The Best Hydration Packs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

No matter what you like to do outside—hiking, running, skiing, e-biking, etc.—proper hydration is essential. In the best-case scenario, not getting enough water during an outdoor workout will result in subpar performance. But if you’re miles into the wilderness without a drop to drink, the situation can quickly become serious. Hydration packs are a convenient way to carry water during high-intensity activities. 

Hydration packs have come a long way, since the first one debuted in 1989 at Hotter’N Hell 100, a 100-mile bike race in Texas. As the story goes, to avoid dehydration (a serious concern given the August heat) an EMT filled an IV bag with water, piped in a drinking hose, and stuffed the bag into his jersey. Then he set out, sipping as he pedaled. That IV bag launched the company CamelBak, which was soon sending hydration packs to soldiers in the U.S. Army.

Today, these packs have been streamlined and adapted for all types of hikes—from aggressive peak bagging and overnight excursions to lunch-break jaunts. If you want easy access to water, odds are you’ll find a pack that meets your needs. We especially dig the Gregory Salvo 16 H20, which beat out all the other tested bags to be named our best overall hydration pack. But there are many different types available, including popular options from CamelBak, Osprey, and other brands. To find the best hydration pack for you, focus on how you’ll use the pack and the features you’ll need—then pick from our 18 top selections in multiple categories.

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Best Overall Hydration Pack: Gregory Salvo 16 H20 Gregory Salvo 16 H20 Hydration Pack

Clint Carter

Factoring in comfort, ease of filling and cleaning, and cost, Gregory Salvo is the pack we think works best for most hikers. The ventilated back panel and padded hip belt make for effortless hiking, and a magnet on the bite valve keeps the hose pinned neatly to the sternum strap. The hydration system—Gregory calls it the 3D Hydro—is one of our favorites. It has a wide mouth for cleaning, a reservoir handle that makes it easy to hold under a faucet, and a clip system that mounts the reservoir inside the bag without any fussy clips or snaps. We’re also big fans of the plastic hook on the bottom of the reservoir, which makes it easy to hang upside down to drip-dry after use.

• Weight: 1 pound, 8 ounces
• Water Volume: 3 liters
• Storage Volume: 16 liters
• Comes with reservoir? Yes

Best Hydration Pack for Overnight Hikes: Osprey Manta 24 Osprey Manta 24 Hydration Pack

Clint Carter

The Manta has all the padding and customizable features you’d want for longer hikes. It also tied with Gregory for our favorite hydration system. The reservoir does not have a bottom-side hook for quick drying, but it makes up for that with a stronger magnetic clasp (keeping the hose reliably stuck to the chest strap) and a simple lever that makes it easy to turn the bite valve on or off with a press of the thumb.

• Weight: 2 pounds, 15.2 ounces
• Water Volume: 2.5 liters
• Storage Volume: 24 liters
• Comes with reservoir? Yes

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Best Hydration Pack for Fast Hikes: CamelBak Octane 16 CamelBak Octane 16 Hydration Pack

Clint Carter

At 15 ounces, the CamelBak Octane will appeal to hikers who don’t mind suffering so long as they bag their peaks. Despite its minimalist design, this hydration pack has loop closures for hiking poles and loads of stretchy overflow pockets. In place of a hip belt, it uses dual chest straps to stabilize the water weight. The bag’s stretchy, ultralight materials are incredibly comfortable—and thanks to cleverly placed shock straps on the bag’s flanks, you can easily compress your loose weight to keep it from bouncing around when you break into a sprint.

• Weight: 15 ounces
• Water Volume: 2 liters
• Storage Volume: 14 liters
• Comes with reservoir? Yes

Best Hydration Hip Pack: Cotopaxi Lagos 5L Hydration Hip Pack Cotopaxi Lagos 5L Hydration Hip Pack

Clint Carter

A common weakness with hydration hip packs is poor hose management. The bite valve has to clip somewhere on your waist, and if it’s not just right, you’ll wack it loose every time your hand swings too close to your hip. For this reason alone, Cotopaxi Lagos Hip Pack is a standout. Its hip belt has no pocket, which actually provides more waistline runway for adjusting the clip-and-magnet bite-valve landing pad. Ultimately, I found it to be the best hip bag for hose management. I was able to position the bite valve away from the arc of my swinging arm, and once I snapped it in, it held strong.

• Weight: 10 ounces
• Water Volume: 2 liters
• Storage Volume: 5 liters
• Comes with reservoir? Yes

Best Value Hydration Pack: CamelBak Arete 18 CamelBak Arete 18 Hydration Pack

Clint Carter

Budget-conscious hikers will find CamelBak’s Arete 18 to be an excellent hydration pack. It has relatively few pockets and minimal strap padding, but it comes equipped with the brand’s popular Crux bladder, which is better than most on the market. It’s easy to fill and clean (thanks to the handle and wide mouth), and the simple thumb lever lets you quickly turn the bite valve on or off.

• Weight: 11 ounces
• Water Volume: 1.5 liters
• Storage Volume: 16.5 liters
• Comes with reservoir? Yes

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Best Hydration Pack for a Close Fit: Salomon ADV Skin 12 Salomon ADV Skin 12 Hydration Pack

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Like its name suggests, the ADV Skin 12 was designed to fit like a second skin. Its breathable fabric hugs your back, shoulders, and chest to eliminate bouncing and chafing as you run. Integrated soft flasks located on the straps allow for hassle-free sips, while three open pockets and one zippered pocket offer easy-access stash spots for snacks and a phone. Additionally, the large internal pocket is compatible with a 1.5-liter bladder (sold separately), or you can use it to carry additional gear, like a jacket.

• Weight: 10.3 ounces
• Water Volume: 1.5 liters
• Storage Volume: 12 liters
• Comes with reservoir? No

Best Hydration Pack for Long Runs: Nathan VaporAir 2.0 7 Liter Nathan VaporAir 2.0 Hydration Pack

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Comfort is king during a long run, which is why the Nathan VaporAir 2.0 deserves a serious look. With its highly adjustable fit and streamlined shape, it’s designed to hug your upper back and shoulders and stay put, so it won’t distract you as you log your miles. Inside, there’s a two-liter hydration bladder with an integrated hose—and front storage pockets provide the option to bring along two 22-ounce bottles for added hydration on long-distance runs. Additionally, the pack has a kangaroo pocket that’s great for stashing layers, while the main compartment offers plenty of room for other essentials.

• Weight: 12.2 ounces
• Water Volume: 2 liters
• Storage Volume: 7 liters
• Comes with reservoir? Yes