Hydration packs aren’t just for adults! Whether you’re on a hike or going to the zoo, a hydration pack can be extremely helpful for your child. These packs carry enough water to last your child for several hours and is small enough to be worn comfortably on their back. If you’re interested in a hydration pack for your kid, take a look at our compiled list below of some of the best options available online.
What is the Best Kids Hydration Pack?
We have compiled for you the top 7 Best Kids Hydration Pack in 2024. 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 kids and having used several kids 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 kids hydration packs.
1. Osprey Moki 1.5 Kid’s Bike Hydration Backpack
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 1.5 liters Size: 12 x 8 x 4 inches (30.5 x 20.3 x 10.2 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Polyester Cleaning Kit: No |
The Osprey Moki 1.5 Kid’s Bike Hydration Backpack features a small, lightweight, and low profile design made especially for kids. The water reservoir holds a maximum of 1.5 liters of water. The breathable mesh against the back keeps this very comfortable and easy to wear. Additional safety measures have been included such as reflective details, a magnetic drinking tube clip, a safety whistle, and a blinker light attachment. There are multiple pockets for storing extra items and quick zipper access to the water reservoir pocket. This water hydration pack is not insulated, and the bite valve also feels a bit flimsy.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable,
- Magnetic clip,
- High quality,
- Blinker light attachment loop
Cons
- No insulation,
- Flimsy bite valve
2. CamelBak 2018 Kid’s Scout Hydration Pack
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 1.5 liters Weight: 0.9 pounds (0.41 kg) Size: 15 x 10.2 x 2.6 inches (38 x 26 x 6.5 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Polyethylene with TPU exterior for bladder Cleaning Kit: No |
The CamelBak 2018 Kids Scout Hydration Pack, 50 oz features a lightweight design tailored to grade school aged children. The water bladder has a capacity of 1.5 liters and the storage capacity of the backpack is 5 liters. There is a breathable mesh back panel for comfort and padded shoulder straps. The adjustable safety strap also comes with a safety whistle. The drinking tube has an on/off feature to help prevent leaks and spills, and there is a clip to hold it onto the shoulder strap. The outer material is equipped with reflective material to provide visibility in low light settings. The ergonomic handle allows for easy removal of the lid, but it is located in the middle of the reservoir instead of the top, making it a bit more difficult to refill. Also, the straps might be too close together causing some discomfort for different body types.
Pros
- Lightweight design for grade school children,
- Extra storage space,
- Durable,
- Comes in fun colors
Cons
- Not very easy to fill the reservoir,
- Straps are placed too close together
3. Sojourner Hydration Pack
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 2 liters Weight: 0.82 pounds (0.37 kg) Size: 11 x 3.3 x 16 inches (27.9 x 8.3 x 40.6 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Water resistant |
The Sojourner Hydration Pack features a 2 liter water reservoir and an extra pocket for storing small personal items. The straps are adjustable but won’t adjust to larger sizes. This pack is made of a fashionable reflective material that comes in many different designs and colors. This lightweight pack also features a water bladder that has a large opening that is easy to fill. The drinking tube has a mouth piece that includes a dust cover to keep dirt from getting into the tube and a lever that helps prevent leaks. The back panel and shoulder straps have a lightweight breathable mesh that helps to keep this pack very comfortable to wear.
Pros
- Fashionable reflective exterior for safety,
- Lightweight,
- Easy to fill,
- Comfortable
Cons
- Material tears easily,
- Won’t adjust to fit larger sizes
4. CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. Kids Hydration Backpack
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 1.5 liters Size: 14 x 7.5 x 7.7 inches (35.6 x 19.1 x 19.6 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Nylon, Polyester Cleaning Kit: No |
The CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. Kids Hydration Backpack, 50 oz features a 1.5 liter capacity water reservoir. The adjustable shoulder and sternum straps allow for a secure fit for children and petite adults. It has a lightweight design and also includes a security whistle along with reflective details for safety. There is a breathable mesh back panel that will allow air to move behind the pack keeping the wearer comfortable. The water reservoir also has an ergonomic handle that allows for easy refilling. The alignment of the straps makes this reservoir difficult to clean. Also, the drinking tube can easily disconnect which can cause some leaking.
Pros
- Lifetime guarantee,
- Durable nylon material,
- Multiple pockets for storing personal items,
- Comes in a variety of bright colors
Cons
- Difficult to clean,
- Hose disconnects easily
5. Outdoor Products Tadpole Hydration Pack
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 3.5 liters Size: 13.5 x 2.1 x 7.5 inches (34.3 x 5.3 x 19.1 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Polyester Cleaning Kit: No |
The Outdoor Products Tadpole Hydration Pack features a lightweight and compact polyester design tailored to children. The water reservoir holds 1.5 liters of water. The material is durable and has heavy duty zippers with large cord pulls to make the pockets easy to open. The breathable mesh shoulder straps help keep air moving around so that the wearer is comfortable. There are multiple compartments with space to store a variety of small personal items. This pack is also covered by a manufacturer’s warranty to ensure durability and provide peace of mind. The water tube might be too long for really small children making it difficult to drink from. Also, there is not a waist strap so depending on the size of the child, the fit might not feel very secure.
