Hydration packs are a great piece of equipment for cycling. These packs let you stay hydrated throughout the day without having to stop your activity. Plus, it rests comfortably on your back and carries more water than a standard bottle, so you can stay hydrated longer. If you’re interested in a hydration pack for cycling, take a look at our compiled list below of some of the best options available online.
What is the Best Cycling Hydration Pack?
We have compiled for you the top 8 Best Cycling Hydration Pack in 2023. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with Hydration Packs For Cycling and having used several Cycling Hydration Packs you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about Cycling Hydration Packs.
1. CamelBak HydroBak Hydration Pack
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 1.5 liters Weight: 0.33 pounds (0.15 kg) Size: 12.6 x 8.5 x 3.9 inches (32 x 21.6 x 9.9 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Polyester |
The CamelBak HydroBak Hydration Pack 50 oz features a compact and lightweight polyester design. The water reservoir holds 1.5 liters of water, and the reservoir is not removed to fill it. There is a separate pocket for small personal items. The sternum strap is made of a breathable mesh polyester for maximum comfort. The straps are adjustable so it fits securely on various body types. The lid needs to be screwed on correctly, otherwise it will leak. The bright colors of the material make this easy to spot in a dim lighting. This pack is also covered by a lifetime warranty to ensure satisfaction.
Pros
- Reservoir can be filled without removing it from the pack,
- Lightweight and compact,
- Breathable mesh straps,
- Bright colors
Cons
- Not much room for storing extra personal items,
- Can leak if lid is not screwed on correctly
2. CamelBak Octane XCT Hydration Pack
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 2 liters Weight: 0.68 pounds (0.31 kg) Size: 16.5 x 10.2 x 5.5 inches (42 x 26 x 14 cm) Backpack included: Yes |
The CamelBak Women’s Charm Hydration Pack, 50oz features a 2 liter water reservoir and a durably designed backpack. This hydration pack is a nice lightweight and comfortable pack with storage space for personal items. The shoulder straps are adjustable allowing for a secure fit. The drinking tube has a valve to close it to prevent leaks and a strap on the shoulder strap to help secure it. The water bladder has a large ergonomic opening that makes refilling and cleaning easy. There are some issues reported with leaking, but the lid needs careful attention to ensure it is properly threaded. This pack is also not well insulated for extreme temperatures. There are reflective details on the exterior for safety.
Pros
- Comfortable,
- Durable design,
- Lightweight,
- Storage space for personal items
Cons
- Not well insulated,
- Issues with leaking
3. MIRACOL Hydration Backpack with 2L BPA-Free BladderSkiing
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 2 liters Weight: 0.66 pounds (0.3 kg) Size: 16.5 x 3.5 x 8.2 inches (41.9 x 9 x 20.9 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Nylon |
The MIRACOL Hydration Backpack with 2L BPA-Free Bladder features a 2 liter water bladder and up to 8 liters of storage capacity. The water bladder and drinking tube are insulated so this hydration bladder is a good choice for colder climates. There are reflective details on the nylon exterior for safety. There is also a security whistle but it has been reported that many of them don’t work. There are a few different storage compartments for personal items. The opening for the water bladder is large to help make filling and cleaning easy. This pack has adjustable shoulder and sternum straps and can fit a wide variety of sizes.
