Hydration is a critical consideration for any athlete, including snowboarders. You aren’t going to be able to ride to the best of your abilities if you don’t have enough water in your system. A hydration pack is an easy way to solve this problem on the mountain.
I’ve used many different hydration packs over the dozens of seasons I’ve spent in the snow. I know what to look for in a quality option that will work well for snowboarders.
The CamelBak Zoid Ski is my pick for the best hydration pack for snowboarding. This pack has a 70-ounce capacity, so you can bring enough water with you to quench your thirst. It also has a comfortable fit that won’t bounce around as you snowboard.
In this post, I’ll show you a handful of the other best hydration packs on the market. All of these come highly recommended, and each of them provides you with slightly different performance attributes.
Let’s fill up those bladders and get going.
Contents
Top Hydration Packs for Snowboarding
Here are my top picks for the best hydration pack for snowboarding. All of these options will give you the ability to carry water with you when you ride easily.
1. CamelBak Zoid Ski
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Lightweight, comfortable, secure fit, essential pockets, ergonomic handle, solid capacity
- Capacity: 2L/70 fl oz
- Weight: 10 oz
- Cost: $$$
The CamelBak Zoid Ski is my pick for the best overall hydration pack for snowboarding. This is a highly effective option that works well for all types of snowboarders, even though it has “ski” in the model name.
The Zoid is a super comfortable and lightweight hydration pack. It’s easy to carry with you as you ride and won’t weigh you down or limit what you can do on the mountain. Weighing in at only 10 oz (without water), it’s one of the lighter options on the list.
The pack also gives you ample water carrying capacity of around 70-ounces. This is plenty of water for most people to stay hydrated and is a good option for resort riding. It’s not too large but will allow you to get a drink whenever you are thirsty.
It also comes equipped with an ergonomic handle that makes refilling the reservoir very easy. You can hold up the pack and open up the refill hole without taking the bladder out of the bag. That makes it very easy to fill up when you are riding.
The Zoid has an insulated Therminator harness that prevents the tube from freezing by keeping it stuffed into the shoulder strap. This will allow the water to flow freely at all times, even if you are riding in very cold conditions.
It doesn’t have much room for carrying extra gear or equipment and only comes with small pockets.
==> You can also get it at Camelbak or Sun & Ski Sports or Swinnerton Cycles.
2. CamelBak Powder Hound 12
- Best for: Large Capacity
- Key features: Large water capacity, room for extra gear, comfortable, durable, secure fit, insulated Therminator harness
- Capacity: 3L/100 fl oz
- Weight: 1 lb, 8 oz
- Cost: $$$$
If you want to carry enough water for your entire day on the mountain, the CamelBak Powder Hound 12 is a recommended option. Just as its name implies, this is an excellent choice for powder hunters.
It has a large 3L capacity that gives you enough water to stay hydrated throughout a hard-charging day at the resort or in the backcountry. It also has a 9L capacity for storing other essential items you might want to bring with you when you ride.
The Powder Hound also comes with a snowshoed back panel that helps repel snow and prevent it from sticking to your back. This goes a long way towards keeping you more warm and comfortable in challenging conditions.
A Therminator harness prevents the drinking tube from freezing by keeping it well-insulated inside the shoulder strap. An insulated tube is a must for any high-quality hydration pack.
Additional features include an adjustable sternum strap that allows you to dial in the perfect fit and a diagonal carry strap to attach your snowboard to if you are hiking in the backcountry.
The Powder Hunter is an expensive option but worth it if you want extra water and extra space.
==> You can also get it at Camelbak or Swinnerton Cycles or Public Lands.
3. InnerFit Hydration Backpack
- Best for: Fit
- Key features: Very comfortable and secure fit, ripstop construction, insulated pouch and tube, breathable mesh padding, extra pockets
- Capacity: 1.8L
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Cost: $
The InnerFit Hydration Backpack is one of the best fittings packs around. It has three different adjustable straps that let you dial in the perfect fit and several other features that make it extremely comfortable to ride with.
A breathable mesh padding gives you lasting comfort, even when riding hard for the entire day. This helps reduce moisture and sweat from building up while also reducing the stress on your back and shoulders.
It has a snug fit that sits naturally around the curve of your back. It will stay in place when you ride and won’t throw off your balance.
The pack comes with a 1.8L capacity to give you a good amount of water storage on the hydration side of things. It also has an insulated pouch and tube to ensure your water won’t freeze when the temperatures get low.
ADurablee ripstop construction adds value by making it a very strong and long-lasting item. Plenty of pockets allow you to store additional items if you want to. The fit is the main attraction, but it also has a lot of extra features as well.
It doesn’t have the largest water capacity, so you might need to fill up a time or two during the day.
==> You can also get it on Wantitall.
4. Teton Sports TrailRunner 2.0
- Best for: Low Profile
- Key features: Lightweight, comfortable, secure fit, adjustable fit, mesh-covered shoulder straps, one large pocket
- Capacity: 2L/70 oz
- Weight: .9 lbs
- Cost: $$
The Teton Sports TrailRunner 2.0 is the best low-profile hydration pack. Weighing in at under a pound, this is a lightweight option that will deliver a lot of comfort while still providing you with plenty of water.
The TrailRunner comes with a 2-liter capacity, which is pretty impressive for such a small pack. It also comes with a kink-free tube and push-lock bite valve.
