I Rigorously Tested the Best Hydration Packs. These Will Keep You Hydrated Without Holding You Back

Whether you're hiking, trail running, skiing, or mountain biking, proper hydration is essential. In the best-case scenario, not getting enough water during an outdoor workout results in subpar performance. But if you’re miles into the wilderness without a drop to drink, the situation can quickly become dangerous. The best hydration packs are a convenient way to carry water during high-intensity activities. They're the perfect complement to a trail runner's kit (think running shoes, sunglasses, trekking poles, and anti-chafing sticks).

Today’s options are streamlined and adapted for all types of activities. They're made from lightweight, abrasion-resistant materials with plenty of pockets. Optimally, they have anywhere from 5 to 18 liters of total pack capacity, and have minimal bounce to prevent chafing.

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We tested dozens to find the best hydration packs for running, best cycling hydration packs, and best hydration packs for skiing and snowboarding. This year, the one that landed on top is Salomon ADV Skin 12, a high-capacity pack that feels minimalist, but has a pocket everywhere you need. You can stash layers, snacks, and three liters of water in here, and it has accompanied us on many full-day outings. Read on for more hydration pack reviews.

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Best Hydration Packs at a Glance

• Best Hydration Pack Overall: Salomon ADV Skin 12
• Best Hydration Pack for Hiking: Osprey Skarab 18
• Best Hydration Pack for Running: Nathan Pinnacle Pro 6
• Best Mountain Biking Hydration Pack: Camelbak MULE 5 Waistpack
• Best Cycling Hydration Pack: Norrona Senja 7
• Best Hydration Pack for Skiing and Snowboarding: Gregory Verte 12
• Best Hydration Pack for Festivals: Evoc Ride 12L

Best Hydration Packs of 2025

Best Hydration Pack Overall: Salomon ADV Skin 12

Like its name suggests, Salomon ADV Skin 12 is 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.

This has been my go-to hydration pack for everything from crewing a friend’s ultra to bike commuting to day hiking. You could even consider it one of the best hydration packs for Spartan Race Beasts (21K) and Ultras (50K), and other obstacle course events. The stretchy pockets accommodate more than you think they can, and while I wouldn’t recommend it for inclement weather where you need a lot of layers, I’ve certainly done some big days with this and not lacked any gear.

Pros

• Close fit and easy adjustments
• Large capacity for low weight

Cons

• A little bouncier due to the minimalist compression straps

• Weight: 8.7 ounces
• Water volume: 3 liters
• Storage volume: 12 liters
• Comes with reservoir? Soft flasks, yes; reservoir, no

Best Hydration Pack for Hiking: Osprey Skarab 18

Osprey Skarab 18 isn’t the most high-tech pack on the market, but it does an excellent job combining Osprey’s hallmark blend of comfort and intended use. With an 18-liter capacity and an included 2.5-liter reservoir, it's well-sized for half-day hikes or for people who pack lighter on full-day outings. The pack features padded straps, a cushioned back panel, and a simple waist strap, offering an adjustable fit that does a decent job of keeping the weight close to your back.

It uses a similar ripstop nylon as the brand’s lightweight backpacking packs, with an abrasion-resistant weave and durable buckles and zippers. Despite this, it still weighs just over one pound and holds weight incredibly well for its low-key design. I don’t recommend overstuffing it—the hip belt is fairly minimal—but it cinches down tight, and the shoulder straps are decently wide. While more at home in the outdoors, this also does double duty as one of the best motorcycle hydration packs.

Pros

• Good size-to-weight ratio
• Easily adjustable straps
• Reliable hydration system that's easy to fill

Cons

• The back panel can get sweaty

• Weight: 1 lb. 2.2 oz.
• Water volume: 2.5 liters
• Storage volume: 18 liters
• Comes with reservoir? Yes

Related: The 15 Best Men's Hiking Boots For Any Kind of Terrain

Best Hydration Pack for Running: Nathan Pinnacle Pro 6

I’ve been wearing Nathan packs since I started trail running, and its latest update streamlined and lightened the designs of their already lightweight packs. The Nathan Pinnacle Pro 6 is a newer addition to the lineup, with more capacity than the bare minimum, but a lower profile than the existing 12-liter option.

