1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Walking

Top 10 Higher Capacity Waist Packs and Hydration Packs

By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com

Updated: July 13, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

For longer walks you will need to carry more water and more gear. These selections either carry two water bottles or have a water bladder hydration system. They are great for hikes in areas without access to water.

1. Camelbak Pixie

Camelbak PixieWendy Bumgardner ©
This versatile hydration pack may end up being your everyday sling bag or mini-backpack. Perfect for walks of two hours or less, or keeping handy to sip all day at work or school, its 1 liter/35 oz. Omega hydration bladder carries as much water as you would with 1-2 water bottles. The Omega hydration bladder has a wide mouth, making it easy to fill and clean. The two zippered compartments are great for organizing and carrying essentials for your walk, or use in place of a purse.

2. Ultimate Direction Naviti Waistpack

Naviti PackPricegrabber.com
I am a big fan of Ultimate Direction's water bottles and packs. This pack has two of the excellent water bottles, which have a kicker valve for one-handed opening, closing and drinking. This pack has a good-sized compartment for carrying gear and snacks, with an outer zip compartment for quick access to essentials. Ultimate Direction engineers its waistbands well to securely close and ride without jostling.
Compare Prices

3. Mountainsmith Kinetic II

Mountainsmith KineticPricegrabber.com
The Mountainsmith Kinetic has two side mesh pockets suitable for carrying two water bottles - but they don't come included, so you'll need to provide your favorites. It has a good-sized main pocket, and a separate front pocket with headphone port. It also has a padded pocket for valuables. I love the bungee cord on front for attaching your jacket once you warm up.
Compare Prices

4. REI Double Shot Waistpack

REI DoubleshotPricegrabber.com
The REI Double Shot comes with two 24-oz water bottles carried in foam pockets. The main zippered compartment is big enough for essentials. There are also two flat pockets meant for carrying packs of energy gel or other flat items. I love the shockcord for attaching your jacket when you warm up. The REI water bottles are not my favorite, they are hard plastic (BPA-free) and dishwasher safe.
Compare Prices

5. The North Face Kanga

North Face KangaPricegrabber.com
This dual bottle pack lets you carry two water bottles and has a large cargo pocket for the other essentials. It also has reflective trim for night walking.
Compare Prices

6. Marmot Excursion

Marmot ExcursionPricegrabber.com
The Excursion is a great organizer for everyday use and has two water bottle pockets. The BioSpan™ suspension is the key to its rock-solid stability. The Excursion is a great all-purpose fanny pack for everything.
Compare Prices

7. Camelbak Cloud Walker

Camelbak Cloud WalkerPricegrabber.com
The Cloud Walker holds 2 liters of water in its hydration bladder. The waist strap and sternum strap are removable. Large and small zippered cargo compartments let you carry most anything you want along, or lash it to the pack with the built-in bungee cord.
Compare Prices

8. Camelbak FlashFlo Waist Pack

Camelbak Flash FloPricegrabber.com
The Flashflo carries 45 oz. of water - as much as in two large water bottles. You sip the water through a tube that hooks to the waistbelt for easy access. The small cargo pocket holds your keys, ID and an energy bar - but not much else. It has reflective stripes.

9. Camelbak Rim Runner

Camelbak Rim RunnerPricegrabber.com
70 oz. Omega bladder and lots of cargo capacity for longer hikes and walks.
Compare Prices

10. Kelty Oriole

Kelty OrioleCourtesy of Pricegrabber
The Kelty Oriole is a big-capacity lumbar pack, complete with a shoulder strap and top-carrying strap if you get tired of wearing the wide waistband. It comes with two water bottles (BPA-free plastic #2) in mesh holders. It has an outer stuff pocket and inner zip and cargo pockets. What's missing? A bungee!
Compare Prices

Explore Walking

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Walking
  4. Walking Clothing & Gear
  5. Packs and Water Carriers
  6. Pack Reviews
  7. Waist Packs and Water Carriers - Over 35 Oz.

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.