Hey campers and welcome to my post where we will discuss my 3 best hydration packs for camping this year. Hydration packs are a perfect addition to camping expeditions where you are either hiking to your campsite, or going on long walks in the wilderness whilst there.
They are specifically designed to provide you with drinking water to keep you hydrated while you trek under the heat of the sun. So if this is something you may need, then check out my recommended products below to help you out.
My three recommended hydration packs for camping
I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
| Hydration Pack For Camping | Price | Get it | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Mothybot Hydration Pack | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | Osprey Skarab 18 Hydration Backpack | $$ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | CamelBak Hydration Backpack | $$$ | CURRENT PRICE |
What are camping hydration packs?
Hydration packs are designed to transport water whilst you are on the move making drinking more efficient and convenient. The packs work like a backpack with the water kept in a bladder stored inside. The fluid is accessed via a hose that runs from the reservoir through holes in the bag.
They can also however be hung on your shoulder or wrapped around your waist. And not only can they be used for camping but also popular with running, hiking, hunting and bike riding as well.
What should you be looking for?
Below are some of the main factors you should take into account as you shop for a good camping hydration pack:
- Type
- Reservoir capacity
- Gear capacity
- Fit
- Weight
- Additions
Type
There are a number of hydration pack types available on the market however most fall into one of the three categories below:
- Backpacks: These are similar to standard hiking packs in that they have plenty of cargo space for food, extra layers, and other essentials that you may need to bring with you. There is a water bladder inside and they range from small packs for short hikes to large bags suitable for overnight backpacking. Cycling, mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding are all popular activities for hydration backpacks.
- Waistpacks: These hydration packs are worn around the waist, as the name suggests. Many of them come with water bottles rather than a reservoir, and the gear capacity is smaller than its backpack counterparts.
- Shoulder packs: These are ideal for light and fast adventures, such as a hike, trail run, or cross-country ski, where you are not required to carry much gear.
Reservoir capacity
This feature determines how much water the hydration pack can hold. It is recommended that your preferred bag has enough water supply to keep you hydrated on your adventures. Capacity levels start at around 0.5 liters (16 fluid ounces) for waistpacks up to three liters or more in the backpack models for long distance use.
Gear capacity
Specific hydration packs have enough space to contain a number of your camping necessities. This feature is referred to as gear capacity. Even though it is necessary that you stay hydrated, carrying some of your camping gear is also a consideration. This is why my recommended products below are all backpacks.
Fit
Your chosen hydration pack should fit your body perfectly. Manufacturers often include adjustable straps to ensure their products will fit well.
Weight
One rule of thumb in hiking is you should not bring a pack that will slow you down. Therefore, in buying hydration packs, consider how much they weigh when filled with water. Whilst a large water bladder will probably not run out, it could also weigh too much as well.
Additions
- Shutoff switch: There are hydration packs with valves that allow you to access the water. Some valves twist open and close, while others have a switch to ensure that water does not leak when the product is not in use.
- Tube portals: This describes a slit in the backpack that allows you to thread the sip tube from the reservoir. Many packs include two outlets, allowing you to hang the tube over either shoulder. Some packs have a single, central portal.
- Wide mouth opening: This feature is handy when cleaning the product. If you purchase a reservoir with a smaller opening, reservoir cleaners or a cleaning kit with brushes are available.
- Cold weather add-ons: Some brands added winterized add-ons such as insulated sip tubes, insulated reservoirs, reservoir covers, and bite valve covers.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Mothybot Hydration Pack
This first product is a backpack type that can hold 2 liters of water with 3 storage compartments that will fit your clothes, keys, purses, phones etc. as well. The water bladder also features a thermal insulation system to keep liquids cold for up to 4 hours. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Mothybot
- Type: Hydration backpack
- Reservoir capacity: 2 liters
- Gear capacity: 15 liters
- Weight: 1.56 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.7 x 2.4 x 17.7 inches
Other inclusions:
- Waist pouch
- Thermal insulation
- Wide-mouth opening
- Safety reflectors and whistle
Why have I chosen it?
As above, this hydration pack contains multiple storage pockets to keep personal items organized and safe as you cover hiking distances. The adjustable straps help to fit the backpack to your torso and the wide-mouth opening makes it easy to clean. This is a great option for lightweight campers who like to wander some distance to their site.
2. Osprey Men’s Hiking Hydration Backpack
The next item provides dependable all-around performance in a large volume hydration pack. It is designed with an 18-liter storage volume, a well-cushioned back panel, and a dedicated reservoir sleeve with a 2.5-liter hydration system. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Osprey
- Type: Hydration backpack
- Reservoir capacity: 2.5 liters
- Gear capacity: 18 liters
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 11 x 13 x 21 inches
Other inclusions:
- Airscape back panel
- Chain attachment points
- Magnetic bite valve
Why have I chosen it?
This hydration pack has a magnetic drinking hose attachment point which keeps the hose secure and easily accessible while on the go. Its wide-mouth design makes cleaning and filling simple with extra comfort provided by a foam-padded back panel, padded shoulder straps and balanced load-carrying ability. A great option for all outdoor use needs.
3. CamelBak M.U.L.E. Hydration Backpack
My final product review is a hydration backpack made by a well-known brand name. It is a durable hydration backpack with a narrow-gauge design that allows it to be light and maneuverable. It will not slow you down even when fully loaded but can still hold three liters of water and a day’s worth of snacks and gear. See its specifications below:
- Brand: CamelBak
- Type: Hydration backpack
- Reservoir capacity: 3 liters
- Gear capacity: 9 liters
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
Other inclusions:
- Comfy back panels
- Removable stability belt
- Ventilated harness
- Adjustable sternum strap
Why have I chosen it?
The magnetic trap on the item is useful for keeping your tube secure and accessible when needed and the integrated ventilated harness maximizes comfort and breathability by providing airflow and cushioning, and a removable stability belt keeps everything in place during bumpy rides. Zippered compartments also provide for ease of gear storage.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best camping hydration packs for getting out and about this year. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
