite valve: a self-sealing bite valve is the easiest to use and prevents water loss
- Quick-connect tubes: these allow you to remove, clean, and refill the bladder without unthreading the tube
