7 Hydration Packs That Transformed Our Outdoor Workouts—Here’s What the Gear Editors Won’t Tell You!

Ever wonder why your hydration pack just can’t keep up when the heat is on and you’re miles deep into the trail? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly why this gem caught my eye—and honestly, blew me away during testing. Picture a hydration setup that doesn’t just promise ice-cold sips but actually delivers, right up until the last drop. We’re talking about a revolutionary hose and valve system paired with a sleek, snug fit that feels like an extension of your own skin—light enough to forget but loaded with enough tech to make a NASA engineer proud. Sure, it’s a tad heavier than your average pack, but the comfort and cold water retention for a solid 24 hours make every extra ounce worth it. From rugged Joshua Tree hikes to jam-packed music festivals, this pack is rewriting the rules on outdoor refreshment—and I can’t help but be impressed. Ready to see why this one earned its spot in the Men’s Health 2025 Outdoor Awards? LEARN MORE

This one blew us away in testing, so much so that it made the grade for the Men’s Health 2025 Outdoor Awards. What’s to like? A lot, turns out. A one-of-a-kind hose and valve system ensures that sips are nice and chilly, even when you’re nearing the end of your supply. That kind of refreshment, plus the fit of this pack, make it next-level.

While perhaps a little heftier than other packs, we could hardly tell during testing as the straps and support created a second skin-like wear. That made it great for any kind of outing, from hikes in Joshua Tree to full days at a music festival. Your water truly stays cold for up to 24 hours, something a lot of packs just can’t pull off.

Now, it addition to looking good, the pack offers some serious tech. That 40-ounce hydration system comes with a stainless steel vessel fit with a mouth wide enough for ice. It also comes with a special straw to keep plastic from hanging out in your water supply all day. No leaks, kink-free delivery, and coldness every time by way of a fantastic drinking valve.

Read More: 2025 Outdoor Awards