TOP 8 LIST: Best Mtb Hydration Pack in 2023
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Table of Contents
Mountain bikers know just how tiring biking can become. To combat dehydration, you should invest in a mtb hydration pack. These packs let you carry more water than a single bottle and drink from it without having to stop your activity. They are also worn comfortably on your back for easy transport. If you’re interested in a mtb hydration pack, take a look at our compiled list below of some of the best options available online.
What is the Best Mtb Hydration Pack?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Mtb Hydration Pack and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available Mtb Camelbaks that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these Mtb Hydration Packs.
We also wrote a brief Mtb Hydration Packs Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 8 Mtb Camelbaks based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. CamelBak Women’s L.U.X.E. Mountain Bike Hydration Backpack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 3 liters Weight: 1.3 pounds (0.59 kg) Size: 17.3 x 1.3 x 9.1 inches (44 x 3.3 x 23 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Polyurethane |
The CamelBak Women’s L.U.X.E. Mountain Bike Hydration Backpack features a 3 liter water reservoir and a 10 liter storage capacity. The material is made of partially repurposed plastic and has a durable but lightweight design. This pack is covered by a lifetime warranty and is available in three different colors. It has a good amount of storage space for personal items but some users have complained that the straps are uncomfortable. The drinking tube has an on and off lever that helps to prevent leaks. The back panel has air flow channels to help provide maximum comfort. There is also a removable stability belt and adjustable sternum and shoulder straps for a secure fit.
Pros
- Good storage space,
- Lightweight,
- Available in 3 colors,
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Leaking issues,
- Uncomfortable
2. CamelBak Women’s Octane 9 Hydration Pack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 2 liters Weight: 0.75 pounds (0.34 kg) Size: 15.6 x 10.2 x 7.1 inches (39.5 x 26 x 18 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Nylon Cleaning Kit: No |
The CamelBak Women’s Octane 9 Hydration Pack 70 oz features two adjustable sternum straps made specifically with women in mind. It has a 2 Liter water storage ability and several storage pockets for a variety of additional personal items. The lightweight design includes breathable mesh for maximum comfort while wearing outdoors. There is a lifetime warranty included to ensure satisfaction. There are reflective materials that make this a good option for early morning or evening low light settings. The style can be a difficult fit for women with large busts, and the pockets can be in awkward positions so this is not a good pack for all body types.
Pros
- Two adjustable sternum straps,
- Several pockets,
- Durable design suitable for ultra marathons,
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Not a great fit with large busts,
- Front pockets can be difficult to reach
3. MIRACOL Hydration Backpack with 2L BPA-Free BladderSkiing
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 2 liters Weight: 0.66 pounds (0.3 kg) Size: 16.5 x 3.5 x 8.2 inches (41.9 x 9 x 20.9 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Nylon |
The MIRACOL Hydration Backpack with 2L BPA-Free Bladder features a 2 liter water bladder and up to 8 liters of storage capacity. The water bladder and drinking tube are insulated so this hydration bladder is a good choice for colder climates. There are reflective details on the nylon exterior for safety. There is also a security whistle but it has been reported that many of them don’t work. There are a few different storage compartments for personal items. The opening for the water bladder is large to help make filling and cleaning easy. This pack has adjustable shoulder and sternum straps and can fit a wide variety of sizes.
Pros
- Lightweight,
- Comfortable,
- Insulated drinking tube,
- Adjustable for wide range in sizes
Cons
- Security whistle is low quality,
- Drinking tube leaks
4. CamelBak HydroBak Light Bike Hydration Backpack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 1.5 liters Weight: 0.82 pounds (0.37 kg) Size: 13.8 x 9.1 x 5.9 inches (35 x 23 x 15 cm) Backpack included: Yes |
The CamelBak HydroBak Light Bike Hydration Backpack features a 1.5 liter water reservoir. The lightweight and durable material makes this easy to carry for various outdoor activities. This pack also has a breathable back panel made with body mapping technology to keep this comfortable on the users back cool and dry. The shoulder straps are made with a breathable mesh material that also helps with comfort from heat, but they do not have any padding. There is a zippered pocket to store small personal items. The adjustable sternum strap allows for a secure fit for various body sizes. There are also reflective details and a loop for a light for safety. There is no insulation to protect your water from the extreme temperatures. This pack is covered by the lifetime CamelBak warranty.
