Hiking is a great activity. It allows you to explore nature, breathe in the fresh air, exercise your body, and let your adventurous flare take over! Below, we’ve listed 9 of the best hiking backpacks with water bladders. Each has its unique features and benefits. You can choose one that suits your needs perfectly.
In recent years, it has even been found that hiking can have a great effect on improving people’s mental health.
However, to hike safely and to ensure that you are as comfortable and energized as possible, you need to make sure that you have all of the right equipment. One way to get around this issue is to purchase a backpack that comes equipped with a water bladder.
One minute you’re excited about exploring a nature trail, and the next you’re trying to figure out how you can carry all of your equipment, valuables, backpacking food, and clean water supply.
To help you figure out how to find the right water bladder backpack for you, we’ve also included a handy buyer’s guide.
Staff Favorites and Quick Recommendations
- Most Versatile Hydration Backpack: Gregory Mountain Products Men’s Inertia 20 H2O Day Hiking Backpack
- Osprey Raptor 10– Best Hydration Pack for Mountain Biking
- Osprey Skimmer 28 Women’s Hiking Hydration Backpack –Best Women’s hiking hydration backpack
- MIRACOL 15L Hydration Backpack– Best Budget Hiking Hydration Pack
- Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack– Most Affordable Hydration Pack for Runners
- Osprey Manta 24 Men’s Hiking Hydration Backpack–Best Bang for Your Buck Hiking Hydration Backpack
Table of contents
- Staff Favorites and Quick Recommendations
- Most Versatile Hydration Backpack with Water Bladder
- Best Hydration Pack for Mountain Biking
- Most Affordable Hydration Pack for Runners
- Best Ultralight Hydration Pack
- Best Women’s Hiking Hydration Backpack
- Most Bang for Your Buck Hiking Hydration Backpack
- Best Budget Hiking Hydration Pack
- Buyer’s Guide
- What is a Water Bladder?
- Benefits Of Backpacks With Water Bladders
- About Hiking Backpacks With Water Bladder s
- Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Backpack With A Water Bladder
- Capacity
- Useful Features
- How Do You Clean A Water Bladder?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Need More Advice on Gear and Footwear?
Most Versatile Hydration Backpack with Water Bladder
Gregory Mountain Products Men’s Inertia 24 H20 Day Hiking Backpack ( $129.95)
See prices on Amazon | REI | Backcountry | BobEdwards | CampSaver
If you’re looking for a high-quality and versatile hydration backpack that won’t break the bank, then the Gregory Mountain Products Men’s Inertia 24 Day Hiking Backpack is perfect.
You can use this backpack for day hiking, walking, commuting, and travel.
To clarify, this backpack is lightweight and has a ventilated back panel. This serves to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable whilst hiking- regardless of how tough the hike may be!
It also boasts very comfortable and adjustable padded components (hip belt and shoulder harness) that ensure comfort all day long.
The most important aspect of this hiking backpack is the 3-liter hydro reservoir aka water bladder, which is made from 3D QuickDry soft-molded technology.
It also has an integrated drying hanger and an anatomical fit. Carrying your water supply bladder around in a hiking backpack, has never been more convenient or comfortable!
The main compartment is spacious enough to carry all your essentials such as food, hiking clothing layers, maps, etc. It also has multiple zip-close pockets that work to keep your valuables safe as you explore.
Furthermore, it has a trekking pole attachment system that allows you to store trekking poles using a quick-hook clip.
Finally, this backpack comes in two different colors: bright orange and black. If you plan to use the bag for commuting, then the black one will do just fine.
However, if you plan on hiking, we recommend opting for the orange color, as it is more likely to keep you safe and visible in bad weather conditions.
What We Do Like
- Ventilated Back Panel – this will keep you both cool and dry as you hike.
- 3-Liter Quick Drying Anatomical Hydro Reservoir – carries a good amount of water and is comfortable.
- Trekking Pole Attachment System – allows you to quickly and comfortably carry trekking poles.
- Orange Color – ideal for visibility.
What We Don’t Like
- Size & Design – might not be appropriate for longer hikes or harsher weather conditions.
Our Thoughts
Overall, this backpack is a great all-rounder. The hydration system supplies you with enough water for a comfortable hike and it is incredibly comfortable to carry.
For the price, this is a great backpack. However, if you plan to hike for a longer time or in bad weather conditions, you might need a different model.
