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After testing the new version we previously selected for other new options, we still chose to carry Osprey Skarab 18 (for people over 5 feet 8 inches) and Osprey Skimmer 16 (for people under 5 feet 8 inches).
After testing the new version we previously selected for other new options, we still chose to carry Osprey Skarab 18 (for people over 5 feet 8 inches) and Osprey Skimmer 16 (for people under 5 feet 8 inches).
We also have longer upgrade options (Osprey Mira 22 and Manta 24) and travelers' options (CamelBak Arete 18).
Do you need a special backpack to help you stay hydrated during hiking? The short answer: No! But a water bag (a backpack with a built-in reservoir) can make it easier for you to stay hydrated during the journey. After three months of hiking, we like Osprey Skarab 18 (for people over 5 feet 8 inches) and Osprey Skimmer 16 (for people under 5 feet 8 inches) because they are well made, relatively cheap, and large enough In order to maintain equipment and water, you need to go on a three-hour hike.
We tested the backpack’s reservoirs, put them in the refrigerator overnight, and then took them (up to 20 pounds of equipment) on a day’s hike.
The best backpacks have belts to reduce the weight on your shoulders, and mesh or foam back panels to help keep your back cool.
The sinks with the widest mouths are easier to clean and air dry-in our tests, they dry twice as fast as other sinks we have tried.
The backpack we recommend can hold lunch and trail food, first aid kit, one or two extra layers, hats, gloves, phones and sundries.
This backpack is affordable, easy to use, and comfortable for hikers over 5 feet 8 inches tall. The hydration system can hold enough water (2.5 liters) for three to four hours of walking.
*At the time of publication, the price was $85.
This smaller version of Skrab can hold the same amount of water and shares the easy-to-use and comfortable design of the packaging. It is suitable for anyone under 5 feet 8 inches.
Osprey Skarab 18 and Osprey Skimmer 16 are our favorite half-day hiking hydration packs. Although Osprey designates Skarab as a men's bag and Skimmer as a women's bag, we think that Skarab is suitable for anyone over 5 feet 8 inches and the skimmer is suitable for people 5 feet 8 inches and under. For many reasons, these bags have been our day hikers' first choice since 2017. On the one hand, they are comfortable to carry due to their padded shoulder straps and hinged backing. In addition, their HydraPak bladder is easy to fill, and the double diamond ripstop nylon is durable. And their water storage and water capacity (2.5 liters) are enough for a day of hiking. Osprey updated these two bags in 2020 and cancelled certain features, such as dividers and many internal pockets. But we still think that Skrab and Skimmer packages can provide everything you need (almost nothing you don't need).
This backpack provides everything we love about Skimmer, as well as features that make long-distance hikes more comfortable, including a padded waist belt, extra pockets and breathable mesh. It is best for people under 5 feet 8 inches.
In addition to size, Manta is similar to Mira in all aspects. Manta's appearance is slightly taller, which is very suitable for people who are taller than 5 feet 8 inches.
If you need a backpack with extra space and features to accommodate all-day trekking, we recommend Mira 22 (for people under 5 feet 8 inches) and Manta 24 (for people above that height). These bags have more storage space and better support, and they are more comfortable than Skimmer and Skarab. They also have many pockets and zip pockets, and are made of durable double diamond ripstop nylon material. In addition, they are equipped with a 2.5-liter HydraPak Hydraulics LT water bag with a removable hose (this makes bagging and cleaning the drinking hose easier). These bags are on the larger side, so they can easily be overpacked (do you really need that extra down jacket?). They are also more expensive than Skimmer and Skrab bags. But we think the padded waist belt and breathable mesh backing are more important for hikers who spend longer on trails.
In our selection, this bag carries the least amount of water. But Arete 18 is also the lightest, it's small enough to fit in a suitcase. It is perfect for staying hydrated on days of sightseeing and relaxing hikes.
