By: Jeremy Neisser
We all know that running is an excellent form of exercise to stay fit and healthy. It can be challenging to keep hydrated during an extended period of running, especially in hot weather (hot summers in living in Arizona has proven that).
That's where Hydration packs come in.
Hydration packs are backpacks designed to hold water and make it easy to drink while on the move. They are useful for runners, hikers, and anyone who needs to stay hydrated while on the go.
For runners, hydration packs are an essential accessory to keep them hydrated during long runs. They come in different shapes, sizes, and materials.
Choosing the right hydration pack can be a daunting task, but it's essential to consider factors such as capacity, weight, and comfort.
A good hydration pack should be lightweight, comfortable to wear, and have enough capacity to hold enough water to keep you hydrated throughout your run.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Value | Water Buffalo Hydration Backpack |
| Check Price |
Most Durable | CamelBak Octane Dart 50oz Hydration Pack |
| Check Price on Amazon |
Highest Capacity | Neboic 2Pack Hydration Backpack Pack with 2L Hydration Bladder |
| Check Price on Amazon |
When buying a hydration pack for running, it's crucial to consider the type of water bladder used. Some hydration packs come with a plastic bladder, while others use a soft flask.
A plastic bladder is more durable and can hold more water, while a soft flask is more comfortable to carry and can be compressed as you drink the water.
In this article, I will be reviewing the best hydration packs for running based on their capacity, weight, comfort, and water bladder type.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned runner, this guide will help you find the best hydration pack to keep you hydrated during your runs.
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Best Hydration Packs for Running - Top 5 Picks
As a runner, I know how important it is to stay hydrated during a long run. That's why I've compiled a list of the best hydration packs for running.
These packs are designed to make it easy to carry water or sports drinks with you on the go, without weighing you down or getting in the way of your stride.
Whether you're training for a marathon or just trying to stay hydrated on your daily jog, these packs are sure to help you stay on top of your game.
1. Water Buffalo Hydration Backpack - Road Runner 12L Hydropack Backpack
I highly recommend the Water Buffalo Hydration Backpack for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities and wants to stay hydrated on the go.
- Ultra-Lightweight Design: The Road Runner water backpack for running is crafted with lightweight materials, ensuring minimal strain during your outdoor activities. Experience the freedom of movement and comfort for all your adventures.
- Generous Storage Capacity: Featuring multiple pockets and compartments, the Road Runner water bag for hiking provides ample storage for all your essential gear. Organize your belongings easily in your water pack and keep everything within reach.
- Efficient Hydration System: The Road Runner hiking water backpack comes equipped with a 2-liter BPA-free bladder and an easy-to-use bite valve, keeping you hydrated and refreshed throughout your journey.
- Adjustable and Breathable Comfort: Our ergonomic running backpack design offers adjustable shoulder and chest straps for a secure and custom fit. The breathable mesh back panel ensures optimal ventilation, keeping you cool in outdoors.
- Lifetime Warranty: Water Buffalo stands by the quality and craftsmanship of the Road Runner hydration pack backpack, offering a lifetime warranty to our customers. Invest in a reliable and durable outdoor companion, knowing that we have your back.
Pros
- The ultra-lightweight design makes it easy to carry during any outdoor activity.
- The generous storage capacity allows for easy organization of all essential gear.
- The efficient hydration system ensures that you stay hydrated and refreshed throughout your journey.
Cons
- The bladder has a tiny opening, making it difficult to clean.
- The fit might feel a little awkward if you have broad shoulders.
- The bladder might leak if left laying flat and full of water.
As someone who enjoys hiking and running, I found the Water Buffalo Hydration Backpack to be a great investment. The backpack's lightweight design made it easy to carry during my outdoor activities, and the generous storage capacity allowed me to easily organize all my gear.
The efficient hydration system, equipped with a 2-liter BPA-free bladder and an easy-to-use bite valve, kept me hydrated and refreshed throughout my journey.
One downside to the backpack is that the bladder has a tiny opening, making it difficult to clean. Additionally, the fit might feel a little awkward if you have broad shoulders. Lastly, the bladder might leak if left laying flat and full of water.
Overall, the Water Buffalo Hydration Backpack is a reliable and durable outdoor companion, backed by a lifetime warranty from Water Buffalo. I highly recommend this backpack to anyone who enjoys outdoor activities and wants to stay hydrated on the go.
2. Nathan VaporKrar 2.0 Hydration Vest
If you're a long-distance runner looking for a hydration vest that can keep you hydrated throughout your run, then Nathan VaporKrar 2.0 Hydration Vest is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Ample storage space
- Comes with two 20oz soft flasks
Cons
- The front pockets can be difficult to access while running
- The hydration tubes can be a bit tricky to keep in place
- The price is on the higher side
As someone who has used this hydration vest for several long-distance runs, I can confidently say that it's one of the best hydration vests out there. The vest is incredibly lightweight and comfortable, which makes it perfect for long runs.