Pros
- Easy to fill and clean,
- Lightweight,
- Extra storage for personal items,
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- Shoulder straps are not padded,
- No insulation
5. CamelBak Aurora Hydration Pack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 2.5 liters Weight: 0.44 pounds (0.2 kg) Size: 15.8 x 0.5 x 6.5 inches (40 x 1.2 x 16.5 cm) Backpack included: Yes |
The CamelBak Aurora Hydration Pack, 85oz features compact and lightweight design with a 2.5 liter water reservoir and a 2.5 liter storage capacity. The breathable mesh back panel and shoulder straps keep this light and comfortable for the user. The sternum and chest straps are both adjustable for a secure fit. The storage space for personal items includes a stretchy outer pocket that allows for flexibility in the size of items you can pack. The drinking tube comes with a lever that can switch from on to off to help prevent leaks. It also has a magnetic clip to help secure it to the shoulder strap. There is also a hook for your helmet and reflective details for safety. This pack is also covered by the lifetime CamelBak warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact,
- Designed for women specifically,
- No drip switch on mouth tube,
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Hard to clean,
- Drinking tube is not removable
6. CamelBak Octane XCT Hydration Pack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 2 liters Weight: 0.68 pounds (0.31 kg) Size: 16.5 x 10.2 x 5.5 inches (42 x 26 x 14 cm) Backpack included: Yes |
The CamelBak Women’s Charm Hydration Pack, 50oz features a 2 liter water reservoir and a durably designed backpack. This hydration pack is a nice lightweight and comfortable pack with storage space for personal items. The shoulder straps are adjustable allowing for a secure fit. The drinking tube has a valve to close it to prevent leaks and a strap on the shoulder strap to help secure it. The water bladder has a large ergonomic opening that makes refilling and cleaning easy. There are some issues reported with leaking, but the lid needs careful attention to ensure it is properly threaded. This pack is also not well insulated for extreme temperatures. There are reflective details on the exterior for safety.
Pros
- Comfortable,
- Durable design,
- Lightweight,
- Storage space for personal items
Cons
- Not well insulated,
- Issues with leaking
7. CamelBak Classic Light Bike Hydration Pack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 1.5 liters Weight: 0.98 pounds (0.44 kg) Size: 15.8 x 9.1 x 6.3 inches (40 x 23 x 16 cm) Backpack included: Yes |
The CamelBak Classic Light Bike Hydration Pack 70oz features a durable design with a 1.5 liter water reservoir and an additional 1 liter space for personal items. The breathable mesh shoulder straps allow for air flow to keep this pack comfortable while wearing. The water reservoir has a large central ergonomic opening for easy cleaning and refilling. The adjustable sternum strap allows for a secure fit for various body types. There are also some safety features like reflective details and a light holder. There is an issue with leaking if you are not careful to secure the opening, and there is also a strong chemical odor so be sure to clean it before use.
Pros
- Durable,
- Lightweight,
- Easy to clean,
- Zippered pockets for storing small items
Cons
- Leaks if opening is not sealed correctly,
- Strong chemical smell/taste
8. CamelBak HydroBak Hydration Pack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 1.5 liters Weight: 0.33 pounds (0.15 kg) Size: 12.6 x 8.5 x 3.9 inches (32 x 21.6 x 9.9 cm) Backpack included: Yes Materials: Polyester |
The CamelBak HydroBak Hydration Pack 50 oz features a compact and lightweight polyester design. The water reservoir holds 1.5 liters of water, and the reservoir is not removed to fill it. There is a separate pocket for small personal items. The sternum strap is made of a breathable mesh polyester for maximum comfort. The straps are adjustable so it fits securely on various body types. The lid needs to be screwed on correctly, otherwise it will leak. The bright colors of the material make this easy to spot in a dim lighting. This pack is also covered by a lifetime warranty to ensure satisfaction.
