Hydration packs are essential for anyone seeking hands-free hydration on the go. Whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, runner, or Jack-or-Jill-of-all-adventures, a quality hydration pack ensures easy access to water without needing to slow down, fish for your bottle, or deal with cumbersome lids.
If you’re on the hunt for a new hydration pack and you’re overwhelmed by the number of products available, we’ve got your back. Our team of outdoor gear experts has hiked hundreds of miles from Colorado’s coldest, tallest peaks to Arizona’s hot and dusty Sonoran Desert, to test more than 25 hydration packs. We’ve looked at everything from comfort, features, and capacity to support, durability, and price – and this list showcases the best of the best.
For those who just need a new reservoir, take a look at our recommendations for top-tier hydration bladders. If you’re planning a multi-day backcountry adventure, you’ll need to pick up a quality water filter. And if water alone just isn’t cutting it anymore, add some flavor, fizz, and electrolytes with some of our favorite hydration mixes.
Quick Picks for Hydration Packs
Look through this quick list of the best hiking shoes, or continue scrolling to see our full list of favorites with in-depth reviews.
Best overall hydration pack: Gregory Citro 24 H2O Men’s ($170) & Juno 24 H2O Women’s ($170)
Best budget hydration pack: Gregory Nano 18 H2O ($80)
Best ultralight hydration pack: CamelBak HydroBak ($65)
Most supportive hydration pack: Osprey Manta 24 Men’s ($200) & Mira 22 Women’s ($200)
Very affordable hydration pack: TETON Sports Oasis 18 ($50)
What’s new
The Clever Hiker team has been running and hiking with all the most exciting new hydration packs on the market and comparing them against our go-tos. This list has seen some notable additions:
- We welcome the durable and super comfortable Gregory Citro 24 H2O (Men’s) & Juno 24 H2O (Women’s) to the number one spot for their excellent design and great pockets.
- The TETON Sports Oasis 18 makes the cut as a slim and affordable hydration pack with plenty of pockets and cheerful colorways.
Gregory Citro 24 H2O & Juno 24 H2O
Best hydration pack overall
Price: $170
Weight: 2 lb. (Citro) / 1 lb. 15 oz. (Juno)
Capacity (Liquid/Gear): 3L / 24L
Pros
- Comfortable and supportive
- High-quality reservoir
- Large gear / liquid capacity
- Practical pocket configuration
- Magnetic bite valve
- Large front stuff pocket
- Good compression straps
- Breathable back panel
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Heavier than some
- Side pockets a bit narrow
The Gregory Citro 24 H2O (Men’s) & Juno 24 H2O (Women’s) are our favorite hydration packs overall because they have the best balance of weight, capacity, and price. The frame on these packs is supportive enough to carry heavier loads comfortably (up to 20 lbs.), but they still feel lightweight and streamlined on your back. They have all the pockets we find the most useful on the trail with a refreshingly uncomplicated layout – and though the water bottle holster pockets are a bit narrow, they’re angled perfectly for access while still wearing the pack.
For these reasons, the Citro and Juno are well-suited for both short and long trips. On top of that, the included 3D Hydro Reservoir is easy to fill, clean, and dry since it’s made with stiffer plastic that maintains its shape like a water bottle. We like this reservoir so much, it’s our number one pick on our guide to the best hydration bladders. That’s why we think the Citro and Juno H2O packs are an excellent value for the price and will undoubtedly last for many years of adventure.
Gregory Nano 18 H2O
Best budget hydration pack
Price: $80
Weight: 1 lb. 10.6 oz.
Capacity (Liquid/Gear): 3L / 18L
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Large hydration capacity
- High-quality reservoir
- Magnetic bite valve
- Smart pocket design
- Durable
- Removable hip belt
Cons
- Weight is concentrated on shoulders
- 18L is small for some adventures
If you’re looking for a lightweight pack with a convenient hydration system and an affordable price tag, the Gregory Nano 18 H2O is an excellent choice. It comes with the same top-notch hydration reservoir as our top pick, the Gregory Citro / Juno H2O, but the backpack itself is more pared down to save weight and increase portability. It’s a simple pack with a top-loading main compartment and a zippered pocket on the lid to keep small items handy.