The pack has adjustable straps to make it compatible with just about any body size. This provides you with good versatility and a reliable fit. It also has mesh-covered shoulder straps that give you padding and comfort.
A strong and durable construction adds value because this pack can handle all of the harsh conditions you’ll see when you snowboard.
It also has a small pocket to let you carry a few extra items like your keys, wallet, or phone.
The TrailRunner doesn’t have an insulated tube, so it isn’t the best option to use when the weather is really cold because it could freeze.
==> You can also get it at Camping World or Walmart.
5. Water Buffalo Hydration Pack
- Best for: Budget Pick
- Key features: Affordable, comfortable, ventilated shoulder straps, good storage, durable construction
- Capacity: 2L/70 oz
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Cost: $
A solid budget pick that will hold up well while you snowboard is the Water Buffalo Hydration Pack. This is a well-constructed pack with a good design, and the affordable price makes it all the more enticing.
This pack comes with a 2L bladder to keep you hydrated when you are bouncing around the resort. It’s insulated to prevent freezing or to keep your water cool if you use the pack during the warmer months.
Durable ripstop construction makes the pack very strong and adds value by increasing the usable lifespan of the item. Sometimes you sacrifice durability for a cheaper price, but that doesn’t happen here.
It’s also lightweight and comfortable, so you can easily wear the pack all day long without sore shoulders or worrying about chaffing. An ergonomic fit quickly shapes around your back to prevent slipping and sliding, as well.
The pack also comes with a few pockets to store extra gear, food, or clothing items. A bungee webbing makes it easy to shed a layer and keep carrying it if needed.
This isn’t the most waterproof pack on the list, and you risk getting the inside wet if you are in heavy snow.
==> You can also get it at Walmart.
6. Dakine Heli 12L
- Best for: Hydration Compatible Backpack
- Key features: Great fit, hydration compatible, plenty of storage room,
- Capacity: Bladder not included
- Weight: 770 g
- Cost: $$$
If you want a regular backpack for snowboarding that is hydration compatible, it’s hard to beat the Dakine Heli Pro 12L. This is a well-designed pack that will give you the ability to bring extra gear, in addition to all the water you want along for the ride.
It’s constructed of a solid and durable 600D recycled polyester with a water repellent finish. This gives you lasting durability and will keep everything inside of the pack reliably dry.
The Heli is a good option for anyone who likes to ride in the backcountry because it has a main compartment with snow tool sleeves, and you can easily strap a shovel to the outside.
It has a hydration sleeve that will accommodate water bladders of many sizes. It also has a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket so you can keep your goggles or shades safe and secure.
The Heli doesn’t come with a water bladder, and you’ll have to purchase that separately to turn it into a hydration pack.
==> You can also get it on Backcountry or The Mountain Edge or Evo.
What to Look for in a Hydration Pack for Snowboarding
There are a few key things to keep in mind when looking for a good hydration pack for snowboarding.
Fit
The fit of a hydration pack is important to consider. You want an option that will sit securely against your back and not slip or slide around when you ride. If it’s too loose or poor fitting, it can quickly throw you off balance.
All of the options you’ll find here have a fit that will work for snowboarders. However, if you look at a different pack, make sure that it has a chest strap and waist strap to ensure it will stay put during all the movent that will happen as you ride.
Capacity
Hydration packs come in different capacities. This is the amount of water you can fill the bladder up and take with you when you ride. A lower capacity is lighter but is less water. Higher capacity gives you more water but is heavier.
I would suggest having at least a 2L or 70-ounce capacity. This gives you enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day without weighing you down too much. I actually prefer a 3L size because I love my water!
Insulation
You don’t want your water to freeze when you are out in the cold. An insulated water tube is crucial with this in mind. If your water tube freezes up, you won’t be able to pull any water out of it, and your pack becomes useless until it thaws out.
Make sure the pack you choose has some material covering the water tube that goes from the bladder to the drinking nipple. It doesn’t really matter what type of material this is, but bare plastic has the chance to freeze and should be avoided.
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to some questions relating to hydration packs for snowboarding.
Should I bring a CamelBak snowboarding?
I think it’s always a good idea to bring extra water with you when you ride, and a CamelBak is a great way to make this happen. You can choose other brands, but CamelBak makes some of the best hydration packs on the market.
How do you carry water while snowboarding?
A hydration pack is one of the easiest ways to carry water while snowboarding. It’s basically a backpack full of water. You wear it on your back and secure it down tight so it won’t move around. You could also carry a small water bottle, but that is not as convenient.
Why do snowboarders wear backpacks?
Snowboarders wear backpacks to carry things. Usually, this includes water and food, alongside snow safety equipment or extra cold-weather clothing. Carrying a backpack can allow you to stay prepared for anything that comes your way on the mountain.
Are hydration packs worth it?
I think hydration packs are definitely worth it. They are much more convenient to use than carrying a water bottle, and you won’t have to go inside to the lodge every time you are thirsty. If you ride in the backcountry, they are almost essential.
My Verdict
The CamelBak Zoid Ski is my pick for the best hydration pack for snowboarding. It’s a comfortable, high-quality option that will stay securely in place when you ride. I also really like the fit of this one and think it works well for riders of all shapes and sizes.
It’s crucial to stay hydrated when you are snowboarding. The high elevations and cold conditions can take a toll on your body, and you want to give it the best chance for success. All of the packs you’ll find here give you a highly effective way to carry water when you ride.
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