As an avid hiker, cyclist, and general outdoor enthusiast–hydration on the go is always one of my top priorities. Here is a list of my favorite hydration systems when I head out on the trails.
My Top 5 Picks for Best Water Reservoir Backpacks 1. CamelBak M.U.L.E. Backpack 2. Teton Sports Oasis 2L 3. REI Co-Op Hydration Vest 4. Vibrelli Hydration Backpack 5. Outdoor Products Convertible Backpack
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What is a Hydration Backpack?
A hydration backpack is specifically designed to carry water for outdoor activities. These backpacks include an internal water bladder that can be filled with drinking water and accessed through a convenient drinking hose.
Since water is heavy, the backpack design provides a convenient, balanced weight load that allows you to carry 1.5, 2, 2.5, or even 3 liters of water at a time (equivalent to between 3-6 standard bottles of water). These hydration systems are designed for hiking, camping, cycling, running, or any other outdoor activity that requires ample hydration but lacks plentiful access to other water sources.
What to Look for in a Hydration Backpack
Whenever buying new equipment, there is always more to the decision than style, price, and brand reputation. Behind all the clever marketing, here is what you really need to know when shopping for a hydration pack.
Water Reservoir Capacity
First and foremost, these backpacks come in a variety of sizes. You will need to determine how much water you want to carry. Choose a capacity that suits the duration and intensity of your activities.
I typically find that 1 liter of water per hour of anticipated activity is a good ratio (per person). Of course, if it’s hot or I am not particularly well-hydrated when I head out–I might need more. And if you're sharing water with your family, you might opt for a larger hydration system with a bigger reservoir.
Quality of Material & Construction
Check the material of the water reservoir to ensure it is durable, puncture-resistant, and easy to clean. Look for high-quality materials like BPA-free polyurethane or taste-free plastics to ensure the water's quality and your safety. For cleanability, make sure each component of the hydration pack can be detached for cleaning and drying.
Comfort & Fit
Consider the backpack's design, padding, and straps. Look for adjustable shoulder straps, sternum straps, and waist belts to distribute the weight evenly and ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Proper fit is essential for stability and preventing discomfort or chafing during your activities.
Bite Valve Construction
Examine the quality and ease of use of the bite valve and drinking tube. Ensure the valve is leak-proof, easy to open and close, and provides a steady flow of water. The tube should be long enough to reach your mouth comfortably and have a clip or magnetic attachment to keep it in place on the shoulder straps.
Additional Storage
Evaluate the backpack's additional storage space and compartments. Consider whether you need extra pockets for carrying essentials like snacks, keys, a phone, or a jacket. Some hydration backpacks also have external attachment points for trekking poles or gear.
Best Water Reservoir Backpacks to Stay Hydrated On the Go
Now, without further delay. Let’s take a detailed breakdown of my top picks for the best hydration backpacks. Here I will show you what I like–and don’t like–about each one.
The CamelBak is probably the most recognizable brand name on this list. It has achieved colloquial status–sort of like ‘Post-it Notes’ and ‘Kleenex.’ That is to say, the brand name is so recognizable that it is often used interchangeably as the product name.
This brand offers a range of products with different uses and capacities. The M.U.L.E. hydration system is specifically designed for medium-to-long durations and comes in a men’s design, a women’s design, and even a youth design.
The CamelBak M.U.L.E. includes a 100 oz. (3L) capacity, ample additional storage, and a rugged design for optimal comfort.
Here’s what I like about the CamelBak:
CamelBak has thought of everything with an integrated rain cover and multiple attachment points for all your gear.
Maximizes comfort with a ventilated design that keeps your back cool.
High-quality, durable construction from a trusted brand.
Here is what you might consider before choosing a CamelBak:
While the large capacity and ample storage space can be a big bonus, it all adds considerable weight to the pack. This might be too heavy for some activities like mountain biking.
CamelBak is a premium brand with a high price point. It’s possible to find more economical alternatives.
Overall, I like the CamelBak M.U.L.E. for hiking. We tend to head out for 2-4 hours at a time, and the large capacity reservoir allows me to bring plenty of water (and snacks) for myself and my kiddo.
If you’re looking for that sweet spot where you still get premium quality but a little more budget-friendly pricing, the Teton Sports line of hydration backpacks is it! I love this brand for the simple fact that I feel like I get my money’s worth.
Teton Sports is a well-known, innovative outdoor products brand that offers a variety of practical solutions in a mid-range budget.
The Teton Sports Oasis Backpack provides a 2L capacity in a BPA-free bladder with easy-clean construction.
Here’s what I like about the Teton Sports Oasis Backpack:
It’s affordably priced without compromising quality or features.
It includes reflective strips for night-time visibility.
It’s incredibly durable, with ripstop construction, reinforced stitching, and double zippers.
Here is what you might consider before buying this brand:
This backpack has some additional storage compartments, but it’s lacking smaller pockets that help keep things organized.
It can be difficult to get the bladder dry after cleaning, which can lead to mildew.
Overall, I find the Teton Sports Oasis to be a good value. It does come in a variety of sizes so that you can choose your capacity. If this is your first hydration backpack purchase, the Teton Sports Oasis is a good starting point.
