Some people don’t think that having the best backpack you can is important when hiking. After all, as long as it holds what you need, you’re good, right? Well, this isn’t the case all the time. In fact, if you have ever gone hiking with a poorly fitting backpack then you will know how frustrating it can be. You may feel as though the weight doesn’t sit on your shoulders properly and that you end up with an aching back at the end of the day.
That’s the last thing that you need when you have a full hiking weekend ahead of you, but there are things that you can do to try and make things easier on yourself. Not least, choosing the right backpack to begin with. A good backpack should be comfortable, regardless of how much gear you’re carrying.
If you’re in the market for a water backpack, then the liquid you carry with you will add a considerable amount of weight as well. This makes choosing the right bag even more important. If you want to see what water backpacks are the best on the market, then this is the guide for you. We’re going to give you our top 3 picks, whether your most important criteria is budget, weight, or overall performance. Let’s take a look:
Best Overall Water Backpack: Osprey Syncro 12
The Syncro series of backpacks from the Osprey range is now leaner and faster. They’re also way more lightweight when compared to previous iterations. This backpack features a Lightwire frame, and it contains a backsystem as well. This takes ventilation to that next level.
The open-yoke promotes a maximum amount of airflow to the back and it’s also equipped with a BioStretch harness too. This increases airflow even more, all the way along the back. This backpack is ideal if you want to increase airflow on the hottest rides, trails, and hikes. When you wear this backpack, you’ll be able to enjoy an incredible amount of ventilation while also having a high level of load stability. If you have never really invested in an Osprey backpack before then you should know that they are made to last and the construction is always designed for comfort.
If you want an agile solution that will help you to carry your gear then you won’t be disappointed in this backpack. The very spacious pockets and the hydration sleeves essentially help you to make the most out of your performance too. If you are concerned about not having enough space to fit all of your gear, then this backpack comes with spacious pockets. You also have a zip-front panel which helps you to access all of your essentials with ease.
So one thing that you need to know about the Syncro 12 is that it’s the central size out of the collection. You have tons of room for your essentials and you also have the stretch-mesh pockets as well. This gives you lots of options when it comes to store water flasks or bottles. The electronics pocket is a welcome addition as well. This gives you the chance to carry your sunglasses or even your GPS safely. Syncro is compatible with the other products in the range, including the Hydraulics range. You also have various LED attachment points and of course, the very handy integrated rain cover. If you’re a serious hiker, then this is the backpack for you.
Most Lightweight Backpack: Osprey Katari
The Osprey Katari is a very lightweight backpack. If you find yourself going out on your bike or if you enjoy long hikes, then you certainly won’t be disappointed in this. The backpack is ideal for those who want to keep things lightweight, and comes with a 1.5L water reservoir. This slides into an exterior pocket and it has a bite valve as well. This attaches to a sternum strip which is magnetized. A well-ventilated harness gives you an exceptional amount of airflow and you also have soft-edge shoulders too. This helps to offer both stability and comfort.
This backpack might be made with mountain bikers in mind, but it’s practical for any activity where you need hydration. If you want to take your phone with you then you’ll be glad to know that this backpack comes with a scratch-free zippered pouch. Store your sunglasses or your phone without having to worry about a thing. The LED light attachment is a welcome addition, and it gives you way more bang for your buck.
Best Budget Water Backpack: Unigear Hydration Pack
The Unigear Hydration Pack has double built-in waist straps. This improves tear-resistance and it also makes it much easier for you to carry your gear with you. In this backpack, the splash resistant nylon has been upgraded and this reduces your load while also protecting your belongings from water. The chest and the waist straps ensure that the pack doesn’t bounce when you’re on the move and the 2L bladder helps you to stay hydrated wherever the trails take you.
Another plus point for this backpack is that there is a front pocket that’s fully designed for racing. If you’re an avid cyclist and you want a hydration pack that will serve you well, then you certainly won’t be disappointed with this one. The straps can be adjusted to fit a chest size that ranges from 27” to 50” as well.
So all in all, it doesn’t matter whether you love to go out hiking or whether you’re an avid cyclist because these backpacks are ideal for just about everything. You may even find that the backpacks can be adjusted and that each one has a hydration pack which is ideal if you are venturing out in hot weather.
Verdict
When choosing your backpack make sure that you pick one that can be completely adjusted. If you do, then you will soon find that you can then make sure that it fits you comfortably and that it also doesn’t put too much strain on your shoulders. It’s possible for you to get fitted for a backpack as well, so keep that in mind. Depending on your criteria – weight, price, or just overall performance, there should be a great water backpack option on this list for everyone!
That’s all for now folks. I hope you enjoyed this rundown of the best water backpacks available in 2020. What do you think of our choices? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget you can check out the rest of our blog for more tips, tricks, and gear reviews from the trail. Until next time.