Best Hydration Packs For Big Guys
Updated August 28, 2020
Hydration packs are essential to any outdoor enthusiast. Instead of digging into your backpack to find a water bottle for a quick sip, buying a hydration pack will keep you adequately hydrated. Bigger people might not find a suitable one that fits well. The straps might be too short or might dig into your shoulders. The best hydration pack for big guys won’t ride up your back or restrict your movement. You’ll also regulate your fluids intake easily when you’re enjoying the wilderness. So if you have a big frame and want to stay hydrated on your next outdoor adventure, then this article is for you. Do you want something that will make drinking more convenient while mountain biking or hiking? Do regular hydration packs feel too small or short? Some exclusive models are designed to fit people with broader shoulders, chests, and hips. This means that your pack won’t bounce or cause any discomfort, and will also allow you to drink whenever you need to. Here are our top picks.
Reviews of the Best Hydration Packs for Big Guys
SHARKMOUTH Tactical MOLLE Hydration Pack Backpack 900D
The Best Hydration Pack
It comes with a BPA-free 2-liter water bladder to keep you hydrated, and there’s a wide opening to facilitate cleaning and filling.
Our pick
If you’re looking for a lightweight yet affordable hydration pack, then this is the right one for you. Weighing 1.76 lb, this is a versatile pack with MOLLE system so you can use it for various outdoor activities. You get 15 liters of storage with a large compartment to fit your water bladder, in addition to zip pockets for your valuables. It comes with a BPA-free 2-liter water bladder to keep you hydrated, and there’s a wide opening to facilitate cleaning and filling. The main compartment is insulated to keep your water cold for up to 4 hours. If you’re a big person who gets hot quickly, then this is definitely a plus. The tape secures the bladder in place, so it doesn’t bounce. I would recommend this pack to someone who is going cycling or trail running, but doesn’t need to carry lots of items. Thanks to the mesh back and shoulder straps, your back will stay cool and dry. The chest and shoulder straps are adjustable so they can be adjusted to fit a bigger person who is 6 feet or a tad taller. However, if your chest is more than 60 inches wide or you weigh more than 200 pounds, then it might be a bit tight. There are eight colors to choose from.
Mubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack Pack
Best Value
It comes with a BPA-free 2-liter water bladder to keep you hydrated, and there’s a wide opening to facilitate cleaning and filling.
When you choose this pack, you’ll have 11 different colors to pick the one that suits you. It’s affordable and comes with a BPA-free 2-liter bladder. There is room to store your valuables or add more water bottles for a cycling, trekking or hiking trip. The main bladder compartment is insulated to keep your water cold for up to 5 hours. The bladder doesn’t leak and features an extendable bite valve. You can adjust the shoulder and chest straps to fit any size from 27 up to 50 inches chest size. They secure the pack and prevent bouncing. The mesh padding keeps your body cool on a hot day. There are small pockets on the waist belt to fit gel packs, but they won’t accommodate anything bigger. The pack weighs 1.5 pounds, and the waist belt distributes the weight evenly when you fill it with water. It’s a great choice for bigger guys who like running or hiking because it’s lightweight. I believe that this pack is good value for money because it’s quite durable. The water-resistant material is easy to clean. However, the bottom part of the pack is thin, so it will feel moist especially if you fill the bladder with icy water. I wouldn’t recommend it for longer adventures due to the overall capacity.
TETON Sports Oasis 1200 Hydration Pack
Most Adjustable
The chest, waist, and shoulder straps are adjustable to fit any user.
With 20 liters of storage, this hydration pack will satisfy your needs for overnight outdoor adventures. It comes in two colors and features a 3-liter reservoir. The bladder is BPA-free and comes with a kink-free sip tube. A bigger bladder is suitable for people who have bigger frames, sweat a lot or tend to get thirsty often. The foam covering and mesh provide more comfort. This pack weighs 2.45 lbs, so it’s heavier than other models. But the belt can be extended to fit a chest size measuring 60 inches. Moreover, it helps distribute the weight when the bladder is full. Thanks to the push-lock cushioned bite valve; the hydration pack won’t leak. There’s a big opening that can be used to add ice to the water. However, neither the bladder nor the storage compartment is insulated. The chest, waist, and shoulder straps are adjustable to fit any user who weighs around 300 pounds. There are also compression straps that will minimize the size of the pack to reduce bouncing, while the mesh covering will improve breathability.
CamelBak Adult M.U.L.E. Mil Spec Antidote Hydration
Backpack
Most Adjustable
The chest, waist, and shoulder straps are adjustable to fit any user.
Although it doesn’t look big on the outside, this hydration pack provides reasonable 8-liter storage for your outdoor gear and valuables. It weighs 3 pounds, so if you’re looking for a lightweight option, this might not be the one for you. It’s designed to fit bigger people who want a durable hydration pack. It comes in three different colors and features an antidote bladder that can carry 3 liters of water. There are MOLLE attachment loops to accommodate several types of outdoor gear. However, the shoulder straps could use more padding. This can be an issue if you plan to fill the pack and carry it for a long hike. If you have a big frame and don’t mind the extra weight, then this is a good hydration pack to buy. Insulation keeps your water cold, and there is a loop that you can use to redirect the drinking tube under your arm. The waist strap is removable, and the back panel is designed to increase ventilation. Although there are special pockets for your valuables, storage could use more organization especially that the pack is on the expensive side.
