Did you know there is around 60% of water in the human body?! This explains the fact that our body needs water and needs to stay hydrated especially when hiking, running or being physically active in general.
In those times when walking, running and spending a great amount of your time outdoors, hydration packs are your only ally for staying hydrated and being able to keep up with the same pace. Out of all the options available, the backpack is considered the most reliable, as it’s an easy to carry and reliable solution.
What Are Hydration Backpacks?
Well, the name says it all, a lightweight hydration backpack is a convenient and efficient tool, designed to carry water and make drinking it easy and fast. Having a backpack of this kind will help you drink water on the go, meaning that you won’t need to stop to grab the bottle and drink. Instead, you just need to grab the drink tube which is connected to a water reservoir placed inside the backpack and drink from it.
Simple as that! Depending on the size and model you choose, you can comfortably carry a water reservoir along with some essential supplies like a first aid kit, and even some light spare clothes. One thing is certain, these hiking pieces of gear make hiking and running easy and possible, even when going on a long distance.
Why Use a Backpack for Hydration?
Practice shows that manufacturers strive to satisfy different customers’ needs, so most of today’s types of backpacks of this kind are spacious and offer ample space. Instead of keeping only the hydration pack on its inside, these back packs are super spacious for carrying extra food and clothing too. This option makes them the perfect option when going on both short and long-term hiking and running.
The greatest thing of all is that these bags can be used for any other purpose than just hiking and running. They are the perfect gear you can take with you when going to a place where there isn’t easy access to water. The reservoir of this hydration backpack will keep you hydrated as long as you need, you just need to calculate things right. When going on longer trips, you can stock up with a water purifier and filtration system which allows you to draw water directly from the source while providing you with clean water that is safe for drinking.
Can You Run with a Hydration Backpack?
Yes you can, in fact, these backpacks are one of the best hydration solutions when running. Thanks to the water tank and tube, you can easily drink water without having to slow down or anything. This will save you valuable time for sure, plus their spaciousness and pockets will allow you to keep your essentials like keys, phone and wallet with you. This eliminates the possibility of losing something or feeling bothered by the noise and weight.
Features to Look for in a Backpack with Hydration Reservoir
Reservoir Capacity
The reservoir capacity you choose should mainly depend on your trip. If going on a long-term trip, you should choose a backpack that can carry a larger water capacity. However, the amount of water you plan to carry should also depend on your own strength and ability to wear higher amounts of water. Working smart is also great in situations when you can’t carry greater amounts of water for one reason or another.
For instance, when going on short-term trips, you won’t even have to fill it up to the top (if having a larger capacity reservoir of course). On the other hand, when going on longer trips when you aren’t in a position to carry a larger capacity reservoir, or you think that it won’t be enough, then you can easily invest in an additional water purifier to be sure that you’ll stay hydrated even with no clean water left in the tank.
Proper Fit
When searching for the right model, pick one that fits properly on your torso and one that hugs your chest comfortably. In case the chosen model has a hip belt, make sure to verify if the belt fits your hip size properly.
Extra Features
Raincover
This is a great feature to stay safe, sound and dry under wet weather conditions.
Clips
It would be great if the chosen backpack has a clip-on shoulder strap which is designed to keep your tube properly positioned.
Extra Pockets
The last but not least thing to look for in a hydration pack of this kind is features in the likes of extra zippers and pockets. These small but mighty details will help you keep and carry some important things. Finding the right model for your needs can be easy, you just need to know where to look for it. Ideally, you should shop from trusted stores that specialise in offering quality and professional-looking packs without compromising your performance even in the long run.