Summer heat is on the way. Many of you are likely planning a trip to the beach or a vacation in some cool destination. Whether your plans push through or not, you should always be ready with your hydration packs and water bottles. Keep in mind that hydrating or drinking plenty of fluids is important, especially during the summer season.
By now, you should know how important water is to every living being. Some animals can survive without it for weeks. Camels last for 15 days while giraffes can go without water for three weeks. The kangaroo rat can last for three to five years without even a sip of water. Most animals, however, will die without water for days or a few weeks.
Plants, meanwhile, need water to thrive though some can go without it for months or even years. Plants grown in sealed terrariums, for example, can survive without water for years. The majority of plants, however, will eventually wilt and die after a week or so without water.
It’s a different story for human beings. No human on record has lasted for weeks, months, or years without drinking water. Humans can only last for four days to a week without water. That said, you should always be ready with your own supply of water whenever you go out, especially if you’re going on a hike or something similar.
Here’s a list of the ten best hydration packs you can choose from. But before you purchase any of them, you should first consider what activity you will use them for and how much water you’ll need. Also, you should factor in the gear your hydration pack is supposed to hold.
Kuyou Hydration Pack with 2L Water Bladder
The Kuyou Hydration Pack is one of the more popular hydration packs around for a variety of reasons. First, Kuyou is known for high-quality hydration packs. They utilize top-of-the-line nylon fabric as the main material while the back panel is made of lightweight and breathable mesh. It also comes with adjustable wide-webbed shoulder straps to keep you comfortable and prevent the bag from moving.
The Kuyuo Hydration Pack is also pretty easy to use. You just need to pull the rubber mouthpiece out to drink. This action will automatically allow water to come out. When you’re done, close the rubber mouthpiece by simply pushing it back. No pushing or biting is necessary. Best of all, such $16.68 hydration packs come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Teton Sports TrailRunner 2.0 Hydration Pack
Lightweight hydration backpacks are popular among runners and cyclists. The Teton Sports TrailRunner 2.0 is one such hydration pack. It measures 16x10x3 inches and weighs 0.9 pounds though it can carry 2 liters of water. Aside from being lightweight, the Teton TrailRunner also has mesh-covered shoulder straps and adjustable frames to keep you as comfortable as possible.
The BPA-free hydration bladder features a kink-free sip tube with a push-lock cushioned bite valve. You can also put ice through its 2-inch opening. It comes with reflective trim and an integrated emergency whistle, which is also easy to spot because of its orange color. The TrailRuner costs $20.99 right now on Amazon though it usually retails for $25.
Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack with 2L BPA-Free Bladder
Mubasel Gear’s hydration packs are known for a couple of major features – thermal insulation and BPA-free hydration bladders. The 2 liter BPA-free and FDA-approved hydration bladder utilizes thermal insulation to keep your water cool for up to five hours. Cold water after almost five hours of hiking is definitely something to look forward to.
The Mubasel Gear Hydration Backpack comes with three storage compartments along with stretch mesh pockets at the front. These leak-proof hydration backpacks are available for a shade under $33 on Amazon.
Teton Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Pack
The Teton Sports oasis 1100 Hydration Pack is perfect if you’re spending a whole day or even longer on the trail. It can carry up to 18 liters of stuff including the 2-liter hydration bladder but still feel comfortable thanks to its expandable waist belt, comfort-taped straps, mesh covering, and a foam stabilizer. The BPA-free hydration bladder sports the same sip tube and bite valve as the TrailRunner. The Oasis 1100 sells for $34.99 at the moment.
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Unigear Tactical Hydration Backpack 900D with 2.5L Bladder
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Unigear Tactical Hydration Pack is its rugged camouflage design. This hydration pack is made of tear and abrasion-resistant 900 Denier Polyester with PVC lining so you know it’s built for the hard stuff. Comfort is also not an issue. It comes with adjustable shoulder and chest straps so it can fit even children.
The 2.5-liter BPA-free bladder can be accessed by simply biting the valve of the hands-free hydration hose. The water stays cool for some time though you can add ice cubes through the wide screw cap if you want it colder. The Unigear Tactical hydration Backpack currently retails for $38.99.
CamelBak Kids Mini M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack
CamelBak is known for its revolutionary hydration backpacks and one of its renovations is to create hydration packs for small outdoor adventurers. The CamelBak Kids Mini M.U.L.E. can carry up to 1.5 liters of water as well as other items in its many zippered compartments including a bike tool organizer pocket.
CamelBak was also smart enough to include some basic safety features since children will be using such hydration packs. The Mini M.U.L.E. comes with an emergency whistle and reflective strips for better visibility in case the wearer gets lost. CamelBak Kids Mini M.U.L.E. hydration packs cost around $40 each right now.
Osprey Packs Skarab 18 Men’s Hiking Hydration Backpack
Osprey has been making high-quality products including hydration packs since 1974. The Osprey Skarab 18, for one, is perfect for any kind of outdoor activity, especially day hikes. The Skarab 18 boasts of a dedicated hydration compartment, which can carry up to 2.5 liters of water courtesy of its. The hydration backpack, which is made of 210D nylon double diamond ripstop, can carry a total of 25 pounds of gear and supplies thanks to a spacious compartment with a wide-mouth bucket-style opening, front panel daisy chain attachment points, and dual mesh side pockets.
The Osprey Skarab 18 also has an adjustable sternum strap with magnetic bite valve attachment and a removable webbing hip belt to keep the backpack comfortably in place. At a regular price of $85, the Osprey Skarab 18 is a bit on the expensive side. It is currently available though at a discounted price of $62.95 on Amazon.
Gregory Inertia 30 Hydration Backpack
Hydration packs are not only for outdoor use. While it’s great to have one while you’re out hiking, running, or biking, they are also useful in everyday life. The Gregory Inertia 30 Hydration Backpack is one of the best hydration backpacks for commuters.
The Inertia 30’s claim to fame is its 3D Hydro reservoir that can carry up to three liters of water. It also comes with an integrated drying hanger to that makes it even easier to dry the already quick-drying reservoir.
The ventilated mesh back panel along with the adjustable padded hipbelts, shoulder harness, and ventilated framesheet back panel accounts for the pack’s comfort while its ease of use is courtesy of its quick-access front and side stretch mesh pockets.
There are lots of hydration packs on the market right now. If you feel that we missed one that deserves to be on this list, please tell us why in the comment section below. Check out The Gentleman Pirate, as well, to learn about other valuable outdoor gear you can bring during your hikes.
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