Hydration Packs
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Two hikers go head to head on the best carryall for a walk in the woods
In a lineup of touring packs, this boot bag and small daypack didn't make the cut, but they're still well worth your attention
Riding kit is expensive. Here’s how to keep it looking, smelling, and performing its best.
I've tried to carry water in every way imaginable. I think this piece of gear works best.
Logging miles in brutal conditions? Be sure and replace what you sweat out.
Putting away your equipment correctly will allow it to last for years to come.
Hydro Flask's mountain bike packs are designed to keep water cold for up to four hours
The last thing you want is to go for a drink and end up sipping dirty water
The Nathan VaporHowe 12L vest is simple and lightweight, and features a 1.8-liter hydration bladder that doesn't slosh around on your back
For one thing, if you're feeling thirsty, drink up
The athleisure company is branching out from its mainstay apparel and yoga accessories
A peek at Hydro Flask’s Journey Series hydration pack, Mountainsmith’s Zerk 40L Fastpack, and OluKai's Hawai’iloa boot collection
First looks, analysis, and interviews, all delivered from our team at Winter OR
After years of making some of our favorite running hydration packs, Salomon is launching the Advanced Skin 8 Set
Our columnist Bryan Rogala walks through some easy steps to ensure a long healthy life for your hydration pack.
With tips, hacks, and processes from the hydration pros
We put them through the wringer to find out which would come out on top
We torture-tested the new crop of MTB-specific packs. Here are the 3 that held up best to the abuse.
Nathan’s Zeal race vest packs a lot of hydration into one small, efficient must-have.
What’s the best way to haul water when running long distances?
There are dozens of hydration packs out there. Which ones are best for specific activities, such as mountain biking, running marathons, or a weekend hike?
Beat dehydration this summer with one of these great reservoirs: The Geigerrig Hydration Pack bladder, which comes standard in the brand's hiking and biking packs; the Platypus Big Zip SL, the most secure bladder we tested this season; or the Hydrapak Shape-Shift, which you can zip up in the middle to create a more dispersed load.
Outside reviews the best gear for the 2012 Summer Buyer's Guide, including the Arc'teryx Incendo.
Outside picks the essentials for March, including the Arc'teryx Motus Crew.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide, including the Salomon Quest 30 pack
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the CamelBak Charge 450 Pack.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Osprey Viper 4 Pack.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Hydrapak E-Lite Hydration Vest.
Outside reviews the best gear in the 2011 Summer Buyers Guide, including the Camelbak Aventura.
Size, Price: 68 oz, $24; 96 oz, $26Flow Rate: 3*Funk Fighter?: Roll-top opening for easy cleaningFilter-Compatible?: YesValve Shutoff?: YesGotta Love: DoubleShot valve doubles the flowBummer: Dual rubber valves are slick, hard to biteSplat Test: Survived *Ratings: 1=Average, 3=Excellent…
Road A hydration shirt? Yes. This three-pocket cycling jersey has an integrated compartment that snugs a 72-ounce reservoir (included) to your back. Some testers were initially skeptical, but being able to carry more water—and not having to reach down for a drink—sold them. Works just as well off-road, too, though…
Size, Price: 70 oz, $28; 100 oz, $30Flow Rate: 3*Funk Figher?: Antimicrobial treatmentFilter-Compatible?: Yes, with $7 adapterValve Shutoff?: YesGotta Love: Angled mouthpiece puts bite valve where you need itBummer: Tricky to drySplat Test: Survived *Ratings: 1=Average, 3=Excellent…
If I bring my dog Pontouf on a long run, I saddle him with Ruff Wear’s light, slim SingleTrak pack, which carries a liter of water. ruffwear.com…
Aigle Shems – Midweight Jackets: Reviews With a soft fleece interior and warm, durable merino wool/nylon exterior, this jacket combines our favorite fabrics in one versatile top. 1.9 lbs; aigleusa.com Patagonia Pau – Footwear: Reviews (Terry Heffernan) The coolest mocs we’ve ever laid eyes…
I am an organization freak, so I find Zen when all of my gear has its own place, like in the multiple pockets of this compact 1,200-cubic-inch hydration pack, which holds three Nalgenes’ worth of water. ospreypacks.com…
Hydration packs don’t come with more features than this. On a day hike in Utah’s Owl Canyon, the Isis’s leakproof three-liter reservoir toted plenty of water, the main compartment stowed lunch and more, and the large exterior pocket and cinch cord held extra layers. Even fully loaded, the pack…
This super-low-profile pack holds 50 ounces of water and 150 cubic inches of tools, lunch, and doodads in two organizer pockets. camelbak.com…
A quick-connect hose makes these reservoirs easy to refill (you can remove the reservoir without rethreading the hose and bite valve through the pack's hydration port). 48–100 ounces; nalgene-outdoor.com …
When the slope rips out beneath you, your beacon will help friends find you, but how deep you’re buried will likely determine whether you survive. The BCA Float 30 (with an insulated hydration sleeve; shovel and probe pockets; and, new for this year, a diagonal-ski-carry system) deploys a 150-liter…
Size, Price: 64 oz, $23; 100 oz, $25Flow Rate: 2*Funk Figher?: Yes, with cleaning tablets, sold separatelyFilter-Compatible?: YesValve Shutoff?: YesGotta Love: Big Bore wide opening: Throw in the ice!Bummer: Rigid valve can be tough on teethSplat Test: Survived *Ratings: 1=Average, 3=Excellent…
Gaping openings make for fast, thorough cleaning. 70–100 ounces; deuterusa.com …
The Squall seems spartan. It isn’t. Well, except for the hipbelt, which is simply unpadded webbing, but that’s all you really need. Plus what’s on the inside is equally important. Within this top-loading, 27-liter pack, everything has its place: There are sleeves for your probe, shovel handle, hydration bladder,…
Size, Price: 70 oz, $23Flow Rate: 2*Funk Fighter?: Zip top opening for easy cleaningFilter-Compatible?: Yes, with $4 adapterValve Shutoff?: NoGotta Love: Dump an ice try in the zip topBummer: Pre-hike test of zip seal is criticalSplat Test: Splatted *Ratings: 1=Average, 3=Excellent…
With four easy-access storage pockets, a water-resistant iPod pouch, and a three-liter reservoir guaranteed against punctures for life, this updated classic is a smart pack for long rides and hikes. 1.4 lbs; www.camelbak.com…
Tough Guy This is a stand-up pack—literally. Thanks in part to its extremely heavy-duty fabric (“Like Carhartts,” said one tester), the 29.5-liter Pit Boss stands up straight, on its own, even when empty. But the truly unique feature is the pack’s three interconnected zippers. Two close the lid over the…
Size, Price: 70 oz, $21; 105 oz, $22Flow Rate: 1*Funk Fighter?: Antimicrobial treatmentFilterCompatible?: NoValve Shutoff?: YesGotta Love: Saucepan-style handle makes for easy fillingBummer: Second-rate bite valve makes for low flowSplat Test: Survived *Ratings: 1=Average, 3=Excellent…
This featherweight back hugger stays in place during even the most jarring bob-and-weave trail running. Pack sparingly: There’s space for only energy bars, keys, and a light shell. The spongy back panel is soft but gets sweaty. Two-liter reservoir included. 12 oz; www.kelty.com…
Size, Price: 64 oz, $21Flow Rate: 3*Funk Fighter? NoFilter-Compatible?: YesValve Shutoff?: NoGotta Love: Hang loop for easy dryingBummer: Fills from bottom; bite valve requires big biteSplat Test: Survived *Ratings: 1=Average, 3=Excellent…
If you already have a hydration reservoir and just need a more versatile pack to put it in, go for the Razor and its interchangeable hipbelts. Use the minimalist strap for running with a light load; swap in the padded belt when you cram the pack full for a day…
Size, Price: 70 oz, $23; 100 oz, $25Flow Rate: 2*Funk Figher?: Turn inside-out for easy cleaningFilter-Compatible?: NoValve Shutoff?: YesGotta Love: Velcro roll top for easy access and a secure sealBummer: Locking mechanism is an accident waiting to happenSplat Test: Survived *Ratings: 1=Average,…
An aggressively arched suspension with mesh panel lets air cool your back. The pack includes a two-liter reservoir and stows cargo for a long ride. Best for biking. 1.5 lbs; www.deuterusa.com…
Size, Price: 68 oz, $23; 101 oz, $25Flow Rate: 3*Funk Fighter?: Antimicrobial coatingFilter-Compatible?: YesValve Shutoff?: Yes, via capGotta Love: Spring-loaded valve barely needs biting; hygienic capBummer: Valve cap bangs around when not in placeSplat Test: Splatted *Ratings: 1=Average, 3=Excellent…
Aerated foam backing, mesh shoulder straps, and a two-liter reservoir make this a good summer runner, but check the fit: Some testers found the straps set too far apart for their shoulders. 13 oz; www.thenorthface.com…
This fat-tire Shangri-La's got stunning scenery, challenging riding, plenty of beer and music—and you don't have to be an expert rider or endurance junkie. Here's everything you need to make the most of this weekend-long party, er, mountain-bike race.