Best Hydration Pack for Mountain Biking
Osprey Raptor 10 Men’s Hydration Backpack ( $176.75)
See prices on Amazon | Jans | Osprey Packs | evo
The Osprey Raptor 10 is a top-notch backpack with excellent features. It does go for a premium price, however, we promise you that it is worth it.
This backpack is ideal for hikes or outdoor sports such as skiing or cycling. It is extremely durable and well built. It is also highly functional and easy to use.
In fact, this backpack was made with cyclists in mind. It has a bike tool organization section in the main compartment of the bag, and a lock helmet attachment mechanism on the outside of the bag. Altogether, this is a great option if you’re a keen cyclist.
You can get this backpack in two volumes: 14 liters and 10 liters, Likewise, either option provides you with ample space to carry everything you may need for a day of cycling or a short hike.
It comes equipped with a blinker light attachment and a reflective patch, meaning that it works to keep you safe and visible.
It boasts a 2.5-liter reservoir made by HydraPak.
This is smaller than some others on this list, but if you are going to be spending the day mountain biking or engaging in strenuous outdoor activities, it is small enough so that you don’t expend any unnecessary energy carrying it.
The hip belt is adjustable, padded, and particularly comfortable.
However, it is also very practical. It comes with zippered pockets that are super useful to carry valuable belongings that you may need quick and easy access to, such as your phone, money, or sunglasses.
What We Do Like:
- Adjustable Hip Belt – makes it easier to carry your gear around.
- 2.5 Liter Quick Drying Anatomical Reservoir – holds plenty of water and is comfortable to wear.
- Blinker Light And Reflective Patch – keep you safe while riding at night.
- Helmet Lock & Bike Tool Storage – this pack is ideal for keen cyclists.
What We Don’t Like:
- Price Point – higher than most other options on this list.
Our Thoughts
This backpack is perfect for mountain bikers. It is very light and compact making it easy to carry.
It is also extremely durable and has a great number of features that will make your adventure less stressful and more organized. However, it does have a higher price point than others on this list.
Most Affordable Hydration Pack for Runners
Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack ( $21.45)
If you’re a keen runner looking for an affordable hydration pack, then you should definitely check out the Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack.
The reason why it’s one of our favorites is due to all the essential features you need for trail running and hiking for a very low price!
For example, the adjustable shoulder and chest straps on this bag perfectly fit your body. In turn, it won’t bounce as you jog, run, or walk.
The chest strap is detachable, so you can choose when it is appropriate to use it! Additionally, it is made from breathable material which will ensure that you remain dry and comfortable.
The hydration bag is 2-liters large and BPA-free. It also has a 100% leakproof design and very quick drying. As a result, it is very easy to maintain and very safe to use.
Although it has a smaller capacity than others, it still provides you with enough water for a run or hike.
This backpack is very practical. You’ll find mesh pockets on the front side that hold keys and other valuables. In fact, these mesh pockets are surprisingly large and useful.
It also has three storage compartments in the main part of the bag that allows you to easily organize your belongings.
If you’re a keen runner, then you’ll be grateful to know that this backpack is particularly lightweight, especially given its size. It is also very comfortable to wear.
However, you don’t need to take our word for it – Mubasel Gear provides customers with a 60-day 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can also receive a free bladder replacement.
What We Do Like
- Lightweight Design – both very portable and easy to carry.
- Detachable Chest Strap – makes it easier to carry your stuff around.
- Large Mesh Pockets – hold keys and other small items.
- Breathable Material – keeps you dry and comfortable.
- Price – incredibly reasonable.
What We Don’t Like
- Durability – not as durable as more expensive options on this list.
Our Thoughts
The Mubasel Gear Insulated hydration backpack is one of the best-running backpacks available. It has a lot of great features for an incredibly reasonable price.
If you’re looking for a good running backpack, then we highly recommend checking out this option.
See more colors here.
Best Ultralight Hydration Pack
CamelBak HydroBack Light 50 oz ( $65.00)
See prices on Amazon | REI | OutdoorPlay
If you’re looking for a high-quality hydration pack that offers excellent value for money, then the CamelBak HydroBack Hydration Pack is what you want.
This product comes with a number of unique features that make it stand out from the crowd.
For starters, it is extremely lightweight and has a streamlined shape. This means that you can easily carry it around without any problems.
In fact, this backpack was designed so that you could engage in a number of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, without being slowed down by your bag.