For those who want a basic, lightweight hydration bag-an affordable and travel-friendly person (when we can all travel again)-we recommend CamelBak Arete 18. Made of nylon, it feels thinner than Osprey products. This bag is easy to fold up and stuff into your suitcase. It does not have the padding and articulated support of our Osprey paddles, but it is comfortable when carrying moderate loads. The 1.5-liter cistern is enough to hold a pleasant afternoon, sightseeing in foreign cities or strolling along relaxing paths. (However, those who have to travel longer distances or on more difficult terrain may miss the extra liter capacity we picked from Osprey.) Arete 18 is also the smallest and lightest of all our picks, and we find it comfortable enough , So that we sometimes hardly notice that we are carrying backpacks.
This backpack is affordable, easy to use, and comfortable for hikers over 5 feet 8 inches tall. The hydration system can hold enough water (2.5 liters) for three to four hours of walking.
*At the time of publication, the price was $85.
This smaller version of Skrab can hold the same amount of water and shares the easy-to-use and comfortable design of the packaging. It is suitable for anyone under 5 feet 8 inches.
This backpack provides everything we love about Skimmer, as well as features that make long-distance hikes more comfortable, including a padded waist belt, extra pockets and breathable mesh. It is best for people under 5 feet 8 inches.
In addition to size, Manta is similar to Mira in all aspects. Manta's appearance is slightly taller, which is very suitable for people who are taller than 5 feet 8 inches.
In our selection, this bag carries the least amount of water. But Arete 18 is also the lightest, it's small enough to fit in a suitcase. It is perfect for staying hydrated on days of sightseeing and relaxing hikes.
We spent 10 hours researching hydration and looking at the most popular hydration packs on the market. Then we spent another 15 hours testing each backpack on a day hike in the Pacific Northwest, including the North Cascade Mountains, the San Juan Islands, and the coastal and mountain trails of the Olympic Peninsula.
This guide is based on the research of James Meigs and Jennifer Stern, who wrote the previous edition in 2017. For the current iteration, writer and editor Jenni Gritters interviewed new experts on hydration, including Julie Stefanski, RDN, CSSD, certified sports nutritionist, licensed nutritionist, spokesperson for the School of Nutrition and Dietetics, and frequent hikers People traveling. Jenni also spoke with Dr. Evan C. Johnson, assistant professor of exercise physiology at the University of Wyoming, who studies optimal hydration, physical activity, and heat exposure. She has also read several journal articles about the benefits of hydrating in short-term and long-term moderate exercise.
Jenni is a freelance journalist with ten years of writing experience in health, outdoor, parenting and purchasing. Jenni has previously edited a guide for Wirecutter's outdoor, baby/child, and sleep sections. She covers everything from headlights and down jackets to trekking poles and backpack tents. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her son, husband and dog.
If you plan to go out for a half-day or full-day hike and want to stay hydrated, then this guide is for you. (If you ride a mountain bike or run, you may also need a hydration pack, although you may like the hydration pack specifically designed for your activity the most; we discuss some in the competition section.) Do you need a hydration-centric Backpacking for a day? No-you can stay hydrated by drinking from a water bottle during the hike. But water bottles also affect the weight balance of the backpack; when they slide from side to side, your backpack may tilt, making you unstable. Packing 2 to 3 liters of water may also mean carrying multiple bottles. If you put the bottle in the outer bag of your backpack, it will easily fall out when you bend down. If it rolls down from a mountain or opens suddenly, you will have no water.
Water bags are not necessary, but they are convenient and comfortable, especially during long hikes. They make it easier for you to stay hydrated because the straw is a few inches away from your face; dietitian and dietitian Julie Stefanski says this is more important than it looks, because hikers are often affected by the surrounding environment. Distracted to the point of forgetting to rehydrate regularly.
Water makes up 55% to 60% of the body of most adults. We usually lose 5% to 10% of water per day (PDF), and when we exercise, the percentage of water lost due to sweating increases even more. If you do not replenish the water lost by sweat, you may become dehydrated. Fortunately, mild dehydration in a short period of time is not a big deal. However, if you continue to push yourself without hydration, you may experience headaches, blurred thinking, and nausea. Dehydration (or lack of water in the body) also means that eventually you will not be able to sweat, and a vicious cycle of overheating may occur. Severe dehydration can lead to increased core temperature, convulsions and even death.
