(Part 3) Best hydration packs according to redditors

fanny pack ; buff ; hydration tablets ; knock-off camebak

I used a really good/reliable one for Hangout Fest this year. This one here was the recommendation from the festival production company. Really cheap too!

For all you that don't need the top of the line packs. These packs work pretty well and fit snug both are under 30 bucks too!

https://www.amazon.com/WACOOL-Waterproof-Hydration-Backpack-Lightweight/dp/B016SS7UV4/ref=sr_1_5?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1494596818&sr=1-5&keywords=hydration+pack

https://www.amazon.com/Hydration-Backpack-Water-Bladder-Women/dp/B00KSMVACW/ref=sr_1_4?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1494596981&sr=1-4&keywords=hydration+pack

There are two things you need to check.

1. How big is the hole in the bag? I assume it is ment for a headphone jack to fit through, not the ear buds. A water bladder needs to fit the mouth piece out the hole, which would be slightly larger then an earbud.
   
   
2. How big is the pocket? compare that to the dimensions of the hydration bladder when filled.
   
   Also you can get hydration packs for cheap if you don't go with camel bak.
   
   Walmart $20-$25
   http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Gonzo-Hydration-Pack/48931713
   
   Amazon $21.00 (other seller has free shipping and costs $23)
   http://www.amazon.com/TETON-Sports-Trailrunner-Hydration-Backpack/dp/B00OXPC056/ref=sr_1_4?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1463420881&sr=1-4&keywords=hydration+pack
   
   Both of these packs come with a bladder.

A camelbak perhaps? The one I linked is insulated so you could put tea or even just warm water in it. Otherwise there are non-insulated versions which might stay above room temperature due to body contact.

Doesn't solve the bathroom break problem though...

This looks really similar to the belt I recently got from amazon Canada with a little change to zipper placement. Doesn't seem to bounce much with the bottles and like you say, has a lot of room to hold a larger phone and case nicely with room for other stuff. I wear it on my back and the only real thing is that since my phone is so large (iPhone 6+) I can feel it pressing like a board into the small of my back. Was thinking of slipping a little bit of padding in that pocket just to see if that makes a difference. Also found I had to turn the bottles around in the sling so that they faced outwards otherwise I could feel them digging in a bit. All in all really happy with it for the price though.

I have the Aonijie one. It's... fine. I have it hanging in a closet somewhere. I think it's a little too warm for me in the summer. I haven't had a chance to try it in the fall. I tend to have nipple issues too, so a vest adding wear and tear to my useless man-milkers doesn't help.

My go-to for hydration, after trying about 10 different things, is still a Teton Hydration Pack. It's light, inexpensive, has a large pocket for phone/keys/gels, and a bunch of handy tie down spots.

Saucony Men's Ride 8 Running Shoe, got fit for it at Marathon Sports here in Boston, I love the shoe and they just came out with the 9 so the 8 is only $75 on Amazon!

Hydration belt, keep my phone in the pouch to listen to my audibook and usually fill with water or Gatorade depending on length of run

Garmin Forerunner 235

TaoTronics Bluetooth Headphones

And in 1s and 0s I carry The Dark Tower Audiobook


Focusing just on shoes, I don't mix up shoes I'm not that advanced. The Ride 8 are perfect for my marathon training.

My feet are wide, very wide, like 3E dress shoes are tight wide, the Ride 8 are the wide version (as linked I believe?) and they feel fine

Never had a problem with shoes in the past except for not switching to new ones after they've become worn out, which is why I bought 2 pairs of the Ride at once.

I don't see the point of wearing multiple shoes granted I've never tried, I guess theoretically it would extend the time before you need to buy new shoes but I think it would be the same e.g. 1 pair for 3 months next pair for 3 months vs 2 pairs simultaneously for 6 months...

I bought this one on Amazon (Canada) - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B017QIVCIC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_B8j4AbEE2FZTB

Have used it on a few runs now and really like it!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8L4R0I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QkmRCbX1KJMA7

Might try to see John Wick 2, but I hate going to movies on weekends. I saw Lego Batman this week and loved it.

1. Saturday should be 9-10 and Sunday I have no clue, but long. I'm driving down to MD to meet /u/josandal and we're going to be attacking some trails. I got a Nathan Fireball vest yesterday. Of course, Running Warehouse just now got the brand new Salomon Adv Skin 5 Set Pack in stock, so now I'm torn. :/
   
2. I'm running Eagle Up Ultra in June with a bunch of Reddit folks. Can't wait!
   
3. I play video games on every Friday with a buddy of mine and we order a pizza, so typical Saturday lunch is leftover pizza from the night before.

