8 Best Hydration Packs for Women in 2023

Maybe you’re just getting into hiking, an occasional hiker, or you put in for every famously hard-to-get hiking permit there is. 

Whichever applies to you, there’s no question that high-quality hydration packs for women make a world of difference. Just like having sturdy camping gear or the right hiking leggings or boots, a proper pack will make you physically more prepared on the trail. 

A well-fitting hydration backpack holds all your hiking essentials, offers plenty of lumbar support, and keeps you comfortable all day so you can very literally go the distance. It also happens to make one of the best outdoorsy gifts!

But how do you go about actually finding the best hydration packs for hiking, much less for women? There are a dizzying number of options available, from budget and minimalist to big bucks and feature-loaded.

With the help of a few other female outdoor enthusiasts, I’ve done the legwork for you. Together, we reviewed eight of the very best hydration packs for women out there. 

In order to include a hydration pack on the list, we considered adjustability, durability, water capacity, storage functionality (i.e., pockets!), and standout features.

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Why Should You Buy Hydration Packs for Women Specifically?

Can you carry a unisex hydration pack or one designed for men? Of course! 

But generally speaking, women-specific packs are cut higher and narrower across the shoulders, have more adjustment options, and are a bit lighter weight. 

They’re also typically shorter in length, to accommodate women’s (often shorter) torsos. Essentially, the idea is that the best women’s hydration packs are more comfortable for women to carry.

Having said that, men can just as easily carry hydration packs for women. Yes, women’s packs are marketed specifically to women, but men who are on the shorter side or just have a shorter torso may actually prefer carrying a women’s hydration pack for hiking.

Best Hydration Packs for Women

Maybe you’re looking for something light to take on quick hikes in your area. Or perhaps you’re road tripping through several national parks and you’ll be hiking hundreds of miles. Either way, having one of the best hydration packs for hiking is essential.

1. CamelBak Classic Hydration Pack

Recommended by Antoine and Marielle from Offbeat EscapadesThe CamelBak Classic is one of the best hydration packs for hiking. Many people also consider it the best hydration pack for mountain biking. While it’s not specifically a women’s hiking backpack, it’s nice and light with a very low profile.

True to its name, the CamelBak Classic has a clean, minimalist look featuring a simple and sleek design. It’s also one of the most affordable hydration packs out there with a 2.5-liter (85-ounce) liquid capacity.

Considered the OG of minimalist packs, the CamelBak Classic is ideal for both hiking and biking due to its light weight, almost feeling like a second skin. If you count how much weight you carry on your back, the CamelBak Classic is an excellent choice.

The hydration bladder is super easy to fill thanks to its ergonomic handle. Simply hold the opening under the faucet, and the shoehorn-shaped handle ensures that nothing spills during the process.

Another great feature of the CamelBak Classic is the practical switch on the big bite valve. When hiking, you simply have to flip it open, take a quick sip, then close it when not in use.

Fave feature: The CamelBak Classic hydration pack is insulated, so water stays cold — perfect for summer hikes!

Minor complaint: Since it’s so compact, there’s not much room for anything but your water bladder. Aside from a few essentials, you can’t put many items in this hydration backpack.

2. CamelBak L.U.X.E. Hydration Pack for Women

I’ve carried the L.U.X.E., the women-specific version of the wildly popular CamelBak M.U.L.E., for several years. 

It’s technically considered the best hydration pack for mountain biking, so it’s low-profile (i.e., on the small side compared to some other women’s hydration packs), but it’s my favorite for shorter hikes and outings.

To give you an idea, I’ve taken it hiking in White Sands and on some of the easier trails in Yosemite. 

The CamelBak L.U.X.E. is, in my humble opinion, one of the best hydration packs for women because it’s lightweight, yet has a surprisingly generous 3-liter water capacity. It comes with a 3-liter CamelBak Crux reservoir with Quicklink, which is easy to drink from and truly leak-proof.

Inside, this CamelBak women’s hydration pack has a padded water bladder compartment, as well as several well-thought-out storage pockets. 

Pro tip: You can fill the CamelBak Crux reservoir without removing it from the pack!