How much water is needed for hiking to ensure that you won’t get dehydrated? The answer to this question depends on the intensity and length of the hike; the temperature and humidity of the climate; and your clothing choices and personal sweat rate. The more you sweat, the more water you need.
After walking 160 miles with 18 pairs of hiking socks, we chose Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew for men and women as the most suitable hiking socks for most people.
After crossing over 2 million steps across various terrains, we chose Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex boots (male and female sizes) as the best hiking boots.
"Hikers can consider how they felt after their last hike to consider whether their refueling and hydration plans meet their physical needs," Stefansky said. Checking the color of your urine after a hike is a great way to track moisture so you can make adjustments next time. "The color of urine is a very personal indicator of whether you are drinking enough. Lack of urine or dark urine indicates that you are not replenishing what your body is consuming," she said.
In terms of general guidelines, Stefanski stated that the goal of the baseball field is to hike 4 to 8 ounces of water per hour. If your pace is intense or you sweat a lot, you will want to increase this number a bit. Johnson said that if you are on a short hike or spend only a moderate amount of effort, you can make do with less money. According to this indicator, you need to carry at least 1 liter of water for a four-hour mid-intensity hike and at least 2 liters for a full-day hike. And you should spend a little more time, "just in case you deviate from the route and the hike takes longer than expected," Stefanski said.
In recent years, hydration systems have become so popular that even backpack manufacturers who do not provide water storage bags include sleeves and slots so that airbags can be added later. For this guide, our assessment is mainly limited to packaging that comes with a reservoir. We also focus on backpacks designed for single-day excursions rather than long-distance trips; most have a storage capacity of between 16 and 28 liters, and have airbags that can hold at least 1.5 liters of water.
To begin our search, we investigated hydration system reviews from websites such as Gear Lab. We carefully read user reviews on Amazon and elsewhere. When choosing a bag for hands-on (or back) review, we prioritize the most acclaimed model with a history of good performance for many years. We also focus on packaging with reservoirs that are easy to fill and clean, and we record the situation when a certain brand offers a replacement hydration system. (Over the years, the plastic on the water tank may decompose, usually exceeding the packaging; it is important to be able to obtain a new airbag yourself.)
Most hydration bags have a hose that can be attached to the strap of the backpack; we look for systems that are easy to set up (no complicated snaps and lacing configurations, please!), and those that are rated as comfortable to use by online reviewers The system of the mouthpiece. Some mouthpieces are clipped to the straps of the backpack, while others are clipped to magnets. Some hoses are also separated from the airbag itself, which makes loading and unloading easier. We ordered packages of various configurations to find out what we like best. All water supplement systems recommended in this review are BPA-free.
We also prioritize backpacks with belts, which help put most of the backpack’s weight on the hips, reduce the burden on the shoulders, and improve stability during rocky, root-filled hikes. We look for bags with hinged backing, usually made of some kind of mesh; this keeps the backpack away from your back and prevents excessive sweat from accumulating during the entire hike.
When the packaging was sold in men's and women's form (some companies, such as Osprey and Gregory, did this), we tested both versions. In general, we found that "lady" backpacks usually come in colors such as pink and blue (sigh), suitable for anyone with a smaller frame under 5 feet 8 inches. Some companies say that their bags can accommodate wider hips, but we didn't notice any significant difference in hip accommodation between men's and women's bags, even during our long hikes. People under 5 feet 8 inches may be most comfortable wearing so-called women's backpacks. People taller than 5 feet 8 inches may prefer "men's" backpacks.
