A hydration pack—that’s, a backpack with a built-in water reservoir—makes it simpler to remain hydrated on the path.
After seven years of testing, we nonetheless advocate the up to date Osprey Skarab 18 (for folks over 5-foot-8) and Osprey Skimmer 16 (for these beneath 5-foot-8).
They’re properly made, comparatively cheap, and sufficiently big to carry the gear and water we would have liked for a three-hour hike.
Our choose
This pack is reasonably priced, simple to make use of, and comfy for hikers who’re taller than 5-foot-8. The hydration system holds greater than sufficient water (2.5 liters) for a hike of three to 4 hours.
This barely smaller model of the Osprey Skarab 18 holds simply as a lot water and shares that pack’s simple-to-use, comfy design. It really works properly for anybody 5-foot-8 and beneath.
The Osprey Skarab 18 and the Osprey Skimmer 16 are our favourite hydration packs for half-day hikes. Although Osprey designates the Skarab as a males’s pack and the Skimmer as a girls’s pack, the Skarab is an efficient dimension for anybody over 5-foot-8 whereas the Skimmer is an efficient dimension for folks 5-foot-8 and beneath.
These baggage have been our high picks for day hikers since 2017 regardless of some design adjustments, for a number of causes: Their padded straps and articulated backing make them comfy to hold; their HydraPak Hydraulics LT bladders are simple to fill; and the recycled ripstop nylon is sturdy sufficient to final for years. They’ve few inside pockets and a easy waist strap as a substitute of a real hip belt, however they provide greater than sufficient storage and water capability (2.5 liters) for a half-day hike.
In 2023 HydraPak redesigned the reservoirs’ chew valves, making them simpler to open and shut with a change you may toggle one-handed. The brand new reservoirs even have an improved slide-and-seal system on the high of the bladder, which makes it barely simpler to fill.
Improve choose
This pack gives every thing we love concerning the Osprey Skimmer, plus options to make longer hikes extra comfy, together with a cushioned hip belt, additional pockets, and a breathable mesh again panel. It really works greatest for folks 5-foot-8 and beneath.
Much like the Osprey Mira 22 in each method however dimension, it has a barely taller profile, making it a very good match for people who find themselves over 5-foot-8.
Should you want a pack with sufficient house and options to maintain you comfy on an all-day hike, we advocate the Osprey Mira 22 (for folks 5-foot-8 and beneath) and the Osprey Manta 24 (for folks above that top).
These baggage have extra cupboard space (together with many pockets and zippered pouches) and higher help than the Skimmer and Skarab, and they’re extra comfy. They’re, nevertheless, made with the identical sturdy, recycled nylon material and in addition include a 2.5-liter HydraPak Hydraulics LT water bladder. This model of the bladder incorporates a removable hose, although, which makes loading the bag and cleansing the system simpler.
In 2023, Osprey up to date the Mira and the Manta hydration packs to incorporate higher chew valves (with on/off switches), a brand new slide-and-seal system for the water bladder itself, and a greater adjustment system for the straps round your torso.
These baggage are on the bigger facet, so that they’re simple to overpack (do you actually need that additional down jacket?). They’re additionally practically twice the value because the Skimmer and Skarab packs. However these baggage’ cushioned hip belts and breathable mesh backing override these drawbacks for hikers who’re spending extra trip on the path.
