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 June 3, 2020. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
Recent Pack, Vest, or Bottle Reviews
Hydrapak Stash 1L
Nice light alternative to traditional Nalgene bottles. I have used traditional hard plastic Nalgene water bottles for years and years (decades, actually). Recently I got a Hydrapak Stash as an alternative. I like its lighter, smaller profile, and its ability to collapse, thus using less pack space when empty. It is pretty durable, but it "could" be punctured (unlike a Nalgene). Its non-rigid design takes some adjusting to when holding/balancing it for filling and drinking. The opening is smaller… Full review
Platypus Big Zip EVO
The Platypus Big Zip EVO is a nicely designed bladder that has some unique features, including a quick disconnect on the drinking tube so the bladder can be removed from your hydration sleeve without the hassle of removing your drinking tube. The Platypus Big Zip EVO also features a large diameter drinking tube and HyFLO self-sealing bite valve that together provide a high flow leak free experience. When paired with an MSR Thru-Link filter the Platypus Big Zip EVO allows for a fast scoop-and-go… Full review
Mt. Katahdin Hydration Belt
Mine was equipped for tequila shots and fits four travel size bottles of Cuervo Gold and one shot glass. Works great, lightweight and I really can’t add anything else as Goose nailed the efficiency and value of this product. Wear it responsibly!!! Full review
Mt. Katahdin Hydration Belt
Forget brands like Platypus and Nalgene. The most efficient way to carry your beverages on the Appalachian Trail is the Mt Katahdin Hydration Belt. It’s the first of April, and the thru-hiking season is underway. Across the country, myriads of twenty-somethings are leaving their parents’ basements and setting out on the long trails to find the true meaning of life. And while thousands will start at Springer Mountain, Georgia, only a dedicated few will fight through the hangovers and public intoxication… Full review
Yeti Rambler Bottle 36oz
No lid? Terrible—paid $50 for this as a Christmas gift to replace an old Thermos. Every time you try to pour out your hot tea, it runs down the side and makes a mess. Emailed Customer Service. They told me buy a lid at $30 more. Maybe it's me, but for $50, I think that it should work. The old Thermos is out of retirement. Full review
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa
Versatility is implied in the name for good reason. HMG refers to the Versa as a Fanny Pack and Pack Accessory with suggested uses far beyond just strapping it around your waist. Wearing it around the chest, like a bandolier, or attached to your pack are just a few of the options. Light at just over 4 ounces with strap and under 3 ounces with strap removed, it makes a nice addition to a pack or great standalone space for shorter adventures. Perfect for carrying items you want easy access to like… Full review
Platypus PlatyPreserve
Durable and a must-have for various adventures/venues. I have used this product for over 10+ years. I primarily use it for day hikes, picnics, in movie theaters, and indoor/outdoor concerts. I have also used it backpacking to celebrate seven successful summits of Mt. Whitney at Trail Camp. To get through concert jacket/bag searches “a friend of mine” says it conveniently fits within the “personal package” area of one’s underwear without drawing attention. His wife says there are also “female”… Full review
Platypus PlatyPreserve
I like wine!! A lot. And have no qualms about taking it on short backpacking trips. I must confess, that one of my favorite parts of overnight trips is "happy hour." And a nice glass of wine to accompany your Packit Gourmet or Good To-Go dinner, is a nice luxury. On short trips (2-4 days), I have no problem hauling a bit of the grape with me. But schlepping a real bottle of wine has issues for backpackers. Even empty, the glass bottle is heavy. And there's always the possibility that the bottle… Full review
Geigerrig Rig 500
Small, portable, capacity, maybe the air and water hoses are a bit "too cumbersome". Notice: Too small for day hikes, too big carry along a full mult-iday backpack (~45 Liters or more) That plastic taste (and at the beginning, even odor) that comes with the water out of the hose. I have washed the bag, but most probably I will have to use food grade detergent to clean it once and for all. The manufacturer recommends to wash it thoroughly and to store for an entire night water with a whole lemon… Full review
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