Osprey Manta 34 Hiking Hydration Backpack
Most Adjustable
The chest, waist, and shoulder straps are adjustable to fit any user.
This is a rugged hydration pack that can withstand outdoor adventures. It comes with a rain cover for the bad weather, guaranteeing that it will always stay in shape. There are attachment loops for your helmet and trekking poles. You’ll have three color options to choose from, and all of them have a blinker light attachment for safety if you wish to explore or hike at night. The pack has mesh side and front pockets to store your valuables, in addition to a hydration compartment and a Hydraulics 2.5-liter reservoir. I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who’s looking for a lightweight hydration pack because it weighs 2.87 pounds. Nevertheless, it features an Anti-Gravity system, in addition to the shoulder harness, so you won’t feel that it’s that heavy when you fill the bladder. This hydration pack is expensive. However, it provides 36 liters of storage, which makes it appropriate for all-day adventures. It’s also versatile because you can attach more pockets and several pieces of equipment when needed. The pack comes in two different sizes, where the bigger one is designed to fit larger people who weigh more than 280 lbs. However, it sometimes tends to produce an annoying sound when it’s fully loaded.
Picking the Right Hydration Pack Capacity
When you’re hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, or training for the marathon, you want a hydration pack that will help you monitor your fluids intake. Carrying water bottles is an option, but not a practical one. A bladder that features a bite valve allows you to drink without taking your eyes off the trail. Click for more tips on choosing a travel backpack to save you time.
Water isn’t light, and each liter you carry will affect your speed or weigh you down. This is why you should think about the capacity of the hydration pack when it’s empty and when the water bladder is full.
Hydration Pack Reservoir Capacity
Picking the reservoir or bladder capacity depends on the activity you’re likely to practice. If you’re biking or going on a short hike, you can choose a 1 or 2-liter bladder. These bladders are suitable for people who don’t want to struggle with the extra weight and have access to water so they can fill the bladder as needed.
If you’re trekking or hiking in a remote area, you want a big bladder that will keep you hydrated for a couple of hours. In this case, you should buy a 2.5 or 3-liter bladder. These models are more suitable for bigger people who tend to get thirsty often.
Hydration Pack Gear Capacity
What do you expect your hydration pack to accommodate? Hydration packs for big guys aren’t necessarily big, as some people only want to carry a few essential items when they’re running or hiking. A small-capacity means that the hydration pack will be lightweight and easy to carry around for long distances.
Some of these lightweight hydration packs can be accommodated to suit different outdoor activities. They might have loop attachments to attach a helmet, a blinker light or trekking poles.
There are some big models that allow you to pack an extra jacket, a few snacks, or even your laptop. However, these hydration packs are heavy and will not be comfortable to carry around if you’re training for the marathon, for example.
How to Choose the Best Hydration Pack for Big Guys?
In addition to the capacity, there are a few factors to consider when you’re shopping for a hydration pack for a bigger person. Here is what you need to think about.
Hydration Pack Sizing
Most hydration packs come in one size that fits all. They feature adjustable shoulder straps, waist, and chest belts to stabilize the weight of the pack and reduce fatigue. However, you should make sure that the model you’ve picked is designed to fit a person with a longer torso or broader chest.
The straps should be long or can be extended when needed. The waist belt should be designed to fit a bigger person. It should be longer than 40 or 50 inches.
Some packs come in several sizes. In this case, you must check the manufacturer’s chart to choose the right fit. If you fall between sizes, pick a model with a suspension system. It will help you adjust the fit.
Ease of Drinking and Filling
The primary purpose of buying a hydration pack is to provide easy access to water.
The bite valve will allow you to drink when needed without interrupting your activity.
Some packs have a mechanism that will secure the tube, so it won’t bother you while running or hiking. Make sure that the bladder and valve are leak-proof to keep your gear and pack dry.
You shouldn’t struggle to fill or clean your bladder. It should have a big opening so you can clean it after every use. Most bladders are not designed to be filled with liquids other than water. Juice and colored energy drinks will stain your bladder.
Hydration Pack Support and Comfort
A support system will reduce fatigue when you carry the hydration pack for extended periods. Foam back panels help distribute the weight so you won’t feel drained. Look for wider and padded shoulder straps that won’t cause pain.
Good hydration packs usually feature mesh fabric on the back because it increases the airflow and improves ventilation so you won’t get soaked after carrying the hydration pack for an extended period. Bigger people who get hot easily find this extremely helpful.
Wrap Up
As a bigger person who is also an outdoor enthusiast, you definitely want a good hydration pack that fits well, is easy to use and lasts for long.
I recommend theOsprey Packs Manta AG 36 Hydration Pack as an excellent hydration pack for big guys. It’s made of high-quality materials and provides enough storage to attach outdoor gear and carry your essentials for longer outdoor adventures.
If this is beyond your budget limit, then I recommend theMubasel Gear Insulated Hydration Backpack Pack with 2L BPA Free Bladder. With a convenient overall capacity, this affordable option is a great choice for people who want to spend more time away from home.
With this information, you’ll be able to take the right decision and choose the best hydration pack for your outdoor quests. It’s time to let your enthusiasm take over.
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