When it comes to skiing, keeping yourself hydrated is a necessary practice that most skiers neglect to act upon. They assume that thirst will not be an impending problem during their time on the snow since they’re already in a cold environment. However, in reality, it’s essential to drink water time and again, so you don’t lose focus and remain energized. But considering that holding a bottle of water is not possible when your hands are already occupied with ski poles, it’s crucial to get the best hydration pack for skiing.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
The best thing about hydration packs is that they come equipped with a tube and a mouthpiece, so you don’t have to stop and retrieve a water bottle repeatedly. Not to mention that most hydration bladders are insulated to keep the water from freezing at low temperatures.
The 5 Best Hydration Packs for Skiing
If you’re on the market looking for the perfect hydration pack for yourself, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ve listed five of our favorite Amazon products based on fantastic customer reviews and high-starred ratings so that you can make your final decision confidently.
1. Vibrelli Hydration Pack
The Vibrelli Hydration Pack is a fantastic choice for skiers looking for an insulated two-liter water capacity bag with a guaranteed drip-free mouthpiece. Unlike several similar products, the water reservoir in this backpack doesn’t include BPA and PVC, which means there’s no undesired plastic taste, even on the first use. Moreover, the bag includes multiple pockets to pack small accessories, and it comes with chest and waist straps for further adjustability.
Pros
- Rip-free material
- Water-resistant fabric
- 2-liter insulated water bladder
- Adjustable hose clip
- Breathable shoulder straps
- Adjustable chest strap
- Ergonomic waistband
- Multiple small pockets
- Safety whistle
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Might not be a good fit for bulky build individuals
2. CamelBak Thermobak 71000 Hydration Pack
If you’re looking for a hydration pack that serves no other purpose other than keeping you hydrated, then CamelBak Thermobak might be just what you need. Made from high-quality material, this bag contains two liters of water. Furthermore, the adjustable chest strap keeps your water from moving unnecessarily due to the snug fit, and the loop on the back is convenient for attaching your snow gear proficiently.
Pros
- Durable rip-stop material
- 2-liter thermal hydration pack
- Adjustable chest strap
- Dedicated space for carrying ski poles or a snowboard
Cons
- No storage space for keeping small essentials
3. High Sierra HydraHike Hydration Backpack
On the contrary, if you’re searching for the best hydration pack with more storage and water capacity, we would suggest going for the High Sierra HydraHike. With four-liter water storage and a water-resistant compartment for storing essential snow gear, this lightweight backpack will keep your alpine adventure safe and convenient like no other. Plus, the adjustable sternum and waist belts keep your bag fit snugly to your body without getting restrictive.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Rip-free breathable material
- 4-liter insulated water reservoir
- Lightweight and stable
- Adjustable sternum and hip belts
- Adequate storage capacity
- Divider pockets
- BPA-free hydration bladder
Cons
- Might need to adjust the valve to stop the water from dripping
4. Teton Oasis1100
Our next suggestion is the Teton Oasis1100, a super light hydration pack specifically designed to tolerate the rigors of skiing. With two liters of water capacity in its reservoir, the bag itself offers enough space to store eighteen-liter baggage. Moreover, the backpack’s exterior is made of a rip-free material, while the chest and waist belts that come attached to the bag provide a particularly snug and comfortable body fit.
Pros
- Rip-stop material
- 2-liter insulated hydration bladder
- Sewn-in rain cover
- Adjustable waist belt
- Anti-shock chest strap
- Breathable mesh shoulder straps
- Easy to reach pockets
Cons
- Not designed for storing large snow gear
5. Thule Vital Hydration Pack
Lastly, the Thule Vital hydration pack is a great accessory for skiers who require less storage space and excess water capacity. You can store two and a half liters of water in the hydration bladder, while the bag itself provides six liters of baggage capacity. Moreover, the backpack is made of nylon, which helps to prevent the water from seeping inside the bag and wet your gear.
Pros
- Lightweight fabric
- Water-resistant material
- 5-liter hydration pack
- Magnetic hose system
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Adequate interior organization
- Jersey-style pockets
Cons
- Not a lot of space for cargo
Features to Consider
Research proves that most people lose as much as two to three liters of water during the first hour of performing a strenuous physical activity, especially snow sports like skiing. Moreover, when you’re dehydrated, fluid loss can result in leg cramps, fatigue, and lack of concentration. Considering that, it is essential to get yourself the best hydration pack for skiing to keep hydrated from the start till the end.
Here are some of the basic features you should look out for when buying a hydration pack:
1. Stability
Water moving back and forth in the hydration pack while you’re skiing on the ice can unstabilize your footing. That’s why it is better to get a backpack that fits snugly to your body, so there’s a significantly less chance of water moving around.
2. Weight
A good rule of thumb to remember when shopping for the best hydration pack for skiing is that the lighter the backpack’s material, the better performance you can achieve on the snow.
3. Straps
Backpack straps attaching to your shoulder, chest, and sternum can give you extra stability when you ski, especially when you’ve packed gear that might move inside the bag and cause discomfort otherwise.
4. Insulation
An insulated water bladder is a must-have feature when you’re off to a ski resort where there’s a chance your water may get frozen on the mountain.
5. Water-Resistant Exterior
Furthermore, the hydration pack must be water-resistant so that there’s no water seepage from the outside that wets your gear.
6. Storage
The hydration pack should also have enough space to store other small essentials, including your mobile phone, goggles, sunscreen, and if the bag itself doesn’t have one, a rain cover.
7. Drip-Free Mouthpiece
Finally, a drip-free mouthpiece ensures there’s no water leaking from the tube on your shoulder while you ski.
Our Final Thoughts
Among the five options listed in this article, our top pick is the Vibrelli Hydration Pack due to its convenient features and high durability. However, if you’re looking for a backpack that’s only meant to serve its purpose as a water reservoir, we would suggest leaning toward the CamelBak Thermobak.
Having said that, no matter which product you believe to be the best hydration pack for skiing, it’s essential that you clean the reservoirs after each use for longer and efficient functionality.