There’s also a removable hip belt, a very handy stretchy front stash pocket (perfect for stuffing a just-in-case layering piece, like a light hiking jacket), and quite a bit more storage than you’d expect in a pack this size.

Fave feature: This CamelBak women’s hydration pack is durable. I’ve used mine heavily for several years, and it still looks new-ish with not so much as a single loose thread.

Minor complaint: The hip belt is so thin that it’s essentially useless for hiking. To be fair, the belt is intended to secure the pack down when you’re on a bike, not offer additional support for long hikes.

3. Camelbak Sequoia 24 Women’s Hydration Pack

The CamelBak Sequoia 24 is substantially larger and much lesser-known than the other CamelBak hiking packs on this list, but it deserves some serious consideration.

In fact, Outdoor GearLab has awarded the Sequoia 24 an Editors’ Choice pick for best hydration backpack for hiking twice.

Like the CamelBak L.U.X.E., the Sequoia 24 has a large 3-liter water capacity. However, this hydration pack for women holds more than three times the cargo volume.

The unique dual-wing hip belt transfers most of the weight to the hips and legs, making it easy and comfortable (seriously, so comfortable!) to carry the pack all day, even fully-loaded.

This is me wearing it while hiking Half Dome on a super hot, 19-plus-miles September day!

The sheer number of pockets makes it easy to stuff this CamelBak women’s hydration pack full. If you’re anything like me, that’s a good problem to have — I personally can’t ever have enough pockets.

In addition to an abundance of storage, the Sequoia 24 has a trekking pole attachment, an integrated daisy chain with loops, and includes a CamelBak CRUX reservoir.

Fave feature: The hip belt is insanely comfortable and has pockets large enough for most smartphones.

Minor complaint: The Sequoia 24 only comes in one size, so you may struggle to get a perfect fit if you’re on either the short or tall sides. However, the innovative hip belt is infinitely adjustable and that really does help.

4. Gregory Juno 24 Hydration Pack for Women

Gregory makes some fantastic (and in my opinion, underrated) hiking packs and the Juno 24 is no different.

It’s durable and highly functional, but the company has also mastered the art of thoughtful features you never knew you needed. Juno’s Quickstow system for sunglasses and the integrated safety whistle on the sternum strap come to mind. It’s the little things.

The Gregory Juno 24 is one of the best hydration packs for women, lightweight but packing a ton of features. See what I did there?

It has a dedicated “hydration sleeve” to hold a water bladder, zippered hip belt pockets, deep stretch mesh pockets at the front and sides, and a trekking pole attachment with a clever bungee closure.

Did I mention pockets? This Gregory hydration pack has tons, including an easy-access top zippered pocket and an inner zippered mesh security pocket. So many hydration packs for hiking (confusingly) lack internal pockets!

In terms of wearability, the Gregory Juno 24 is extremely comfortable. The entire back panel, shoulder harness, and waistbelt have flexible foam and Vaporspan ventilation technology. There’s also a great deal of adjustability in the suspension.

Fave feature: All the pockets really are handy. Being able to pack little extras like favorite snacks or headphones can make a world of difference in getting through those last few miles.

Minor complaint: The Juno 24 inexplicably doesn’t include a water reservoir. At this price point, it certainly should.

5. Gregory Swift 16 Women’s Hydration Pack

The Gregory Swift 16 women’s hydration pack is a relative newcomer but has quickly become one of my go-to’s for day hikes.

Quick note: Gregory used to have a full lineup of tried-and-true Swift packs, including the 20, 25, and 30. However, in 2023, they streamlined the collection down to just the Swift 16 and Swift 22.

This Gregory hydration pack provides an excellent lightweight option without skimping on features.

For starters, the Swift 16 comes with a 2-liter Gregory 3D Hydro Reservoir, which is arguably one of the best hydration bladders available, period. It’s truly genius; it has a built-in wall for structure and an integrated quick-dry hanger.

Still not convinced the Gregory Swift 16 is one of the best hydration packs for hiking?

It weighs just a tad over one pound, has a dedicated zippered pocket for a water bladder, a removable hip belt, plenty of pockets, and a magnetic bite valve that’s surprisingly strong. It’s also adjustable in several places for a custom fit.

