The hydration pack was born out of the experience of bikers and runners not having enough water to drink at the time they needed it most.
Powering the pedals across the mountains makes your body dehydrate really quickly, and unless you have enough water on hand, you will have rough time getting a suitable water source from atop the mountain.
This is why having the best hydration pack for mountain biking will keep your body hydrated, and ensure that your energy doesn’t die too quickly. Most hydration packs have enough space to pack other extras such as food and essential tools.
To help you out, we evaluated 27 options that are popular among mountain bikers, hikers, and runners, and narrowed them down to the 10 best hydration packs for mountain bike rides and racing.
Be sure to keep going to the end where we also share helpful information and tips in what to look for in the perfect pack for you.
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10 Best Hydration Pack for Mountain Biking and Hiking
- Teton Sports Oasis 1100 2L Hydration Backpack
- Unigear Tactical Hydration Pack Backpack 900D with 2.5L Bladder
- Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack with 2L BPA Free Bladder
- Miracol Hydration Backpack with 2L Water Bladder
- Live Infinitely Hydration Backpack 2L/3L TPU Leak Proof Water Bladder
- CamelBak HydroBack Hydration Pack 3L / 100 oz
- Vibrelli Hydration Pack & 2L Hydration Bladder
- Rupumpack Insulated Hydration Backpack with 2.5L BPA Free Bladder
- Outdoor Products Mist Hydration Pack with 2-Liter Reservoir
- Diaz Sport Tactical Molle Hydration Pack Backpack with 3L Water Bladder
1. Teton Sports Oasis 1100 2L Hydration Backpack
The Teton Sports Oasis Hydration Backpack is ideal for all your outdoor activities. With its comfortable backpack that you can adjust to your size, it is light to carry making it the best companion for anyone who is adventurous.
With its 2-liter BPA free hydration bladder, 18-liter bag capacity, and its bite valve’s push-lock, you are geared to have an uninterrupted adventure. The bladder’s opening is wide enough for easy cleaning, refill, or that long swig after the long tiring hike.
The backpack fits comfortably for any user due to its easy adjustments. The straps have been taped in high-density foam to give the user a comfortable carry and for hours.
The backpack has large fleece-lined pockets that are strategically set for quick access to your stuff every time you need them. In case you need to bring your helmet for your mountain climbing, there is a bungee cord system for that as well.
It has a sewn-in cover stored at the bottom of the pack to keep your bag free from rain or dust.
Con: The only negative thing about this hydration pack is that the backpack’s zippers break easily, therefore you need to be careful while closing them. Apart from that, its suggestive mesh back design puts it right up there among the best hydration packs.
- WATER NEVER TASTED SO GOOD: During a long hike having water so convenient and still cold…there’s nothing like it. Lightweight with a custom fit,...
2. Unigear Tactical Hydration Pack Backpack 900D with 2.5L Bladder
The Unigear Tactical Hydration backpack is ideal for outdoor activities. It is the best hydration system for mountain biking. It carries 2.5 liters of water allowing you sufficient time during your adventures without going for a refill, with the weight of 22 oz and a size of 19 x 10 x 1.5 inches designed to work nicely with your center of gravity.
It is a backpack for anyone, from kids to adults thanks to its adjustable chest and shoulder straps. It can fit a kid with a chest width of 27 inches up to an adult of 50 inches. It also has a buckle for a whistle for alerts during an emergency.
Its 2.5-liter water carrying bladder is replaceable for the durability of your backpack. Add to that a 15-liter bag capacity and you can easily see why it’s such a big deal.
The backpack has pockets, two in the front where you can carry your stuff and a clip for your keys.
It has an allowance of 100% satisfaction guarantee of 60 days.
Con: The only drawback is that you need to be careful to close the lid tightly because there is a chance it can leak.
- Adjustable shoulder/chest straps. Fit chest sizes from teenagers/kids with 27" up to adults (men and women) with 50" chest size. The chest straps make sure...
3. Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack with 2L BPA Free Bladder
It is a lightweight backpack with 2 liters BPA bladder that is of food grade and a massive 35-liter bag capacity! Even though the bag is made from nylon, the material is of high quality and durable, so it’s a great choice.
The backpack is quite spacious comprising of three storage compartments that can fit your change of clothes and other stuff due to the stretchable mesh pockets.
It has a wide opening for a large swig of drink when thirsty but, it is 100% leakage proof. The opening is also ideal when you want to add in ice cubes and for easy washing.
