The Best Ways to Carry Water While Hiking
Keeping yourself hydrated is essential on any hike, but how you carry that water matters more than you might think.
The right setup depends on how long you’ll be out, the kind of terrain you’re tackling, and what works best for you personally.
Whether you’re after something ultra-light, affordable, or built for long treks, here’s a rundown of the top gear to help you stay prepared and hydrated, no matter where the trail leads.
The Best Ways to Carry Water While Hiking
by Category
Best Overall: Osprey Skarab 30 Hydration Pack
Good for: Hikers who need a reliable and comfortable hydration system for extended adventures.
Best Overall
Osprey Skarab 30 Hydration Pack
Product Highlights
- 2.5-liter hydration reservoir
- AirScape ventilated back panel
- Multiple compartments for gear storage
- Built tough for rugged terrain
The Osprey Skarab 30 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a hydration pack that balances comfort, durability, and space.
It comes with a 2.5-liter water reservoir, which is ideal for those longer hikes where you don’t want to worry about refilling constantly.
Its AirScape back panel is designed to keep airflow moving, so you’re not bogged down with sweat.
With multiple storage pockets and a tough build, it’s ready for challenging trails and keeps your gear well-organized and within reach.
Best Budget: Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle
Good for: Budget-conscious hikers who want a durable, simple water bottle.
Best Budget
Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle
Product Highlights
- 32-ounce capacity
- BPA-free Tritan material
- Wide mouth for easy cleaning and filling
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly classic, the Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle is a dependable choice.
Made from tough, BPA-free Tritan plastic, this bottle is built to take a beating—it won’t crack if it slips out of your hands.
The wide mouth design makes it simple to toss in ice cubes or clean out after a long day on the trail.
Best Collapsible: HydraPak Flux Collapsible Bottle
Good for: Hikers looking for a lightweight, compact hydration solution.
Best Collapsible
HydraPak Flux Collapsible Bottle
Product Highlights
- Available in 1L and 1.5L sizes
- Made from flexible TPU material
- RF-welded seams for added strength
The HydraPak Flux is all about saving space without sacrificing durability.
It stands upright when filled, but once it’s empty, you can flatten it down to save room in your pack.
Built from flexible TPU with welded seams, it’s tough yet lightweight—perfect for ultralight hikers who want to keep gear minimal without losing function.
Best Insulated: Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle
Good for: Hikers who need to keep their drinks cold or hot for extended periods.
Best Insulated
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle
Product Highlights
- Available in various sizes
- TempShield insulation for temperature control
The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Bottle is a great pick if you want your water cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12.
With double-wall insulation, it handles temperature like a pro, and its stainless steel build is tough enough for the trail.
Easy to drink from and built to last, it’s especially handy for those warmer hikes when staying cool matters.
Best Hydration Waist Pack: Osprey Seral 4 Hydration Waist Pack
Good for: Fast hikers or trail runners needing a compact hydration option.
Best Hydration Waist Pack
Osprey Seral 4 Hydration Waist Pack
Product Highlights
- 1.5-liter lumbar reservoir
- Magnetic bite valve for quick hydration
- Zippered pockets for small items
The Osprey Seral 4 is a smart choice for minimalist hikers who want hydration without the bulk.
It features a 1.5-liter lumbar reservoir that sits on your hips, keeping weight low and balanced for better comfort and stability.
With a few zippered pockets for essentials and a magnetic valve for easy access, it’s a reliable option for shorter, faster-paced hikes.
Best Filtered: LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
Good for: Backcountry hikers needing clean, safe drinking water from natural sources.
Best Filtered
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
Product Highlights
- Two-stage filter removes contaminants
- BPA-free Tritan plastic construction
- Detachable filter for versatility
The LifeStraw Go is equipped with a two-stage filter that removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, making it a must-have for hikers heading into areas with natural water sources.
With this bottle, you can safely drink straight from streams or lakes, cutting down on the need to carry a lot of water with you—perfect for those who prefer to pack light and stay prepared.
Best Hydration Vest: Salomon Active Skin 8 Set
Good for: Long-distance hikers and runners needing quick, convenient hydration access.
Best Hydration Vest
Salomon Active Skin 8 Set
Product Highlights
- Comes with two 500ml soft flasks
- Compatible with hydration bladders
- Lightweight and fits snugly
The Salomon Active Skin 8 Set is built for comfort and functionality, catering to both trail runners and hikers.
It includes two 500ml soft flasks on the chest for quick hydration and can also hold a hydration bladder if you need extra capacity.
The lightweight, snug design keeps it secure, making it a great choice for activities that require a lot of movement, like long hikes or trail runs.
Conclusion
From my own experience, finding the right way to carry water can make or break a hike.
I’ve tried everything from bulky hydration packs to slim, collapsible bottles, and the difference they make in comfort and ease on the trail is huge.
On long hikes, a lightweight hydration pack kept me moving without feeling weighed down, while a simple Nalgene was perfect for shorter treks where I didn’t want to carry much.
With the right setup, staying hydrated feels effortless, and you’re free to focus on the trail itself instead of constantly managing your gear.
Looking to gear up for your next adventure?
Check out The Ultimate Beginner Hiking Equipment Guide for a comprehensive breakdown of all the essentials you need to start your hiking journey!
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