Pros
- Lightweight,
- Comfortable,
- Insulated drinking tube,
- Adjustable for wide range in sizes
Cons
- Security whistle is low quality,
- Drinking tube leaks
4. CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 1.5 liters Weight: 0.44 pounds (0.2 kg) Size: 12.4 x 8.7 x 4.9 inches (31.5 x 22 x 12.5 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Nylon |
The CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack, 50oz features a 1.5 liter hydration reservoir. This pack is designed with ultralight nylon materials to keep the weight as low as possible. There is a small amount of space for storing personal items and the design is very durable. The straps are easy to adjust and work well even for petite sizes. The shoulder straps have front facing pockets for easy access and are made of a breathable material. The drinking tube has an off and on lever to prevent leaks and there is a clip to help hold it securely on the shoulder strap. This pack is also covered by the CamelBak lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Easy to adjust,
- Storage space for personal items,
- Lightweight,
- Durable
Cons
- Harness strap loosens,
- Difficult to seal properly
5. CamelBak Aurora Hydration Pack
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 2.5 liters Weight: 0.44 pounds (0.2 kg) Size: 15.8 x 0.5 x 6.5 inches (40 x 1.2 x 16.5 cm) Backpack included: Yes |
The CamelBak Aurora Hydration Pack, 85oz features compact and lightweight design with a 2.5 liter water reservoir and a 2.5 liter storage capacity. The breathable mesh back panel and shoulder straps keep this light and comfortable for the user. The sternum and chest straps are both adjustable for a secure fit. The storage space for personal items includes a stretchy outer pocket that allows for flexibility in the size of items you can pack. The drinking tube comes with a lever that can switch from on to off to help prevent leaks. It also has a magnetic clip to help secure it to the shoulder strap. There is also a hook for your helmet and reflective details for safety. This pack is also covered by the lifetime CamelBak warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact,
- Designed for women specifically,
- No drip switch on mouth tube,
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Hard to clean,
- Drinking tube is not removable
6. CamelBak Classic Hydration Pack
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 2.5 liters Weight: 0.37 pounds (0.17 kg) Size: 15.2 x 8.7 x 4.5 inches (38.5 x 22 x 11.5 cm) Backpack included: Yes |
The CamelBak Classic Hydration Pack, 85oz features a 2.5 liter water reservoir with a small zippered pocket for storing personal items. This pack has breathable mesh shoulder straps and a mesh back panel to help keep the user as cool as possible. This is a lightweight design, and while not made with much storage space, it is made with a durable design that has a lifetime warranty through the manufacturer. The drinking tube is equipped with an on and off lever to help prevent leaks. The water reservoir has a large central opening making it easy to clean, fill, and add ice. This pack is also covered under the lifetime CamelBak warranty.
Pros
- Comfortable,
- Lightweight,
- Durable,
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Leaks if not sealed properly,
- Very little extra storage space
7. Mothybot Hydration Pack, Insulated Hydration Backpack
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 2 liters Weight: 1.54 pounds (0.7 kg) Size: 10.7 x 2.4 x 17.7 inches (27.2 x 6.1 x 45 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Nylon |
The Mothybot Hydration Pack features a 2 liter water bladder made with a BPA free material. This pack has a few storage pockets, although they are a bit small for some ordinary items. The exterior is made of a durable nylon and it has a comfortable design with adjustable shoulder, chest, and waist straps to provide a secure fit. The water bladder does not have its own pocket in this pack which might cause some issues for the user. The water bladder is insulated to help keep the water supply safe from extreme temperatures. Some have had trouble getting water out of the mouthpiece, there is a cover to help keep dirt away from the mouth.
Pros
- Comes in many different colors,
- Durable,
- Insulated,
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Storage pockets are too small,
- Difficult to get water out of mouthpiece
8. TETON Sports Oasis 18L Hydration Pack
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 2 liters Weight: 1.98 pounds (0.9 kg) Size: 10 x 18.5 x 7 inches (25.4 x 47 x 17.8 cm) Backpack included: Yes |
The TETON Sports Oasis 18L Hydration Pack features a 2 liter water bladder and an 18 liter cargo capacity. The storage space is divided into separate pockets secured with zippers. This pack also comes with a rain guard to help protect your personal items from rain.There is a bungee cord system on the outside to attach various extra items and also cup holders on either side. The shoulder, chest and waist strap are all adjustable to ensure a secure fit. The drinking tube has been reported to leak easily and does not come with a cover for the bite valve. The water bladder is not insulated, and can be difficult to secure the opening. The back panel has a breathable mesh cover to allow for comfortable wearing.