After each bag arrives, we fill the tank in the sink (spoiler warning: not always an easy task!). Then we conducted a preliminary taste test to record any plastic smell in the water. Then we took each backpack and hiked 3 to 5 miles in the Pacific Northwest. We hiked through the North Cascade Mountains on a hot summer day; brought our own equipment (and the equipment of an 8-month-old baby) as we hiked through the coastal, mountain and tropical rainforest trails of the Olympic Peninsula; In the thick fog of the Juan Islands; and spent the long and drizzling autumn days in the mountain lake wilderness.
During these hikes, we filled each bag with water and equipment capacity, including:
The weaknesses of the backpack-those annoying pressure points, or lack of balance-will be revealed more quickly when you are fully loaded. During the trip, we recorded the comfort, moisture wicking, convenience of taking water and equipment, any leaks, and the overall bag experience.
Then we put the water bags in an extra step at home: we fill them up, compress them in a 20-pound trash can for five hours (simulating many other packages being thrown in the trunk), and then check for leaks. Then put the airbags in the freezer overnight to see how they deal with accidentally being left in the car overnight in winter. We checked the damage again. After this, we dry the bag for 12 hours, check whether it retains moisture (so much!) and record how difficult the airbag is to clean (not easy!).
Finally, we took our favorite person to the track for the last spin. We searched the Internet for notes on durability over time and reviewed our own long-term test data.
This backpack is affordable, easy to use, and comfortable for hikers over 5 feet 8 inches tall. The hydration system can hold enough water (2.5 liters) for three to four hours of walking.
*At the time of publication, the price was $85.
This smaller version of Skrab can hold the same amount of water and shares the easy-to-use and comfortable design of the packaging. It is suitable for anyone under 5 feet 8 inches.
Osprey Skarab 18 (for people over 5 feet 8 feet) and the smaller Osprey Skimmer 16 (for people under 5 feet 8 inches) are our first choice for mid-length half-day hikes. They combine good moisturizing capacity (2.5 liters) with relatively spacious, comfortable, and simple packaging, and they are affordable. Since 2017, these bags have been our first choice because they are easy to fill and drink. They offer basic, concise options, and are perfect for a half-day hike of approximately 3 to 5 miles.
Although they are designed for short trips, these backpacks are not as small as many minimalist competitors, such as a href="#also-great-camelbak-arete-18">Camelbak Arete 18 or ALPS Hydro Trail 17. Both versions of the package include Osprey's 2.5-liter hydraulic LT tank manufactured by HydraPak. Even if the airbag is full, we can easily pack the insulation, shell, hat, gloves, first aid kit and lunch into the bag. The only downside is that since there are no separate pockets, the backpack’s new wide-mouth barrel setting may make you look around for what you need. (The previous iteration had more dividers and more pockets, so it was easier to keep the equipment in order.)
Both Skarab and Skimmer only have a mesh inner pocket, which is large enough to hold a wallet or key (although it may not have both). There are two outer pockets, and the side pockets updated in 2020 include slits (these are probably for easy access, but there is a risk of small items falling, so we recommend that you put them inside). Thanks to the well-made buckle, the zipper is easy to operate, and the 2020 model has a daisy chain connection point on the front, which is helpful if you want to clamp additional equipment.
Like most backpacks we tested, the chest strap connecting the two shoulder straps can be adjusted up or down to ensure the comfort of the two bags, although this process requires some elbow grease. A magnetic daisy chain buckle holds the mouthpiece of the hose against your face and against the chest strap.
We found that the oil skimmer and Scarab’s water bladder (manufactured by HydraPak, the leading reservoir manufacturer of multiple companies) are the best in their class. They are easy to fill up and drink water (you may pour out some water in the first few times, but the learning curve is fast!), and we found that they are easy to clean. These tanks have a zipper lock device: a strip slides over the top of the tank panel to seal the water when filled with water; this also makes it easier to push out any bubbles. This setting also allows the HydraPak reservoirs to dry the fastest-after 12 hours, most of them have no residual moisture because the entire top can be kept open; most competitors still show moisture after 24 hours of drying sign. The hoses on the water bags of Skarab and Skimmer will not separate, and the bite valve can be closed by rotating the barrel (to prevent leakage during transportation), but you need two hands to do this. It is difficult to tell at a glance whether the valve is open or closed.