Fave feature: The fact that it comes with the Gregory 3D Hydro Reservoir. Seriously, I love this bladder so much I use it in non-Gregory hydration packs for women.

Minor complaint: This Gregory hydration pack has no hip support, which is problematic when it’s loaded up and on longer hikes.

6. Nathan TrailMix Women’s Hydration Vest/Backpack

Recommended by Samantha from PA on Pause

If you’re looking specifically for the best hydration packs for women, check out the Nathan TrailMix Running Running Vest and Hydration Pack.

The hybrid vest-backpack has a fit specific to the female body type and is fully adjustable with a front closure strap that hits in just the right place, unlike the awkward men’s counterparts.

Its hydration mechanism also includes a bite valve that never leaks, so you won’t unknowingly lose any precious water.

The hydration pack’s main compartment is large enough to fit a full 2-liter bladder, some snacks, an extra layer such as a light rain jacket, first aid supplies, and more — anything you may need for a day exploring.

A key clip sits at the top of the main compartment so you’ll never have to dig around at the end of your hike or worry about losing your keys. Two small front pockets are ideal for easy access to snacks, an extra water bottle, or your phone or small camera.

Best of all, the Nathan TrailMix is lightweight but very durable. Because of this, it also makes a strong case for the best hydration pack for mountain biking.

Fave feature: The countless ways to adjust the fit of the pack. It’s customizable for most figures and enables a fit with no movement, which equals no chafing. No chafing = a happy hiker.

Minor complaint: The water bladder mimics a Ziploc bag. It hasn’t leaked, but is difficult to clean.

7. Osprey Hydration Pack for Women — Mira 22

Recommended by Debbie from World Adventurists

The Osprey Mira 22 hydration pack for women is a fantastic option for longer day hikes or even overnight trips where you don’t need to pack many extras.

With a 2.5-liter water reservoir, you won’t ever have to worry about getting thirsty on your adventure with this Osprey hydration pack.

The sternum strap even has an integrated magnet for attaching the bite valve. Your gear will also stay dry even in sudden storms, because the Mira 22 has an integrated rain cover.

The Mira 22 Osprey hydration pack makes it effortless to carry the weight of camera gear, food, water, and more.

There’s stretchy mesh on the sides (easily accessible without removing the pack), plus a great number of pockets including zippered ones right at the hips and inside, and other clever storage pockets throughout.

Note that this Osprey hydration pack is available in two sizes: the Mira 22 and the Mira 32. The Osprey Mira 32 is another excellent option for the best hydration packs for hiking, as it has identical features to the Mira 22 but comes with additional pockets and larger storage capacity.

Fave Feature: The anti-gravity suspension. It offers great ventilation and transfers the weight of the Osprey hydration pack off the shoulders and to the hip belt. It also has a perfect amount of storage pockets.

Minor Complaint: The magnet on the chest strap that’s supposed to hold the bite valve is a bit weak.

8. Osprey Skimmer 20 Women’s Hydration Pack

Recommended by Sarah from Roadmaps and Restaurants 

The Osprey Skimmer 20 is one of the best hydration packs for women. It’s lightweight, has comfortable straps, and is designed specifically for women’s anatomy.

This Osprey hydration pack is great for both quick hikes and all-day adventures.

The Skimmer 20 has a designated hydration bladder compartment and includes a 2.5-liter Osprey Hydraulics LT reservoir. 2.5 liters is a great amount for ensuring you have enough water for a variety of trails, making this a strong contender for the best hydration backpack for hiking.

In addition to the main compartment, the Osprey Skimmer 20 includes a smaller zippered compartment that’s great for storing a phone, headlamp, ID or other smaller items.

The pack also includes a trekking pole attachment so you can easily attach your poles to the front.  This particular Osprey hydration pack has plenty of room for additional beverages, snacks, and extra layers that you may need on your hike.

Osprey does also make two additional sizes of this popular women’s hydration pack, a Skimmer 28 and a Skimmer 16.

Fave Feature: The ventilated back panel is great for staying cool while hiking in warm weather!

Minor Complaint:  The interior is only accessible via a rucksack-style opening on the top of the pack, so you may have to dig for smaller items that fall to the bottom.