Water Bottles & Hydration Backpacks

Potable water is without a doubt the most important thing you’ll take on your hiking adventures. No matter how fit or tough you are, you won’t get more than a few miles into the backcountry without hydration. And unless your chosen route follows a crystal-clear glacial-melt stream the whole way, you’ll need some way to carry that water. 

Keep reading to check out all the ways SunnySports will keep you hydrated on the trail. We’ve got much more than just canteens.

Keep it simple with water bottles for hiking

A water bottle may seem like the most simple and basic part of your outdoor arsenal, but there are still a few things to keep in mind. If you go for a plastic bottle, make sure it’s BPA-free to avoid nasty chemicals that have been linked to some cancers. Although different pop-top features allow for quicker access, the more ways a bottle can open, the more ways it can leak in your pack.

Insulated metal bottles like those by Hydro Flask weigh about the same as comparable plastic models, but they’re more durable. They’re also less likely to pass on flavors from previous contents. That’s a plus for backpackers who may use water bottles to mix meals in the evening.

Whether you choose plastic or metal, it’s a good idea to own a variety of sizes of water bottles for hiking. A quick 3-mile jog may only require a 20 oz bottle, while all-day adventures will call for two or three 32 oz bottles.

Hydration systems: self-contained hiking water packs

Many outdoor athletes who need hands-free, low-profile ways of drinking prefer hydration systems. These are lightweight bladders equipped with mouth tubes so you can just suck down a little water on demand without stopping. Most trail runners, endurance racers, and mountain bikers prefer hydration systems over water bottles.

Hydration systems are a bit more of an investment, not only for the bladders themselves, but for the small backpacks that carry them. These hiking water packs usually feature a large pocket for the bladder, and smaller pouches for keys, snacks, and other essentials. Many larger hiking packs also come with hydration system pouches, meaning you can use your bladder with multiple different packs. CamelBak is one of the original innovators of hydration systems, and the company offers a huge variety of bladders and packs.