Even in hot climates, the HydraPak 2.5-liter airbag can hold enough water for a short day of hiking, and we did not encounter any leaks. When you slide the reservoir into the back of the backpack, make sure to clip it to the buckle of the bag to keep it upright. When we filled the water tank overnight, and when we used these bags the first few times, we did notice a very faint plastic smell in the water. Therefore, we recommend that you wash your bladder once or twice before taking them on the trail.
Our testers found that the design of Skarab and skimmer is very comfortable when carrying loads of up to 15 to 20 pounds. Unlike Osprey's high-end backpacks (including our upgrade options, Manta and Mira), Skarab and Skimmer have no fancy back suspension or ventilation system, and no articulated belt. Instead, the back panel is made of mesh-covered EVA foam, which is perfect for putting the bag on your back on hot, sweaty days, and allows for decent (albeit simple) ventilation. Skarab and Skimmer also have a simple, detachable, unpadded waist belt. It’s not like the weight-bearing belt of our upgraded pick, but it’s better than nothing. It helps prevent shoulder and waist pain.
Is there a big difference between the "men" Skarab and "women" Skimmer packaging? According to Osprey, Skarab's design is suitable for torso of 18 to 22 inches, while Skimmer's design is suitable for people in the range of 15 to 19 inches. We agree that Skimmer’s backpack may be slightly narrower and shorter than Skrab’s, but our tall male testers and short female testers can carry Skimmer comfortably during a half-day hike. Therefore, we think it is best to make a purchase decision based on your height. If you are taller than 5 feet 8 inches, choose Skarab. For those below this height, consider an oil skimmer.
These bags are also very durable: one of our testers has an oil skimmer that has been in use for five years and it looks almost as good as the first day. Nylon ripstop fabric has good water resistance, is easy to clean and is not easy to hook or tear. Five years later, the HydraPak reservoir of our tester is still very sturdy, although it is a bit discolored. However, airbags usually fail before the bag; this is why we appreciate Osprey as one of the few companies that offer independent replacement reservoirs. Osprey also provides a full guarantee: in addition to the water tank (only one year warranty), the company promises that if there is any damage or defect in the packaging, it will always repair or replace the packaging. Skimmer also offers additional capacities of 20 L and 28 L, and Skarab can purchase larger 22 L or 30 L configurations.
This backpack provides everything we love about Skimmer, as well as features that make long-distance hikes more comfortable, including a padded waist belt, extra pockets and breathable mesh. It is best for people under 5 feet 8 inches.
In addition to size, Manta is similar to Mira in all aspects. Manta's appearance is slightly taller, which is very suitable for people who are taller than 5 feet 8 inches.
Mira 22 and Manta 24 updated by Osprey are major upgrades of the Skimmer and Skarab packages. So we think Mira and Manta are best for all-day trekking. At a higher price, the capacity you get can keep you in supply for twice as long as you can get with a skimmer or Skarab. In addition, these backpacks have more pockets and trekking pole attachments (this will come in handy when you are hiking on rough terrain). The hinged belt is very comfortable and can significantly reduce the burden on the shoulders of the backpack. The mesh backing provides excellent ventilation in hot weather. The 2.5-liter HydraPak hydraulic oil tank has a detachable hose (otherwise it is the same as the hose used in the oil skimmer and Skarab). These two bags provide enough space for a whole day, and our testers often forget that they are wearing them. This is the real goal. Mira 22 and Manta 24 have the same functions; the "men" Manta bag is taller than the "women" Mira. We think that Manta is best for people who are taller than 5 feet 8 inches, and Mira is best for people who are less than 5 feet tall.
