How to Buy a Hydration Pack

Hydration packs differ from one another in their capacity to hold fluid, comfort of design, total weight and, of course, cost.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hydration Pack Cleaner
• Hydration Pack Cleaning Kits
• Hydration Pack Maintenance Kits
• Hydration Packs

1. Shop at a large, reputable outdoor gear store, a place where the sales staff is likely to be knowledgeable and helpful and that has a reasonable guarantee and return policy.

2. Expect to spend anywhere from $30 to over $100 on a complete hydration system. A complete system includes a reservoir for fluids, a pack to carry the reservoir in, and any necessary tubing and flow valves.

3. Look for simplicity and durability if you're planning on using your pack for a variety of endurance activities. You can find a good pack for as little as $30 that holds about 70 oz. of fluid - enough water for a long-distance bike ride.

4. Decide how much liquid you'll need your hydration pack to hold and how much weight you're willing to carry. Reservoirs will hold anywhere from 60 to over 200 oz. of fluid.

5. Consider the importance of the following features: ease of cleaning, capacity to hold other gear, reflector strips for greater visibility in low-light conditions, a drip-free valve, and a full-length side zipper for ease of loading a full reservoir.

6. Look for the following for comfort: ergonomically designed and padded shoulder straps; sternum and waist straps to keep the pack steady; and breathable lining to keep you cool.

7. Consider a lumbar-style hydration pack for activities where you'll need your center of gravity low, such as mountain biking. These are similar to fanny packs and have extra space for a jacket or snacks.

8. Ask a salesperson (or search online) for a hydration system specially tailored for the activity you'll most likely use it for. There are packs designed for road biking, mountain biking, snow sports and hot-weather sports.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a pack specially designed for snow sports if you'll be using it in cold conditions. Such packs will have insulated tubing to prevent freezing and are designed to fit underneath a parka.

• Consider just purchasing a reservoir that will fit inside your backpack, converting it to a hydration pack. These run as low as $10 or $15 and allow for maximum versatility.

• Buy a hydration pack with a warranty, and make sure it's returnable in case you need to make adjustments.