The Nano is frameless, so it’s best for slightly lighter loads and shorter days on the trail, but it still has a generous liquid capacity (3L) for longer water carries. The Nano is a versatile little pack with a killer hydration system, and it won’t break the bank.
CamelBak HydroBak
Best ultralight hydration pack
Price: $65
Weight: 6 oz.
Capacity (Liquid/Gear): 1.5L / 1L
Pros
- Ultralight
- Affordable
- Compact
- Comfortable
- 2 stash pockets
- Sternum strap
- Comfortable
Cons
- Limited gear/water capacity (best for short outings)
- No waist strap
- Not as durable as some
The ultralightCamelBak HydroBak (view Women’s here) is a sleek, minimalist hydration pack that’s comfortable and easy to move in. It’s primarily intended to carry water and has a very small gear capacity. It’s best for short outings on familiar trails when you don’t need to bring much, but there’s room for a few essentials like your phone, wallet, an energy bar, and a headlamp. The interior pocket also has attachments to secure a pair of sunglasses and keys. When you’re headed out for a PR on a local hill or a running a few miles around the neighborhood on a summer morning, this is the bag you want.
The included Crux Hydration Reservoir is easy to clean due to its wide-mouth opening, and the large handle makes filling up hassle-free. For remote hikes, we’d opt for a pack with more gear capacity, but the HydroBak offers a less cumbersome feeling for fast and light walks, runs, bike commutes… and maybe the next FKT.
Osprey Manta 24 & Mira 22
Most supportive hydration pack
Price: $200
Weight: 2 lbs. 15.2 oz. (Manta) / 2 lbs. 13.9 oz. (Mira)
Capacity (Liquid/Gear): 2.5L / 24L (Manta) / 2.5L / 22L (Mira)
Pros
- Comfortable (breathable, well-padded & supportive)
- Durable
- Large gear/liquid capacity
- Lots of pockets & attachment points
- High-quality hydration system
- Magnetic bite valve
- Rain cover
Cons
- Expensive
- A bit heavy
- Hip belt pockets small for most phones
If you’re looking for a high-quality hydration pack with solid support and plenty of pockets, check out the Osprey Manta 24 (Men’s) and Mira 22 (Women’s). These packs have a large capacity for long days on the trail and a comfortable suspension system that transfers weight to your hips. If you love a classic, burly frame that doesn’t skimp on features (or weight), these packs are a great contender.
The included 2.5L Hydraulics LTReservoir has a wide, leak-proof opening that zips shut with a slider. It also has a quick-disconnect tube that’s really easy to access. We like the 3D Hydro Reservoir included with the Gregory packs a bit more, but the Hydraulics weighs a little less and is still very convenient. The Manta and Mira are on the heavy/pricey side, but they’re super durable and are some of the most comfortable for carrying more substantial loads.
TETON Sports Oasis 18
Very affordable hydration pack
Price: $50
Weight: 2 lbs.
Capacity (Liquid/Gear): 2L / 18L
Pros
- Affordable
- Useful pockets
- Well-padded back panel
- Rain cover
- Lots of colorways
Cons
- Weight is concentrated on shoulders with frameless designs
- Basic hydration reservoir
- Not as durable as some
The TETON Sports Oasis 18 is one of the most affordable hydration packs on the market, but it’s still durable and thoughtfully designed. It has plenty of pockets for organization and a convenient place to stuff a jacket on the go. The Oasis also comes with a rain cover, which is a surprising inclusion for a backpack with such a low price, and gives you the versatility to keep going even when the skies open up.
The hydration reservoir is more basic than some and has a slower flow rate. That said, the hydration system on the Oasis still serves its purpose and we appreciate that it comes with a tube disconnect and a bite-valve lock. If you’ll use your hydration pack occasionally and you tend to pack light, the Oasis is an affordable and effective option to get you out on the trail.
What’s Most Important to You in a Hydration Pack?