It is worth noting, however, that this Camelbak bladder does have quite a limited capacity. This is because it has been designed for short bike rides or hikes.
Although, it still has a large enough capacity for you to keep all of your valuables, food, and water safely secured as you adventure.
The hydration in this lightweight backpack is supplied by a 1.5-liter Crux reservoir.
This type of reservoir has been designed specifically for quicker loading and refilling, meaning that it is ideal for busy days of exploring. It also delivers 20% more water per sip, keeping you super hydrated!
This bag also features a lightweight and ventilated mesh harness which works to keep you dry and cool as you go. In effect, you don’t need to worry about excessive sweating causing discomfort.
It also comes with a lifetime guarantee, so this bag is a particularly safe purchase!
What We Do Like
- Very Lightweight – extremely comfortable to wear and easy to carry.
- Streamlined Shape – makes it easy to carry and wear when cycling.
- Ventilated Mesh Harness – keeps you dry and cool.
- Lifetime Guarantee – this bag is a safe purchase.
What We Don’t Like
- Limited Capacity – only suitable for shorter trips.
Our Thoughts
We think that this backpack is an excellent purchase if you frequently go on brief trips or adventures. The streamlined shape is very well-designed and it’s so comfortable to carry that you barely notice it! However, it is very small, so isn’t suitable for longer excursions.
Best Women’s Hiking Hydration Backpack
Osprey Skimmer 28 Women’s Hiking Hydration Backpack ( )
See prices on Amazon | REI | Osprey |
If you’re looking for a specific women’s hiking backpack, then you can’t go wrong with the Osprey Skimmer 28 women’s hiking hydration backpack.
Osprey is a tried and tested brand that consistently produces excellent products – and this one is no exception!
This backpack features a spacious main compartment that will comfortably accommodate everything you need during your trip.
It has a padded back panel, adjustable shoulder straps, and a sternum strap that helps to distribute weight evenly across your body.
This backpack has a very traditional rucksack style. It has a wide-mouth, bucket-style opening to the main compartment that makes it easy to pack your belongings and grab them when you need them.
The side pockets are useful for storing items like maps, snacks, keys, and wallets.
Additionally, the hydration bladder in this backpack is a 2.5 -liter reservoir made by HydraPak. Likewise, it’s BPA-free, quick-drying, and very easy to use.
It is leak-proof thanks to its excellent closure mechanism. Not to mention, it’s also equipped with a valve, basically allowing you to hydrate quickly and efficiently.
This hiking backpack bag is well-designed for keen hikers since its water bladder is easy to access. It has a number of zippered pockets, shove-it pockets, and scratch-free pockets that have been made to hold necessary hiking accessories such as sunglasses.
It also has trekking pole loop attachment points that you can access easily and quickly as you like.
What We Do Like
- Lightweight – very comfortable to wear and easy to carry.
- Sturdy Construction – strong enough to withstand heavy loads and rough terrain.
- Easy Accessibility – has a large main compartment that allows you to store all your belongings easily.
- Consistent Quality – Osprey bags are known for their quality and reliability. This bag is no exception.
What We Don’t Like
- Price – more expensive than others on this list, but very high quality.
Our Thoughts
If you are looking for a versatile backpack that will allow you to carry everything you need for a day out, then we highly recommend this one.
We love how light it is, but it is also incredibly sturdy. Being that it’s comfortable to wear, you won’t feel any irritation or have a sweaty back during your hikes.
Most Bang for Your Buck Hiking Hydration Backpack
Osprey Manta 24 Men’s Hiking Hydration Backpack ( )
See prices and other colors on Osprey Packs | REI
By now, it’s probably pretty clear that we absolutely love Osprey’s products – but we just had to include this one in the list too.
We think that this backpack is a great choice if you want something that is stylish, super high-quality, and very functional.
This backpack has two compartments; a dedicated hydration compartment and the main compartment which is quite spacious.
There are also lots of dual-zippered pockets, including on the hip belt, to keep things organized, safe, and easily accessible.
The reservoir is a 2.5-liter Hydraulics reservoir that is BPA-free. It also features a sternum strap bite valve, making it easy to stay hydrated as you explore!
Besides, it’s quick-drying, so it’s very easy to maintain. Of course, it’s 100% leakproof, so you don’t need to worry about your belongings getting wet!
This backpack has an internal frame that keeps the load stable and prevents it from shifting around. It also has an adjustable sternum strap, an adjustable harness, and excellent padding.
