Best cycling hydration packs & baldders according to redditors

Get this one instead.


Seriously. I goto 3-4 major festivals a year like Electric Forest, Bonaroo, Hulaween, and Camp Bisco (plus a Bassnectar gathering or two). This bag is the TITS.

- It has an internal frame that keeps it about an inch off your back so air can blow through
- The osprey hydration system is second to none
- it has exactly as many pockets as you need for a 14 hour festival day
- it has a build in rain fly
- it weighs less than 2 lbs empty

In my experience it's been at least as many guys asking for water, I don't see a reason to call one group out specifically. I don't always like sharing my water and having to get back in line earlier but I definitely prefer a minor inconvenience to having someone else be uncomfortable or get hurt.

I'd guess the problem is more about people just not knowing how useful it can be and not knowing where to get one / how much / etc. Even if it really is about "looking super dope and stylish" I think the solution is the same: educate them. Show them where you or your friend got yours and how much it was and how many cool options are available.

I don't know anything about the quality but these look super cool and certainly seem small enough to still show off your assets if that's what you're worried about.
https://vibedration.com/collections/hydration-packs/ga - $38-$45

This is the pack I use. I love it and tell people about it whenever it comes up. It's just a little bit bigger than a regular slim pack when it's all strapped down and has a pressurized side to the bladder that inflates with a small hand bulb so the water can shoot out. It's great to cool down with or to share water because they don't have to touch your mouth piece. Really easy to fill and wash.
http://www.geigerrig.com/hydration-packs/rig-500-ballistic.html - $130

If cost is an issue here's a bunch on Amazon prime for under $20:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7U9XAK/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015GONGTG/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CS8H2ZM/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EGEGJU/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ECCEAR0/

My Camelbak MULE. I don’t usually carry a lot of stuff but I’m able to put my wallet, phone, chapstick, sunscreen and snacks in there, but it’s that 3L bladder that makes it for me. I fill it all the way up with ice and then the rest with water. I have nice cold water for the whole day. Also, having an insulated hose is a must.
Staying hydrated is the only way I don’t get sick when I go.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MA6SWEA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YghmDbN8E339Z

[Amazon] Hydration pack for running & cycling - $29.95 (BF & CM Promo - 33% Discount - Use Code: H39CU3MS)

I bought a couple CamelBak bite valves (https://www.amazon.com/SportsTrail-Replacement-Hydration-Mouthpiece-Compatible/dp/B06XC74V4D/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1526472861&sr=8-13&keywords=bite+valve). When I fill I bag I take it off the vaporizer and pop a bite valve on it, it's super convenient. Edit: When I fill A bag I take it off the vaporizer and pop a bite valve on it, sorry about the typo.

I use tailwind on long runs and carry a tailwind - water mixture with me. Depending on the distance this is either in a 18oz handheld bottle or 50oz bladder.

For longer long runs when 50oz isn't enough (for me > 2.5 hours) I will carry a 2nd pack of tailwind, refill my bladder with water from aid station and mix in my own tailwind.

I also carry a soft flask / collapsible water bottle (like https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-Quick-Stow-Flask-500ml/dp/B01M6ZLGXQ/) to fill with plain water at aid stations so I'm not just drinking tailwind all day. I primarily do trail run events so aid stations can be 5-10 miles apart.

I can definitely relate. I'm someone who loves to get crazy on the dance floor (and generate a lot of heat doing so) yet also stay up into the wee hours of the morning and sit around watching some of the relaxing after hours stuff, which can make me quite cold. So here is what I do: I wear sweat pants and a t-shirt at night, as well as socks and shoes. Sometimes I even put on lightweight thermal pants under if it is going to be particularly cold. Those clothes keep me plenty warm while dancing without overheating. I pack a lightweight puffy jacket and a beanie in my backpack that keep me very warm while sitting around during the coldest part of the night. I know what you're thinking - a backpack? How can you get crazy on the floor with a backpack? Hear me out. I use a super slim/light cycling pack. I use and can vouch for this one: https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Syncro-Hydration-Meteorite-Medium/dp/B019IFMT0G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1525134737&sr=8-3&keywords=syncro%2B3&th=1&psc=1 but there are plenty of cheaper options out there as well. With my puffy jacket, beanie, and even water pack in there I don't notice it at all. You can even cinch down the chest/waist straps, but I don't think that's necessary. As for a puffy jacket, I use the uniqlo down jacket: https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/men-ultra-light-down-jacket-400504.html?dwvar_400504_color=COL15&cgid=men-outerwear-and-blazers-ultra-light-down#start=3&cgid=men-outerwear-and-blazers-ultra-light-down it's a really good bang for your buck and it's very light and warm and has lasted me a few years with no real wear. Good luck and don't forget to shake your tail feather!

I got this last year and I thought it was great. Only has one extra pocket too so it should comply with bag guidelines.

Honestly, I'd either go the "flattened plastic bottle" route or bring a cheap camelback-type backpack. I brought the Vapor collapsable water bottle last year, and it's good, but I found myself mostly wishing I'd just brought a camelback. If you're just going fanny pack, you're really limited in how much water you can carry, and it's frankly not worth waiting in the lines to refill 20oz at a time.

I'm in East Tennessee and a hydration pack is just a handy piece of gear that I wouldn't want to ride without, because it carries your water, tools, tubes, and snacks if you need them.

You don't have to spend $100 on one, I use a High Country pack I bought at Costco like 6 years ago for $25 and it's still going strong. I have replaced the bladder twice but you're going to do that with any hydration pack, and it's just $11 to replace.

Here's one on Amazon that oughta do the trick.

