How to Select Hydration Packs. Hydration Packs advice, Hydration Packs guidance, Hydration Packs information
Home>>Gear:: Hydration Packs-Large for Adventure Racing, and Endurance Competitions
Typically, I attempt to match the mandatory packing list and the race length against (anticipated hours to complete) one of the packs I own. Most adventure races, marathon trail races and endurance mountain bike have mandatory gear lists as well as minimum requirements for water on-hand for the start of the race. I use three of packs listed below depending on race requirements:

CamelBak Rim Runner: Primary uses: Peak bagging, and fast packing. Winter: Telemark and Nordic day trips.
CamelBak Cloud Walker: Primary uses: Same for my wife--Peak bagging, and fast packing. Winter: Telemark and Nordic day trips.
CamelBak HAWG: Primary uses: Adventure races: AdventureExtreme 12 hours.  I also use the original "old school" HAWG (1996) for mountain bike training and endurance racing.

More information> Proper Hydration for adventure racing and endurance sports competitions

Bottom Line: Match the race requirements and your personal needs to find the smallest and lightest pack available. These packs are considered large and are used on multi-day adventure races or multiple days fast packing. Small Hydration packs>>

 

CamelBak Alpine Explorer Hydration Pack

When you need lots of room for a full days worth of gear, take advantage of the CamelBak Alpine Explorer Hydration Packs expansive cargo space.


CamelBak Alpine Explorer Hydration Pack - 3L

When you need lots of room for an all-day adventure, take advantage of the CamelBak Alpine Explorer Hydration Packs expansive cargo space.


CamelBak Asymetrix 20 Hydration Pack - 3L

Charge down the trail armed with three liters of water in CamelBaks Asymetrix 20 Hydration Pack.


CamelBak BlowFish Hydration Pack - 3L

As a defense against predators, the puffer fish fills its belly with water. As a defense against not having enough space for an extra layer (and thus hypothermia), the CamelBak BlowFish Hydration ... more info.


CamelBak Cloud Walker Hydration Pack

The Cloud Walker is CamelBaks best selling hydration day pack because its reasonably priced and offers a perfect amount of water capacity and cargo space for recreational day hikes.


CamelBak Cloud Walker Hydration Pack - 2L

Thanks to an insulated, two-liter water reservoir, the CamelBak Cloud Walker Hydration Pack keeps your water at a heavenly-cold temperature. Plus, the cargo space holds an extra layer and some snacks.


CamelBak H.O.S.S Pack - 3L

Thanks to a waterproof roll-top closure and a back panel that promotes airflow like mad, the CamelBak H.O.S.S. Pack keeps your gear and your back dry on epic mountain bike rides.


CamelBak Havoc Hydration Pack

The CamelBak Havoc Hydration Packs burly nylon material withstands your harshest treatment, so go ahead and blast down the single track on your mountain bike.


CamelBak Havoc Hydration Pack - 3L

The CamelBak Havoc Hydration Packs burly nylon material withstands your harshest treatment, so go ahead and blast down the single track on your mountain bike.


CamelBak HAWG Hydration Pack

If you cram an outrageous amount of hiking and biking into your day, you need the CamelBak HAWG Hydration Pack to keep you performance at its peak.


CamelBak HAWG Hydration Pack - 3L

If you cram an outrageous amount of hiking and biking into your day, grab the CamelBak HAWG Hydration Pack and stay properly watered-down.


CamelBak Helena Hydration Pack 3L - Women's

With enough cargo space for an extra jacket, pants and some snacks, plus a 3L water reservoir, CamelBaks Helena Hydration Pack gets any girl ready for a day-long adventure.


CamelBak LUXE Hydration Pack 3L - Women's

CamelBak designed the 3L LUXE Hydration Pack with womens-specific features that give it a luxurious fit.


CamelBak MULE Hydration Pack

The CamelBak MULE has become one of the most popular hydration packs out there thanks to its excellent features and 100oz OMEGA HydroTanium reservoir.


CamelBak MULE Hydration Pack -3L

Secure your bike pump, tools, and an energy bar in the CamelBak MULE Hydration Pack, fill the 100oz OMEGA HydroTanium reservoir, and hit the trail.


CamelBak Muse Hydration Pack - Women's

Strap your skis or board on the back of the CamelBak Womens Muse Hydration Pack and head into the backcountry. With a womens-specific design, this backpack keeps you comfy as you carve fresh tracks.


CamelBak Octane 14+ Hydration Pack - 3L

Bring CamelBaks lightweight Octane 14+ Hydration Pack on your full-day hiking adventure. This backpack expands to fit an extra fleece layer and snacks for the long trail, and the three-liter water ... more info.