Undeniably, this backpack is very comfortable to carry around – regardless of how long you are hiking!
If you’re looking for a backpack, that can stand up to wet or harsh weather conditions on hiking trails, then this one is a great choice.
This backpack has an integrated rain cover that protects your gear from the elements. It also comes in a bright green color which is good for visibility.
What We Do Like
- Great Capacity – can comfortably fit all your essentials for a day hike.
- Quality Rain Cover – protects your gear against the elements.
- Stylish Design – stylish design makes this backpack look great wherever you go.
- Internal Frame & Adjustable Straps – keep the backpack comfortably in place.
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive – this is not the cheapest backpack on our list, but it is worth every penny.
Our Thoughts
This backpack is great for those who enjoy hiking. It is lightweight but has a great capacity for everything that you need. Moreover, the integrated rain cover is of excellent quality.
If you want an all-around excellent hiking hydration backpack – then this one is great, but it is quite expensive.
Best Budget Hiking Hydration Pack
MIRACOL 15L Hydration Backpack ( $28.79)
If you’re looking for a super affordable backpack that will still hold up on one of your adventures, then you should check out the MIRACOL Hydration Backpack.
Altogether, it’s a quality, durable, and comfortable hydration daypack, for a small fraction of the price of some others on this list.
This bag features a military-grade level of durability which is certain to keep the contents of your backpack safe.
However, don’t let that fool you into thinking that it is a heavy backpack – it is actually incredibly light, weighing just 1 pound, so it definitely won’t burden your trip.
In addition to containing a replaceable 2-liter water bladder pack, made from EVA material that is BPA-free, this hiking backpack also provides thermal insulation.
As a result, the daypack works to keep your water cool and refreshing for up to four hours.
Moreover, the backpack has multiple storage compartments, including many differently-sized pockets that will be able to hold all of your valuables comfortably and securely.
It is also made with water-resistant fabrics to ensure that your belongings remain somewhat protected from the environment.
Besides, one of the best things about this range of backpacks is the huge number of color options. You can opt for blue, purple, green, orange, grey, black, or pink.
We’d like to point out, it’s backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so this backpack is a very safe purchase!
What We Do Like
- Durable – military-grade materials mean that this backpack will last for years.
- Lightweight – weighing only 1 pound, this backpack is easy to carry around.
- Price – very affordable.
- Color Options – very varied.
What We Don’t Like
- Features – not as many as others on this list.
Our Thoughts
In our opinion, this is the best budget hydration backpack that you’ll find while being incredibly durable and comfortable to carry.
It doesn’t come with the huge range of features that some others on this list do, but it is an absolute steal.
TETON Sports Oasis 18L Hydration Pack ( $72.16)
The Teton Sports Oasis 18L is a great backpack for anyone who loves outdoor activities. It strikes a balance between affordability, practicality, durability, and style.
Whether you love hiking, running, cycling, or just need a bag to commute to work with, this one is a great option.
This backpack adjusts to fit all frames. It should sit comfortably on men, women, and teenage children.
Thanks to the notched foam stabilizer and mesh covering this backpack are comfortable to wear for hours on end – so you won’t have to cut your adventures short!
The main compartment of this backpack has a capacity of 18 liters. Therefore, this is a good amount of space for a day hike. It also has multiple zippered pockets that will keep your valuables safe as you explore.
There are two large mesh pockets on each side that provide good space for other beverages or snacks.
The hydration bladder in this backpack is 2-liters large. Moreover, it is very durable and includes a kink-free sip tube and push-lock cushioned bite valve.
This makes it very easy to hydrate yourself as you hike. Additionally, it has a large opening that makes it easy to refill and clean.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Teton is a particularly trustworthy company.
They have received tens of thousands of 5* reviews from customers. Not to mention, they have an excellent customer support team, and provide fast and reliable solutions to any problems you may experience.
What We Do Like
- Adjustable – fits most adults and teenagers.
- Notched Foam Stabilizer & Mesh Covering – make this backpack super comfortable for long-term wear.
- Kink-Free Sip Tube & Push-Lock Cushioned Bite Valve – make it easy to hydrate yourself on the go.
- Teton – trusted brand.
What We Don’t Like
- Features – not as wide-ranging as more expensive models.
Our Thoughts
We think that this hiking backpack is great value for money since the water bladder has an easy-to-clean reservoir. To point out, it’s extremely lightweight, making it perfect for hiking, camping, and even biking.