What’s more, you get to enjoy your cool water bottle or drink thanks to its thermal insulation that keeps it cool.
Also, you don’t have to worry about your personal items getting soaked due to bad weather since the backpack is designed to be 100% waterproof.
- ✹【THERMAL INSULATION 4 HOURS & WATER-REPELLENT MATERIAL】- The insulated bladder compartment can keep your drink cool for up to 5 hours, with a...
4. Miracol Hydration Backpack with 2L Water Bladder
If you are looking for an hydration system that can keep your cold water bottle at the right temperature and for your entire activity time of about 4 hours, you’ve got it now.
Miracol hydration backpack is thermal insulated and therefore can maintain the cold temperature for not less than 4 hours. It is therefore ideal for a vigorous outdoor activity which calls for cold water. This is undoubtedly the best mountain bike hydration system.
The 2L bladder which is made from EVA material is BPA free, and also FDA approved. No worry about toxins! The bladder is sturdy and durable, and yet it is replaceable when it is worn out.
With a diameter of 3.1 inches, the opening is wide enough with a screw cap to seal it from leakage. You can easily pour in water, drop in some ice cubes or drink right from it. There’s also the 15-liter bag capacity to gush over.
Along with your water bottle, you can carry other necessities in your backpack, thanks to extra compartments, a waist belt, and pockets.
Con: A slight drawback with this hydration system is the tube or the sucking valve which sometimes jams and needs extra biting to draw in water. Otherwise, all other features work perfectly well.
- Hiking Optimized Design: This hiking hydration backpack with bladder is purpose built for hiking outdoor adventures, featuring a dedicated compartment to...
5. Live Infinitely Hydration Backpack 2L/3L TPU Leak Proof Water Bladder
No products found.This hydration backpack is a recipient of 3 American Business Awards – Stevie Awards as the best hydration pack for hiking and Award-Winning Customer Service. What does this mean? It means that it is a recognizable hydration system of good quality, and not just because it has an outrageous 30-liter bag capacity for the 3L BPA version.
The bladder is of TPU which is a good quality of BPA-free plastic and silicone. For this reason, it has been approved by FDA as a safe hydration pack.
It comes in two sizes of 2L and 3L whichever would suit you. The opening is wide at 3.5 inches for easy cleaning and filling it up with water, and also if you need to add ice cubes.
It has a shut-off sliding valve, a tube insulated with neoprene with a bite valve of silicone.
The backpack is of the polyester material of 600D which is durable and water resistance. It has an earphone jack whereby you can keep your phone safely inside while enjoying your music. It also has other pockets to stash in your valuables and other belongings.
This pack is a great hydration pack option for hiking and cycling. A big plus for it is that it comes with 100% satisfaction guarantee and 1-year unlimited warranty.
No products found.
6. CamelBak HydroBack Hydration Pack 3L / 100 oz
This hydration pack from CamelBak will give you peace of mind. It is BPF-free, BPA-free, and BPS-free. The design can suit all size of body frame but more suitable for small-bodied structures.
You can easily remove the sternum strap by un-clipping it whenever you want to remove it from your back.
The backpack is ergonomically designed and shaped to sit well on your back to give you freedom of movement for whichever activity. It has additional external pockets where you can store your essential stuff.
The bladder can hold enough water to last you 3 to 4 hours depending on your consumption which. It includes 3-liter antidote reservoir well matched with an 11-liter bag.
Con: The downside of this hydration pack is the straps are a bit rough and can snag at the skin when shirtless or with flimsy wear.
- External fill allows for easy access to the Crux reservoir for easy filling, cleaning and ice addition
7. Vibrelli Hydration Pack & 2L Hydration Bladder
Why choose Vibrelli Hydration Pack? This type of hydration system has gone a notch higher and taken your hygiene in to consideration. The bladder which is taste-free is made from medical-grade materials with treatment against microbial.
It stops growing of algae inside the bladder and in its hose making it safe to use at all time. It is also free from PVC and BPA giving you toxins free cleaning drinking water.
The bite-valve can shut off when not in use to prevent from leaking. It has a high flow and a quick hose retainer making it easy to take your drink even in the middle of your outdoor activity.
The compartments of the backpack have been distributed nicely around your center of gravity to give it the lightness required for an ideal running backpack. It also has a quick-access whistle for use in case of emergency and reflective stripes for visibility.
- HIGH FLOW BITE-VALVE: The mouthpiece doesn’t leak, water flows fast and won't drip on your shoulder, making it an ideal cycling backpack and water...
