Looking for the best hydration backpack for your next outdoor adventure? In this guide we go through the different kinds to help you choose the best one.

Anyone who likes to exercise knows the importance of staying hydrated and sometimes a simple water bottle just doesn’t get the job done. That is where a hydration pack comes in. Hydration packs are designed specifically to allow you to comfortably carry different amounts of water while also giving you the utility of a backpack.

As with most gear today, there are a lot of options when it comes to hydration packs, so let’s look at how to pick the right one for you!

In this article

• Types of hydration packs
• What size hydration pack do I need?
• How to use a hydration pack
• What is the best hydration pack for me?

This style of pack has become popular recently with mountain bikers, but it is a good option for hikers too. Hip packs keep the weight off your back which helps you stay cooler in the warm weather. Additionally, and for cyclists specifically, this style of pack distributes the weight to your lower body and around your hips, helping you maintain balance.

It’s important to remember that carrying water on your back may feel a little heavy at first. 1 liter of water adds approximately 2 lbs to your pack, so carefully consider how much you need.

1. 0.5 liters (16 fluid ounces) is a good amount for lower intensity activities like walking or hiking.
2. 1 – 1.5 liters (32 – 50 fluid ounces) works well for riders, runners or hikers who want to keep overall weight down so they can still move quickly.
3. 3. 2 – 2.5 liters (70 – 85 fluid ounces) is the obvious choice for those who are planning longer adventures and want a pack large enough to carry other types of gear.

Hydrations packs are easy to use and make it super simple to stay hydrated on the trail without slowing down.

Hydration resevoirs are plastic bladders you fill with water and put inside your hydration pack. They are connected to a tube that comes out of the bag so that you can easily sip water while out and about.

To use a hydration pack, simply fill the resevoir, put it into your hydration pack, and position the hose in place.

The Retrakt System is unique to Thule. The system includes a hose with our patented magnetic design that snaps back into place on the shoulder strap after you have a drink. This is great because it means you won’t have to fiddle to put the hose in place when you’re done drinking.

Hydration packs are slightly smaller and might not include a hydration resevoir. These hydration hip packs will instead have space for you to bring one or more water bottles on your bike trips.

Designed for serious mountain bikers, this series comes either in a backpack or a hip pack depending on the type of riding you prefer. The Thule Rail hip packs come with or without integrated hydration options depending on the size you choose. The backpacks in this collection are for enduro focused riders with lash points for quickly storing protective gear. The 12L Pro model even has an integrated back protector.

Light and fast, this series of award winning hydration backpacks have been engineered to feel like an extension of your riding jersey. Quick access pockets wrap around your hips making it easy to grab something while you’re on the trail. This pack is ideal for XC mountain bikers who want to be as efficient on the ascents as they are on the descents or gravel cyclists who need to carry more water and gear than their bike can handle.

Light and fast, this series of award winning hydration backpacks have been engineered to feel like an extension of your riding jersey. Quick access pockets wrap around your hips making it easy to grab something while you’re on the trail. This pack is ideal for XC mountain bikers who want to be as efficient on the ascents as they are on the descents or gravel cyclists who need to carry more water and gear than their bike can handle.