A hydration pack or drink bag is a type of

hydration system A hydration system is an apparatus used in recreation and other sustained outdoor activities. It is intended to help its user carry liquid, to support the physical effort involved in the activity, without the need to use one's hands or take off t ...

built as a

backpack A backpack—also called knapsack, schoolbag, rucksack, rucksac, pack, sackpack, booksack, bookbag or backsack—is, in its simplest frameless form, a fabric sack carried on one's back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders ...

or waistpack containing a reservoir or "bladder" commonly made of

rubber Rubber, also called India rubber, latex, Amazonian rubber, ''caucho'', or ''caoutchouc'', as initially produced, consists of polymers of the organic compound isoprene, with minor impurities of other organic compounds. Thailand, Malaysia, an ...

or flexible

plastic Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be moulded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes. This adaptab ...

. The reservoir contains a capped mouth for filling with liquid and a hose that allows the wearer to drink hands-free. Most hoses end with a "bite valve" that opens when the user bites down on it; the valve may be protected by a dust cover. Some hydration packs are insulated to keep water from freezing or becoming warm.

Uses

The volume of the reservoir and the pack carrying it can vary widely depending on the purpose of the hydration pack. Some packs are extremely small and minimalist, designed to add as little weight as possible and remain secure while running or cycling, while others are more suited for backpacking and extended hikes, equipped with much larger bladders. However, as water weighs , it is impractical to carry more than a few liters in most situations; typical reservoirs are between 1-3 L even for very large backpacks. Besides hydration, water reservoirs may be used for washing dishes or equipment, or for showering. Pressurized hydration bladders are used in some cases to provide a stream powerful enough to effectively wash with, or the bladder may be suspended from a high place such as a tree branch to employ gravity in generating water pressure. Camel back

Hydration packs are commonly used for outdoor recreational activities, such as

hiking Hiking is a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside. Walking for pleasure developed in Europe during the eighteenth century.AMATO, JOSEPH A. "Mind over Foot: Romantic Walking and Rambling." In ''On Foot: A Histor ...

bicycling Cycling, also, when on a two-wheeled bicycle, called bicycling or biking, is the use of cycles for transport, recreation, exercise or sport. People engaged in cycling are referred to as "cyclists", "bicyclists", or "bikers". Apart from two ...

, and kayaking, as well as for military maneuvers. Most field backpacks designed for backcountry or military use include accommodations for a user-supplied hydration bladder. Due to hydration packs being airtight, they are widely used in CBRN protective situations with full face respirators allowing full mobility and fluid/nutrients supply—unlike canteens which must be held upside down. Additionally, there are acid- and chemical-resistant versions made for military and police use, such as the ''Camelbak Chem-Bio'' Camelbak Chem-Bio Hydration Reservoir System

Camelbak Chem-Bio Hydration Reservoir System

Gallery

Avon style CBRN Respirator Hydration Adapters by CamelBak

References

Bags Hiking equipment Camping equipment Military personal equipment Drinkware {{Sport-equipment-stub

Uses

Gallery

See also

References