1. Zoic‘s Black Market ($69; zoic.com) quickly became our go-to shorts. The reasons: plenty of pockets, a loose but not baggy fit, and, most important, an inner short with a super-comfy chamois. Mountain biking apparel MTB style 2. Thanks to its street-smart style and semi-fitted…
What backpacking gear do you recommend for Colorado trails?—SophiaConcord, New Hampshire
I just got back from a backpacking trip and used my CelBak bladder in the pouch included in my backpack. I liked using this system instead of reaching back for a water bottle, but the bladder is hard to refill when buried in the pack and also takes up pack space. Is there another kind of bladder out there? Maybe a square one that can sit on top my gear, near the top of the pack? This would keep it out of the way and make it easy to access. Joseph Moraga, CA
1. FELT ZW1 BIKE It looks fast, it feels fast, and it is fasteven if you’re not. The oversize carbon-fiber tubes are dialed for female riders; they were never too stiff, never too soft. Shimano’s finest Dura-Ace components, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, gel grips, and Felt’s women’s carbon saddle…
1. MT. BORAH CUSTOM With seven-week turnarounds and minimum orders of just six pieces, Mt. Borah makes customcycling gear easier than ever. Jerseys from $83; mtborahcustom.com 2. VITTORIA OPEN CORSA EVO CX The handmade CX can handle pressures up to 200 psi and is…
Sigg‘s aluminum 100 Year Bottle is a modern update of a design from the thirties ($30; mysigg.com). Sigg 100 Year Bottle …
I hike with a hydration bladder, but I have a couple of issues with the system. When hiking with my friends, I quickly run out of water much faster than they do. Plus, it’s very difficult to gauge how much water remains without pulling out the bladder and then reloading it. Also, when my pack is full, it requires a lot of effort to insert the full bladder. Do bladder-style hydration systems exist with a method to gauge how much water remains? Toby Brussels, Belgium
What is your recommendation on a hydration pack that will keep fluids from freezing? Ideally it’d be small enough for resort use, but big enough to carry an extra layer, snacks, goggles, and possibly the option of straps for ski/board carry. Tony Montreal, Quebec
I’m walking the Seattle Breast Cancer 3-Day this fall and want to buy a small pack for the event. I’ll walk 20 miles a day and will need to carry a few essentials, including water. Got anything in pink? Joy Cottage Grove, Oregon
Strange but true: It feels good to run all day. Prep yourself with this go-far gear.
I can’t find a camera-gear pack that includes hydration system capability. Any help from within your deep “bag” of experience? Clay Wimberley, Texas
My husband is interested in a hydration pack for dayhikes and bike rides. Which size will best suit his needs? Also, can you recommend one for kids (ages five and eight)? Melody Fircrest, Washington
We never knew that the world needed another polycarbonate water bottle until we wrapped a hand around CamelBak’s 750ml splash-, spill-, and shatterproof beauty. The bottle mates ‘Bak’s bite valve with a plastic straw for no-head-tilt hydration. Just try to find an easier way to suck down agua in the…
I'm looking for a hydration pack with two bladders and a toggle switch to let me move back and forth from one to the other while cycling. Is there such a thing? Scott Corvallis, Montana
I pretty new to running and going to do a 13-mile trail run that is expected to take about four-plus hours. I looking for hydration packs as there will not be aid stations or anything like that. My concern is with the hydration backpacks or lumbar packs that offer only one place to store one kind of drink. What do I do about carrying water and my electrolyte replacement? Are backpacks out of the question? How do you feel about The North Face Dayhiker Lumbar Pack? It has plenty of room for food, and has a dual source for water and my other drink. Tia San Jose, California