I bought the BRINGIT hydration belt, and love it: https://www.amazon.com/Hydration-Running-Bottles-Marathon-Adjustable/dp/B017E8NW2S

I have a Camelbak Dart that I run with. I'm a 5ft3 female with a small frame and find that this works really well for me. It has really adjustable straps and it doesn't bounce around at all. It also has a few small pockets - enough to hold keys, a phone and maybe a beanie or gloves or something if you really need it. Despite that, the overall pack looks fairly small, so it doesn't really feel OTT.

I have this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OBVOE5G/ref=twister_B01N9JBWHP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This is the Camelbak MULE there is a smaller zippered pocket at the very top separate from the water compartment. I hope to keep the battery packs in there. Last year I had a different hydration pack and just used a ziplock bag and duct tape to keep it water proof but still let me turn them on/off.

Camelback Cloudwalker 18 or Rim Runner 22 in last years colors are on sale. They come with the bladder and drinking system installed, those are about $30 seperately. They are both under $70 and I have the Cloudwalker 18, very happy with it for size and comfort.

EDIT: Saw you wanted packable packs....my bad.

I carry my gear in an Osprey Manta 36ag backpack with tripod strapped on the side and extra lens on the other side (in the water bottle pockets), and filters (I use screw on glass - NDs graduated ND, Polarizing, not Lee) on top of the camping gear in a small stuff sack when I'm going out for overnight(s) photo shoots. I carry the camera on me with a sling strap.

I can carry tent, bag, food in the main compartment, with the camera stuff on the outside compartment and filters, xtra batteries, and remote shutter release cable.

I cannot carry a bear canister with this bag, I have to use a 50L backpack, and the 36L is only good for a couple of nights out because I can't carry enough food unless someone is going with me.

When backpacking for longer periods, I carry a small lightweight tripod on a backpack with a Sony RX-100v with mag filters in a small bag strapped around my waste. I can do almost anything with it that I can do with my big heavy DSLR (except long telephoto shots which, as a landscape shooter, I don't do) without schlepping that big heavy camera/lenses on the trail.

> Nathan fireball vest

https://www.amazon.com/NATHAN-5036NDSS-P-Nathan-Fireball-Race/dp/B01G1YW7O0 this one? Hows the breathability?

Yeah That ones is great. I'm between that one and this one

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8JF060/ref=psdc_3400551_t1_B00EPGTKCO

I have a 3L Camelbak like this: https://www.amazon.ca/CamelBak-ThermoBak-Mil-Spec-Antidote-Coyote/dp/B00VXD1PA2/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1463193428&sr=8-9&keywords=camelbak+3l

that I pack with ice for long hot trips. It keeps me as fresh as a daisy, wearing it keeps your core cool (although that might be a bit odd in the car) and as it melts, I sip it.

I've been using this one for the past 2 years. 1.5L, designed more for running, with two zip pockets big enough for phone and gels.

I have this one: CamelBak Women's 2016 Day Star 18 Hydration Pack, Reflecting Pond/Andean Toucan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OBVNVFK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZEZHzb3GA8XAG

I love it - I typically carry 4 L (2 in the reservoir and two 1 liter bottles on the side). The pack itself is big enough for a light jacket, snacks, maps, etc and I find it to be very comfortable when I'm wearing it.

since brand new hydration vests can be ridiculously steep in price with some of the brand names, has anyone had any luck w/ some of the cheaper non-recognizable brand name vests that are on Amazon like some of these below from "Aonijie"?

Aonijie amazon link 1

Aonijie amazon link 2

Thanks!

Sprints - too short to carry hydration

Super - same, too short to carry hydration, although I do cramp in every single Super, so I keep a small pickle juice container with me

Beast - my first beast will be the Mountain Series Big Bear next month. I don't plan to carry a hydration pack, but rather a running belt to carry water, pickle juice, & gels. I want to finish with one of the fastest Open times, so I see no reason to carry 30+ oz of water when I expect to finish within 4 hours or so. In anticipation of this, I plan to do a couple 3+ hour trail runs weeks before the race to nail down my fueling strategy.

If you're going that size I would recommend going ahead and getting a small camelpak. Something like this guy: https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-Rogue-Reservoir-Hydration-Graphite/dp/B01L8JF060/ref=sr_1_8?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1522680070&sr=1-8&keywords=camelbak

If you go that road I would also recommend getting a small luggage lock for one of the compartments that will have all the stuff you don't want to lose and don't need quick access to.