Pros
- Easy to adjust,
- Comfortable and lightweight,
- Storage space for personal items,
- Good size for children
Cons
- Water tube is very long,
- No waist strap
6. KUYOU Hydration Pack for Kids Hydration Water Backpack
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 1.5 liters Weight: 1 pounds (0.45 kg) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Ripstop nylon Cleaning Kit: No |
The KUYOU Hydration Pack for Kids features a 1.5 liter water reservoir and an insulated design to keep water protected from extreme temperatures for up to 4 hours. The durable material is a rugged ripstop nylon and the pockets have sturdy zippers. The interior pouch has a built-in-clip for fixing the water reservoir in place. The opening is large so that it’s easier to fill and also add ice. The adjustable shoulder, chest, and waist straps all help to secure a snug fit for children of various sizes. The shoulder straps have a breathable mesh and padding for comfort. The water from the drinking tube has a bad taste at first if you don’t rinse the water bladder out before your initial use. Also, depending on the size of the child, the drinking tube might be too short.
Pros
- Insulated,
- Lightweight,
- Durable,
- Space for storing extra items
Cons
- Bad taste on initial use,
- Water tube is too short
7. Water Buffalo Hydration Pack Backpack
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 2 liters Size: 15.6 x 9.1 x 2.6 inches (39.6 x 23.1 x 6.6 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Nylon |
The Water Buffalo Hydration Pack Backpack features a 2 liter water bladder and storage space for personal items. The durable nylon material is ergonomic and designed to be lightweight and comfortable. The pocket that secures the water bladder is insulated to help protect your water from extreme temperatures. The drinking tube features a bite cover and an on and off lever to prevent leaks. The shoulder strap has a clip to secure the drinking tube and keep it from moving around. The shoulder straps are adjustable to provide a secure fit. This pack is covered by a 30 day guarantee and a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Storage for personal items,
- Comfortable and lightweight,
- Easy to lock drinking tube,
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- Difficult to clean,
- Black water bladder makes it hard to see how much water it has
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of kids hydration packs and decided that 7 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Kids Hydration Pack is Osprey Moki 1.5 Kid’s Bike Hydration Backpack which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider CamelBak 2018 Kid’s Scout Hydration Pack as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, Sojourner Hydration Pack is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying kids hydration packs
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.
Raincover
If you’re interested in a hydration pack with a cloth exterior (such as one with additional storage), you’ll want to invest in a rain cover. A rain cover will go over your hydration pack to keep it dry and safe from inclement weather. This is great especially for packs with extra storage as it will keep your belongings dry during your trip. These rain covers often go on over the top or bottom of the bag and close tightly on the other side, keeping your pack secured inside. Removing the cover is as easy as opening and pulling it off, so protecting your pack is as easy as possible.
Bite valve shutoff switch
Not all hydration bladders are made the same. Some hydration packs have a bite valve shutoff switch. This means the part you sip out of has a valve that you can bite to let the water flow into your mouth. If you don’t bite the valve, you won’t get any water when you try to suck out of the straw. This is a great option because it prevents water from accidentally leaking out of your pack through the straw. If you’re interested in a bite valve shutoff switch, make sure the material is soft but durable so you can comfortably bite the valve without having to put much effort into it. You should also make sure the seal is strong when you aren’t biting it.
Materials
Hydration bladders can be made of many different materials. Some of the most common materials hydration packs can be made of include rubber, plastic, and metal. For those looking for a flexible, lightweight pouch, rubber or plastic will be your best bet. Though they aren’t as durable as other materials, they’re much more comfortable and can still be protected inside outer pack layers. For a sturdier hydration pack, some intense packs are made of metal and are typically housed inside of larger backpacks. These packs are less likely to break and may have better insulation to keep your water cold versus rubber or plastic packs, though they’ll certainly be heavier.
Questions and Answers About kids hydration packs
Is a hydration pack worth it?
Hydration packs offer decent weight distribution and convenience to carry your hydration bladder. One of the major cons of a hydration pack is that it is hard to tell where the water level is in the reservoir. It can also be hard to refill your bladder while you are out on your adventure if it does not allow easy detachment from the drinking tube. Also, you may find it difficult to use in freezing temperatures. However, you can insulate your water bladder inside the pack to keep the water drinkable. However, benefits such as convenient access to your drinking water and the flexibility to use it as a backpack should outweigh the cons, especially for regular adventure seekers.
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 often should I clean my CamelBak?
Though you don’t necessarily have to fully clean your CamelBak every day, it is recommended that you at least clean it with soap or other cleaning agents once per month. However, you should still empty your CamelBak and leave it to dry every time you use it to avoid bacterial or mildew buildup. Note that there isn’t anything wrong with using soap on it every time, it just isn’t necessary if you’re only putting water in your CamelBak.
Can you put soda in a CamelBak?
Though you technically could, putting soda in your CamelBak is not recommended. Because soda is carbonated, it could cause gases to build up in your pack, which could lead to damage. You could also have issues with the drink itself spilling out of your straw due to the carbonation, so it is generally not done unless you want to wear your soda throughout your hike.
Are hydration packs BPA free?
Yes, reputable, legitimate hydration packs will be BPA free. Because BPA can be harmful (especially to children), having a BPA-free hydration pack is extremely important. If you’re looking at an alternative brand that doesn’t advertise being BPA-free, you may want to avoid that brand. Legitimate brands, such as CamelBak, clearly state that they are BPA-free for your safety.