This model provides a different twist on the traditional hydration backpack design. It’s actually a vest intended to help distribute the weight of the water around your core (instead of just across your shoulders).
The Osprey Duo Vest carries 2.5L of water with a variety of pockets, loops, and bungees to corral all of your gear on the trail.
Here’s what I like about the Osprey Duo Hydration Vest:
It has a lightweight, minimalist design that makes carrying 2.5 liters of water feel effortless.
This vest offers a lot of flexibility to get a good, customized fit.
The durable construction also includes various mesh panels for breathability.
Here’s what you might consider before choosing this vest:
It’s a vest, so it can be more difficult to find the right fit for taller people or larger builds.
There is less additional storage for snacks and gear compared to backpack-style reservoirs.
You'll pay a premium for this type of water reservoir apparatus that supports your back and spine.
Overall, the Osprey Duo Hydration Vest is my favorite for keeping things light and balanced. It’s nice to have the option of extra storage to carry more stuff–but sometimes those blessings can be a curse when it comes to the overall weight of the load.
Vibrelli is a value-priced option with a 2L (medium) capacity. I own one of these–along with a CamelBak and an Outdoor Products bag. Of the three, this one is my favorite for cycling. I find it necessary to keep a simple, lightweight pack when I’m riding, and this one fits the bill perfectly.
The Vibrelli Hydration Pack provides a perfect balance of durable construction, ample size, and lightweight design.
Here’s what I like about the Vibrelli backpack:
Reflective strips add high-visibility safety when cycling at or near dark.
It has a high-flow valve that is easy to use while riding.
Extra pockets (small and secure) for keys, cellphone, etc.
Affordably priced.
Here’s what you might consider before choosing this backpack:
This backpack is designed to be small and lightweight. If you load it down with gear, it will be noticeably uncomfortable.
The bladder design is a bit difficult to clean and dry, which may contribute to mildew growth.
Overall, the Vibrelli Hydration Pack is my favorite for small, lightweight needs–like cycling or short 1-2 hour hikes.
I also own this Outdoor Products Convertible Backpack. I bought the backpack and the bladder separately for under $20 at my local Menards store. So far, this has been one of the best uses of a store rebate credit I have had!
Since 1973, Outdoor Products has been making quality gear at affordable prices. They make a variety of packs, including versatile backpacks with optional water reservoir bladders (like we have).
Here’s what I like about the Outdoors Product hydration system:
Affordable pricing fits most any budget.
Outfitted with heavy duty zippers and utility cord pulls.
Key clips and smaller pockets for added organization.
Here’s what you might consider before choosing this backpack:
The bladders can be difficult to dry out after cleaning, which can cause mildew.
The bite valves tend to wear out easily.
Overall, the Outdoor Products hydration pack is my personal favorite for a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality.
Notable Mentions–Other Hydration Backpack Options I Might Consider
There is a pretty big market for hydration backpacks. Here are a few other brands that I considered when shopping for my backpacks. In most cases, price was fairly important to me so if there was a more economical option that I still felt was pretty good quality, I chose that.
However, you might also want to consider these great choices:
FAQs–What You Need to Know Before Buying a Hydration System
Hands down, we're big fans of hydration packs while spending time outdoors. But we also want to help you make an informed buying decision (even though we know our faves).
Can You Put a Water Bladder in Any Backpack?
Yes, you can purchase a separate water bladder complete with a drinking hose and place it inside any backpack that you already own. However, here are a few reasons you may not want to go that route.
First, water is heavy and hydration backpacks are specifically engineered to distribute that weight comfortably. Second, there may not be a good way to feed the drinking tube out of the backpack unless it was designed for this purpose. And that might mean that you have to leave the bag partially unzipped.
What Size Hydration Pack Should I Get?
The size of the reservoir depends on personal preference and activity. For example, if you are heading out for 1-2 hours of activity, a smaller reservoir is manageable. For riding or hiking that will span longer periods, like 3-4+ hours away from a primary water source, bigger is better.
What Activities Are Best for Bringing a Hydration Backpack?
While we already mentioned hiking, biking, camping, and running—those aren't the only activities where a hydration system will come in handy. We took ours to the Gathering Place (if you haven't heard of it, it's the world's best playground). These backpacks also come in handy at these unconventional places:
Outdoor festivals, concerts, and events at places like Branson Landing
Fairs
Theme parks like Silver Dollar City
Shopping trips
Exploring State Parks like Roaring River Fish Hatchery
How Do You Clean the Water Reservoir for a Hydration Backpack?
Once you've made the purchase, you'll want to make sure to take care of your investment properly. Here are the basic steps to clean a typical hydration bladder:
Fill the reservoir bladder with warm, soapy water
Allow the soap mixture to fill the drinking tube by dispensing a small amount of water
Allow to soak for 10-20 minutes
Separate all components of the bladder, tubing, and mouthpiece
Scrub inside with a bottle brush or reservoir cleaning kit
Rinse bladder and tubing with fresh water
Hang to air dry
Use folded or crumpled paper towels inside the open bladder to assist with drying
If your backpack is particularly dirty or has evidence of mold growth, consider using specialty reservoir cleaning tablets, baking soda, or a diluted bleach mixture for extra cleaning power.