PRICE
It doesn’t cost a fortune to buy an outstanding hydration pack. However, it will be with you for hundreds of miles on trail if you treat your pack with care, so consider choosing a bag based on features, durable reservoir and construction, and a fit that works with your body type. You’ll find a wide array of options, from budget to high end, below.
Best budget hydration packs
GEAR CAPACITY
An ultralight hydration pack (5L or less) that holds water and a few small items – like keys, a wallet, and an energy bar – can be great for quick jaunts when you want to feel unencumbered. When it comes to day hikes, a small hydration pack (11-20L) will allow you to carry a bit more – like a jacket and the 10 Essentials – without the pack feeling heavy or bulky. Slim packs designed specifically for biking and running usually have a capacity between 6-10L. If you do a lot of long day hikes and tend to adventure in more remote places, you’ll probably want a fairly spacious hydration pack (20+L) for carrying extra food, water, and clothing.
Best minimalist hydration pack
Best small-capacity hydration packs
SUPPORT
Some lightweight hydration packs are frameless, meaning they have little to no structure in place for distributing weight. They’re good for light loads and quick trips, but frameless packs aren’t the best for longer adventures. Since water is heavy, we generally prefer hydration packs with at least a minimal frame that transfers some of the weight to the hips. A framed pack is more comfortable for long days on the trail with a heavier load.
Best frameless hydration packs
HYDRATION RESERVOIR FEATURES
Hydration reservoirs all serve the same basic purpose – to make it easy to stay hydrated on the move – but some have more convenient features than others. It’s pretty typical for reservoirs to come equipped with a bite valve shutoff and a quick-disconnect tube. Our favorite hydration systems have wide-mouth openings and even handles to make them easy to refill and clean. Some stay propped open and include hooks to hang them upside down to dry. Additional features like clips or magnets to keep the tube/bite valve in place are icing on the cake.
Packs with feature-rich hydration reservoirs
- Gregory Citro (Men’s) / Juno H2O (Women’s)
- Gregory Nano H2O
- Osprey Manta (Men’s) / Mira (Women’s)
Packs with more basic reservoirs
WEIGHT
When testing hydration packs, we always consider which packs deliver the best balance of comfort, functionality, and weight. Framed packs are heavier than those without frames, but they distribute the weight of your load between your hips and your shoulders for a more comfortable carry.
Best ultralight hydration pack
Best lightweight hydration packs
WE LOVE THAT THE RESERVOIR’S QUICK-DISCONNECT TUBE SITS AT THE TOP OF THE PACK IN THE GREGORY CITRO (Women’s)
THE GREGORY NANO 18 H2O PACK IS FRAMELESS, WHICH MAKES IT SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT AND AFFORDABLE
THE OSPREY MANTA (Women’s) HYDRATION PACKS COME WITH A HIGH-QUALITY RESERVOIR WITH A MAGNETIC BITE VALVE
THE GREGORY NANO 18 H2O PACK IS BEST FOR SHORT DAY HIKES WITH LIGHTER LOADS, BUT IT STILL HAS 3L OF LIQUID CAPACITY
THE GREGORY 3D HYDRO RESERVOIR IS DESIGNED TO DRY LIKE A WATER BOTTLE AND CONVENIENTLY HANGS UPSIDE-DOWN
THE CAMELBAK HYDROBAK IS AN ULTRALIGHT PACK WITH JUST ENOUGH ROOM FOR WATER AND A FEW SMALL ESSENTIALS
Critical Hydration Pack Considerations
HYDRATION RESERVOIR CAPACITY
The liquid capacity of a hydration reservoir is usually measured in liters (L), and most hold between 1L-3L. Water is heavy (1L weighs approx. 2 lbs.), so it’s important to carefully consider how much you’ll actually drink and plan accordingly. It can be nice to have a larger maximum capacity for long days on the trail, but you don’t have to fill your reservoir to the brim if you want to keep your load light. You could also plan to refill along the way if you’re carrying a filter and know there’s a place to do so.
To estimate how much water you’ll need for an outing, a good rule of thumb is to carry .5L per hour for moderate activity in mild temperatures. You may need to dial this up depending on conditions and personal preferences. Strenuous hiking in high heat may call for 1L of water or more per hour.
