Hydration packs: reservoir size, storage and fit
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- CamelBak Rogue Light 7 Bike Hydration Pack with Crux 2L Reservoir. Best for: Short to mid-length rides with a light load. See options on Amazon
- CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack, 100 oz. Best for: Long rides that need water, tools and a layer. See options on Amazon
- Teton Oasis 18L Hydration Pack. Best for: Day hikes with snacks, a first aid kit and a jacket. See options on Amazon
Reservoir size first
The reservoir is the reason to buy a hydration pack. CamelBak lists the Rogue Light 7 with a 2L Crux reservoir and the M.U.L.E. 12 with a 100 oz reservoir. Teton lists a 2L bladder in the Oasis 18L and a 3L bladder in the larger Oasis 22L.
MedlinePlus says to drink plenty of fluids every day and to drink more when the weather is hot or you are exercising. Plan the reservoir around how long you are out and how hot it is.
Bike pack or hiking pack
The two CamelBak packs here are built for mountain biking. CamelBak lists integrated tool organization, a tube trap, a helmet carry and, on the Rogue Light 7, a pump loop and a light loop. The M.U.L.E. 12 adds a removable waist strap for stability and integrated carry pockets for tools and a repair kit.
Teton's Oasis 18L is a hiking day pack. Teton lists front and side pockets with room for a first aid kit and food, micromesh pockets, bungee storage for a helmet or jacket, and an included rain cover. It is the better fit if you walk more than you ride.
Ventilation and fit
A pack against your back gets hot. CamelBak lists its Air Support back panel with body mapping for ventilation on both packs, a ventilated harness on the Rogue Light 7 and a 3D vent mesh harness on the M.U.L.E. 12. Teton lists body-mapping mesh for airflow and contoured, padded shoulder straps.
All three adjust at the chest. Teton lists adjustable shoulder, chest and waist straps on the Oasis, and CamelBak lists an adjustable sternum strap on the Rogue Light 7 and a removable waist strap on the M.U.L.E. 12. Try the fit with the reservoir full, since water adds weight.
Weight and size
CamelBak lists the Rogue Light 7 at 40 x 18 x 23 cm and 220 g, and the M.U.L.E. 12 at 47 x 6.3 x 21 cm and 780 g. Teton does not list a weight for the Oasis on its product page. A full 2L reservoir adds about 2 kg, since a liter of water weighs about a kilogram, so the water outweighs either CamelBak pack.
Safety extras
Teton lists an anti-shock chest strap with a safety whistle and reflective trim on the Oasis. CamelBak lists reflectivity and a light loop on the Rogue Light 7 for rides to and from the trailhead. On any outing, watch for signs of heat illness; MedlinePlus says to call 911 if a person loses consciousness, becomes confused or has symptoms of heatstroke such as rapid pulse or rapid breathing.
What to look for when you buy
CamelBak Rogue Light 7 Bike Hydration Pack with Crux 2L Reservoir
Best for: Short to mid-length rides with a light load
CamelBak lists a 2L Crux reservoir, 50D recycled nylon mini ripstop, Air Support back panel, a command center harness for phone and keys, integrated tool organization, a zippered pocket, a stretch overflow pocket, helmet carry, pump loop, tube trap, reflectivity and a light loop, at 40 x 18 x 23 cm and 220 g.
Watch out: Smallest cargo here. CamelBak's style is CB-2952; the Amazon listing names model 2952301000P, matching CamelBak's 2952301000.
See options on AmazonCamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack, 100 oz
Best for: Long rides that need water, tools and a layer
CamelBak lists a 100 oz reservoir with the Quicklink system, Air Support back panel, a magnetic tube trap, a removable waist strap, a 3D vent mesh harness, helmet carry, a stretch overflow pocket and integrated carry pockets for tools, at 47 x 6.3 x 21 cm and 780 g.
Watch out: Several colors are sold under separate listings; the Amazon listing for model 2654401000P matches CamelBak's 2654401000.
See options on AmazonTeton Oasis 18L Hydration Pack
Best for: Day hikes with snacks, a first aid kit and a jacket
Teton lists an 18L pack with a 2L bladder, front and side pockets, body-mapping mesh, adjustable shoulder, chest and waist straps, padded shoulder straps, a high-denier ripstop shell, bungee storage, an anti-shock chest strap with safety whistle, reflective trim, a cushioned bite valve, micromesh pockets, a rain cover and the Teton Lifetime Warranty.
Watch out: Teton's page lists no weight. The 22L version comes with a 3L bladder if you need more water.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What size hydration pack reservoir do I need?
- CamelBak lists 2L in the Rogue Light 7 and 100 oz in the M.U.L.E. 12; Teton lists 2L in the Oasis 18L and 3L in the Oasis 22L. MedlinePlus advises drinking more in heat and during exercise.
- Can I use a bike hydration pack for hiking?
- Yes, but bike packs carry tools and helmets. Teton's Oasis 18L is designed as a hiking day pack with pockets for a first aid kit and food.
- How much does a full hydration pack weigh?
- CamelBak lists 220 g for the Rogue Light 7 and 780 g for the M.U.L.E. 12, empty. A liter of water adds about a kilogram.
- What are signs of dehydration or heat illness?
- MedlinePlus says to call 911 if a person loses consciousness, becomes confused, has a fever over 102 F or shows signs of heatstroke such as rapid pulse or breathing.
Sources
- Rogue Light 7 Bike Hydration Pack with Crux 2L Reservoir (CB-2952) (camelbak.com), CamelBak
- M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack 100 oz (CB-2654) (camelbak.com), CamelBak
- Oasis Hydration Pack (tetonsports.com), Teton
- Dehydration (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus