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Hydration Packs
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Hydration Pack Accessories
EMS has all the accessories you need for your hydration packs. Shop for everything from rain covers and cleaning tools to replacement tubes and filters. MORE
Hydration Packs
Carrying your water has never been lighter or easier. The ingenious design of these hydration packs allows you to comfortably carry all the water you need. Refill easily as necessary. MORE
Hydration Pack Bladders
Need a new reservoir? EMS has a great selection of hydration pack bladders that let you update or replace your old reservoirs easily. BACK
How to Choose Hydration Packs
Read our expert tips on how to choose a hydration pack, so you buy the best pack for you!
Determine pack use
The size and style of the hydration pack should be largely determined by the intended activity. Before picking a pack, decide whether you will be running, cycling, hiking, Nordic skiing, or backpacking.
Pack use for high aerobic sports
Runners, cyclists, and skiers should opt for a waist pack-style or a low-profile (slender) backpack-style hydration system. These designs will not yank you off balance.
Hydration Pack styles for hiking
Hikers can afford to go with a bulkier backpack that includes plenty of cargo space for gear.
Hydration systems for backpacking
Backpackers cannot wear an independent hydration pack, but they can stow a bladder and hose inside their full size backpack. In this case, they should ensure that their backpack includes a port for the hose and an interior sleeve that will hold the bladder.
Decide on resevoir size
Hydration requirements differ quite a bit depending on the person, the activity, and the weather. A runner can easily sweat a liter (34 fluid ounces) an hour. Know your own body's needs and take into account how long you will be out for, and if you can refill along the way. The most common reservoir sizes are 50, 70, and 100 fluid ounces.
Determine cargo requirements
What do you need to carry besides the water? A trail runner might just want to stash an energy bar, while someone on a long day hike might pack a veritable picnic. Think about what you usually bring with you. The cargo capacities of hydration packs are measured in cubic inches.
Consider Pack weight
When choosing water and cargo capacity, also take into account how much the pack will weigh when full. 100 fluid ounces of water weighs about 6.5 pounds. That is a lot for a runner to carry on their back.
Choose insulated or non-insulated packs
An insulated bladder sleeve and foam insulation around the hose will help prevent freeze-up in winter. Conversely, the insulated sleeve also keeps cold water from heating up too rapidly in hot weather. These can be nice features, though they do add to the cost of the pack.
Waist belt
Any hydration pack that weighs six or more pounds when full should include a waist belt. This will keep the pack from flopping around too much when you run and jump.
Sternum straps
Always a good idea, a sternum strap keeps the shoulder straps in place, no matter the activity