ORGANIZATION
Many hydration packs are designed with a large top-loading compartment for storing gear and many also have additional pockets for organization and easy access to small items. The hydration reservoir itself often sits in its own sleeve against your back and the drinking tube comes out through a port in the top. We tend to prefer backpacks that also include a mesh pocket in the front to store things we need often while on the go, like a rain jacket, water filter, or map.
FIT
Most hydration packs are one size fits all, which is why there are different models for men and women on framed packs. Some packs have adjustable torso lengths and a hip belt that will comfortably fit a range of sizes. Make sure to try on multiple sizes if you’re on the edge of one size and another so the pack fits your torso length and width for the most comfortable carry possible.
If you’re buying online, it’s a good idea to measure your torso length and find your hip belt size so you can check the specs before ordering. Check out our How to Find and Fit the Right Backpack video for more details on how to measure correctly.
BACK PANEL AND VENTILATION
Some hydration packs have a suspended mesh back panel, which allows for more airflow and ventilation so your back can stay cool, or at least air out a bit of that sweat. Out top favorites when it coms to packs with cushy but airy back panels include the Gregory Citro (Men’s) / Juno H2O (Women’s) and Osprey Manta (Men’s) / Mira (Women’s).
Though the difference is usually minimal (your back is still going to get sweaty), many hikers find those types of frames to be more comfortable. Packs with simple back panel designs usually incorporate foam padding for comfort and add grooves to help with ventilation. Both designs work well in our opinion.
HIP BELT
A hip belt’s primary function is to distribute the weight of your pack to your hips, which helps alleviate strain on your shoulders. Some hip belts have pockets for easy access to items you’ll want readily available (snacks, sunscreen, lip balm, etc.) Unfortunately, we’ve found that most hip belt pockets on daypacks are a bit tight for a large, modern cell phone. If you take a lot of photos with your phone, you may want to consider adding an aftermarket shoulder pocket to keep it handy and protected.
Minimalist hydration packs generally have a simple strap that adds a small amount of stability or no hip belt at all. For full-day excursions where we’ll be spending a lot of time on the trail, we prefer packs with more structured hip belts.
STERNUM STRAP
Sternum straps, which clip across your chest, provide a little more load stability and are included on almost all newer hydration packs. Some high-end packs have magnets embedded in the sternum strap that stick to the bite valve of your hydration tube (Gregory Citro (Men’s) / Juno H2O (Women’s) and Osprey Manta (Men’s) / Mira (Women’s). A magnetic bite valve keeps your hydration system within reach at all times and out of the way of your arms.
WATER BOTTLE HOLSTERS
Hydration packs are made to work with hydration reservoir systems, but they often have side pockets to hold water bottles as well. This can be helpful if you need additional storage capacity for long, dry stretches of trail, or if you prefer to filter water using a bottle rather than directly in your reservoir when you need to refill. However, for folks who are fully committed to their reservoirs, those pockets are excellent for fast storage and fast access to jackets, gloves, and poles.
Water bottles can be more convenient in some instances, especially when you want to bring hot drinks or beverages other than water.
WATERPROOFING
In general, it’s not a good idea to rely on any backpack for full water protection. Some hydration packs come with pack covers, but after enough use in inclement weather, they won’t provide full protection in prolonged rain. We recommend packing your gear in waterproof stuff sacks or Ziploc bags inside your pack. You could also line the inside of your hydration pack with a trash bag to keep everything inside dry.
HYDRATION RESERVOIR CARE
Most hydration reservoirs have polyethylene linings, which retain tastes and odors more easily than polycarbonate. Because of this, we recommend not filling them with anything but water. The best way to maintain any plastic water bottle or bladder is to rinse it out after each use and let it air dry completely.
If funky tastes or odors develop, try filling your reservoir with water, adding a tablespoon each of bleach and baking soda, and letting it sit overnight. Rinse well and air dry as usual. A cleaning kit (CamelBak / Gregory) specifically made for your hydration reservoir will make maintenance even easier.