The best thing about Mira 22 (also 32 liters) and Manta 24 (also 34 liters) is their adjustability; they offer more pull loops and shoulder straps than any other bag we tested, and They can be tailored to your body. The padded waist belt eliminates the burden of the backpack on your shoulders (put it on your hips for more comfort during long-distance transportation). Even on the hottest summer days, the ventilated open mesh backing keeps us cool and dry; one tester said that wearing this backpack is like wearing a Tempur-Pedic mattress on her back. The strap on the top of the shoulder allows you to pull the weight of the bag forward or release it back according to your posture. The belt contains pockets to store important equipment; they are large enough to fit most mobile phones.
Mira and Manta also offer the most storage options of all our choices. There are four zipper pockets and three internal mesh pockets. The main compartments of Mira and Manta are large-in fact, so large that our testers found it easy to overpack. These upgraded Ospreys are equipped with trekking pole attachments, zipper pulls and integrated rain covers. They also have side pockets with the same slits on the back as Skarab and Skimmer (these slits risk dumping small items, but make it easier to grasp larger items).
Mira and Manta have the same excellent HydraPak water bladder as Skimmer and Skarab, but with the addition of a removable hose element. This additional component is not necessary, but it makes the airbag easier to fill and empty, and makes the hose easier to clean. (Warning: Before removing the hose from the water tank after a hike, make sure to turn off the faucet at the connection point and suck out any remaining water in the hose-otherwise you will end up leaving a water floor on the hose.) With Skimmer and Like Skarab, the hose protrudes from the top of the backpack, and the mouthpiece snaps into the magnetic buckle on the chest; the new daisy chain chest strap is difficult to twist with one hand.
Although it was difficult to figure out the zipper setting of the water bag at first, we finally found that it was the easiest to clean, the fastest to dry, and the least likely to leak. Osprey sells replacement water tanks if your water tank leaks. (It may not: Even after spending a night in the refrigerator and spending more than 20 pounds of gear a day, these will hold up well.)
Osprey's bags are generally very durable, Mira and Manta are no exception. If something does happen to your backpack, Osprey will provide an all-round guarantee. Except for the reservoir (which covers only one year), the company promises to repair or replace the battery pack for any reason forever.
In our selection, this bag carries the least amount of water. But Arete 18 is also the lightest, it's small enough to fit in a suitcase. It is perfect for staying hydrated on days of sightseeing and relaxing hikes.
When we first saw CamelBak Arete 18, we questioned whether its lightweight design could go further as a water bag. It's made of fairly thin nylon and a small amount of padding, and it doesn't look like all the sturdy backpacks in our test pile. But these minimalist qualities make this backpack ideal for travel (as soon as we can do it again): if you plan to travel to Asia or South America and want to hike, then this bag is the bag you want to bring. Because you can easily stuff it into a suitcase. Once you reach your destination, it is a good backpack to walk around the town and do a moderate hike.
Arete is equipped with a 1.5-liter CamelBak tank (one full liter less than our other selected airbags). It is not as easy to fill as the Osprey bladder. We found that CamelBak water tanks retain a little plastic smell, even after we have used them a few times, the smell still lingers. But when traveling in the city, Arete's bladder is enough. If you tighten the lid, it will not leak. It also comes with an easy-to-fill handle, and the only real disadvantage is that it does not dry out quickly (i.e. use a wire hanger or a stirrer to open), so you need to be aware of mildew over time. Arete's water bag does not have a removable hose, and the mouthpiece hangs on your shoulder because there is no clip. You can use a shut-off valve to lock the hose during transportation.
Arete is a dry bag, unstructured backpack, like Osprey Skimmer and Skarab, but with fewer functions. It has two outer pockets, no waist belt (which means all the weight is on your shoulders), and no hinged backing. We found that our shoulders are well supported, because the backpack is too small to be too full, which makes the load very light. But during the half-day trekking, our backs did sweat.
In terms of weight, Arete is the lightest backpack of all our choices. However, its material cannot withstand a lot of rough handling, so we think this bag is best for occasional use or short trips. In general, Arete is surprisingly comfortable considering its degree of backup. This is basic, but it can get the job done. Like Osprey, CamelBak also sells alternative reservoirs.