Pros
- Ample storage space,
- Comfortable,
- Bottle holders on both sides,
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- Water bladder is not good quality,
- Chemical taste from drinking tube
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of Cycling Hydration Packs and decided that 8 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Cycling Hydration Pack is CamelBak HydroBak Hydration Pack which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider CamelBak Octane XCT Hydration Pack as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, MIRACOL Hydration Backpack with 2L BPA-Free BladderSkiing is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Cycling Hydration Packs
Comfort and fit
When it comes to hydration bladders, you want a pack that is comfortable and fits properly. This is especially true if you plan on using it for long-term activities like hunting, hiking, or camping. This means picking a fit that works best for you. Do you want the pack in a regular backpack, hanging in a sling on your back, or fanny pack style? You may also want to consider strap materials and size, as some materials are softer and more breathable compared to others. Find a pack that has comfortable straps and doesn’t pull hard on your body when full. This will help you keep it on for extended periods of time.
Shoulder Strap
When it comes to hydration bladders, you can get one with two shoulder straps or one. Hydration packs with two straps fit more like a backpack, which some people find to be more comfortable. With one strap, these packs are often more lightweight and tend to be better for short-term activities like jogging or biking. Always make sure the pack has comfortable straps, as the type won’t matter if it isn’t made of comfortable or breathable material. You’ll also want to make sure the straps are adjustable to fit you properly, or so you can share with a partner if needed.
Waist Strap
While most hydration packs have shoulder straps, not all have a waist strap. However, a waist strap can make your pack more secure compared to those without a waist strap. If your hydration bladder is larger in size or heavier, a waist strap is often used to help secure it more comfortably to your back so it doesn’t move much while you exercise. Always make sure the waist strap is adjustable and comfortable, as some inflexible materials may be stiff and uncomfortable if adjusted too tightly. Smaller or more lightweight packs may not need a waist strap to remain comfortable, though this is up to your preferences.
Hydration Pack Features
There are many different features to consider when it comes to hydration packs. The first thing to consider is the size of the pack. If you only need a hydration bladder for a short-term activity like jogging or biking, you’ll want a smaller pack that is lightweight on your back. If you plan to use it long-term such as during a hiking or camping trip, you’ll want a larger pack. You’ll also want to consider the pack’s materials, durability, and whether it has additional storage for other belongings such as keys, cell phones, or snacks. Finally, make sure the straps on your pack are adjustable and breathable so you stay comfortable all day long.
Questions and Answers About Cycling Hydration Packs
Do road cyclists wear hydration packs?
Yes! Many road cyclists use hydration packs. Hydration packs make staying hydrated on the road much easier. Carrying a normal water bottle is often difficult when cycling as you need to keep your hands on the handlebars. Hydration packs are a relatively lightweight way to carry your water on your back so you don’t have to stop just to get a drink!
What kind of hydration pack is best wearing during a race?
If you plan on using your hydration pack for a race, you may want to consider a hydration vest. These packs fit more securely than a simple pack so that it won’t bounce off or feel loose as you run. The CamelBak Ultra Pro Vest is often a preferred choice as it is affordable, lightweight, and comes in multiple sizes. It also has a capacity of 7L and comes with two separate soft flasks for backup water. With two clips across the chest, the vest stays secure and safe for your whole race.
How much water do I need to cycle 100 miles?
While it greatly depends on the cyclist, many cyclists estimate that you should bring at least 48oz of water with you in the form of either bottles or a CamelBak. If you end up needing more water, you should locate any refill stations along the way of your route so you can stop if absolutely necessary.
Can you take a CamelBak on an airplane?
Technically yes, you can take a CamelBak on an airplane, but you’ll have to bring it completely dry and empty. Once you’re checked in through security, you can fill your CamelBak with any liquid you’d like that you access inside the airport. This can make flying much more convenient!
How do you get the plastic taste out of a CamelBak?
The first thing you should do upon getting your CamelBak is wash it. After all, you don’t know who or what touched the pack before you purchased it! If washing it normally doesn’t remove the plastic taste, you may want to soak the inside of your CamelBak in water with about a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in it. After letting this mixture soak for about an hour, rinse out the pack. Your CamelBak should have no more plastic taste!