The ample storage space allows you to carry all your essentials, including your phone, keys, and snacks. The two 20oz soft flasks provide enough hydration for a long run.
However, the front pockets can be a bit difficult to access while running, which can be a bit frustrating. Additionally, the hydration tubes can be a bit tricky to keep in place, which can be a bit annoying. Lastly, the price is on the higher side, which might not be affordable for everyone.
Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality hydration vest that can keep you hydrated and comfortable throughout your long-distance runs, then Nathan VaporKrar 2.0 Hydration Vest is definitely worth considering.
3. CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack
If you're looking for a minimalist hydration pack that is perfect for running, the CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack is a great option.
- The Crux Reservoir delivers 20% more water per sip, with an ergonomic handle for easier refilling, and an on/off lever that makes it easy to prevent leaks.
- Reflectivity for early morning or evening runs
- Made with ultralight materials
- Front-facing pockets on harness for easy fuel and gear storage
- Tube trap holds your bite valve in place between sips
Pros
- The Crux technology delivers 20% more water per sip, making it easy to stay hydrated on long runs.
- The ultralight materials make it comfortable to wear, even on hot days.
- The front-facing pockets on the harness make it easy to store fuel and gear.
Cons
- The tube trap can be a bit tricky to use at first.
- The pack is only available in one size, so it may not fit everyone comfortably.
- The zippered essentials pocket in the back is a bit small.
I recently used the CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack on a long trail run, and I was impressed with how comfortable it was to wear. The ultralight materials meant that I barely noticed it was there, even when it was fully loaded with water and gear.
The Crux technology made it easy to stay hydrated, even on hot days when I was sweating a lot. The front-facing pockets on the harness were a great feature, as they made it easy to store my gels and other fuel.
One downside to the pack is that the tube trap can be a bit tricky to use at first. It took me a few tries to figure out how to get the bite valve to stay in place between sips.
Overall, I would highly recommend the CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack to anyone looking for a minimalist hydration pack that is perfect for running. It's comfortable, easy to use, and has plenty of space for all your essentials.
4. Neboic Hydration Backpack Pack
If you're looking for a lightweight and comfortable hydration pack for running, hiking, or cycling, the Neboic Hydration Backpack Pack is a great option to consider.
- 2Packs Lightweight Hydration Backpack-They are compact and low-profile , perfectly built for lightweight pursuits like running, road biking and ultralight hiking . They feel light and stable on your back and won’t create any wind resistance.
- Hydration Pack with 3 Extra Pockets -Including one easy access mesh front pocket and other 2 zippered side pockets will ensure you enough space for different essentials.
- Perfect Form Fitting Water Backpack- It has adjustable hipbelt and shoulder straps that can be modified to fit your torso.
- 2 liters (70 oz) BPA Free Hydration Bladder-The perfect size offer a nice balance of reasonable weight and bulk while providing a sufficient quantity of water.
- Quick-Disconnect Tubing -The drink tube that easily disconnects from the body of the water bladder which makes simply to refill midhike. And the wide-mouth openings allow you to fit a hand inside the backpack water bladder, which makes cleaning easy.
Pros
- The backpack is compact and low-profile, making it perfect for lightweight activities like running and ultralight hiking. It feels light and stable on your back and won't create any wind resistance.
- With three extra pockets, including one easy access mesh front pocket and two zippered side pockets, you'll have plenty of space for different essentials like snacks, phone, keys, and more.
- The backpack is form-fitting and has adjustable hipbelt and shoulder straps that can be modified to fit your torso perfectly.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the backpack has a bad taste, which can be a turn-off for some.
- It can be hard to completely dry the bags and hoses for storage when not in use, which can lead to mold growth.
- The backpack is only available in red, which may not be everyone's preferred color.
I've been using the Neboic Hydration Backpack Pack for a few weeks now and I'm really impressed with its performance. The backpack is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and it stays in place even during intense activities like running and cycling. The hydration bladder is easy to fill and the drink tube is long enough to reach your mouth without any issues.
One of the things I really like about this backpack is the number of pockets it has. The mesh front pocket is perfect for storing items you need to access quickly, like snacks or your phone. The two side pockets are great for storing items you don't need as often, like a map or a first aid kit.
The backpack is also form-fitting and adjustable, so it fits snugly against your back without bouncing around. The straps are easy to adjust and the hipbelt helps distribute the weight evenly across your body.
Overall, I would definitely recommend the Neboic Hydration Backpack Pack to anyone looking for a lightweight and comfortable hydration pack for running, hiking, or cycling. It's a great value for the price and has all the features you need to stay hydrated and comfortable during your activities.
5. Nathan TrailMix Running Vest/Hydration Pack
If you're looking for a hydration pack that is suitable for running, hiking, walking, or riding, then the Nathan TrailMix Running Vest/Hydration Pack might be the one for you.