If your bag is broken, CamelBak's Got Your Bak lifetime warranty program covers all liquid storage tanks, backpacks, bottles and accessories due to manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship during the product life cycle. They do not include problems caused by regular wear and tear.
Gregory Citro 24 and Juno 24: These Gregory bags are comparable in size and functionality to the Osprey Mira and Manta bags, but not so high-end. The mesh backing feels a bit itchy, and the water bag (you need to buy it separately) has a small filling hole (which means a lot of overflow). The small stomata also means that the bladder takes more than two days to dry out (even after opening with a whisk), which makes us worry about mold. If you can't find Mira or Manta, this bag might be great. But for longer durability and easier filling and emptying experience, we think you’d better check the Osprey option.
CamelBak Fourteener 26: Although our 6-foot-tall tester found this 26-liter backpack to be comfortable, our shorter tester did not; it was too high. The belt is comfortable and has a beautiful zipper to store the phone or keys. But the belt is also very strong and hard. We found it loosened again and again, so we had to adjust it constantly. Like the water tanks on Osprey Manta and Mira, the 3 liter CamelBak water bag of this backpack has a detachable hose. We like that CamelBak bladders have pot handles, which also promotes easy filling-but we did find that they dry out very slowly. We are disturbed by the placement of the hose: it is fixed about 6 inches below the right shoulder strap by a small hook; if the hose is not removed from the hook, the water flow will be cut off. The mouthpiece was also very hard at first, but it became soft after a few hikes. In general, this is too much for a day of hiking.
CamelBak Cloud Walker 18: This CamelBak bag does not have a belt, which means that the entire load is placed on your shoulders; after spending a day on the trail, our lower back and shoulders are very sore due to this setting. The package comes with CamelBak’s 2.5-liter hydration tank (one liter more than the CamelBak tank in our equally excellent selection), which works very well, but it does not have a removable hose. In general, the material of this bag does not cut it. It is not comfortable to wear on trails, we think Osprey Skarab or Skimmer are better choices.
CamelBak Octane XCT: Unlike Cloud Walker, Octane does have a slightly padded belt. However, the shoulder straps are only made of mesh, and this simple design means that when full, the backpack will sink deeply on our shoulders. We also leaked our bladder when we were hiking; CamelBak's water bag has a screw cap opening with a handle, and if it is not tightened, it is easy to leak. This bag does have some high-end elements: a padded waist belt, a detachable hose, and more storage space than our CamelBak option. But the mouthpiece is very hard, it is clipped to the right shoulder strap, and it is difficult to remove it from the clip. We found that the bladder did not dry out after a few days of use.
ALPS Mountaineering Hydro Trail 17: Hydro Trail does not have enough storage space, even if it is a half-day trekking. It is not easy to adjust, which means that it does not adapt well to anyone, and our testers found it to be clamped at the bottom of the neck. The hose is insulated, but this makes it inflexible. This makes it difficult to drink water during a hike (this is the whole point of buying a rehydration pack!). We also found that the 3 liter water bag was poorly made and the round seal was a little leaky. There is a hole on the top of the airbag to accommodate the Velcro ring (to fix the airbag in the backpack). But these holes are just punched in the plastic, which is easy to tear. 48 hours after we emptied the bladder, it still did not dry out because there is no good way to keep it open. It is difficult to fill up, and difficult to transport, and when we emptied it, there was water everywhere on us and on the floor. Do we need to say more? There are better price options.
Camden Gear Hydration Pack: This moisturizer pack is one of the best-selling products on Amazon, so we tested it during the first iteration of this guide as part of our search for a budget pack. The Camden Gear backpack is large enough to hold a 2-liter airbag, but there is still a little space for other items. There is also a small elastic rope structure on the outside of the backpack, which can accommodate additional clothes. However, we could not overcome the fact that the water from its bladder tasted bad at first-and worse after it stayed in the bag for a few hours. After several cycles of cleaning and use, the smell has diminished, but it is still noticeable.
