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 August 17, 2022. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
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Recent Pack, Vest, or Bottle Reviews
Evoc Hip Pouch Pro
A compact, no-bounce fanny pack with a reliable water bottle holster and just enough pocket room for running and riding essentials. Cell phone pocket need optimizing and a raincoat. I needed a runner’s fanny pack that works juuuust right. I have one with a nice, easy in and out water bottle holster, but the two thin, triangular pockets just barely hold a Snickers, never mind my cell phone or a buff. Toooo small. Another has a 1000L main compartment, nice to be able to hold Snickers and phone and… Full review
Cnoc Outdoors Vecto
A great, durable and practical water bladder for outdoor activities. It’s available in various capacities and has clever features: dual opening with large collecting easy, and the ubiquitous 28mm thread and optional 42mm beefed-up version. The 2L CNOC Vecto: compact and lightweight but robust and practical Outdoorspeople takes hydration seriously. Every part of the water system—collecting, treating, purifying, storing, drinking—must be easy, reliable and durable to withstand some level… Full review
Osprey Hydraulics 3L Reservoir
A decent reservoir, with a couple glaring flaws. I picked this up two years ago as a replacement for another reservoir that had, through my own poor habits, gone moldy. This bag has anti-microbial materials in its construction, so I have nothing to worry about there. In fact, after the first couple uses there hasn't even been any plastic taste to speak of, even if I occasionally forget to empty the bladder for a week or so. It's a decent bit of kit, and the 3L size is excellent for longer dayhikes… Full review
Mystery Ranch Forager Hip Pack
A well made, nice sized pack for everyday and shorter outings. Now that I'm retired I find myself hiking the myriad of single-track trails we have close by daily. I was carrying a 20 oz handle water bottle and nothing else. I'm pretty dialed in to the weather and what to wear, but would sometimes find I wished I had brought gloves or a beanie or a windshirt or a little more water or a snack, etc. I've got a few day packs that would certainly work, but was looking for something smaller. Enter… Full review
Mystery Ranch Hip Monkey
Mystery Ranch's Hip Monkey is a roomy, durable, well-made lumbar pack that provides easy access to items on the go. With most of its 8-liter capacity in one large pocket, it's versatile for a wide range of uses year-round. Hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, traveling, fishing, and more, if the gear fits, you can carry it for your favorite activity in the Hip Monkey. Mystery Ranch even touts it can hold a six-pack or a set of frisbee golf discs. The Hip Monkey can be worn around your waist or… Full review
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack 1L
$29 for a basic 1-liter fanny pack? Do I really need this? Yes, I do. My Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack lives in my car's glovebox and is extremely useful for unexpected walks and hikes. Sometimes I find myself with a half hour or hour between appointments or waiting to pick up a kid. If possible, I like to spend those snippets of time outdoors—walking a trail, visiting nearby woods or arboretum, looking for birds and wildlife, and so on. This little hip pack from Patagonia allows me to stow… Full review
LiteAF Feather Weight Fanny Pack
The LiteAF Fanny Pack is a utilitarian accessory for keeping small but essential items easily at hand. It serves as a stand-alone pocket/bag and also pairs well with a minimalist backpack when lacking a hip belt. Specs: Standard size: 8″ x 4″ x 2.75″, 1" detachable webbing, 1.4L Lycra mesh front pocket, Front right hip 1" Ultralight Buckle, 1″ belt, adjustable up to 46″ Weight: 2.5 oz (also available in Extra Large Size) Pictured with a Galaxy S7 in the front mesh pocket About LiteAF:… Full review
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