CamelBak Octane 8+ Hydration Pack - 2L

With an expansion system for additional cargo, the CamelBak Octane 8+ Hydration Pack is ready for a light trail run or a few hours of mad-paced adventure racing. Stay hydrated with this packs ... more info.


CamelBak Oya Hydration Pack - Women's

The CamelBak Womens Oya Hydration Pack carries your snowboard, extra layers, and snacks for a riding session in the park. CamelBaks special-edition water bottle comes in this packs insulated pocket, ... more info.


CamelBak Rim Runner Hydration Pack

With 1495cu in of pack space and a 100oz reservoir, the CamelBak Rim Runner Hydration Pack is an excellent choice for extended day trips in the backcountry.


CamelBak Rim Runner Hydration Pack - 3L

With room for snacks and an extra layer, plus a three-liter water reservoir, the CamelBak Rim Runner Hydration Pack is ready for full day trips in the backcountry.


CamelBak Ruckus Hydration Pack

Pack extra layers and snacks in CamelBaks Ruckus Hydration Pack and hit the park. This backpacks insulated water-bottle pocket and special-edition CamelBak bottle keep you hydrated in between tricks.


CamelBak Trail Blazer Hydration Pack

The CamelBak Trail Blazer Hydration Pack is a technical pack thats built for moving quickly and traveling prepared.


CamelBak Trail Blazer Hydration Pack - 2L

Day hikes are cool, unless you end up dragging yourself down the trail by your lips because youre dehydrated. CamelBak made the Trail Blazer Hydration Pack with a two-liter water reservoir and cargo ... more info.


CamelBak Trinity Hydration Pack 3L - Women's

Pack your fleece, pants, and snacks into CamelBaks comfortable womens-specific Trinity Hydration Pack. A shorter torso length and curved, fleece-lined harness straps keep you comfortable throughout ... more info.


CamelBak Unbottle Hydration Pack - 3L

Slip CamelBaks Unbottle Hydration 3L Reservoir into any of your packs, or clip it to the outside and drink easily while youre on the trail.


CamelBak Vantage 30 Hydration Pack - 3L

Leaving extra layers at home because they wont fit in your hydration pack is lame. Getting a totally sweaty back because your packs back panel has no ventilation is also not rad. CamelBaks Vantage 30 ... more info.


CamelBak Vantage 40 Hydration Pack - 3L

The CamelBak Vantage 40 Hydration Pack has a three-liter water reservoir, enough cargo space for all-day or quick overnight trips, and a waterproof roll-top.


DAKINE Apex Hydration Bike Pack - 1600cu in

DAKINE constructed the Apex Hydration Bike Pack with the freeride crowd in mind.


DAKINE Apex Hydration Bike Pack - 1600cu in

DAKINE constructed the Apex Hydration Bike Pack for riders who prefer ladder drops to singletrack.


DAKINE Nomad Hydration Bike Pack - 1100cu in

DAKINE created the Nomad Hydration Bike Pack with versatile features for both trail and freeride mountain biking, and made it in a medium size that goes well on nearly any ride.


DAKINE Nomad Hydration Bike Pack - 1100cu in

DAKINE created the Nomad Hydration Bike Pack with versatile features for both trail and freeride mountain biking, and made it in a medium size that works well on nearly any ride.


The North Face Chameleon Hydration Pack

Use The North Face Chameleon Hydration Pack as a low-profile pack for a quick bike ride, or expand the main compartment to 1200 cubic inches of cargo space for your all-day treks.


The North Face Hammerhead Hydration Pack

Pack a fleece and some snacks in The North Face Hammerhead Hydration Pack and hit the trail. With three liters of water in the reservoir, youll be set for a couple of hours of hardcore riding or ... more info.


The North Face Mako Hydration Pack - Women's

Thanks to a womens-specific design and an insulated hydration reservoir, The North Face Womens Mako Hydration Pack feels comfortable and keeps your water flowing on chilly ski days.


The North Face Megamouth Backpack - 1100cu in

The mesh trampoline back panel and X-Vent frame on The North Face Megamouth Backpack Hydration Pack work together to keep your back cool on your daylong hikes.


The North Face Megamouth Hydration Pack

Grab the North Face Megamouth 18 Hydration Pack and prepare to spend all day on the trail. This large volume pack is ready for all-day adventures that require extra layers, extra food, and extra ... more info.


The North Face Sandtiger Backpack - 1160cu in

Some hydration packs make you feel like you have a hot, sweaty tiger strapped to your back. Thanks to a mesh trampoline back panel and X-Vent suspension, The North Face Sandtiger Backpack feels cool ... more info.

 
Other backpacks for adventure racing, trail running, and backcountry travel: