The Absolute Best Hydration Packs for Every Kind of Outdoor Adventure

We updated this article in June 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.

If you’re loading up on gear as a long-distance runner, hiker, or walker, you know how annoying it can be to lug around a water bottle—but you don’t have to struggle anymore. There’s an easier way to carry essentials, including food, water, your ID, and more during your all-day excursions: hydration packs. These are bags you wear that have plastic or rubber “bladders” or pouches that can be filled with liquid, allowing you to access water more easily through a drinking tube.

Before you dive into what to look for in a hydration pack, first determine whether you need one at all. “It really comes down to what your workouts are like. If you’re running, walking, or hiking less than five miles, you don’t need a hydration pack, but if you are planning to be on the move for a longer distance, then definitely get one,” says Lauren Sheu, a certified running coach and owner of Running for Wellness. And even if you’re moving less than that, some people find hydration packs to be more comfortable than carrying around a water bottle during their bike or hike.

How we chose the best hydration packs

For expert input, we consulted Sheu, chatted with top hydration pack brands, and read through customer reviews to cover a variety of hydration packs that work for multiple people with different requirements.

Our top picks

Ready to find the best one for your outdoor adventure? Ahead, shop top-rated hydration packs for long-distance walkers, cyclists, runners, and hikers that are worth your money.