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- It's incredibly important to stay hydrated while active, and with a hydration pack, it's never been easier or more comfortable.
- The Osprey Skarab 18 hydration pack has enough storage space for all the hiking essentials you need on a day hike, but it can also excel over longer distances, thanks to its 2-liter bladder.
As anyone who's ever been parched on a hike can attest, being miles away from the nearest source of drinkable water isn't particularly ideal. Not only does being thirsty take away from enjoying the outdoors, but being dehydrated can dramatically sap a hiker's energy. Thankfully, backpack companies understood this for the issue it is and began manufacturing hydration-specific packs built for a variety of uses.
By designing hydration packs with special compartments built to hold flexible water pouches, anyone has the ability to take liters of potable water with them wherever they go. Be it a five-mile day hike, a longer backpacking trek, or even a long-distance bike ride, there's a hydration pack available to satiate anyone's thirst.
While a company like CamelBak built its name on revolutionizing the hydration pack, large backpack makers like Osprey and Gregory helped perfect it. As more brands have a hand in creating their own takes on a now tried-and-true concept, the market seems flooded with options.
Despite the overwhelming amount of hydration packs, selecting the right pack can be simple. Before buying, it's important to decide on three major features: What activity it's used for, the amount of gear it needs to hold, and how much water is required. With that said, a proper hydration pack is one that won't feel too heavy when the water reservoir is full, features the ability to carry a moderate amount of personal items, and is comfortable to wear, even over several hours.
Here are our top picks for the best hydration packs in 2019:
- Best hydration pack overall: Osprey Skarab 18
- Best hydration pack for runners: CamelBak HydroBak
- Best hydration pack for day hikes: Platypus Duthie A.M. 10.0
- Best hydration pack for cycling: Gelindo Insulated Hydration Pack
- Best hydration pack for commuting: Gregory Inertia 30
Updated on 05/01/2019 by Les Shu: Updated links, formatting, and prices. Added related outdoors buying guides.
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