This is a simple pack made for carrying soft flasks, a bladder, and maybe some snacks and a light layer. That makes it ideal for trail runs, races, or longer road outings where you don’t need a full day’s worth of gear, but you still need to pack the essentials. The side pockets are stretchy and can hold gloves or an ultralight windbreaker, but I wouldn’t stash valuables in here. It does have a zippered pocket along the back (only accessible if you take the pack off), and I’d love just one more front zippered pocket to round it out.

Pros

• This can hold up to a two-liter reservoir
• The included flasks are easy to drink from

Cons

• One more zippered pocket on the front would be nice

• Weight: 11.9 oz.
• Water volume: 2.5 liters
• Storage volume: 6 liters
• Comes with reservoir? Soft flasks, yes; reservoir, no

Best Mountain Biking Hydration Pack: Camelbak MULE 5 Waistpack

I was on the fence about hip packs for a while, but the combination of a lower center of gravity and less back sweat had me sold after one season with the Camelbak MULE 5. This is a longstanding favorite from Camelbak, and it’s easy to see why. It has a surprising number of features in a small package, including a 1.5-liter reservoir that tucks nicely into the main compartment, several smaller internal pockets, and a small zipped pocket on the outside. It also comes with side pouches for water bottles and non-zipped pockets on the belt. I use these for gels and energy bars, and I can even wedge a bike tool in there, making it among the best MTB hydration packs for minimalists.

As far as fit goes, the belt closes with a single buckle, adjusts easily, and houses a Magnetic Tube Trap for fast access to the drinking tube. I love the size of this pack, but if you end up carrying full water capacity, keep in mind there isn’t much room left for clothes and bike tools.

Pros

• Keeps weight low and centered
• Magnetic Tube Trap keeps hose secure

Cons

• With a full bladder, extra space is limited

• Weight: 1 lb. 2. oz.
• Storage volume: 3.5 liters
• Water volume: 1.5 liters
• Comes with reservoir? Yes

Related: I Tested Dozens of the Best Trail Running Shoes—These Are My Top Picks for Traction and Comfort

Best Cycling Hydration Pack: Norrona Senja 7

Norrona Senja 7L pack is a sleek pack originally designed for trail running, but we love the close fit and stellar weatherproofing during bike rides. The seven-liter main compartment features a laminated zipper for water resistance, an internal pocket for loose items, and a key hook so you don’t have to trust your bib pocket.

The two vertical pockets on the side can hold small items like a phone, gels, or gloves, and the deep front pockets are perfect for soft flasks. The pack comes with two 500-milliliter soft bottles, but keep in mind the tapered pockets make it hard to fit other aftermarket bottles. This is a streamlined and secure design with some of the best bounce-resistance of any we tested, and the only thing we’d love to see in the future is an elastic extension at the bottom to help the main pocket reach full capacity.

Pros

• Nicely organized pockets
• Weatherproof material and zippers

Cons

• Tapered build and center zipper make it hard to fill to capacity

• Weight: 8.8 oz.
• Water volume: 1 liter
• Storage volume: 7 liters
• Comes with reservoir? Soft flasks, yes; reservoir, no

Best Hydration Pack for Skiing and Snowboarding: Gregory Verte 12

As a very average skier, I’m not super picky when it comes to my resort pack. I rely mostly on easy snow and chill slopes to stay upright, not the angle of my pack’s hip belt. But I was happy to test Gregory Verte 12 this season, and I ended up loving the snow-shedding shape and insulated hydration hose sleeve that kept my water liquid during all but the most frigid days.

The pack’s hip belt is what did it for me. Designed like a stretchy goggle strap, the “CloudControl” hip belt is tail-free and flexible, eliminating my terror of getting stuck to the chair lift upon disembarking. The pack is designed to sit close to your body and move with you during dynamic descents, and the side pocket is easy to reach on the chairlift. Finally, this has a ski/snowboard carry system for bootpacking days, though the pack is a little small to support heavier boards and skis. Consider it one of the best hydration packs for snowboarding on resort days.

