Best Hydration Packs

This water backpack comes with Osprey Hydraulics reservoir that has the capacity of 100 oz. It's a plastic bladder with a screw-on cap for trouble-free and fast refills even without removing the reservoir from the backpack. The hydration system occupies a special sleeve, so it's well protected and it doesn't contact other items inside the backpack. The bite valve is fitted with a small magnet and attaches to the right sternum strap. Therefore, you need just to bite the valve and drink! The Osprey water backpack's main compartment is large enough to store some clothes or foodstuff, for example. The water backpack is equipped with a small scratch-proof sunglasses pocket that you will find extremely handy in case you use rather expensive cycling glasses. If you like long-distance bike rides, you know well that a technical failure might leave you stranded many miles from the nearest town. That's why this fantastic hydration pack has a removable roll-out pocket for holding all the tools you need for a repair (such as a bike pump, tubes, tools, etc). If you need to cycle around your neighborhood, you can remove this pocket in no time. The hip belt has two pockets for small items (such as energy gels, for example). Thus, despite a relatively small size, this Osprey hydration backpack will hold everything you need on a cycling tour.

Apart from a variety of storage compartments, this water backpack has some additional features that make it extremely convenient to use. We would like to mention the Lid lock system that allows you to store a bike helmet when you aren't wearing it. We recommend you to read our review of the best bike helmets and choose the model fitting your requirements.

The front compartment has a couple of meshed pockets for keys and other important belongings. Riding at nighttime is far more dangerous that at daytime, so this Osprey water backpack has a light reflecting pattern and a place for a blinker light.

This compact backpack has 68 oz Antidote® water reservoir. Due to the size and capacity of the bladder, you almost don't feel it during a bike ride or while jogging. On average, a person needs to drink around 35 oz of water per hour during physical exercises, so the capacity of the reservoir is great for an intensive 2-hour cycling. The cap of the bladder is leak-proof and is easy to open and close (just 1/4 turn). The opening is rather wide, so it's easy to refill the bladder and clean it (with a special brush). The patented Big Bite™ valve is very reliable and has a special on/off lever which allows you to control the water flow. The hydration system is fitted with the HydroGuard™ anti-leak technology. In general, this small item is great for people who wish to drink enough while exercising and who don't need any extras.

The manufacturer recommends filling the hydration bladder with pure water or with a special energy drink that helps your body recover after strenuous activities. You may try adding carbonated water; the bladder somewhat inflates as the pressure builds up inside, so the water flows really well when you bite the valve. Yet, professionals don't drink carbonated water. It isn't recommended to fill the water reservoir with juice, lemonade, soda, and other sugary drinks. The sugar contained in them accumulates on the inner walls of the bladder and in the tube, so cleaning them is rather troublesome. Thus, fill the reservoir with clean water and the hydration pack will serve you for ages.

As the very name of this backpack suggests, it comes with a hydration system. It isn't big but the capacity (68 oz) is sufficient for a mountain bike ride. The bladder is made of soft BPA-free plastic and, therefore, is totally safe for your health. The screw-on cap of the water reservoir makes refills easy and is leak-proof. The water tube is soft and resistant to bending and wringing. The hydration system is fitted with a reliable bite valve. Fill the bladder with water, put it into the backpack, then draw the tube through a special opening in the backpack, and you are ready to go! The harness straps are padded and breathable for your extra comfort and the optimum weight distribution. Thus, your back and shoulders won't get tired during multi-hour cycling or backpacking trips. To make you visible on the road at nighttime, this hydration pack has light reflective strips. Your clothes and other items will never get wet since this backpack comes with a handy rain cover. And last but not least, you will also find an emergency whistle in the box, which will come as a nice bonus!

Summing the brief review up, this hydration pack is one of the best as it combines a fairly large capacity, lots of storage compartments and pockets, impressive package, and high-quality materials. What makes it even more attractive is its low price! 

If you adore backpacking even in cold weather, you need a storage of a hot drink. So, we recommend you to read our review on thermoses.

A hydration reservoir of this pack is a small plastic bladder usually with a screw-on cap. It's easy-to-use and leak-proof but cleaning the bladder might seem quite difficult. Yet, there is nothing to fear as you can use a special brush. The bladder is fitted with a flexible hose with a bite valve. To drink, just bike it! Unlike many other valves, this one has a plastic lid that prevents the accumulation of dust or dirt. We don't recommend you to fill the water reservoir with sugary drinks, such as juice or lemonade. The tiny sugar particles will make a sediment inside the bladder and you might find cleaning it a challenging task. If you are an avid trail runner or a cyclist, you need to keep the water bladder clean so that no dangerous bacteria or mold proliferate in it. Fill the reservoir with hot water, add some dishwashing liquid, then rinse the bladder with cold water. If you wish to avoid using any chemicals, you can add two tablespoons of soda and go over exactly the same procedure. Do it once a month and the water reservoir will always be clean and safe for your health!

This hydration backpack is made of durable nylon which is really wear-resistant and serves for years. Also, this material is water-resistant, protecting your belongings in case it starts raining (though, it is unlikely to protect them from a heavy downpour). The chest and waist straps offer a wide adjustment range, so both men and women can find the perfect fit. Moreover, even a child can wear this water backpack! The chest sizes vary from 27'' to 50''. The storage compartments aren't record-large but they can easily fit some of your clothes, an iPad, or even a small laptop (with the screen size of 11"-12''). By the way, you can remove the hydration system and use the backpack alone.

If you need to carry your laptop every day, you should certainly use a special backpack for it. Take a look at our shortlist of the best laptop backpacks and choose the one you like the most!

This small water backpack is fitted with multiple pockets for all items you need for picnicking, hiking, or cycling. The main storage compartment fits your clothes of food, whereas several small pockets are perfect for such necessities as gadgets, a wallet, a first-aid kit, etc. There are two small waist pouches for small items, such as keys or cards, for example. Yet, what makes this water backpack unique is the presence of the insulated water bladder compartment which can maintain a water temperature for about 4 hours, supplying you with cold water on hot summer days. Owing to a big size of the screw-on cap, all refills are hassle-free and will take you minimum time. To make water even cooler, you could add some ice cubes just before going on a journey. 

A hydration backpack is a useful accessory, but this fact isn't obvious to everyone. Some people prefer taking a sports water bottle and a conventional backpack, whereas cyclists might use a bike bottle holder. However, in order to have a drink, you will need to stop each time which might be rather challenging for your body, trying to keep the same breathing rhythm along the route. Try and go cover a couple of miles and then, just before crossing a finish line, make a stop to have some water. You will instantly feel very hot and exhausted and might not manage to proceed to run at all. That's why wearing a hydration pack comes handy with water right at your hand. There's no need to halt during your run; you can keep drinking water while exercising (no matter where you cycle or run). The other thing is, you can always keep some other essentials like your phone, maybe some snacks, documents, keys, a badge, etc. in one of its smaller pockets so that nothing important could be left behind.