11 Best Hydration Packs For Running Long Distances In 2023
Marathons demand you to stay energized and well hydrated to prevent fatigue.
Anthony MaritatoPT, MSPT
Expertise: Physical Therapy
Experience: 15 years
Anthony Maritato is a licensed physical therapist with 15 years of experience and the owner of Total Therapy Solutions in Middletown, Ohio. He is also the founder and contributing author at ChoosePT1st. He received his Bachelor's degree in ... more
Aditi Naskar Diploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 4 years
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She i... more
Image: Shutterstock
For anyone who loves training for a marathon or a track event, having the best hydration pack for running is one of the keys to winning the competition. Regular hydration is crucial to avoid fatigue and to keep your body energized for the long run. But without a handy water pack to sip in, your body can slow down and not cooperate. Anthony Maritato, a licensed physical therapist, says, “Dehydration has been associated with reduce athletic performance and in some cases physical bodily harm. Choosing a hydration pack that fits your body correctly and avoids chafing is the most important element. I recommend wearing a hydration pack when performing any kind of endurance exercise for durations of more than 30-minutes. Hydration packs are a great option when performing long duration endurance exercise in both warm or cold climates. It is important to remember that cold temperatures reduce thirst sensation by up to 40%.”
A hydration pack is a sportspeople’s must-have. Convenient and easy to use, hydration packs allow one to drink water anytime. Check out our carefully collaborated list of hydration packs for your reference. Scroll down to know more.
In This Article
Top 11 Hydration Packs For Running In 2023
1. Best Lightweight:TETON Sports TrailRunner
This hydration backpack has a low-profile athletic cut and comes with an adjustable waist belt to fit anyone comfortably. It has comfort-taped strap mesh covering, which makes it comfortable to wear for long hours. It includes a lightweight and kink-free sip tube, along with a push-lock cushioned bite valve. This hydration pack has a 2-inch opening for keeping ice and cleaning the backpack. It also has an integrated orange whistle and reflective trim for night safety. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s unbiased review.
Specifications
- Hydration Bladder: Yes
- Hydration Capacity: 2 liters/70 ounces
Pros
- Rugged high-denier ripstop shell
- 9-inch deep mesh pockets for storage
- Hydration bladder included
- Ergonomically designed
- Anti-shock chest strap
- Safety whistle
- Close fit for all activities
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not enough storage space for holding sunscreen, energy bars, etc.
2. Best Breathable Shoulder Strap:KUYOU Hydration Pack
This hydration pack has a lightweight and breathable mesh back panel and is made with high-quality nylon fabric. To drink water, you need to pull the rubber tube out and sip. You do not need to bite the tube, like in the case of other hydration packs. The water bladder in this product has passed the pneumatic pressure test, 24-hour swing test, and 24-hour vibration test. The bladder can tolerate pressure and is leakproof. It has adjustable shoulder straps, so it fits you perfectly and doesn’t move while you are busy in activities. It has a two-layer design and comes with extra storage pockets for your phone, keys, compass, etc. The bag has a reflective design for safety. Here’s a personal review video to help you get a better understanding of the product.
Specifications
- Hydration Bladder: Yes
- Hydration Capacity: 2 liters
Pros
- Comfortable back panel
- Breathable shoulder strap
- Wide opening lid
- BPA-free water bladder
- Reflective resistance material
- Adjustable bungee strap
- FDA approved food-grade material water bladder
- Auto-lock water seat
- Leakproof
Cons
- No chest strap
- The flap of the mouthpiece may not close properly.
Pro Tip3. Best Leakproof:U`Be WhiPack Hydration Pack
This lightweight hydration camel pack can be used for activities, such as running, bike riding, and trekking. It is ultralight and compact and has safety reflective printing. It is water-resistant, and the water bladder is insulated and made with BPA-free material. You can quickly and easily disconnect the bite valve hose. The rubberized backside of the water pack prevents slippage. It has exterior zipper pockets to store your essentials.
Specifications
- Hydration Bladder: Yes
- Hydration Capacity: 2 liters
Pros
- BPA-free water bladder
- Lightweight design
- Extra zipper pocket for storage
- Reflective design
- Insulated back pocket for water bladder
- Leakproof
Cons
- The chest strap might rub against the neck in a few products.
4. Best Splash-Resistant:Unigear Hydration Pack Backpack
This hydration pack has adjustable straps and can easily fit both kids and adults. It is made with lightweight and splash-resistant nylon. It helps reduce your load and also protects your accessories inside the hydration pack in light rain. It has a BPA-free bladder and an air mesh back pad that helps enhance airflow and comfort. The small front pocket can hold a phone, a few energy bars, and a bunch of keys.