Pros

• Insulated hose sleeve
• Flexible hip belt for excellent balance and range of motion

Cons

• Doesn’t come with hydration reservoir

• Weight: 1 lb. 6 oz.
• Water volume: 3 liters
• Storage volume: 12 liters
• Comes with reservoir? No

Related: I Tested the Top Hiking Socks of the Year—These Are the Best for Avoiding Blisters

Best Hydration Pack for Festivals: Evoc Ride 12L

Festivals are tricky because some venues require clear packs and some have capacity limits. For the more loose regulations, EVOC Ride 12 is our pick. Originally built as a large-capacity (but lightweight) biking backpack, it has an easy-to-access bladder for refills from the water station, plenty of pockets for snacks, and a secure inner pocket for your wallet. We like the 12-liter as a do-it-all pack for full days (or multiple days) on the show grounds, as it holds enough layers to take you from a cold morning to a hot afternoon and back to a chilly evening. It’s also highly adjustable and secure thanks to the wide-webbing hip belt.

Pros

• Easy to access bladder and reliable bite valve
• Plenty of storage for layers and snacks

Cons

• Some festivals require clear bags

• Weight: 1 lb. 4.8 oz.
• Water volume: 2 liters
• Storage volume: 12 liters
• Comes with reservoir? Yes

What to Look for in the Best Hydration Packs

Main Components of Hydration Packs

There are two basic components of a hydration pack: the hydration system and the bag that carries it. Let's look at the hydration system first, including the reservoir that holds your water, the hose, the hose coupling, and the bite valve.

Hydration System
The reservoir that holds water is made from tough, flexible TPU or polyurethane. It can typically carry anywhere from one to three liters. A two-liter reservoir is generally a safe bet for most activities, but if the temperature is high or the ride is long, you’ll want to opt for a larger water bladder. Look for a reservoir that’s easy to fill and clean. A wide mouth helps; it should be big enough to fit a brush through. Alternatively, Hydrapak, a brand that uses a zipper-style closure, makes a reservoir that you can turn inside-out like a sock—convenient for scrubbing and air-drying. In addition, a good reservoir should limit how much water sloshes around. For this, look for features such as a slim design with internal baffles or partitions.

The hose is also important, and we prefer a transparent hose that allows you to notice if and when funk starts to grow in the line. If you hike in cold conditions though, you might prefer an opaque, insulated hose that will help prevent your water from freezing.

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The hose coupling is where the hose attaches to the reservoir. Simpler models are permanently attached in a fixed system, while others separate with a quick-release button. Fixed hoses may offer an advantage for durability, but most people will prefer a quick-release. Popping the hose off makes it significantly easier to remove the reservoir for filling. Most quick-release hoses plug in at the bottom of the reservoir, but some attach at the top. The latter saves you from the annoyance of having to stuff your hand into the bottom of an overstuffed bag to get your hose on or off.

The bite valve—where your water comes from—is there to allow you to drink when you want to and to prevent water from leaking when you don’t. The flow shouldn’t begin until you pinch it with your teeth. The type or shape of the valve comes down to personal preference, but one feature to look for is some sort of mechanism for shutting the valve off. This prevents water from dripping out when the hose is banging against your chest—and it’s the best way to avoid having an unattended hydration pack slowly drain out on your living room floor. Trust us, this sucks.

The Bag
The second basic component of a hydration pack is the bag. These are as varied as you might imagine. First, it’s important to consider how you’ll be using it. For a fast, lightweight hike or run, you should look for a bag that’s slim and tight-fitting. It should hold the reservoir right against your back so it doesn’t swing around and throw you off balance. For a long, multiday backpack trip, you’d be better off with a big, roomy bag with padded straps and a support system designed to manage weight. Comfort is key, so you should also look for a webbed back panel that holds the reservoir a couple of inches off your back. The extra air flow will make long hikes more tolerable.

Related: The 12 Best Hiking Sandals of 2024

Does Your Hydration Pack Come With Bottles or a Reservoir?

