Are you looking for the best hiking hydration pack? Staying hydrated while hiking is essential to ensure that your body is able to perform as it is designed and prevent you from experiencing issues of dehydration.
However, it can be tough to know where to begin when it comes to finding the best lightweight hiking backpack. The market is packed with a whole range of styles in different capacities and fits. To help you find the perfect hydration pack for your outdoor activities, we thought we would take a closer look at the various options you have available.
What are the different types of hydration packs?
When it comes to finding the best hiking packs for your requirements, you want to ensure that you are choosing one that has been designed for the activity you are carrying out. Some of the most common include:
Hydration backpacks
The most common type of hydration pack is a backpack. These look very similar to standard backpacks, but alongside the traditional storage compartments, they also contain special pouches for fluids.
There is an array of different types of hydration backpacks, such as:
- Hiking hydration packs
Finding the best hiking hydration pack for your needs can transform your next adventure, and these lightweight solutions are designed to offer you the space you need. Whether it is carrying food, extra layers, or waterproofs, these backpacks will allow you to take everything you need with you. They will also have a range of capacities for water, ensuring you can stay hydrated.
- Cycling hydration packs
When cycling, you will need a smaller and more low-profile solution so that it feels lighter, more stable, and will not create any wind resistance. Unlike a hiking backpack, road cycling backpacks require less capacity as you will not need to take as much with you. Those heading out mountain biking might want something a little larger, though, to take any tools they might need.
- Running Hydration packs
Staying hydrated while running is essential, and these backpacks are designed to be very low-profile so that they do not impact your movement or add unnecessary weight to your back.
Hydration Waistpacks
For those who are looking for an alternative, then a hydration waistpack can be another option. However, the vast majority of these have very small cargo space, and they are typically used to carry water bottles rather than having a built-in reservoir. These options are usually used for short outdoor trips, like a local walk or trail run.
Best hydration pack: what capacity should you choose?
When you have chosen your type of hydration pack, the next major consideration you will need to factor in is the capacity that you will require. The best hiking hydration pack will be those that offer you enough space to take your essential belongings with you while also having a reservoir large enough to keep you hydrated.
Hydration pack reservoir capacity
While it is essential to ensure that you are remaining hydrated while undertaking physical activity, it is important to remember that water can be very heavy. One liter of water is equivalent to two pounds, so you want to only carry what you need to.
Quite often, you will be able to refill your reservoir along the way, so do not opt for a hydration pack that is unnecessarily large. The most common types of lightweight hiking backpacks offer 1 – 1.5 liters, while those adventurers undertaking longer hikes might want bigger capacity options of two liters or more.
Hydration pack gear capacity
Alongside the amount of water it can hold, when it comes to finding the best hiking hydration pack, you will also want to ensure it has enough storage capacity for your needs. The smallest of these will be under five liters and are designed to be incredibly lightweight, making them perfect for cycling or running.
The next size up will be under ten liters and is a popular option for those heading out mountain biking and will need to take a few more items with them. The best hiking hydration packs are usually under 15 liters, offering enough space for additional clothing and items needed, but some hikers prefer larger solutions, particularly if they are going to be staying overnight.
Best hiking hydration pack: fit and features
Once you have found the perfect capacity for your needs, the next step to finding the best lightweight hiking backpack is to consider the fit and features.
- Hip belts
The first consideration is whether it has a hip belt. This helps to keep the backpack in place and stop it from moving side to side while you are walking, running, or cycling.
- Chest straps
Another beneficial feature for stability is a chest strap. However, you want to opt for one that is thin and narrow to avoid it making your chest sweaty.
- Shoulder and back pads
If you are heading out for a long hike, you want to ensure that your hydration pack is as comfortable as possible. That is why shoulder and back pads should be essential, helping to spread the weight and reduce the risk of discomfort on a long day on the trails.
- Ventilation
It can get very warm while hiking, especially if you are having to carry your belongings and water with you. That is why ventilation is essential in helping to improve the flow of air between the bag and your back, keeping you cooler and reducing sweat.
- Rain cover
While everyone enjoys hiking in the sunshine, it’s very common to be caught out in a rain shower. That is why you want to ensure that your bag has a rain cover, helping you to keep your belongings dry should it start raining.
- Safety features
You want to ensure that you are as safe as possible while out hiking, which is why you should also consider any safety features that your bag has. Reflective strips can be very effective if you are going to be walking near roadsides or in low-light conditions, while an emergency whistle is also a great addition should you become lost or stuck.
Discover our hydration packs
We know how difficult it can be when it comes to finding the perfect hydration pack for your needs. That is why here at Everfun, we strive to offer customers the very best hiking hydration packs possible.
Our lightweight backpack with its two-liter reservoir is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to head out on the trails. We have ergonomically designed the hydration pack with padded back support and adjustable straps to ensure that it is comfortable to wear all day long. The 18-liter storage compartment also gives you enough space to take everything you need for a fun day exploring.
The two-liter reservoir will also ensure you can take enough fluids with you to avoid dehydration, while our proven hands-free bilateral hose makes it easy to get a drink whenever you need it.
Want to find out more about our hydration backpack? Check it out today or get in touch with our team today, who will be happy to help answer any questions you might have.