8. Rupumpack Insulated Hydration Backpack with 2.5L BPA Free Bladder
This one is a large capacity hydration pack with insulation layer made from high-quality aluminum that causes it to go all day long with cold liquid to enjoy on your adventures.
The bladder is safe since it is made from EVA material and free from BPA. It has been passed to be safe by the FDA. The bladder has a large opening of 3.4-inch which makes it easy to clean and refill with water even with ice cubes.
It is one of those elite packs with a proud 2.5L bladder and an 18-liter bag capacity.
The backpack has different compartments for carrying extras like a sweat towel, a hat, a book, or others. The wide waist strips have extra pockets for extra storage. The waist straps, shoulder straps, and the back area are padded with ventilating mesh for comfort and breathability of the pack.
The nylon material used on the backpack makes it water-resistant and easy to wash. It has a clip on the shoulder strap to hold the drinking hose for easy access.
It comes with a 100% money-back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with the product.
- Perfect Companion For Hiking: The RUPUMPACK 18L insulated hydration backpack with a 2.5L water bladder is a must-have for all your outdoor hiking. This...
9. Outdoor Products Mist Hydration Pack with 2-Liter Reservoir
The Outdoor Products Mist Hydration Pack comes with a cyclone reservoir of 2 liters for ultimate hydration throughout your escapades. The wide-mouth is ideal for easy cleaning and easy fill. there’s also the 14.3 liters of bag capacity offering extra value for your money.
The BPA free reservoir is free of odor and taste making it suitable for clean drinking beverages. With a high-flow bite valve that is twisted shut-off and a quick-connect hose, the bladder with this components fits well in its slot pocket.
The backpack has its main compartment specifically for the bladder. Another compartment is large enough for a day’s clothing, food, and other gear. The front side pockets are zippered for safekeeping other essentials.
The stretchable side pockets are other storage places for an extra drink or any other gear. The backpack is accentuated with reflectors to let others spot you even in the night with low lighting.
The adjustable shoulder straps are contoured. The waist and sternum straps are elasticized and adjustable for easy carry. The back panel is breathable with the cool mesh for sweat-free backpack carry.
With all the extra storage, this could be go-to pack for multi day hikes with friends.
- 2-Liter Cyclone bladder included
10. Diaz Sport Tactical Molle Hydration Pack Backpack with 3L Water Bladder
Experience an exciting adventure with Diaz Sport Tactical Molle Hydration Pack. There is no fun you can miss with this 3-liter bladder that can take you through all your expedition.
With a wide opening and a screw cap, it is easy to wash it and easy to refill it with water, ice cubes or any other liquid without spilling. Also, the screw cap tightens the opening preventing it from leaking.
The backpack fits perfectly on the back since it has adjustable straps and a waist belt around the main compartment. With the tightly worn bag, you can undergo your activities in comfort while keeping the pack on your back.
It has extra storage for your essentials including a molle system attached on the front. The backpack which is made from polyester 600D is durable and sturdy to endure tough and rough activities. The shoulder padding will give you comfortable carry throughout your entire adventure and activities.
The hydration pack comes with a 100%-satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime money-back guarantee. With this kind of warranty, you are confident about the quality of the product.
Con: One slight setback is that the cap for the hose is not tethered and you can quickly lose it if you are not extra careful.
- KEEPS YOU WELL HYDRATED! 3 Liter replaceable water bladder bag included. No need to buy a reservoir or bladder, our backpacks come with a ready to go...
Our hydration pack buying guide
It’s only natural to prefer riding bag free. However, the facts are, the good old saddle bag or jersey pockets just won’t do – more so the case for longer rides, where you’d need to carry supplies and extras in preparation for the unknown. Fortunately, there happens to be a functional solution for mountain bikers’ storage space problem, hydration packs.
Now, it’s understandable not to be all excited about carrying trail packs while out on your epic adventures. But when your trail is deep in the backcountry, or you’re engaging in all-day rides, bikepacking, and of course while mountain biking, this humble piece of gear is an absolute necessity.
What type of Hydration pack do I need?
Naturally, the first question to come to mind before purchasing a hydration pack would be if you need one at all? The easiest way to answer this is to know the categories of hydration packs; that way, you would know where you fit in.
The first variety is lightweight hydration packs, perfect for an XC-nature ride under about an hour, and typically holds about a liter of fluid. The Camelback Chase Vest is an ideal example.
