Choosing the Right Daypack and Water Bladder for Your Adventures

A reliable daypack and water bladder are essential pieces of gear for any hiking adventure. Here’s a guide to help you make informed choices based on personal experience and practical considerations.

When selecting a daypack, it’s important to prioritize comfort, capacity, and features that suit your hiking style. Below are key considerations:

• Capacity: For most day hikes, a 20-30L pack is ideal. It offers enough room for essentials like water, snacks, first aid, layers, and navigation tools.

• Fit: Look for a pack that fits well, with adjustable shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a chest strap for stability.

• Features:

  • Hydration sleeve – A dedicated space for a water bladder.

  • Rain cover – Essential for keeping your gear dry in unpredictable weather.

  • Hip belt pockets – Handy for easy access to small items like snacks or lip balm.

  • Ventilation – A well-ventilated back panel helps reduce sweat buildup.

Carrie’s Picks:

• Osprey Mira 22 – This pack includes a hydration sleeve, rain cover, and hip belt pockets, making it a versatile choice for summer hikes. Unfortunately, my former favorite, the Osprey Skimmer 22, is no longer available, but the Mira 22 is an excellent alternative.

• Osprey Mira 32 (Winter Pack) – For colder months, I prefer a larger pack to accommodate extra clothing and winter gear. I recommend trying packs in-store (like at REI) to ensure the best fit before purchasing. I just bought this pack and love it. Plenty of room for everything and good fit.

Other Recommended Brands:

• Deuter – Known for comfort and durability. The Deuter Futura 24 is a great daypack option with ample ventilation and support.

• Gregory – Offers well-designed packs with thoughtful features. While the Gregory 28 didn’t suit my needs due to its weight, many hikers appreciate the brand’s attention to detail.

• CamelBak – Popular for their integrated hydration systems, though I personally find their packs less comfortable. Fit is subjective, so trying them on is key.

• REI Co-op Packs – Budget-friendly and high-quality options like the Flash 22 are perfect for shorter hikes.

Pro Tip: REI has an exceptional return policy. You can return items within a year of purchase, even if they’ve been used. This makes it a great place to experiment with different packs.

Choosing a Hydration System

Staying hydrated on the trail is non-negotiable. A good water bladder makes drinking easy and efficient.

• Capacity: For day hikes, a 2-3L bladder is typically sufficient. This ensures you have enough water without adding excessive weight.

• Ease of Use: Look for bladders with wide openings for easy cleaning and filling.

• Durability: A puncture-resistant design is crucial for long-term use.

• Hose Features: A bite valve with a shut-off switch helps prevent leaks.

Carrie’s Picks:

• Osprey Hydraulics 2.5L – Durable and easy to clean, this bladder fits perfectly in most daypacks. Although I’ve noticed lately that they have a very strong chlorine taste that is almost impossible to get rid of so for now I’m sticking with the Platypus.

• Platypus Big Zip 3L – Offers a slightly larger capacity and features a wide zip-top opening for convenient filling and cleaning.

Other Brands to Consider:

• CamelBak Crux Reservoir – A popular choice with a high-flow valve and ergonomic design.

• HydraPak Shape-Shift – Lightweight and collapsible, making it a great option for minimalists.

• Source Outdoor Widepac – Known for its durability and user-friendly design.

Final Thoughts

A well-chosen daypack and hydration system make all the difference. Take the time to find the right fit, and your hikes will be that much more enjoyable!

Hydration and water purification are critical topics I’ll cover in a separate handout, so stay tuned for more tips to enhance your hiking experience!