We also love how adjustable it is – this is a great item if you plan on sharing it with other members of your family or your friends!
Columbia Unisex Maxtrail 16L Backpack ( )
Finally, we just had to mention the Columbia Unisex Maxtrail 16L Backpack. If you’re looking for a high-quality backpack that offers a lot of versatility, then this one is an excellent choice. Chiefly, it has plenty of room for everything you need while out on the trail.
In fact, this trail backpack includes a spacious compartment with an interior accessory pocket, versatile and customizable twin slot webbing, trekking pole attachment points, and stretch woven front and side pockets.
Besides, there is more than enough room to store your valuables and necessary items for hiking.
It also includes side compression straps, a breathable 3D EVA foam back panel, ergonomic shoulder straps, and an adjustable chest strap.
These features ensure that you remain comfortable and safe as you explore. In fact, the chest strap comes with a very handy rescue whistle!
The hydration component of this daypack is very slim and high-performance. In particular, the 1.5-liter HydraPak Elite Reservoir that has been made using top-quality materials.
The hiking backpack also has easy zipper reservoir access, meaning that you can access the water hydration bladder from either the left or the ride side – depending on your preferences.
Similarly, one of the best things about this hydration backpack was that it was built to last and it has great attention to detail.
Without a doubt, this is how Columbia sets itself apart from other outdoor brands – they use only the best materials, expert workmanship, and long-lasting stitching techniques. You will have this backpack for years and years!
What We Do Like
- High-Quality Materials – made from durable and sturdy nylon fabric.
- Breathable- Foam mesh backpanel
- Hydration Compartment – of premium quality.
- Ergonomically Designed Shoulder Straps – easy to carry and adjust.
What We Don’t Like
- Reservoir Size – 16L might be too small for some people.
Our Thoughts
We love Columbia and this backpack personifies everything great about the brand. In particular, it’s made of the highest quality, incredibly practical, and is available at a reasonable price! Allin all, we recommend hoping for the orange version rather than the black so that you are visible in low light conditions.
Buyer’s Guide
Hiking is one of the best sports out there – but we know that it can be an intimidating one too. Safety is a prime concern when hiking, and most of your equipment works to protect you in some way.
As such, trying to find the right backpack for hiking with a water bladder can feel rather overwhelming.
The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned cash on a backpack that falls apart in a matter of weeks, or one that doesn’t work for the outdoor sport that you had in mind.
And, let’s face it, these products are usually very expensive, so it would be a real waste!
That’s why we’ve included this buyer’s guide.
Below, we list everything that you need to consider and understand so that you are equipped with the necessary knowledge to make an informed and confident purchase.
Take a look! The sooner you find the right backpack for you, the sooner you can be out on the trail, soaking up the fresh air, pondering the gorgeous views, and challenging yourself to hike further and higher than you did last time!
What is a Water Bladder?
A water bladder pack is a flexible plastic container that is usually capable of holding a few liters of water and will fit far more comfortably against your back than a water bottle.
To illustrate, water bladder has attached to a tube, that extends outside your backpack so that you have easy access to drink the water. Then, when you are thirsty, you simply grab the tube, bite the end, and drink the water from it.
This makes staying hydrated, particularly on hard trails, so much easier!
If you want to take your hiking experience to the next level, then you should consider investing in a good backpack with a water bladder.
A good hiking backpack will provide comfort, protection, convenience, and lots of hydration to keep you going for as long as necessary!
Below, we’ve listed 9 of the best hiking backpacks with water bladders. Each has its unique features and benefits. You can choose one that suits your needs perfectly. If you’re new to the world of hiking, then this can be a bit of an intimidating conclusion to come to.
- They allow you to consume water more often, which is necessary in the heat.
- You don’t need to stop or slow your pace to hydrate.
- You can carry larger amounts of water more comfortably.
- Hiking backpacks have a compartment to keep your water at a cool and regulated temperature.
- They don’t take up as much room in your bag as a water bottle, so you have more space for essentials.
- Generally, they are easy to refill.
- Hydration bladders are easy to clean and dry (many of them are quick-drying), as long as you don’t allow mold to grow.
Benefits Of Backpacks With Water Bladders
There are many benefits of using backpacks with water bladders. We’ve listed some of the best below.