The more common category is the trail pack. These hold roughly 2 liters of water with sufficient room for tools, food, and basic supplies. A good example is the Vibrelli Hydration pack.
Finally, the third class is the all-day hydration pack. With a storage space of 10 liters, you can rest assured of more than enough room to carry a nice lunch, tools, extra layers, and yes, plenty of water, to name a few.
Seeing these types of hydration packs, the answer to your question of whether you need a hydration pack is another question – do you want to be prepared for the unknown when out on a trail, or you enjoy the adventure of being stranded and in need out there?
If you are for the former, then there are a wide variety of comfortable packs for long rides and vigorous outdoor activity, small batches to store essentials for shorter rides, and even unique hydration packs best for specific activities like skiing. So, how do you now tell which hydration pack is best for you, and what do you look out for?
Hydration pack size
Since we’ve already mentioned the major categories of the best mountain bike hydration bags regarding size, this is easy to understand.
Mountain biking requires slightly more hydration and supplies than many other outdoor activities. Of course, mountain bikes have increasingly become reliable. There is still the persistent possibility of broken chains and flat tires, among other unforeseen predicaments. Hence, mountain bikers should look to get the best packs with average and above storage capacity.
As a rule of thumb, hydration packs for mountain biking should be between 8l -15l. These usually allow bladder capacity of 2-3l along with storage capacity for essentials. As a bonus, they also sometimes come with fleece-lined pockets – for that extra layer – which is perfect for carrying cameras, goggles, and sunglasses.
Fluid Capacity
In line with the hydration pack’s size, it is equally important to know in specific the water (or any other liquid) capacity of the hydration pack as It is the major reason you’re carrying one in the first place. Most of our favorite water packs for mountain biking accommodate 2 to 3 liters of water, which we consider to be plenty for most hard riding adventures—certainly, more water and weight. Hence, you would need to consider how much water you need for a ride instead of packing up unnecessary weight.
Nonetheless, we recommend the 3l packs (which is equivalent to 4.5 water bottles of standard size) since they have minimal weight but can carry enough water as the plan or situation requires. In planning the amount, you need to take. You just have to experiment and find out how much water you consume, how long you’re spending on the trail, then the temperature and the accessibility of refills.
These factors would help guide you to how much you drink and, as a result, how much you need to carry. However, it is noteworthy that some hydration packs do not come with bladders, so ensure to crosscheck before your purchase.
Harness and Straps
The best hydration packs are indeed one-size-fits-all. Nevertheless, without a more personalized fit, you might end up with the trail pack whacking you in the back of your head once you hit any steep spots or quite the sore shoulder on returning home.
Good mountain bike water packs usually include ventilated shoulder straps, accompanied by a much-needed sternum strap for maximum adjustability and comfort. Some of the best hydration packs also include suspended mesh backs as well.
In buying, consider your torso size and waist size and pick one that matches up accordingly with your body type. In a case where you can’t try them on, make sure to pick trail packs with the maximum adjustability and ventilation, I.e., sternum straps and channels at the back panel, respectively.
Other features
In specifics, some of the most popular and agreeably best hydration packs for mountain biking especially are the CamelBak MULE LR 15 and Osprey Raptor 14. This is because of their unique features that are specific to mountain bikers.
The CamelBak MULE LR 15 has a low rider hydration system, typical for lumbar water reservoir enthusiasts. Then the Osprey Raptor 14 is an even more recognized counterpart, loaded with specific features and considered the best hydration pack for mountain bikers.
All things being equal, you can assume that if a package works great for mountain biking, there shouldn’t be any other activity it won’t perform excellently at.
Essentially, try to look out for features that’ll enable you more on your trails. Some of the most recommended features include secure bite valve storage, quick access waist pockets, wide-mouth bladder openings, helmet holders, or a waterproof cover.
Final Thoughts
If you are an active person who love the outdoors, a hydration pack will be one of those gears or items that is essential. It is easier to move with it and it frees up your hands to do other things like supporting yourself while you are being active and adventurous.
Hydration backpacks come in many different shapes, form, design and even brand and some are made specifically for certain activities. If you’re a cyclist, you’ll probably be looking for the best hydration pack for mountain biking while someone who loves hiking will be looking for the best hydration pack for hiking.
If you involve you’re kids in you’re adventures, then you’ll probably be looking for the best pack for kids. While most brands make multi-purpose hydration packs, some also make packs suitable for activities from walking, running to mountain biking.