Serious walkers who cover great distances or walk in high heat and humidity so discover the need for constant hydration on the go. While those who only log a few miles at a time can do with a water bottle or two stuck into a pouch or bag, the distance and power walkers soon realize that this is insufficient. The bottles get empty and sources to refill them may be miles apart. The solution is to find a better way to carry a hydration source.
A wide variety of hydro-packs are now on the market. Unlike years past where you had to go to a sports specialty store or order these products from little-known catalogs, hydro-packs are available even in most discount and department stores. With so many choices, it becomes important to be a selective buyer.
A good place to begin your education is sites that specialize in these products like Ebags.com
. These sites offer products for sale, but more importantly to the novice, they also have reviews and articles written on the products to better inform the consumer.
You need to sit down and determine how much water per hour you will need for the hiking that you are planning. Going up hill will require more water than going down hill.
Temperatures above 90 degrees will force you to drink much more often. If the trip will be at a higher pace, add more water to your needs. Also, remember that water has weight too. This means a full hydro-pack will require additional exertion to carry it. If you go too large, the pack itself could be more of a problem than help unless you are taking a pack animal with you.
Look for light weight packs. Some only weigh 2 or 3 pounds empty. This means more water for you. Water weighs about 7 pounds per gallon. So, if you can save 3 or 4 pounds of bag weight, it means another 1/2 gallon or so of capacity can be available.
You need a bag with some zippered compartments. You will have things to carry, like your lunch, keys, sunscreen, etc. Anything that can go in the pack means the ability to wear lighter clothing. Most weight is easier carried on the back than anywhere else on the body. Do not overdo the compartment thing. Remember, the idea is to carry water.
Look for maximum tank capacity in the smallest possible bag. You want your hydro-pack to be able to rest between your shoulders. It should feel like a small back pack not a refrigerator when it is in place. Make sure it has wide padded straps for your shoulders. This will keep you far more comfortable.
Find a pack with air-cooled underside. These packs have a layer of special material to allow air to flow between the pack and your body. This will keep you much cooler than just having a pack blocking the evaporation of your perspiration.
Finally, look at the supply tubes. Many of these are quite similar. Small differences can make a big difference to you. The fitting that you sip from needs to be comfortable for your lips and mouth. Be certain that the tubing is long enough to reach around your body so you can drink on the go. Not all bodies are made the same. Test this out before buying. If you want to order online, go to a store first and try several types and lengths so that you know what you are buying will work.
