Packs, Vests, Water Bottles
Whether it's a single handheld water bottle for a quick midday run or a hydration pack equipped for a full day on the trail, you need some way to carry your running gear and essentials. Check out our reviews, ratings, and price comparisons, for the top hydration and lumbar packs, belts, and vests, plus water bottles and reservoirs of all sizes for on-the-go adventures.
For more top-rated outdoor packs—including internal, external, daypacks, and more—check out our full Backpack ratings and reviews for thousands of independent gear reviews by real-world outdoor enthusiasts.
The best packs, vests, water bottles, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on October 18, 2021. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
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Recent Pack, Vest, or Bottle Reviews
Klean Kanteen 27oz Classic
A durable steel bottle, with some ecological merits, a choice of lids and available in a selection of attractive colours. I bought this bottle eight years ago. It generally lives in my car, with the sport cap attached. I also have a loop-top leakproof cap, but never take the bottle backpacking, so never use that cap. I like the choice of colours. The paint isn't very durable—and would be a real mess if heated on the stove (buy the unpainted version, if you plan to take this product on a serious… Full review
Lowe Alpine Mesa 6
A comfortable, well designed pack, which can carry the essentials for a day hike, dog walk, or mountain run, in a stable and unobtrusive way. I chose this pack to replace a very old Pod Sac, from my climbing days. That was a minimal nylon bag, with a thin attachment strap. By contrast, 30 years later, this is a clever and complex design, which offers the potential for all-day comfort, fully or partially laden, during strenuous activity or a gentle stroll. The bag is a roomy 6 litres in capacity,… Full review
Gregory Nano Waistpack
The Nano is a 3.5L waistpack that provides storage for gear or snacks in three zippered pockets. Coming in a wide array of colors, from subtle to bold, the Nano is ideal for hands-free storage of gear, meals, or snacks on walks, hikes, or bike rides—from a short, impulsive walk to an all-day trek. Gregory Nano Waistpack A waistpack is a great grab-and-go option for carrying phone, keys, snacks, camera, and more, offering the user convenient access to items without the bulk of a backpack or as… Full review
MSR Dromedary Bags
A tough bombproof water storage bladder. This is a well designed, well built water bladder that reminds me of the old canvas ones. The nylon skin that surrounds the bladder is built for endurance and long life. The bladder is offered in 4L, 6L, and 10L capacities. I purchased the 6L bladder. You do not have to fill it up when hiking. I put about two to three litres in it and fold it up when hiking and fill it to capacity in camp. Where I live, hunt, and hike water is not difficult to find so filling… Full review
Sea to Summit Pack Tap
Superb and long lasting water storage with big capacity and without bad taste. My first water bladder/storage was made by Ortlieb and a terrible disappointment as it brought an intense plastic taste to every water you put in and it was leaking constantly when lying on its side—which was told to me NOWHERE before except in a small note on the manufacturer's homepage. But enough of this, as a replacement I got the Sea to Summit waterbag, Pack Tap as it is now called, in 10l size. That was in 2009… Full review
Sea to Summit Pack Tap
A mixed bag: really good for some use cases, but irritating for others. The concept has a thin waterproof (mylar?) bladder in a sturdy (cordura) outer shell that protects the inner shell, has convenient soft handles and lash points. This works, have not had any leaks yet (and the inner would be replaceable). The silicon valve pours well and is self-closing (needs continuous pressure to stay open). In practice this needs two hands and a surface to pour (pot on ground, bladder in two hands; or bladder… Full review
SIGG Traveller Water Bottle
Another industry standard, before... Tried, tested—and probably outmoded. Before they made drink containers, Sigg were a market leader in fuel carriers. The leakproof qualities were revelatory, when many people would carry Coleman fuel in the purchase tin, methylated spirits in a thin plastic bottle and kerosene, in whatever old can was available. Leaky, smelly, and flammable backpacks were a not-uncommon sight, which meant that Sigg bottles were eagerly adopted in the UK when they became… Full review
CamelBak Rogue
Nice, small hydration pack, but cheaper than the old one. I've used an older version of the Rogue for close to 10 years, so it has held up well. This new version has some "short-cuts", or silly weight saving measures that effect the quality and usability of this pack. The old version had a nice velcro strap to open to easily remove the bladder; the new version has only a piece of elastic with little room to force a full bladder back into its sleeve. This new version has a very small little "pocket-opening"… Full review
Klean Kanteen Insulated TKWide
Klean Kanteen's Insulated TKWide stands out among the plethora of vacuum insulated bottles on the market. It's non-leaking (with Café Cap or other leakproof options) and keeps drinks hot or cold for long hours. Made from stainless steel it's easy to keep clean and comes in a range of sizes and colors. In a world overflowing with water bottle options, the Insulated TKWide stands out as a good-looking, well made, everyday bottle for anyone on-the-go to work, school, errands, sports (if you're able… Full review