About Hiking Backpacks With Water Bladders
First things first, let’s talk about what a hiking backpack with a water bladder actually is, how one works, and why using one is usually a good idea.
Essentially, a hydro pack allows you to consume water as you hike without having to stop and reach into your bag. It does this via a reservoir (a flexible plastic container of water) and a sip hose.
The reservoir is kept in a specific compartment of the bag and is made to be as lightweight as possible.
The sip hose is connected to the reservoir, protrudes out of the backpack, and usually attaches to one of the bag’s shoulder straps.
At the end of the sip hose is a bite valve, which will give you access to the water in the reservoir once you have bitten it open.
Reservoirs can come in many different sizes. However, they tend to range between 1.5-liters and 2.5-liters. This is because backpacks with reservoirs are generally considered to be day packs.
This means that they aren’t appropriate if you are planning a longer trip because they don’t have a large capacity.
Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Backpack With A Water Bladder
Now that you’re totally convinced of the greatness of packs with water bladders, let’s discuss how you can find the right one for your needs.
Below, we’ve listed some things that you should consider and look out for when searching for the perfect hiking backpack.
Quality Of Reservoir Materials
The most important thing to consider is the quality of the materials that make up the reservoir.
You should always opt for a hydration reservoir that has been made to be BPA-free. BPA is an industrial chemical that can be found in plastics. It is known to be bad for our health. Therefore, look for FDA-approved water bladders.
Another thing to think about is how good the seals are on the water bladder. The last thing you want is to find that it has leaked all over your hiking gear in your bag.
That’s why we recommend purchasing a water bladder from a reputable company such as those whose products are listed above.
Unfortunately, water bladders that are very cheap are likely to be worse in quality.
As such, when it comes to this piece of equipment, we recommend purchasing the best one that you can afford to ensure that it is both safe to use and practical.
Quality Of Hydration System
The whole point of purchasing a backpack with a water bladder is so that you can easily remain hydrated as you hike. In this case, it is also important to check the quality of the whole hydration system of your preferred backpack.
First, consider the size of the reservoir. You need to strike a balance between it being large enough to hydrate you as you hike, and small enough so that it doesn’t take up too much room in your backpack.
To do this, take a minute to think about the kind of trips that you will be using the bag for.
If you enjoy going for casual walks or even cycles that last for a maximum of two to three hours, you won’t need a very large reservoir.
However, if you plan on hiking for the whole day, you will need to make sure that the reservoir can hold enough water to keep you safely hydrated on your trip.
Next, it is important to be sure that the sip hose is working as it should. The water should pass through the hose and reach the bite valve with very little effort.
We recommend purchasing those that claim to be ‘anti-kink’ as these will likely allow the water to flow properly.
Comfort
Now, let’s move on to the backpack itself. The most important thing about a hiking backpack is its comfort. There is no point in wasting your money on an all-singing and all-dancing pack that causes you to discomfort after half an hour of use.
We recommend choosing a backpack that has adjustable shoulder straps, chest straps, and hip straps. Additionally, each of these straps should be padded and fitted with a mesh that allows for ventilation.
These features will keep you comfortable, cool, and dry on a hot day.
The back panel is also quite important. This should be well ventilated to ensure that you don’t overheat as you hike.
Additionally, some backpacks will have an internal structure that ensures there is less pressure on your back as you hike.
Durability
Additionally, it is important that your backpack for hiking is durable. We all know that hiking can take its toll on our boots, and bodies, but it also takes its toll on our equipment.
While hiking, we constantly pack our bags full of gear, use them in harsh weather conditions, and often scuff them on uneven terrains.
That’s why it is very important that you purchase a durable hiking backpack with a well-sealed water bladder.
However, it can be tricky to determine the durable packs from the low-quality ones if you are shopping online – especially if you’re new to the wonderful world of hiking.
Generally speaking, we recommend purchasing a bag from a trusted outdoor brand, such as Columbia. Brands such as Columbia have been around for many decades and have a reputation for providing top-quality kits.
If you like the look of a hiking bag from a brand that you’ve never heard of, then make sure that it has a good returns policy, warranty, or extended money-back guarantee.
This will ensure that, if the bag breaks in some way, you will get your money back or a replacement.
Capacity
Capacity is an important aspect of a hiking backpack. The capacity for backpacks is measured in liters. The capacity of the hiking pack you need will depend on what you plan on using the backpack for.
