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Total Hiker > Hiking Gear > Hydration > Hydration Packs > What Are The Best Hydration Packs? Our Top Picks and Reviews

What Are The Best Hydration Packs? Our Top Picks and Reviews

Hydration Packs do a body good!

This site has been built to provide a reliable resource to help pick a perfect hydration pack or water backpack/bladder system for outdoor enthusiasts.

Water backpacks are common in outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, cycling, running, etc.) and essentially are bags filled with liquid (and packed in a backpack). Staying hydrated is much easier with a hydration pack or bladder because the process is effortless and convenient. Usually, people think of the brand name “Camelbak” in regards to these packs but there are many more options!

2020’s 5 Top Rated Hydration Packs and Water Backpacks Reviews

Buying the right hydration pack to match the needs isn’t always so straightforward, so you will find our first-hand reviews will help identify the best hydration packs to match the activity.

Camelbak Men’s Rogue

Camelbak 2016 Rogue Hydration Pack, Black, 70-Ounce
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Easy to use and well made, the Camelbak Men’s Rouge can hold four 16.9 ounce bottles of water easily. I already have several other packs with the hydration facility, but I also needed something that has a slim-line build and this backpack is certainly able to match that need.

Plus, the internal and external compartments make it easy to pack a multi-tool, headlamp, cell phone, wallet, snack bars, etc. I am very satisfied and this backpack and it certainly comes in high-quality and durable material. I don’t have to carry another pack to carry the goods I need when I’m hiking the trails or riding my mountain bike.

CamelBak ThermoBak 3L

Camelbak 2016 Rogue Hydration Pack, Black, 70-Ounce
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The simplicity of the CamelBak ThermoBak 3L makes it a perfect hydration system when all you are concerned about is water. There isn’t much in the way of real pockets or webbing to hold extras. But, this is a very high-quality pack which and can last multiple seasons without fail. A great aspect of this CamelBak product is the ease in refill which doesn’t ask me to remove the bladder from the pack. This means the refilling process is convenient and very fast. Plus, it has several D-ring points to make it easy to mount to a suitable vest. I use this particular pack on physically demanding activities and have experienced no real issues.

  How to Choose Your Hydration Pack

Teton Sports Oasis 1100

Camelbak 2016 Rogue Hydration Pack, Black, 70-Ounce
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The Teton Sports Oasis 1100 is everything I need for a long hike. I can just about fit everything I need in this pack. The small pockets are great for keys, phone, wallet, compass, binoculars, or similar small items. The bladder section is great for one or two other items. And a larger pocket can easily accept a lunch bag, fleece, or rain jacket. I think a slightly larger size would have been nice and would make it easier to pack the most in-demand supplies.

A minor complaint I have with this bladder is the initial taste of the water — on the first few trips the water had a quite plastic taste — but after 5-7 trips this is able to clear up.

Platypus Hoser

Camelbak 2016 Rogue Hydration Pack, Black, 70-Ounce
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I’ve used the Platypus Hoser on hundreds of miles of trekking and the service provided has been first-class. My opinion of this bladder is high and it is able to easily stand up to some rough treatment. The backpack that holds the Platypus Hoser often gets some good knocks and bumps, but the bladder still remains undamaged. A mouthpiece guard is a great addition to the kit to help keep the bit valve debris free.

It is lightweight and has a listed weight at about 4 oz, which is great when you consider it is able to accept 3 liters of water. Also, to avoid issues with stale tasting water I make sure to fully drain the bladder after each and every use.

Osprey Packs Hydraulics LT

Camelbak 2016 Rogue Hydration Pack, Black, 70-Ounce
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I recently had the opportunity to fully test the Osprey Packs Hydraulics LT and I’m pleased to say it did quite well with no real issues. It has a wide opening which means the process of refilling is easy, even when trekking along the trails. Plus, it comes with indicator markings to let you know the volume of water left or when it is time to top up. No issues with condensation or leaks have been noticed and overall, the construction of the bladder feels good and resilient. Also, this product has a magnetic sternum part that works well and makes sure the hose stays in place.

  Outdoor Products H20 Performance Hydration Pack Review

A well-chosen hydration system is the most efficient option for the athlete to sip liquid on-the-go. Be sure to check below for our full review links.

Conclusion

In order to make sure you prevent any growth of bacteria and mildew you will want to make sure your bladder is cleaned out between uses. This will help to ensure that you not only have a good tasting beverage each time you use it and to ensure that you will not be drinking any bacteria or mildew to cause you to get sick after using the hydration pack. With a few simple steps, you can make sure it’s kept clean and healthy. These are the steps to learning how to clean a hydration pack bladder properly.

Matt

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.

July 11, 2021

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