Unigear Tactical Hydration Pack: Another Amazon best-selling product and budget contender, this pack is called "tactical", which means that although it is cheap, it is said to meet military specifications. Unlike most backpacks made of fairly light nylon, it is made of heavy-duty polyester and weighs almost 2 pounds (almost twice the weight of our preferred products, Osprey Skarab and Skimmer). Here, even after cleaning, the serious problem of water smell still exists.
We also looked at Osprey Sylva and Syncro, but did not test them. They are more suitable for mountain bikes (some of our cyclists use them and love them for this), and they are mostly smaller in size than the bags shown here.
The popular Platypus Duthie AM 10-liter and 15-liter packages have been discontinued.
Maintaining the "pack" part of the hydrating pack is a matter of taste. Some of us will quickly remove any dirt or mud stains. Others wear these marks proudly as proof of good packaging. But taking care of the "hydration" part is another matter. You want to make sure that your water tank (aka bladder) can provide you with clean water every time you go out. Here are some tips:
1. Do not use the bladder for any liquid except water. It is difficult to thoroughly rinse sports drinks and juices from these narrow containers, and any residual sugar will promote bacterial growth. If you must use a sports drink in a water bag, consider buying a second bladder for this purpose and be extra careful when cleaning it.
2. After each use, let the inside of the bladder dry completely. This requires finding some way to keep the bladder open for air circulation. Some airbag manufacturers sell drying racks for their products, such as the drying rack used in the CamelBak Crux water tank or the drying rack included with Osprey's cleaning kit. However, over the years, James and Jennifer (the first authors of this guide) managed to make do with wire hangers (one end bent in a zigzag shape to separate the two sides of the bladder, and the other end bent to hang the bladder) upside down, so the remaining water Can be discharged). You can also insert a cardboard tube from a used paper towel roll to keep the bladder open, or you can use an egg beater or paper towel holder.
Even with these techniques, some reservoir designs—including CamelBak's—allow water to collect in the seams under the lid. Equipment expert Scott Yorko recommends twisting a paper towel into a wick and inserting it into the bladder to help it dry.
3. Hang the bladder in a dry place for storage, not in a bag that is prone to mold. Proper storage will keep the system fresh for a longer period of time between cleanings.
4. Sometimes, you may want to clean the water tank deeply. There are several ways. The first thing to remember is not to overuse: strong solutions of bleach will leave an aftertaste, and boiling water will damage the bladder. A more gentle method is to mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with hot water, let it cool slightly, and then pour it into the bladder, drinking tube, and bite valve. Let the mixture sit for an hour, then drain and rinse.
If you decide to use bleach for deep cleaning (to kill remaining bacteria), make sure to use a very mild solution (one teaspoon of bleach for three liters of water). Pour it into all components. (You can also remove the bite valve and clean it separately.) Then wash the bladder with a few drops of mild soap and plenty of hot water. (Please note that Osprey recommends not to use bleach in its equipment, CamelBak recommends using a mild bleach solution. CDC does recommend using a mild bleach solution to kill bacteria and viruses.)
If possible, reach into the bladder and gently scrub with a cloth. A pipe brush like this can also help you scrub the drinking pipe. Leading hydration system manufacturers sell foam cleaning tablets, or (for the more fascinating) entire cleaning kits, which usually include tube brushes. Some people swear to use denture cleaning tablets because it is a cost-effective method. We prefer Bottle Bright, a carbonated cleaning tablet. Regardless of the method you use, make sure to flush the system multiple times and let it dry completely.
Julie Stefanski, certified sports dietitian, registered dietitian, spokesperson for the School of Nutrition and Nutrition, email interview, September 14, 2020
Dr. Evan C. Johnson, Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, University of Wyoming, email interview, September 2, 2020
Scott Yorko, gear expert and year-round adventurer, interview
Michael Sawka et al. Human Water Needs (PDF), Nutrition Review
Barry M. Popkin et al. Water, Hydration and Health, Nutrition Review
Lawrence E. Armstrong et al. During long-term endurance exercise, is drinking thirsty enough to maintain hydration? No, Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, June 1, 2016
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