Hydration Backpacks Continued...

Which Model And Style Should I Choose?

In the previous article we discussed why and how hydration backpacks can benefit your overall activity level, prevent dehydration, and how they can conveniently assist you in enjoying your full day of activity, without having to search high and low for a water source to replenish your body fluids.

We also mentioned the safety benefits of a portable hydration system, and how their design and technology has almost replaced the inconvenient water bottle and old style canteens.

The only matter we didn’t get a chance to discuss was the decision on what particular model and style of hydration backpack you should choose, and when selecting your desired hydration pack, which one do you really require for your distinct activity.

Your Overall Comfort Is Just As Important As Staying Hydrated!

In order to prevent getting dehydrated during the day, we distinguished that you must select the proper pack with the correct size reservoir bladder to allow you to not only have enough of water supply on hand, and proper storage for your supplies, but we didn’t get into the importance of comfort. As much as we need water in our body, you also should have a backpack that provides the right features to keep you comfortable.

Nothing would be worse than doing all your research to find the perfect hydrating system, but later realizing your pack you chose is causing you extreme discomfort and back problems. To eliminate this issue, when you visit the many outdoor outfitters, and specialty bag suppliers online, you want to compare the actual features each backpack model offers, and see if their features will be suitable for your needs.

To help you in determining which specific pack would be best for you, we have listed below a couple of top brands, and comparable models/styles so you can determine what unique features to look for when making your final decision.

Not All Hydration System Packs Are Created Equal!

You’re going to come across several brands of backpacks offering hydration features, but it’s all going to depend on your brand preference and the features they provide.

The list of packs we chose to compare are the larger capacity bags, and they’re tailored more for the activity where you need to maximize your hydration and storage capacity throughout the day, such as snowboarding, skiing, and long hikes.

Three comparable models are the Camelbak M.U.L.E., High Sierra Flow, and the JanSport Tribe 3L. These packs are very comparable in style and water capacity at around 100 oz (3.0L) for the MULE and Tribe, and the Sierra Flow has a (2L) reservoir.

All three backpacks are in the same price range retailing at approximately $80.00 each, and have very similar features, however you will find some major differences that stand out with the Camelbak and the High Sierra Pack, over the Sierra.

Camelbak M.U.L.E.: For maximum comfort provides a new dynamic suspension harness that maximizes load stability, Air Director back panel that delivers enhanced ventilation, and it also has a removable waistbelt, which offers you the option to use it for more added stability.

Sierra Flow: Offers a Vapel™ mesh Airflow™ adjustable shoulder strap, adjustable waist belt that easily secures the pack, and an adjustable sternum strap to help stabilize the pack.

Jansport Tribe 3L: Did not offer any of the features above, other than a Motion Fit padded shoulder strap, so for the best comfort and added stability the Camelbak and Sierra pack offered more overall comfort and stability!

This is only one example to find out which backpack option to go with, and for women such features may be a little more in detail, because the design for their backpacks are more tailored to their body style. Some features to look out for are a women's specific harness that curves with her body for a more comfortable fit, and a slider sternum strap for added stability.

Well I hope this information on hydration backpacks have helped you in some way, and will make your search a bit easier when trying to find the right backpack hydration system for your specific outdoor needs!