Specifications
- Hydration Bladder: Yes
- Hydration Capacity: 2 liters
Pros
- Splash-proof material
- Reflective safety patch
- Ergonomic handle design
- Replaceable drinking tube
- Soft bite mouthpiece
- Leakproof lever on the mouthpiece
- Easy to clean
- Water bladder has a large opening for easy refill.
Cons
- Poor insulation
- The plastic cap on the bladder may give trouble.
5. Best For Running And Walking:CamelBak Octane Dart
The CamelBak Octane Dart is ideally designed with a new CRUX reservoir that delivers 20% additional water per sip. It is equipped with an ergonomic handle for easy refilling and an ON/OFF lever preventing leakage. This backpack is ideal for running, walking, and cycling activities. It comes with front-facing pockets that help in easy fuel and gear storage. It offers maximum comfort due to the air flow from the 3D vent mesh design. Additionally, the backpack comes with a self-sealing bite valve that holds in place in between your sips.
Specifications
- Hydration bladder: Yes
- Hydration capacity: 1.5 litres
Pros
- Lightweight fabric
- Soft bite mouthpiece
- Safety whistle
- Easy to clean
- Leak-proof cap
- BPA-free
- Safety whistle
Cons
None
6. Best Insulated Water Tube:Embrava Sports Hydration Pack
This hydration pack is made of superior quality ripstop nylon. It is lightweight and waterproof. It has reflective strips on the front for safety during low-light visibility. It also has additional storage for a rain jacket inside the hydration pack, along with a small pocket for keys, wallet, phone, and other accessories. The adjustable design matches your natural body shape. It has chest and waist straps for better stability. This backpack has an insulated water tube that keeps water colder for longer to help you stay refreshed during the run.
Specifications
- Hydration Bladder: Yes
- Hydration Capacity: 2 liters
Pros
- Waterproof
- Lightweight and durable
- Insulated water tube
- Easy to drink bite valve
- BPA-free bladder bag
- Adjustable straps
- Extra storage space
- Reflective strips for safety
Cons
- Flimsy mouthpiece cap
Pro Tip7. Best Multiple Storage Pockets:Nathan Vaporhowe Hydration Pack
This hydration pack is designed specifically for women. It has 1.8L vapor hydration bladder and an hourglass shape. This unique design helps reduce sloshing. This water pack has multiple rear storage pockets to carry all your running essentials. It has a separate smartphone pocket and zip pockets. It has side adjustment straps, along with chest and waist straps for a closer fit.
Specifications
- Hydration Bladder: Yes
- Hydration Capacity: 8 liters
Pros
- Unique hourglass-shaped water bladder
- Multiple storage pockets
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Body-mapped and form-fitting
- Adjustable straps
- Doesn’t bounce
- Comfortable
Cons
- The bladder is difficult to dry after washing (due to the design).
8. Best Sweat-Proof:MIRACOL Hydration Backpack
This lightweight and comfortable hydration pack is suitable for running and other outdoor activities, like cycling, hiking, and road biking. It stays put on your back and does not create any wind resistance. The Air Flow system of this water pack prevents sweating and keeps you comfortable. It has a layer of insulation that keeps the water cold.
Specifications
- Hydration Bladder: Yes
- Hydration Capacity: 2 liters
Pros
- Insulated bladder compartment
- Breathable shoulder straps
- Adjustable bungee strap
- Safety Reflectors
- Mesh padding
- Adjustable waistband
- FDA approved BPA-free bladder material
- Insulated flow tube
- Fast flow bite valve
Cons
- Awkward fit
- The bottom strap keeps sliding up.
9. Best Quick-Drying:Salomon Advanced Skin Backpack
This hydration pack wraps comfortably around your body and doesn’t bounce or cause chafing while you are enjoying your run. It is made of a quick-dry fabric that will help your body breathe even if you sweat profusely. The front panel has two pockets for holding bottles/flasks (included in the package), so you can grab a drink without stopping. It can hold a 1.5-liter hydration bladder in the back compartment. You have to buy the bladder separately. The pack has extra pockets for keeping your mobile and other important stuff.
Specifications
- Hydration Bladder: Not included
- Hydration Capacity: 5 liters
Pros
- No-chafing design
- Fast-wicking fabric
- 3D air mesh
- Motion fit
- 4D pole holder
- Fits perfectly
Cons
- Water bladder not included.
- The pack might heat up in high temperatures/summers.
