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In the outdoor world, “CamelBak” is synonymous with “hydration backpack.”
However, not all hydration packs are created equal. First, they’re not all backpacks.
This review showcases today’s aqua-packs. There are backpacks, fanny packs, and a newfangled
hybrid—a lumbar pack that looks like a giant fanny pack with suspenders. Some packs are better
for riding, some for running. Some will hold enough water to last a couple hours, others enough
H20 to satisfy a family of goldfish for a week. We’re talkin’ full-blown bladder-and-hose
models with anywhere from 32- to 200-ounce capacities. Drink up!
CamelBak FlashFlo
Price: $40
Fluid Capacity: 45 ounces
Use: Running, cycling, skating, skiing
Like: No more sweaty pack on back; very stable
Dislike: Minimal water and cargo capacity
The Story: This is the only CamelBak that doesn’t go on your back. And you know what?
It’s a tremendous relief. You don’t realize how much you hate that sweaty blob all over
your back until you slip the FlashFlo fanny pack around your waist. Unfortunately, it only holds
two large water bottles worth of fluid. But that’s more than enough for a two- to three-hour
ride or run. The suck-hose snaps into the buckle of the waist belt, which stays cool and stable on
your hips due to wide, large mesh winglets. There’s an external pocket for keys and energy
bars, and room in the reservoir compartment for a wind vest
Link: http://www.camelbak.com
Nathan Hydro LX 1000
Price: $40
Fluid Capacity: 32 ounces
Use: Running, skating
Like: Absolutely rigid—no hint of a bounce while running; neoprene is very comfy
Dislike: One-quart water bladder and tiny cargo capacity limit distance of runs
The Story: The market’s lightest, most aerodynamic bladder hydration system, this
neoprene fanny pack evenly distributes water around your waist without sloshing or bouncing. It
includes a zippered pocket perfect for storing keys or energy bars
Link:
Water Bottle Fanny Pack
Nathan Hydro LX 1000
Price: $39
Fluid Capacity: 46 ounces
Use: Running, cycling, skating, skiing
Like: Best two-bottle fanny around. Also, it’s easier to use energy drinks with
bottles
Dislike: Inherent sloshing
The Story: If you’d rather deal with water bottles, not a hose, meet one of the rare
two-bottle fanny packs. Set at an angle, the bottles are easy to grab and replace and don’t
dig into the small of your back. You also get a large zippered pocket for extras
Link: http://www.nathansports.com
Lumbar Pack
EDITOR’S CHOICE: BEST LARGE-CAPACITY LUMBAR PACK
True North Double Diamond SCS
Price: $119
Use: Running, cycling, skating
Fluid Capacity: This pack does not include a bladder, but it’s bladder-ready and you
can insert as many as you need
Like: No-sweat back, no bounce on run. No other fanny has such huge capacity
Dislike: None
The Story: This huge, 1,440 cubic inch “lumbar” pack is the only sizeable fanny
that won’t bounce around as you run. The trick is that it uses shoulder straps—special
X-shaped ones, at that. These “Active X” straps cross and connect in the middle of your
chest, taking the pressure off of your shoulders, and tilting the pack load into the small of the
back, where it is stable and feels natural. This makes it the largest, most unique, and stable
fanny pack on the market, ideal for trail runners and speed hikers who don’t like a backpack
flopping around. It’s also great for bikers who need to carry lots of water and gear, but
don’t like the sweaty discomfort of traditional backpacks. If you want a waterproof version,
get the Serac SS ($139)
Link: http://www.truenorthgear.com
Monster Backpacks
Blackburn Mississippi Hydrapak
Price: $99
Fluid Capacity: 200 ounces
Use: Dawn-to-dusk cycling
Like: Huge water and cargo capacity. Super-sanitary. Fine for energy drinks
Dislike: None
The Story: On a 12-hour plunge into the backcountry, you can’t get too much water—or
can you? The mighty Mississippi holds two 100-ounce reservoirs—more than 1 1/2 gallons! The
flow gushes into your mouth without requiring sucking due to Blackburn’s Soft Gulp bite valve.
It also may be one of the world’s most sanitary hydration packs, and ideal for energy drinks,
due to its use of removable hoses and EasyClean Hydrasak bladders, which have an opening so wide at
the top that a hand can reach inside. It’s got a helmet storage area and 943 cubic inches of
storage space inside the bag, too
Link: http://www.blackburndesign.com/mississippi.html
Ultimate Direction Titan expeditionary cycling pack
Price: $154
Fluid Capacity: 128 ounces
Use: Overnight cycling
Like: Huge water and gear capacity. Very sanitary. Nice creature comforts
Dislike: None
The Story: One gallon! This gargantuan roll-top SportTank is the world’s biggest flask.
Add 1,100 cubic inches of gear capacity, a helmet pocket, fleece-lined glasses/cell phone pocket,
a novel tire-tread-covered crash plate, and tons of pockets, and it’s a worthy companion for a
full-bore expedition
Contact: 800-426-7229 (www.ultdir.com coming soon)
EDITOR’S CHOICE: THE COOLEST HYDRATION BACKPACK
Vaude Siena 40
Price: $100
Use: Cycling
Fluid Capacity: 66 ounces
Like: Cool, man. Breakthrough “breezeway” design ends sweaty back forever. Great
pull-out rain cover
Dislike: None
The Story: Air conditioning for your back! It doesn’t matter if you go for Vaude’s
2-liter bladder (a $7 option) or throw a 3-gallon jug in there. What makes this pack special is its
very cool Aeroflex suspension, which puts 2 inches of space between your back and the pack. An
arched mesh frame skeleton creates a breezeway that evaporates your sweat and simply keeps you more
comfortable than any standard pack, In addition, all three Sienas (including the smaller Siena 20,
$80; and 30, $90) also include a pull-out rain cover and a comfy shoulder harness suspension. The
Siena 40 has 2,200 cubic inches of cargo capacity, including bladder space
Link: http://www.vaude.com
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