Hydration packs for hiking are different for biking, mountaineering, and running.
Hydration packs are built with different capacities and this is a huge determinant of whether they are for hiking or not.
They are majorly for short day hiking when their cargo capacity is between 5-18 liters, average day hikes when it is between 18-30 liters, and gear-heavy hikes when it is between 30-40 liter.
Generally speaking, hydration packs are the smaller version of backpacks but large enough to carry some critical items for your hiking journey.
Best Hydration Pack For Hiking 2022
CamelBak Ambush Pack (The Best for day hiking)
Hydration reservoir capacity: 3L
Cargo capacity: 10L
Weight: minimalist design
Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation, Padding
Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, No hip belt, Chest strap
Size: Unisex
This hydration pack is suitable for a short day hike although it can still serve for an average day hike.
This hydration pack has a military-grade design which makes it extremely exception from the others. It has extra functional pockets, it holds more water, it is BPA-free and that makes it free from plastic taste.
There is an adjustable length for each strap, and the chest strap has a Bungie side that relieves pressure. A nice feature is that the 3L bladder is easily removable through the top hole.
This hydration pack is excellent for short hikes. It comes in different colors and that means you have the option to choose if you don’t like the military-like color. It features a quick-release bite valve.
I highly recommend it.
CONS
Expensive
Osprey Skarab 22
Hydration reservoir capacity: 2.5L
Cargo capacity: 22L
Weight: 23 oz
Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation, Padding
Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, Hip belt, Chest strap
Size: Men
This hydration pack is suitable for an average day hike and can even be used for a 5-day hike in summer due to its cargo capacity.
My favorite part of the pack is the comfort, space, and well-built construction. I have several Osprey travel backpacks, and this one seemed to meet that high-quality standard. However, I noticed there was a leak in the hose when I filled my water bladder with my pack.
This could be a little mistake on the production side. There is enough room in the main compartment for four people’s rain gear and an extra layer of clothing.
CONS
Expensive
CamelBak Women’s Octane 9 Pack
Hydration reservoir capacity: 2L
Cargo capacity: 5L
Weight: 12 oz
Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation
Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, Hipbelt present
Size: Women
This hydration pack is suitable for a short day hike.
For a snug and comfortable fit, it has multiple adjustment straps. In my experience, this pack doesn’t shift or move as I hike 8+ miles and climb up and down a variety of terrains.
Also, the bladder is a classic Camelback design, it’s the perfect size for a day hike because it holds a lot of water and other items.
This is one of the great CamelBak hydration packs out there.
Osprey Skarab 30
Hydration reservoir capacity: 2.5L
Cargo capacity: 30L
Weight: 25 oz
Hydration pack features: Frames, Pockets, Ventilation, Padding
Comfort: Shoulder Strap, Padded, Hip belt, Chest strap
Size: Men
This hydration pack is better for a day’s hike and even multi-day hikes.
With its large water bladder, the pack can carry extra clothing, microspikes, snacks, and extra snacks. The waist pockets can be easily accessed without having to remove them.
The pack is collapsible in case you want to use it for a day’s hikes without losing its beauty.
However, there are complaints that the hydration bladder might be missing sometimes. Being extra careful can solve this.
CONS
No rain cover
Expensive
What to Look For In a CamelBak Hydration Pack
Hydration Reservoirs
Noteworthy is their capacities, openings, and handle valves… Most times their capacities can be anywhere between 1L to 3L. The bite valve is responsible for proper suction
Cargo capacities
This is usually dependent on your needs such as personal hygiene, the weather condition such as summer or winter, and how long you plan to stay on the trail. The hydration pack capacity could be 18l, 22l, 25l, or 30l.
Here’s a guideline you can use for capacity choice
Short day hikes: 5-18 liters
Average day hikes: 18-30 liters
Long or gear-heavy day hikes: 30-40 liters
Weight
A hydration pack can feature a minimalist or a fully featured design. Minimalist designs are simply hydration packs with less structure and capacity.
While a full-featured design is structurally made for long or gear-heavy day hikes. The feature paddings and straps help to manage the weight of the gears you are carrying.
Hydration pack features
These include back panel and ventilation, straps, frame, and pockets.
Comfort
For comfort when carrying hydration packs, a back panel, hip belt, and shoulder straps are very important and a great indicator of the comfortability of a hydration pack.
All of these provide cushioning to the sternum, back, and entire body.
Sizing
This is very important for comfort too. A hydration pack specifically designed for men will definitely not feel comfortable for women and vice versa.
Therefore put torso length and the hip belt into consideration
What Next?
Hydration packs for hiking are different for biking, mountaineering, and running. Make your choice to choose the best that suits your need.