10. Best Water-Resistant:Benkii Hydration Backpack
The Benkii Hydration Backpack is made of water-resistant material with two front layers. It has a premium SBS zipper and reflective patches. The unique design allows you to store the bladder in a separate compartment. Additionally, it has a tube clip to secure the tube in a position and a bounce-free chest strap to secure the bag properly. This bag comes with adjustable shoulder straps to prevent sliding off the shoulders. Moreover, the bag has a small handle to carry and multiple storage layers for keeping your essentials.
Specifications
- Hydration bladder: Yes
- Hydration capacity: 2 litres
Pros
- BPA-free
- Odorless
- Plastic-free
- Pressure-tolerant
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- Leak-proof
- Breathable
- Safety whistle
Cons
- May leak
11. Best Ergonomic:Gelindo Hydration Backpack
The Gelindo Hydration Backpack is ergonomically designed to carry a water bottle in the front and a reservoir at the back. It has an insulating material that prevents the heat from your back affecting the temperature of liquid in the reservoir. Consequently, the water stays cool for up to 4 hours. It has a self-sealing high-flow bite valve that pushes ON/OFF after each sip to prevent leakage. In addition, the backpack comes with adjustable straps that offer a snug fit keeping your bag in a secure position. Moreover, the bag comes with additional small pockets for easy storage of cards and phones. The chest buckle provided ensures the bag is positioned properly.
Specifications
- Hydration bladder: Yes
- Hydration capacity: 2 litres
Pros
- Versatile
- BPA-free
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- Lightweight
- Large capacity
- Leak-proof
Cons
None
When picking a hydration pack for running or any other outdoor activities, you need to ensure that the pack is designed for the specific activity. Listed below are a few factors you need to consider before you choose a hydration pack.
How To Choose The Best Running Hydration Packs
- Type: For running, you can either get running vests or running backpacks. Running vests fit snug on your body like a jacket. Running backpacks have a low profile design and may or may not have a hip belt and inbuilt water reservoir (often, they are sold separately).
- Capacity Of The Reservoir: Make sure it can carry enough water to meet your hydration needs. Remember, water is not light. A liter of water may weigh around 2 lbs. Consider how much you can carry while running. A hydration pack that carries water anywhere between 1-2 liters is enough for most situations.
- Gear Capacity: Hydration packs can accommodate a few more things that you might need. The gear capacity ranges between 5-50 liters. Decide what you are going to carry while running and buy accordingly.
- Fit: Make sure the hydration pack fits you properly. It should feel comfortably snug on your body or hips.
- Extra Features: Hydration packs may have different features, like bite valve shutoff switch, quick disconnecting tube, clips, rain cover, and tube portals, etc. Pick one that has the features you want.
Running long distances requires a lot of stamina, strength, and patience. Staying hydrated during your runs is very important to avoid fatigue and dehydration. Using the best hydration packs during these times comes in very handy. They can also be used on treks and climbs to stay on top of your performance game. The listed products are lightweight, durable, and ergonomically designed to make them easy to carry. They are also designed with temperature regulating material to keep the water or liquid inside warm or chill as per your needs.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Aditi Naskar, has a diploma in health & wellness, and has expertise in reviewing health and fitness-related products. She has curated this list of the best hydration packs for long-distance runs. She has scrolled through reviews from other customers and chosen those products for the list. These hydration packs are lightweight, leakproof, come with a large drinking tube, and have breathable shoulder straps for easy access.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you wear a hydration vest for running?
When your runs last one to two hours or longer, you should wear a hydration vest to keep your body hydrated, avoid weariness, and stay active.
What distance do you need a hydration pack?
A hydration pack is necessary if traveling over 10 kilometers or 6 miles.
What do marathon runners use for water?
• Handheld water bottles.
• Running belt with a water bottle.
• Hydration vests.
• Water backpack.
Is a running vest worth it?
Yes, running vests are portable, lightweight, and specially constructed for carrying essentials and built with temperature-regulating materials to maintain the temperature of the water or liquid inside.
How often do you need to clean your hydration pack?
You need to clean your hydration pack every time you use it.
How do you adjust a hydration pack?
• Adjust the strap to allow for gaps of 4-6 inches.
• If the pack has side strap, tighten the side straps
• A nice and tight, but not too tight fit is ideal. The most important thing is that it is not too tight.
Recommended Articles
Best Running Water Bottles To Quench Your Thirst
Best Runners’ Belts
Best And Trusted Water Jogging Belts For Women
Best Triathlon Gear Everyone Needs
Best Anti-Blister Running Socks For Long And Blissful Runs