It’s also important to consider whether you’re open to buying a “hydration compatible” bag, or one that comes with soft flasks and a reservoir. Some bags are built to accommodate a reservoir and hose—but are sold without them. In that case, you'll have to buy the reservoir separately or use one you already own.

We prefer bags that include them. It’s simply more convenient to buy the hydration system at the same time as the bag. Also, bags sold as complete kits are often better integrated, and they feature more hydration-specific features, like hose-routing clips on the shoulder straps. For these reasons, hydration-compatible bags generally rated more poorly on my hikes. In fact, all of my selections are sold with hydration systems of some kind.

When Do You Need a Hydration Pack?

When exercising for extended periods of time, a good rule of thumb is to always carry more water than you think you’ll need. Hydration packs are an ideal way to do that. They have large capacities (around two liters or more), and they allow you to carry all that water on your back where it’s more stable and easier to haul. They also double as a handy storage compartment for food, gear, and other essentials.

Main Types of Hydration Packs

There are four main types of hydration packs designed for specific sports: hiking, running, mountain biking, and skiing. There are also some models designed for niche sports like climbing and standup paddling, but the vast majority of hydration packs on the market fall into the categories below.

Hiking Hydration Packs
These are usually the most straightforward option. They include a large reservoir for staying hydrated during long trail journeys. The reservoir is connected to a drinking hose that comes out of the bag and over your shoulder, usually attached to one of the pack's straps. This setup allows you to drink directly from the water bladder without pouring liquid into a separate cup or container. Hiking hydration packs often have ample storage space for food, gear, and other essentials as well.

Running Hydration Packs
These hydration packs are optimized for low weight and comfort, so they won’t slow you down or cause irritation when running. Many running packs feature hydration bottles in the front for easy access as you move.

Mountain Biking Hydration Packs
MTB packs have hydration reservoirs, drinking tubes, and gear storage, just like hiking packs, but they’re also built with back protector panels (or they have a slot where you can slide one in). This foam panel absorbs impact forces and protects your back in the event of a fall.

Skiing and Snowboarding Hydration Packs
Snow packs feature similar designs to MTB packs, with hydration bladders and gear storage space. They also put safety at the forefront. Most ski and snowboard hydration packs feature easy-access compartments designed specifically for avalanche safety gear.

How We Tested the Best Hydration Packs

We’ve been wearing hydration packs for years, looking for a combination of capacity, pocket access, bladder security, and bounce resistance. Slepian tested the packs' water reservoirs by leaving them full of water in the car for a day or two at a time (sometimes unintentionally), and gauged the packs capacity by stuffing them with snacks and other gear. She checked the reservoirs for pinholes, seam failures, and closure reliability as well.

She made sure the packs were comfortable, looking for shoulder harnesses that allowed full range of motion without feeling sloppy, and reviewed these with male testers with different body types on a range of terrain and activities. Any packs that pulled back on shoulders or didn’t distribute weight evenly were out. 

Meanwhile, Carter filled, drained, and cleaned the reservoirs, then spent 25 hours hiking and running with them on trails near his home in New Jersey. Stuffing the bags with puffy jackets, energy bars, and other things he might need along the way, he even shouldered a 20-pound weight on some hikes to see how the bag would handle the load. He looked for reservoirs that were easy to fill, remove, and install in the bag, while focusing on hydration packs with minimal water sloshing and hose-management features that prevented the valve from bouncing around.

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Why You Should Trust Us

Maggie Slepian has over a decade of experience testing and reviewing gear on backcountry adventures. Hydration packs are her go-to storage solution for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and skiing. She looks for slim-fit packs that don’t skimp on capacity, pockets, and water capacity, and she has used running varieties for everything from crewing races to all-day peak bagging. These packs are all vetted by Maggie and used by her male tester to test for fit, capacity, durability, and comfort during long days outside. 

Clint Carter has a decade of experience in gear testing. He's hiked all over the U.S., as well as Peru, Kenya, and Argentina, and has reviewed outdoor products for Men’s Journal, Wall Street Journal, and Men’s Health. 

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