Leonardo da Vinci said that water is the driving force of nature. Some people have taken that and rephrased it for modern times. They say quite simply that “water is life”. Health experts recommend taking several glasses of water per day to facilitate the proper functioning of body organs. Although water bottles have been in the market to encourage people to stay hydrated regardless of where they are or what they are doing, sometimes carrying around a bottle is not convenient. For instance, whenever one undertakes outdoor activities such as cycling through narrow trails, hands need to be free to maintain balance. As a result, hydration packs were designed. Below is a handy descriptive guide about types of hydration packs, the top ones available and which activities require them.
Types of Hydration Packs
There’s a few ways that hydration packs work to deliver water properly to their users. They include:
- Hydration Backpacks - Backpacks come with a drinking tube, and a water reservoir commonly referred to as a bladder. The wearer accesses the water through the tube that goes from the bladder to the exterior and over the shoulder to the mouthpiece. They have single or dual holes with dual holes being more preferred because one can place the tube over either shoulder. Some have a switch to prevent water from leaking. Most hydration backpacks have a button which one presses to disconnect the tube from the reservoir to enable refilling. They also usually have a wide mouthpiece to facilitate cleaning and inserting ice cubes for those who prefer ice-cold water. The packs are classified depending on the type of activity for which they are specifically designed. Although one gets to carry a large amount of water, it is impossible to tell how much is remaining. They give water a rubbery taste when new, but the aftertaste fades with each wash. They are also expensive to replace when damaged.
- Hydration Waist Packs - These packs are carried around the waist; hence some refer to them as fanny packs. They usually carry water in a bottle and have a storage capacity of between 2 and 8 pounds. They are mostly preferred by those with back problems and for traveling over short distances. Also, anyone who does not like sweat on his back will go for a waistpack. A waistpack also offers the wearer good weight distribution, which ensures that maneuvering when riding is not impacted. Those who care about fashion will also like to wear a waistpack instead of a backpack to remain trendy. The only disadvantage is they cannot be used over long distances because the storage space limits the amount of gear one can carry. Also, the amount of water stored in a backpack's reservoir pales in comparison to that which can be carried in a water bottle. Besides, even if a wearer decides to use a large water bottle, he will be uncomfortable as the bottle bounces up and down, especially when going downhill.
Activities That Make Use of Hydration Packs
Hydration packs are ideal for keeping one hydrated when doing some outdoor activities; hence manufacturers have designed them to suit the wearer's needs. There are packs for cycling, hiking, snowboarding and running. They all ensure your hands remain free and water can be accessed in demand. A hiking backpack will have a lot of space to carry food and additional gear, but they come in different sizes to cater for short and long hikes.
Cycling packs, on the other hand, are lightweight to ensure one remains stable and are compact to prevent wind resistance. They have a waist belt to avoid interference with pedaling and are large enough to carry along all the gear one needs. Running packs have extra pockets to put water bottles for those who feel a reservoir will not store enough water for their marathon. Those who enjoy snow sports also will be glad to know that there are packs specially designed to keep the water from freezing.
Top Hydration Packs Available
There’s plenty of good options on the market. Which one is right for you? That depends on your situation. Some of the best include:
- CamelBak Classic Hydration Pack - CamelBak is a credible brand, and this particular product is worth the money. It has a 2.5L reservoir with an on and off lever to prevent leaking while its breathable mesh back makes it comfortable and lightweight. It is the ideal hydration pack for anyone hiking in low-lighting areas because it has reflective strips.
- TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Pack - This pack adjusts to fit all frames. A foam stabilizer and mesh covering make it comfortable to wear for long periods. It has an 18-pound storage space, 2L water reservoir, and a sewn-in rain cover to keep your gear dry.