Best Hydration Packs for Epic Mountain Bike Trails

If you’re searching for the best long-term solution to stay hydrated and comfortably carry essential gear during your mountain biking adventures, hydration packs are the way to go.

Traditional water bottles may suffice for short rides, but hydration packs provide the ideal combination of convenience and capacity, making them a must-have for avid mountain bikers.

Whether you are tackling rugged trails, hitting bike parks, or going on extended off-road adventures, these packs allow you to carry not only water but also all the tools and supplies you might need along the way.

Our expert test team has spent countless hours evaluating various hydration back and hip packs to determine which are the most reliable and suitable for MTB and off-road cycling in 2024.

In this guide, we present our top selections, focusing on features such as comfort, storage, hydration capacity, and durability, so you can find the best hydration pack for your riding needs.

Why Choose a Hydration Pack for Mountain Biking?

Hydration packs are an ideal solution for staying hydrated while riding, especially when traditional water bottles just don’t cut it.

While most modern mountain bike frames can accommodate one or two bottles, the size of those bottles and their limited capacity might restrict the amount of water you can carry.

With today’s modern bike geometry and suspension, access to mounted bottles can also be cumbersome.

Hydration packs, whether worn as backpacks or hip packs, allow you to carry water conveniently, along with other ride essentials like multi-tools, spare parts, and snacks.

Whether you’re heading out for a quick evening ride on your local trails or planning an epic multi-day bikepacking journey, adding one of the best hydration packs to your off-road kit can make all the difference.

Hydration packs come in a variety of styles—from backpacks to compact, low-profile vests and hip packs. Below, we’ve compiled the best options available today to help you pick the most suitable hydration pack for your mountain biking adventures.

The Best Hydration Packs for Mountain Biking

These top-rated hydration packs will help you stay hydrated and carry all the essentials while riding. We’ve thoroughly tested each option to provide you with the best recommendations for comfort, storage, and performance.

1. Best Overall: Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3L

• Reasons to Buy: Dedicated tool storage, easy reservoir removal, excellent comfort
• Reasons to Avoid: Not fully waterproof

The Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3L is our best overall hydration pack for its thoughtful design and exceptional comfort. Unlike most hydration packs, which are carried on the back, the Evoc Hip Pack Pro sits comfortably on your waist, keeping your back sweat-free while still providing ample storage space.

The Evoc Hip Pack Pro has great organizational features, especially the dedicated tool storage with individual pockets, making it easy to keep everything in place.

The pack includes a 1.5-liter bladder, plus space for two additional water bottles if necessary. Besides its hydration capabilities, it offers enough room for an extra layer, spare inner tube, and mini hand pump, making it an all-in-one solution for long rides.

We found the hip belt wide and stretchy, which ensured a snug fit without feeling restrictive. Though it’s not fully waterproof, there is a waterproof pouch to protect your phone, keeping important items safe from the elements.

2. Best All-Rounder: Osprey Raptor 14

• Reasons to Buy: Comfortable BioStretch harness, removable tool roll, good helmet storage
• Reasons to Avoid: Bite valve could be improved, key keeper is not very secure

The Osprey Raptor 14 is our pick for the best all-rounder, excelling in comfort, storage, and versatility. Featuring Osprey’s BioStretch harness and hip belt, the Raptor 14 offers a secure, comfortable fit without compromising on storage.

It comes with a 2.5-liter Hydraulics reservoir, which helps minimize sloshing during rides.

The hydration sleeve includes a zippered pocket, and the hose can be conveniently routed over either shoulder, with a magnetic sternum strap to keep the bite valve secure.

The pack also has a stretch mesh front pocket, perfect for stashing a jacket or dropped layers.

Another standout feature is the removable tool roll, which keeps all your bike repair essentials organized. The overall weight is around 800g, which is manageable for a pack with 14L of carrying capacity.

With its Osprey LidLock helmet carry system, the Raptor 14 is perfect for storing your gear when you’re off the bike.

3. Best for Value: Camelbak HAWG Pro 20

• Reasons to Buy: Comfortable fit, excellent airflow, back protection option
• Reasons to Avoid: Magnetic hose holder can twist, no rain cover

The Camelbak HAWG Pro 20 provides exceptional value, combining ample storage with comfortable features.

The 20-liter carrying capacity and the 3-liter reservoir make it a great choice for long rides when you need to carry extra gear. The Air Support Pro Back Panel improves airflow, ensuring that you don’t overheat.

The tester’s features, such as the tool roll, improved ventilation, and the option to add a back protector. Weighing in at 1,412g before adding water, the HAWG Pro 20 isn’t the lightest, but its stability and supportive fit more than make up for the added weight.

4. Best Lightweight Pack: USWE Outlander 2

• Reasons to Buy: Lightweight, rugged design, good airflow
• Reasons to Avoid: Hose clip positioning, awkward reservoir closure

The USWE Outlander 2 is ideal for those who prefer a minimalist pack. With a 1.5-liter water capacity and a small internal pocket, it’s just big enough to carry essentials like a multitool and a puncture repair kit.

The harness design keeps the pack secure on the upper back, which our tester, Steve Williams, found helped keep him cool during rides.

Built from tough ripstop material, the Outlander 2 is designed for durability. Although its features are minimal, its compact size and light 417g weight make it perfect for quick outings where you only need the essentials.

5. Best for Storage: Fox 5L Lumbar Hydration Pack

• Reasons to Buy: High capacity for a hip pack, stable riding performance
• Reasons to Avoid: Slightly expensive, limited flexibility for carrying bulky items

The Fox 5L Lumbar Hydration Pack is an excellent option for riders who prefer hip packs but need ample storage space. It features a 2-liter reservoir and 5 liters of overall storage capacity.

We noted that the ripstop material is tough and water-resistant, and the organization is excellent for its size.

The mesh pocket allows for quick access to tools or snacks without removing the pack, and the elasticated straps on the sides are useful for securing extra layers.

Though it’s slightly pricey for a hip pack, the stability and organized storage make it a great option for riders looking to minimize what they carry on their backs.

How to Choose the Best Hydration Pack for Mountain Biking

When selecting a hydration pack for mountain biking, consider the following factors:

1. Capacity

Consider how much water and gear you need to carry. Small hip packs are ideal for shorter rides, while larger backpacks are suitable for full-day adventures.

2. Comfort and Fit

Look for packs that have adjustable straps and padded back panels to ensure a comfortable fit. The pack should be stable without feeling restrictive.

3. Storage Options

Make sure the pack has enough storage for your essentials, including pockets for tools, food, and extra clothing layers.

4. Bladder Design

The bladder should be easy to fill and clean. Look for bladders with wide openings and reversible designs for drying.

How We Test

Our experts have decades of experience testing mountain biking gear. We focus on real-world testing across different terrains to give you unbiased recommendations.

Ready to find your ideal hydration pack? Check out our detailed reviews above to help you make the best choice for your riding style and needs.