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All told, for a minimalist hydration pack that can pull double duty for everyday use, the Nano 18 H2O is our favorite budget offering of 2023. Unlike designs with bulkier suspension systems, the Nano is streamlined enough to fit inside a larger pack and pull out for quick summit missions, and it’s versatile too: You can remove the hydration reservoir and fit a 13-inch computer in the rear stash instead.
#OSPREY MANTA 24L PLUS#
Value is excellent: For just $80, you get a 3-liter quick-drying 3D Hydro reservoir (a $45 value), along with a lightweight 18-liter pack (available in both regular and plus sizes) that comes with a range of storage and features.
#OSPREY MANTA 24L HOW TO#
What we don’t: Minimal support, capacity, and organization.įor short day hikes, multi-pitch rock climbing, or everyday travel, the Gregory Nano 18 H2O is a high-quality yet affordable offering from a company that knows how to make a solid pack.
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What we like: A versatile and affordable pack with 3 liters of water storage. See the Men's Osprey Skarab 30 See the Women's Osprey Skimmer 28īest Budget/Ultralight Hydration Pack 2. For an all-in-one solution that’s reasonably priced at $150, it doesn’t get much better-and Osprey offers the pack in three capacities to accommodate all your trail needs. But this is a pack that makes hydration (and everything else) easy-just fill up the premium Osprey Hydraulics LT reservoir, slide it into its pouch behind the backpanel, and hook up the quick-disconnect hose, which routes cleanly through a port and secures via a magnet onto the sternum strap. We do have a few small gripes: The hipbelt pockets (one zippered, one stretch mesh) don’t accommodate our standard-sized smartphone, and both the Skarab and Skimmer only come in one torso size. For the standard day hike, many of these packs are too big or too small, too overbuilt or too streamlined on the other hand, when we put on the Skarab, it was just right. You can go a lot of directions with a hydration pack: Our picks below run the gamut from uber-featured and supportive rigs to stripped-down vests for fast and light endeavors. We’ve tested a lot of hydration packs, and in our opinion the Skarab is the most well-rounded design for day hikers. The 30-liter version can easily accommodate a down jacket and shell, snacks for the day, and other essentials, and organization and on-the-go access is well thought-out and convenient. Our favorite goldilocks model is the Osprey Skarab 30 (and women’s Skimmer 28): In addition to the spacious main compartment with large bucket-style opening, you get a premium 2.5-liter reservoir, a generously sized accessory pocket, hipbelt pockets, and a front dump pocket for stashing extra layers. There’s no shortage of hydration packs to choose from, but most hikers will benefit from a simple yet functional design that offers ample gear and water storage, a nicely cushioned yet low-profile suspension system, and convenient organization. What we don’t: Hipbelt pockets are too small only comes in one size. What we like: An ideal combination of storage, convenience, and comfort. Best Hydration Pack with On-the-Go Storage: REI Co-op Flash 15 Hydration Vestīest Overall Hydration Pack for Hiking 1.Most Comfortable Hydration Pack for Heavy Loads: Osprey Manta 34 / Mira 32.
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