The 6 Best Hydration Packs for Day Hikers

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you know too well the importance of staying hydrated. Unfortunately, having enough water to drink when you are on the move can be tough. However, an ideal hydration pack can help you achieve that. Whether you need one for hiking, biking, climbing, or running, hydration packs come with built-in water reservoirs that allow you to carry more water more conveniently.

The hydration packs are typically designed for different activities, and as such, there is no one-size-fits-all option. The best packs should offer reliable stability to deliver functionality and comfort while keeping weight reasonable. With a myriad of daypacks out there, it can get confusing choosing one that works best for you.

Below we have a breakdown of the best hydration packs of 2021. From simple, inexpensive units for casual hikes to premium products that come with comfortable, customized features for longer excursions.

Best All-Purpose Hydration Pack: Gregory Nano H2O 18L Hydration Pack

If you are looking for a pack that can hold all of your necessities for a range of outdoor activities, Gregory Nano H2O 18L Hydration Pack has you covered. One of the best hiking hydration packs in the market currently, the Gregory comes with an 18-liter gear capacity and a 3-liter reservoir with a wide-mouth opening. It is designed to be frameless to guarantee ultimate comfort and flexibility for any of your spontaneous outdoor adventures.

Best of all, this unit offers more storage capacity thanks to the main compartment, a side mesh pocket, and two zipper pockets for safe storage of some of your items, including supplements, medication, and devices. It is also equipped with attachment loops for securing your accessories and a removable hipbelt. The Gregory Nano H2O 18L Hydration Pack is ideal for all your outdoor activities, from day hikes to weekend trips.

Best Budget Pick: Osprey Talon 22 & Tempest 20

This great unit from a highly respected manufacturer comes in two types: the Osprey Talon 22, designed for men's sizes, and Tempest 20 for women's sizes. The packs combine ultimate balance, convenience, and functionality that is hard to find in other options under the same category. One of the greatest attributes of these packs lies in how they form to your bodies. They have an ergonomic design that guarantees the best fit.

If you are in the market for a great pack that rides comfortably on the trail, Osprey Talon should be your top pick. The cushy belts, padded shoulder straps, and ventilated back panels guarantee a memorable adventure, even in the toughest of trails. Osprey Talon backpacks also offer plenty of room for all your necessities, owing to the several convenient storage compartments for keeping all your gear organized. Other benefits that come with the unit include durability, sturdiness, and unrivaled comfort.

Best for Overpacking: Osprey Mira 22 & Osprey Manta 24

If you need a hydration pack on the larger side with added space and exceptional features for easy packing, go for either Osprey Mira 22 or Osprey Manta 24. Notably, the Mira 22 is designed for persons under 5-foot-8, while the Manta 24 is ideal for people above that height. The hydration packs boast better support and more storage thanks to a range of pockets and zipper pouches.

They also offer more durability owing to the long-lasting, double-diamond ripstop nylon material that they are made of. You will also love the 2.5-liter HydraPak Hydraulics LT water bladder featuring a detachable hose. It offers many conveniences for easy cleaning of the drinking hose and when loading the bag. If you are a hiker who loves spending long hours out on the trail, you will find the breathable mesh backing override and the cushioned hip belt quite beneficial.

Best for Portability: CamelBak Arete

Are you in need of a functional, lightweight hydration pack that comes with a great price tag? – Go for the CamelBak Arete. Of all our picks today, the CamelBak Arete is the lightest as it carries the least amount of water. It comes with a compact design that can comfortably fit into your suitcase. This unit is ideal for staying hydrated during your light hiking and other outdoor activities like sightseeing. Despite lacking the padding and articulated backing common with our other picks, this unit offers ultimate comfort when carrying modest loads. Its 1.5-liter reservoir holds enough water for a day of strolling along an easy trail or an evening of a light run around a track.

Best for Longer Hikes: REI Co-op Trail Hydro 30L Hydration Pack

The REI Co-op Trail Hydro 30L Hydration Pack offers ultimate comfort on longer hikes. It boasts a gear capacity of 30 l and a liquid capacity of 101 fl. oz. Best of all, this unit comes with padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a sternum strap that provides exceptional comfort for long hours on your favorite trails. It is also equipped with a unique flow bite valve that prevents leaks when not using the water. The valve is made to seal each time you drink from it and twist off and on when not in use, thereby conserving the water.

Other exceptional features that come with these hydration packs include external daisy-chain attachment points for securing essential gear to your pack and the main compartment with six additional pockets.

Best Customized Hydro Pack: TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack

TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack offers the ultimate personalized fit thanks to the adjustable chest, shoulder, and waistbands. It also boasts a unique chest strap that can effectively absorb shock and reduces bouncing during any of your rigorous outdoor activities. The two-pound pack has an 18-liter capacity and a 2-liter reservoir with a 2″ opening for effortless, easy cleaning. It also comes with an integrated rain cover for the times when Mother Nature doesn't play ball during your outdoor adventures.

When buying a hydro pack, you definitely want the right product for the specific job. Such a pack offers more comfort, capacity, and features that come into play for your needs to be met. Our review features great picks that guarantee you stay well hydrated. From short day hikes to all-day adventures that run into the night. Each one comes with significant advantages, guaranteed value, and customized features. Get started with one of the hydration packs today and see the difference for yourself!