KUYOU Hydration Pack Water... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C5O9RX4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I swear by my Kelty packs. Here's a list of packs either I or my buddies have used. A couple are over your $75 cap, but worth every penny IMO, let me know if you have any questions!:

Kelty Redwing 32

Kelty Redtail 27

Kelty Riot 15

Kelty Riot 22

Osprey Daylite Plus

Osprey Escapist 18

CamelBak Cloud Walker

Some of these might be a bit too big or too small since I'm not sure what size pack you're looking for, or what your primary use is going to be. I've owned one of the Kelty's, my wife owns one of the Ospreys, and my buddies own or have owned the other packs listed, or earlier models of them in some cases.

I’m on mobile so don’t hate on my links 😂 but something like this, where the camelback is very skinny just for sunscreen and a battery charger and stuff. That way it doesn’t get in the way of people standing behind you

Herschel Seventeen Fanny Pack Jungle Hoffman One Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DYM4NZF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0ncRCbMME39R8


CamelBak Classic Crux Reservoir Hydration Pack, Carve Blue/Black, 2.5 L/85 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8L4R0I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zqcRCb2A5B441

1. if it's above 10C and I'm going long; aonijie racing vest - the two bottle option is important because the front pouches are rather minimal. The soft bottles are the perfect fit... infact a bit too perfect - to drink, I leave them in the pocket and lean forward and bite down and squeeze with a hand. When I'm refilling them during a race or run, I take the top off and leave the bottle in the pocket. I wouldn't trust other bottles to fit, and hard bottles would be too hard to get in or out. I use water in the front pouches and a 2L bladder in the back that I'll do a slight variation of fellrnr's Go Juice. Yes, my bladder is horribly stained.
   
   Sometimes I'll go with just a 500ml hand bottle, but there aren't a lot of public fountains in my area, so that kind of limits me to 10-15k loops.
   
   
2. I tried the Osprey Talon belt - perhaps my butt is too small, but even cranking it super tight against my hips it would either fall down over my butt, or raise up off of my hips. And I'm not running with belt against my stomach. I think it would be ok for hiking, but running it failed hard.
   
   
3. I have a vest and a pack (pack is cheap teton pack ), and I use them both for different things. However my pack has nothing that can be reached while wearing it, so I only use it if I'm carrying stuff (run-commuting to work). The vest is best for running, I can carry a lot that's still reachable while wearing it, and there's still more space at the back for less likely to be used/needed items but might be nice to have.
   
   

This is my favorite of the multiple I own— https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-2016-M-U-L-E-Hydration-Pack/dp/B01787QHWC. You can most likely find it cheaper outside on amazon, but it’s worth every penny in my opinion.

Ran the trails in my local nature preserve over the weekend. I was testing out my new hydration pack in the 90'ish degree weather. The plan was a 10K, but around mile 4.5 some kind of giant fly/wasp/monster bug took a nasty chomp on my neck and it kinda freaked me out. Between that and the heat I decided to call it a day. The pack worked out nice though.

I got this one, do you guys think it’ll work? It just has the one big pocket but I’m sorrows about the small zipper on the front

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015QP996Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RCh9AbPNKT5YX

I didn't want to make a separate post:

YISMEET 2L hydration backpack with pretty positive reviews for $27

I just bought this one off amazon. Only 26 bucks and pretty durable. Blitzwing Hydration Pack with 70 oz 2L Bladder for Running Hiking Riding Camping Cycling Climbing - Best Lightweight Backpack Water Bag for Runner Outdoor Bicycle & Bike Sports (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015GONGWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_Pvy-wbCD2YBDM

I've actually seriously considered getting one of these.

Not OP, but I use a belt that holds phones and water bottles and it doesn't bounce if you tighten it enough.

By far the best travel bag ive ever had. Been on multiple 30 mile multiday treks fully loaded and it stayed comfortable each time.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014EBQ4OQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This one is what I purchased. It is very cheap compared to most, but it does the job for what I need. You can carry up to 2 Liters, and there is a mesh pouch on the back to carry items like a phone or GU packs. It is easily adjustable and doesn't slosh more than any other bag will. Also.....its cheap.

I bought the Camelbak Day Star 18 for last year's Coachella, and I love it! Easy on the back, has enough room to store a thin jacket or sweater for the evening, and any other necessities you may need. I locked up the zippers with luggage locks, and the waist and chest straps were actually very handy in keeping the bag against your body when you're dancing!

10/10 recommend: CamelBak Women's 2016 Day Star 18 Hydration Pack, Reflecting Pond/Andean Toucan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OBVNVFK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PjgDybASM397M

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OBVNCFO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's the exact one and where I got mine from. I believe there is a rainfly you can get for it too if you hike.