For instance, backpacks that have been designed specifically for outdoor sports such as skiing or mountain biking tend to be significantly smaller than those designed for hiking. This is because they need to be far more streamlined.
As previously mentioned, backpacks with water bladders tend to be tailored toward day hiking. Thus, you likely won’t find any huge hiking backpacks with water bladders.
Instead, they tend to have enough capacity to hold food, extra clothes, valuables, and water.
Although, it is important to remember that capacity isn’t everything. The way in which the bag is organized can have a big effect on how much it fits.
We love a hiking backpack with a large main compartment and multiple small compartments – especially zippered compartments on the straps.
Such compartments allow you to organize your hiking bag in the most practical way possible. For example, if you need access to a map, you can put it in an easy-to-access zippered pocket on the exterior of the bag.
Useful Features
Some great backpacks will come equipped with super useful and practical features that make your adventure more simple and comfortable. Take a look at our favorite features below.
Trekking Pole Storage
If you’re a keen hiker, then it’s likely that you use trekking poles. Storing these poles can be a bit of a nightmare without the right backpack.
Basically, we recommend opting for a hiking bag that has the ability to hold your trekking poles when you aren’t using them.
Such backpacks will likely have a ‘trekking pole loop’ that you can attach them to. These should be secure but also easy to access and detach.
They should also be on a part of the hiking daypack bag that will ensure that the storage of the poles won’t cause you discomfort as you hike.
Bike Helmet Attachment
If you are a keen cyclist or you enjoy mountain biking, then purchasing a backpack with a bike helmet attachment is an excellent idea.
Usually, these come in the form of a strap on the top of the exterior of the bag. The helmet will then sit comfortably and securely over the back of the backpack.
Detachable And Adjustable Straps
All hiking backpacks will have adjustable straps. However, some are more adjustable than others.
If you plan on being able to share your backpack with friends or family, or you want to use it for many different purposes (commuting, hiking, etc), then we recommend purchasing one that is particularly adjustable.
Some backpacks will actually have detachable straps. Specifically, many backpacks that are branded as versatile will have detachable chest straps.
These are ideal because they provide you with support when you’re hiking, but they won’t get in the way if you don’t need them.
Price Considerations
Finally, let’s discuss the price. Obviously, most high-quality hiking backpacks with water bladders will be quite costly.
However, if you can afford it, we do recommend splurging. Of course, the more expensive models tend to be far more durable, comfortable, safe, and long-lasting.
Nevertheless, if you don’t have the money, there are a number of good-quality backpacks with water bladders available for very low and reasonable prices.
In these cases, we recommend choosing backpacks that are well made but have fewer features.
How Do You Clean A Water Bladder?
You’ll be pleased to hear that cleaning a water bladder is very easy. For a deep clean, we recommend running white vinegar through the system, and then thoroughly rinsing it out with fresh water.
Most water bladders are naturally quick-drying, so you don’t need to worry about drying them after.
Is It Ok To Leave Water In A Water Bladder?
Water bladders or reservoirs aren’t made to store water for a long period of time. If you absolutely need to, then you can keep the water in the bladder for a maximum of two or three days.
However, this will increase the likelihood of bacteria getting into the water supply.
We’d love to know what your favorite hiking hydration pack is? Is it worth it to have the extra hydration sleeve compartment? Did we leave out a brand that should be a contender?
Conclusion
Choosing the right hiking backpack with a water bladder is crucial for staying hydrated and comfortable on your outdoor adventures. With various options available, it’s important to consider your specific hiking needs and preferences.
Whether you’re embarking on a short day trip or a multi-day trek, a well-chosen backpack with a hydration system will make sure you keep hydrated easily and continue to enjoy the beauty of nature. Happy hiking!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have some burning backpack-related queries – don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Check out our answers to the frequently asked questions listed below. You’ll be a hiking expert in no time!
This will differ depending on the type of hike the person.
In fact, there are lots of factors to consider when estimating how much water someone will need, including their fitness level, temperature, weight, terrain, incline, etc. Generally speaking, a person will need around 16 ounces of water every hour or so when you are hiking in warm weather.
In this situation, you should check how long the hike will take you to figure out how much water to take. To stay properly hydrated, you should take small sips of water every ten minutes or so.
A hiking backpack with a water bladder offers convenient hydration without stopping, keeping you refreshed as you enjoy the trails.
Yes, most backpacks designed with water bladders allow you to replace or upgrade the hydration system as needed.
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Last update on 2024-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
