Hydration Waistpacks are a great option for many athletes and adventure seekers requiring all the convenience of having a hydration system on hand but eliminating the added weight or bulk.
Your sporting activity or outdoor event may require that you carry the least amount as possible, or you just might not require all the extra features that hydration packs offer.
With a waist pack, you can experience the same hydration convenience as larger packs. However, they’re more compact in size and less obtrusive to your body.
Quenching Your Thirst The Right Way Is Never A “Waist” Of Time!
There are numerous models and styles available to you online, and when you’re searching the Internet for a functional waist pack that’s just right, it may be difficult to choose one that will completely fulfill all your outdoor needs.
To help you in your decision making, we have researched a few popular waist packs from some of the top online outdoor equipment suppliers, and placed them here for your convenience!
CamelBak FlashFlo LR Hydration Waist Pack
Camelbak being one of the top hydration products on the market today, offers several waist pack options to choose from:
This pack is compact, lightweight, jiggle-free design, which provides stability while trail running or fast day hikers.
The reservoir opening is accessible from the outside of the pack, leading to a 1.4 liter (45-oz) capacity with enough room for your CD or mp3 music player, compact headphones, and additional necessities such as your small essentials and energy snacks.
CamelBak Tahoe Pack
The day of bouncy bottles and water spillage are gone! The Tahoe model is super-stable, can carry enough food and extra clothing for your extended trail or mountain biking runs. The Catalyst is lightweight, super-stable, and holds just enough water (28 ounces) to keep you hydrated for hours.
Nike Running Hydration Pack
If you’re still a big fan of the water bottle, this pack offered by Nike provides an angled water bottle holster, which makes it easy to grab a drink on the run.
It’s lightweight with ergonomic features for added comfort and has a zippered storage pouch large enough to accommodate your energy bars, personal accessories, and it even has enough room for a compact cell phone for all the athletic workaholics.
Features of a Good Hiking Fannypack
A hiking fanny pack is a light, strong, and comfortable alternative to using a regular daypack or backpack, and perfect for the shorter hiking adventure.
Waist packs accept a good amount of supplies without interfering with the normal movement. Plus, the packs are a great choice for cyclists, skiers, runners, climbers, etc.
Hiking packs come in a variety of designs and styles similar to the regular daypacks. Here are four features of the hiking fanny pack:
Waist adjustability
Waist adjustability for the hiking fanny pack makes this product a very versatile piece of equipment on the trails. By adjusting the waist strap it is possible to get the fanny packs that give a secure fit (for most small and large hikers).
In addition to the waist strap, many of the fanny packs are designed so the strap can cross over the shoulder to give a further choice of securing to the body. For the preferred fit the fanny pack should hug the body for extra stability and comfort.
Multiple compartments
Fanny packs are designed with multiple compartments to avoid clumsy packing issues with all items in a single pocket.
A purpose-made hiking fanny pack simplifies packing with its easy access, top-loading section, plus a nylon mesh pocket for holding a water bottle, and side or internal pockets for holding keys, wallets, driving license, smartphone, etc.
A separate pocket for the water is a must-have feature to avoid issues with accidentally spilling or getting other items wet.
Interior pockets
Most of the hiking fanny packs come with zippered pockets to make it easier to secure items like cash or bank cards.
Even though there might not be much in the way of shops on the mountain trails, it can still benefit to stash money or similar useful loose items.
High durability
Similar to other hiking supplies, the fanny pack needs to be tough and lightweight to handle the difficult outdoor environment (easily snagged or snared or bushes or tree branches).
Plus, the hiking fanny pack must be lightweight for ease in carrying on the trails. A preferred material is ripstop or similar for its high durability qualities.
What is the preferred fanny pack for hiking?
The preferred style of waist pack for the camping or hiking enthusiast is those referred to as lumber fanny packs. These are built with similar qualities to the daypacks and include a large pouch and compression straps for a better fit and extra comfort.
A spacious pack is certain to benefit on a day-hike and gives space to accept the must-have essentials.
Even though the lumber fanny packs are the largest choice, it is still important the check the pack capacity.
Certain packs can appear small, but in fact, have quite roomy pockets and compartments to accept a load of supplies. Load capacity is measured in cubic inches or liters with 9 L useful for accepting the essentials for a day-hike, running, or urban strolling.
Matt Green, is an avid hiker and lover of the great outdoors. He is always planning his next big trip or hitting the trails for a solo hike.
He’s traveled extensively to many remote regions and has plenty of experience exploring various terrains, and stories to tell.