Bring a Camelbak, hands down the best way to stay hydrated. All the lines end up blurring together at some point anyway, so it doesnt really matter. If you buy a larger one, they will have spots for you to store all your gear; flags, wipes for the bathroom, Kandie, etc.

Here is how my crew does it. There are two of us with Camelbaks. The others tend to have water bottles that we fill up as needed from our packs. When they do not want to carry them, we store them in our packs on the sides in the holders. Personally I have used El Wire to make it a fun prop.

Here is the one I use: (worth the cost; have had for years)

https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Packs-Syncro-Hydration-Pack/dp/B019UTKT6Q

Think this will fly?
Hydration Backpack With 2.0L TPU Leak Proof Water Bladder- 600D Polyester -Adjustable Padded Shoulder, Chest & Waist Straps- Silicon Bite Tip & Shut Off Valve- (Green Edges) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071D25ZD3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XO3JAbNYNX67D

I just use a silicone bite mouthpiece off a hydration bladder. Cheap, effective, easy to clean and you can have a different color for a couple bags.
I read about someone using the bite pieces before getting the eq, and was pleasantly surprised.
Like these-
Bite Valve Replacement for Hydration Bladder (2pcs), Water Reservoir Mouthpiece for Water Bladder Hydration Pack Bladder, Compatible With Most Brands https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XC74V4D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_VbJGzb5G3T8F3

Definitely wise to bring just your essentials. That way should you lose your wallet, you're not completely fucked. I bring my ID, usually two payment cards (Debit for bar/credit card for emergencies) and cash.

Bandanas are great for so many uses. I actually wear one on my head to stop the sweat from getting into my eyes, and another one to cover my mouth/nose. Regular bandanas can be pretty cheap, and you can even color coordinate with outfits to match the theme of the show. Be sure to look for the larger 22x22 sized ones.

As for hydration pack, I'm a bit of an odd person to ask. While I didn't purchase it from this website, I have a Camelbak 3L Military Thermobak. I am a kandi kid, and I use the D-rings on the sides and straps to help carry my extra kandi with me as I bring a lot of cuffs and larger pieces with me. The downside is that the bag itself is just large enough for the bladder and not much else, but I use a fanny pack to carry my usual stuff (phone, charger, gum, etc). I found the military one on Ebay for about 60, but I would recco the Camelbak Lobo as it meets most festival requirements. The 3L bladder will last you quite some time and saves you on trips to refill. I'm a bigger guy and drink more water than other people, but it's not too heavy to the point of slowing down your dancing. The pockets are large enough to hold all of your stuff, but I would suggest using a small carabiner through the holes in the zipper pulls as a "lock" to slow down pickpockets. I've even seen some use luggage locks, but it's absolutely up to you.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XC74V4D/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522858121&sr=8-2-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=camelbak+bite+valve&psc=1 these are similar to what I have.

Friends in my squad uses this, $48 on Amazon right now: https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-HydroBak-Reservoir-Hydration-Graphite/dp/B01L8JF1MI/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ESA88CJ4FPPN&dchild=1&keywords=camelbak&qid=1570061573&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=camelbak%2Csporting%2C207&sr=1-2&th=1

I use an Osprey myself but I can't find the same model anymore, but here's a similar one for $55: https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Packs-Katari-Bike-Hydration/dp/B07GHJVNZ3/ref=sr_1_21?dchild=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwldHsBRAoEiwAd0JybZEjL71tMugZ8WdBCF8SaMQmR_4T6k0ZSuscxnLU81MK8Js1dfu46xoCr68QAvD_BwE&hvadid=153645435035&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9032152&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2561299335464702948&hvtargid=kwd-12620851050&hydadcr=9407_9465190&keywords=osprey+hydration+packs&qid=1570061503&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-21

The FAQ doesn’t say much about water back packs other than it’s ok to bring, with that being said is my osprey raptor 10 too big or would it be ok? Osprey Packs Raptor 10 Hydration Pack, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014EC8YP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AgqZAbD4YFHJX

Not sure if you have purchased one or not yet but last year I bought one off of Amazon for $16.99. It worked great for Diso! The only complaint that I had was that the straps aren't padded right at the top but my SO didn't have any issues (I'm just a whiner) and neither did anyone else in my group. Here's a link for it if you didn't wanna spend as much money!

https://www.amazon.com/Pinty-Hydration-Backpack-Bladder-Climbing/dp/B01M4NZM6X/ref=sr_1_5?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1494291858&sr=1-5&keywords=water+backpack

This is the best option I've found thus far.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXLLVQW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_8OvDAbF9VA36X

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Anyone interested in this hydration pack?

I have one I can give away. US only

Premium Reflective Vest Give Sport Water Bottle as Gift for Running Cycling Clothes for Women Men Safety Gear with Pocket 3M Scotchlite with Reflective High Visibility for (Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GNZJSX0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZtIEzbE2FGZXP

The one that comes to my mind is osprey's manta
https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Packs-Manta-Hydration-Pack/dp/B019UTJ6AQ?th=1&psc=1
It comes with rain cover and hydration pack, but you can remove the latter to fit a laptop up to 15".
Osprey packs have fame for it's quality and durability, but I often find them quite expensive.

I have this one and it was so comfortable, with the ability to hold 2.5 L of water. As a lady, I didn't find carrying that much water was unfordable with this pack, and there is enough room for essentials like a jacket, charger, toilet paper, etc. Love this for hiking too - can pack a whole lunch for two and its not too bulky.

https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Syncro-Hydration-Meteorite-Medium/dp/B018FF0CCW/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1491312960&sr=1-1&keywords=syncro+10

also http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Packs-Skarab-Hydration-Inferno/dp/B017ONQMZW/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452633475&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=2016+Skarab+24