Pros
- Reservoir can be filled without removing it from the pack,
- Lightweight and compact,
- Breathable mesh straps,
- Bright colors
Cons
- Not much room for storing extra personal items,
- Can leak if lid is not screwed on correctly
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the Best Mtb Hydration Pack is below:
Overall best Mtb Hydration Pack out there: CamelBak Women’s L.U.X.E. Mountain Bike Hydration Backpack
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: CamelBak Women’s Octane 9 Hydration Pack
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: MIRACOL Hydration Backpack with 2L BPA-Free BladderSkiing
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Mtb Hydration Packs
Price Range
Hydration bladders can have a big price range depending on the features they offer. While a simple budget hydration bladder may run you anywhere between $15-25, a full hydration pack with extra backpack storage can cost you well over $100 for something high-quality. Ultimately, the price you pay depends on the features you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend. For a high-quality, durable pack, the average cost for a good hydration bladder is somewhere around $40-50.
Materials
Hydration bladders can be made of many different materials. Some of the most common materials hydration packs can be made of include rubber, plastic, and metal. For those looking for a flexible, lightweight pouch, rubber or plastic will be your best bet. Though they aren’t as durable as other materials, they’re much more comfortable and can still be protected inside outer pack layers. For a sturdier hydration pack, some intense packs are made of metal and are typically housed inside of larger backpacks. These packs are less likely to break and may have better insulation to keep your water cold versus rubber or plastic packs, though they’ll certainly be heavier.
In-built Protection
Hydration packs can sometimes seem flimsy, which is why you want one with extra in-built protection. This could mean getting a pack made of more durable materials or finding a pack that is housed in a more durable outer layer. Try to find a hydration bladder that is made of thicker plastic or rubber so it isn’t likely to burst or otherwise break. You may also want to find one that has protective straps around it to keep it from bursting if overfilled or put pressure on. Some hydration packs may leak water out the straw to prevent breaking due to pressure, though you’ll have to check the description on yours to see if that is built in.
Weight
Hydration bladders are a great help on long trips and hikes, however, they can be a struggle when they’re too heavy. Once water is added, your hydration bladder becomes much heavier, so you don’t want the pack itself to be heavy on its own. You want a pack that can carry a decent amount of water but is built with durable, lightweight materials so you don’t tire quickly as you walk, climb, or cycle. If you aren’t sure about your pack’s weight, try the pack on in the store before purchasing and see how lightweight it feels on your back. The more lightweight, the better if you’re trying to reduce the weight on your back!
Questions and Answers About Mtb Hydration Packs
How to choose a good hydration pack for kids?
There are many hydration packs out there that are great for kids. The best options are either vests or full backpacks with chest clips so that the pack doesn’t accidentally slip off of your child. You also need to make sure the pack is lightweight and doesn’t have too large of a capacity, as kids won’t be able to physically handle an adult-sized hydration pack. Make sure your child is capable of carrying the weight of the pack you’re considering for them before purchasing!
Do road cyclists wear hydration packs?
Yes! Many road cyclists use hydration packs. Hydration packs make staying hydrated on the road much easier. Carrying a normal water bottle is often difficult when cycling as you need to keep your hands on the handlebars. Hydration packs are a relatively lightweight way to carry your water on your back so you don’t have to stop just to get a drink!
Can I put Gatorade in my CamelBak?
Yes! If you prefer something other than water in your CamelBak, you can definitely put Gatorade in it. Because it isn’t carbonated, you don’t have to worry about gas buildup or accidental leaking. However, you will have to deep-clean your CamelBak afterwards to make sure that no sticky residue remains from the Gatorade. This includes cleaning the tubing and mouthpieces, so make sure you’re committed to cleaning it out when you’re done if you want Gatorade!
How do you get mold out of a CamelBak mouthpiece?
There are a few different ways you can get mold out of your CamelBak mouthpiece. One is to use a Q-tip dipped in alcohol to remove specific residue before soaking it in bleach. This will kill any mold that was present in your mouthpiece. A method that is less harsh than bleach is to soak the mouthpiece in white vinegar, as white vinegar is known to naturally kill mold. Always make sure any residue is gone before using the mouthpiece again. If you’re concerned, you may be able to replace the mouthpiece entirely.
