Best Kids Hydration Packs of 2023

What We Like

Keeps Water Cool

The water inside the hydration pack will inevitably become too warm on a hot day. Kuyou beats this by including insulation. The reservoir sits in a separate pocket where you can add ice cubes if needed without damaging the backpack.

Thanks to the insulated reservoir, Kuyou claims the pack can keep your water cold for up to four hours. That’s plenty of time for a hike with kids.

Comfortable Materials

The Kuyou hydration pack is made of waterproof polyester fiber fabric. It’s incredibly durable and wear-resistant, ideal as a backpack for kids.

The waterproof exterior allows your child to hike through any weather without worrying about spoiling the bag’s contents. There is air mesh at the back and on the shoulder straps, providing some ventilation.

Outstanding Reservoir Included

Included with the hydration pack is a 70.54-ounce (2-liter) reservoir. It’s constructed of high-quality BPA-free TPU material, ensuring odorless, taste-free water, and it’s FDA-approved.

It has a large top opening, making it easy to clean or add ice cubes if needed. Additionally, there’s a 135-degree rotatable mouthpiece and an easy-to-use shut-off valve to adjust the flow.

What We Like

The Cruz Reservoir

The Cruz reservoir has received rave reviews from parents and children. It’s designed to allow for stronger water flow, delivering 20% more fluid than a conventional reservoir with each sip.

Children also love it because of how easy it is to use. Instead of a bite valve, it has an on/off controller, which also prevents bite damage. The leak-proof valve is ergonomically designed and effortless to refill.

Full-Featured Pack, Kid-Friendly Size

CamelBak ensured the Scout was child-friendly in terms of proportions. It’s suitable for children with long or short torsos and is comfortable to wear.

You can quickly adjust the straps to suit your growing child. There’s a chest strap to ensure the pack stays level on the back without bouncing.

Built-In Reflectors and Whistle

If you’re ever planning on walking when daylight is low or after dark, the bag must include reflectors. Reflectors don’t provide light, but if you get separated, the backpack will be visible if light touches it, helping you spot your child.

There’s also a safety whistle in case your little one gets lost. You can locate them in no time, giving you some peace of mind when out on the trail.

Ample Room

The reservoir sits in a separate pocket at the back of the pack, so there’s ample room for other gear. Your little hiker or biker can pack snacks, extra clothes, notebooks, and pencils without having to ask you for help.

There are mesh pockets on each side for small extras like an additional water bottle or juice box.

What We Like

Plenty of Room

There’s room for all your child’s gear. Thanks to the external reservoir sleeve, the hydration pack works as a standard backpack. Behind the sleeve sits the main pocket, where there’s room for almost anything.

Inside the main pocket is an additional mesh compartment for small essentials your child needs handy. To the sides are stretchy pockets for extra water bottles, a toy, or snacks. Then on the shoulder strap sits the last pocket, designed to hold a phone.

Refilling Made Easy

With any kid, you always want something quick and easy. Osprey kept that in mind when designing this hydration pack. The bladder is a breeze to change, refill, or empty if needed.

It sits in an external reservoir sleeve, allowing for quick access, regardless of how full the pack is. Older kids can easily do this themselves.

Excellent Material

Osprey used mesh material across the back of the pack (the part closest to your child’s back). As your child walks, cool air will ventilate, keeping their body from overheating. The frame has twin-welded chevron baffles that stabilize the water and maintain a flat profile.

Included Hydration Pack

Your child gets Osprey’s Hydraulics LT reservoir with this backpack, capable of holding 53 ounces. It’s a high-quality reservoir that features a slide seal at the top, making it easy to remove when you need to refill or clean the pack.

It includes a bite valve with a magnetic clip, attaching the hose to the strap for better management and access.

What We Like

High Flow Bite-Valve

To drink your tasty fresh water, just turn the Easy-Twist valve 90 degrees, and your water will come up. The water flows fast and doesn’t leak. You can even lock it so it doesn’t drip when you’re not using it. That’s why this backpack is so perfect for a range of adventures!

Lastly, there is a wide top fill making it easy to add ice and water.

Multiple Storage

Water isn’t the only thing you can store in this backpack! The hydration pack has many pockets for all the essentials. There is the main storage pocket, a separate pack for the bladder, and then the quick-access pocket at the front. All the pockets are spacious without being bulky.

Light as a Feather

Maybe not quite as light as a feather, but you know what we mean! At only 14 ounces, this hydration pack is super comfortable to wear all day. It’s ergonomically fitted to suit your body, easy to adjust, and has been made to fit most body sizes.

What We Like

Lightweight

The Neboic hydration packs are light and slim. They’re made for activities such as biking, running, or hiking. While on the back, they feel stable and light. The hip and adjustable shoulder straps prevent bouncing.

They’re designed to be a perfect fit for kids from age 9 up to adults.

Comfy Fabric

Neboic is all about comfort, and this backpack features breathable material all around. It allows for airflow, keeping your child cool during activities. It’s also quick to dry, so sweat won’t be an issue.

Easy Refills

The drink tube included with the backpack can quickly disconnect from the main reservoir. Your child can refill without too much hassle, and the tube will remain in its spot while refilling takes place.

The tube disconnects by pressing a button; then, you pull the reservoir out of the backpack to refill. Replace the bladder, and reconnect the tube.

What We Like

An Emphasis on Sanitation

The drinking valve on this backpack is outstanding — it’s easy to use, resembling a water bottle. It unlocks by pulling outward; then, you push it back to lock it. The mouthpiece is soft, and the user can bite it to drink once it’s unlocked.

KBNI included a dust cap for the mouthpiece to keep it clean and covered while not in use.

Food Grade Reservoir

With an FDA-approved BPA-free EVA reservoir, you can ease your mind that your kids won’t consume anything harmful.

The bladder can carry 70.54 ounces (2 liters) worth of water, plenty for the average hike.

It’s effortless to refill thanks to the extra-large screw cap, measuring 2.7 inches in diameter. You can insert ice cubes to keep liquid cooler for longer, and it’s easy to keep clean.

Great Fabric

KBNI is a favorite brand among hikers because its backpacks are durable, and this one is no exception. It’s made of waterproof, scratch-resistant nylon, which will remain fresh-looking for years to come.

All your child’s gear will remain safe, regardless of the weather. Even the buckles are sturdy and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.

What We Like

Light Material

For the Mini MULE, CamelBak used ultralight materials to create a comfy backpack for young and old users. The back panel consists of breathable air mesh, allowing the wearer to use it even during long, hot days.

The light materials also allow young children — even toddlers — to wear the pack.

Extra Storage Compartments

Although the Mini MULE doesn’t have as much onboard storage as the Scout, it still has plenty for young users. They get a large pocket for an extra layer or a rain cover in case the weather should turn.

Reflectors and Whistle

The backpack features reflective accents all around to ensure your little one is seen while out and about. If needed, there’s also a whistle on the chest strap. Your child can use it if they get lost or during emergencies.

Excellent Reservoir Valve

The Cruz reservoir is a favorite among users. It’s efficient, providing up to 20% more water per sip than other valves. It features an ergonomic handle for refilling and a lever to prevent leaks.