The Best Kids Hydration Pack

Keeping our kids active, playful, and enjoying life is part of the job description of parenthood, but it’s also up to us to make sure they’re staying healthy and safe while they’re getting their heart rates up.

This means drinking plenty of H2O, though you may discover that convincing your sweaty, overheated kiddo to trade the hockey stick for a water bottle might be a hard sell, especially with friends demanding him back in the game.

Kids’ hydration packs offer the best of both worlds, keeping water at the ready without forcing them to worry about heavy canteens or wasteful plastic water bottles.

We’ve put together a list of our favorites, many of which have bonus features like safety whistles, reflective elements, and extra storage, making life easier for you both — so let’s check them out.

What are hydration packs?

A hydration pack is a water receptacle that’s worn on the back, with the fluid being accessed through a long tube. Typically, kids’ hydration packs are styled as small backpacks worn over the shoulder.

They feature a zippered compartment into which a soft, flexible plastic bladder is placed. The bladder is fillable through a large opening in the top; in some cases, ice can also be added.

The bladder is secured with a screw-on cap, which attaches to a long plastic straw or hose.

The bladder remains fully contained within the backpack, while the hose protrudes from the side in order to be accessible to the wearer.

They may feature push-pull caps, much like those seen on sport-top bottles, or they may have a bite valves which can only be opened through pressure from the wearer’s teeth.

Both child and adult sizes are available, with kids hydration packs tending to range between 1 and 3 liters in volume.

Older children and teens can choose an adult hydration pack depending on their size and needs. Kids’ hydration packs can help to prevent the dangers of dehydration during heavy physical activity and on hot days.

What features should I consider when buying hydration packs for kids?

• Appearance: Let’s face it, parents — it’s hard to get away with picking stuff for our kids that isn’t “cute” or “cool”, even if it’s highly functional. If style matters to your child, you’ll be glad to know there are lots of trendy designs out there — the Osprey packs and Sojourner Rave on our list offer great style options.
• Total size: If your child is on the smaller side, a hydration pack that’s large will be difficult and uncomfortable to carry. There are plenty of compact packs designed for running and cycling, so don’t be afraid to choose one that’s compatible with your child’s body size — some of them even have the same reservoir volume as larger picks, though they may have less storage.
• Reservoir volume: Your child’s age, level of activity, and amount of water they typically drink, can all influence the reservoir size you choose. The best hydration packs for kids tend to have reservoir sizes between 1 and 3 liters, which is generally enough for a younger child on a day trip. If your child is older, larger, is going distance hiking, or drinks more habituallly, you may wish to consider a hydration pack for a teen/adult to be sure their needs are met.
• Storage: A little extra storage can go a long way when you’re on a day hike, visiting a theme park, or doing any other activity with on-foot travel. No one really wants to haul an extra pack, so a hydration pack with plenty of pockets, like the Osprey, is perfect for stashing snacks, wipes, sunscreen, and other day-trip essentials.
• Bite valve vs push/pull cap: This is largely a matter of preference. A push/pull cap, much like the ones seen on sport-top bottles, is something just about every child knows how to operate. The only downside is that these caps can sometimes be more leaky than a bite valve, and sometimes require kids to use their hands. In contrast, bite valves are less likely to leak, because they won’t open without pressure from the teeth. While this is convenient, some children do not like the sensation of drinking through a bite valve, as it requires teeth to stay clenched.

How do I keep my child’s hydration pack clean?

Even if only water goes into your child’s hydration pack, regular cleaning is necessary to prevent mold or mildew from growing inside the bladder and tube.

Per the experts at camelbak.com, here’s the best way to keep their pack fresh for as long as possible:

Create a solution with hot water and 2 tbsp. of bleach or baking soda (NOT both). Place the solution inside the bladder and hold it up, allowing the cleaning fluid to pass fully through the tube.

Pinch the bite valve or open the push/pull cap to allow water to flow through the tube, closing the valve or cap before the fluid exits the tube.

Let the reservoir soak for about 30 minutes before cleaning it thoroughly with hot water and mild soap, being sure to eliminate any residue from the cleaning. The bladder must then be air-dried in order to prevent mold or mildew growth.

A quick side-note: CamelBak offers a hydration pack cleaning kit with essentials that can make this process easier, including a dedicated brush set and cleaning tabs that dissolve to form a cleaning solution that’s ideal for your reservoir.

How much water should my child be consuming?

We’re sure you’ve heard the resounding advice on water consumption for adults, which advises that eight 8 oz glasses of water be consumed each day.

If that seems like far too much for your young child, you’re right — but, you may be surprised at how quickly their water consumption needs will match yours.

It’s actually quite easy to figure out how much your child should be drinking based on their age. Once your child reaches the age of eight, they should be drinking 64 oz of water a day, just like you.

Before that, they should have as many 8 oz cups of water a day as they are years old — in other words, your one-year-old should have one cup, two-year-old should have two cups, etc.

Parents should note that this recommendation refers to water exclusively, and does not include the milk or juice your child may consume throughout the day.

When might hydration packs for kids come in handy?

While this answer can vary from family to family, there are many times a hydration pack can prove more convenient than a water bottle.

If your family likes long walks and hikes, a hydration pack saves kids from having to carry a heavy canteen, a reusable bottle they could lose, or a disposable bottle that creates waste.

During a visit to the theme park, zoo, or another large event, having a hydration pack means no waiting in line for water, paying exorbitant prices, or having to dispose of cups or bottles.

While playing sports and cycling, a hydration pack gives kids immediate access to water without having to stop the fun (or use their hands).

Are there any downsides to hydration packs?

We won’t lie to you — as great as a hydration pack can be, there are some minor disadvantages worth noting.

Because of their complex construction, a hydration pack is a good deal harder to keep clean than a reusable water bottle, and they need to be thoroughly cleaned after each use.

Since they’re worn on the back, move around a lot, and are made out of flexible plastic, they’re more prone to eventual leaks and dysfunction than other hydration options.

Refilling the bladder can be a bit of an undertaking compared to the ease of refilling a reusable bottle.

Because the hydration pack is worn on the back and contained in a protective backpack, it’s hard to know how much water is left in it.

The bottom line

When it comes to choosing a great kids hydration pack, a design that’s compact, trendy, holds a satisfying volume of water, and holds up to repeated uses is best.

The KBNI Hydration Backpack features two liters of water in a durable, budget-friendly unit with a wide-mouth opening and backpack design that’s cool and sporty.

Bonus storage, adjustable straps, and reflective accents also help make this pick both functional and safe, making it one of the best hydration packs for kids.