The Best Hydration Pack for Snowboarding

Once the snow starts falling and the temperatures start dropping the juice starts flowing. It’s almost time to hit the slopes and let the board take control of our entire existence.

We become free of everything this world tries to take from us. It’s time to unleash the beast and get that adrenaline pumping the only way we know how. On the snow…

We need the right gear to make our adventure easier and safer. Having the best hydration pack for snowboarding can make a huge difference on a faraway trail or just giving us added time to spend on the board.

We are giving you some much needed information and the best hydration pack for skiing or snowboarding for every budget.

What are hydration packs?

A hydration pack isa backpack designed to carry or transport water and make it easy for the user to stay hydrated during an activity. So you won’t have to stop or slow down if you don’t want to when taking a drink from the bladder or water reservoir. The bladder usually has a tube connected to it making it easy for the user to conveniently access the liquid.

Our focus…

Winter hydration packs:  These packs are designed for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and mountain climbing. They are also designed with high-grade materials intended to keep the liquid in the reservoir from freezing, limiting your water supply. This protection calls for insulation on the bladder, tubing and even the bite valve cover occasionally.

They also come with helpful features for the specific sport or activity like ice axe loops, trampoline back panels, snow tool compartments or ski and snowboard carrying options.

Things to look for…

• Sports – All hydration packs are not created equally. Many manufacturers design these packs specifically for different sports or activities. Everything from running, cycling to skiing and snowboarding, which is what our focus is on today.
• Capacity – Another key thing to look for is the capacity of the bag and bladder, as well as the features it may have like the ability to carry your snowboard or a change of clothes.
• Reservoir Ready – Some hydration backpacks do not actually come with a bladder or reservoir included in the carry backpack, but may have a sleeve ready to fit a reservoir of your liking.
• Size – many of these daypacks come in different sizes, so finding one that fits the length of your torso and the width of your hips can really make a difference in terms of comfort.
• Features – often vary from pack to pack. You will have plenty of options and choosing a the right pack usually comes down to minor preferences the user may have. Look out for features like quick disconnect tubing, bite valve on and off sites or airbags.

Hydration Pack Types

You will usually find two main hydration packs, a backpack and a waist pack. These two version will then be broken into different categories of sport.

These categories as mentioned above may include running, cycling, snowboarding, climbing and other outdoor activities.

What makes them hydration packs is that they carry a water reservoir for the user to conveniently access water in motion or at rest without needing to remove any equipment.

You may find bags with both a hydration pack and a water bottle slot, although rare. Some others may have two water bottle slots giving you extra capacity. This can differ depending on design, but you should be aware of these things before purchasing your winter hydration pack.

Hydration Packs for Women

These packs are designed with the shape of women in mind for comfort. They are tinted for smaller frames which could be helpful to fit younger children.

Hydration Packs for Children

These packs are also a lot smaller similar to women’s packs. They almost always allow for adjustable suspension to fit smaller frames. As mentioned above, women’s packs are sometimes suitable for younger adults.

Best Hydration Packs for Snowboarding

We know staying hydrated while snowboarding is crucial, especially when you’re on the mountain all day. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best hydration packs for snowboarding. These packs are designed to keep you hydrated and comfortable while you ride, so you can focus on shredding the slopes. Check out our top picks below.

USWE Pow, Ski Snowboard Backpack for Men and Women (US $207)

If you’re looking for a durable and comfortable hydration pack for snowboarding, the USWE Pow 16l is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The backpack has a removable CE-Certified full Backprotector Lev.1 by SAS-TEC, ensuring maximum snowboarding safety.
• The insulated Thermo Cell shoulder straps protect the drink tube from freezing, even in extreme winter conditions.
• With 16L storage capacity and 7 pockets, this backpack provides ample space for all your gear and safety equipment.

Cons

• The water reservoir is not included with the backpack.
• The front pockets are not large enough to hold a large size helmet.
• The dedicated ski goggle pocket may not fit larger goggles.

We recently took the USWE Pow 16l backpack for a spin on the slopes and were impressed with its overall performance. The NDM 4-point harness system provides a 100% bounce-free individual fit, allowing you to snug the pack really tight without affecting your breathing capacity or freedom to move. The waist support belt also helps secure the pack’s lower part.

The side ski carry system and back snowboard carry system make it easy to transport your gear, while the quick access avalanche equipment pocket is a nice touch for those who venture off-piste. The helmet carry system is detachable and the ski goggle pocket comes with a microfiber cleaner tissue.

Overall, we highly recommend the USWE Pow 16l for anyone looking for a high-quality hydration pack for snowboarding. It’s comfortable, durable, and provides ample space for all your gear and safety equipment.

CamelBak Powderhound 12 Snow Hydration Pack (US $110)

If you’re looking for a reliable hydration pack for snowboarding, we highly recommend the CamelBak Powderhound 12 Snow Hydration Pack.

Pros

• The SnowShield Material repels snow and keeps it from sticking to your pack, ensuring your belongings stay dry and protected.
• The Therminator Harness is a great feature that zips the drinking tube into an insulated sleeve in the shoulder strap to protect your water supply from the elements, keeping your water from freezing in cold temperatures.
• The external straps allow for easy transportation of skis A-frame or diagonally on the outside of the pack, while the snowboard carry feature securely holds your snowboard in place.

Cons

• The pack is a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at 2 pounds, which can be a downside for those who prefer lightweight gear.
• The insulation is great for keeping your water supply from freezing, but it can make the pack feel bulky and cumbersome to wear.
• While the removable stability belt helps keep the pack secure over technical terrain, it can be difficult to adjust and may not fit all body types comfortably.

We recently took the CamelBak Powderhound 12 Snow Hydration Pack on a snowboarding trip and were impressed with its performance. The SnowShield Material kept our belongings dry and protected, while the Therminator Harness kept our water supply from freezing in the cold temperatures. The external straps made it easy to transport our skis, and the snowboard carry feature was a great addition.

While the pack is a bit heavy, we appreciated the added insulation and found it worth the extra weight. The removable stability belt helped keep the pack secure over technical terrain, but it did take some adjusting to find a comfortable fit.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable hydration pack for snowboarding, the CamelBak Powderhound 12 Snow Hydration Pack is a great choice.

CamelBak Zoid Hydration Pack Vapor/Flame/Beet (US $90)

If you’re looking for a reliable hydration pack for snowboarding, CamelBak Zoid Hydration Pack Vapor/Flame/Beet might be the right choice.

Pros

• SnowShield Material: Repels snow and keeps it from sticking to your pack.
• Therminator Harness: Drinking tube zips into an insulated sleeve in the shoulder strap to protect your water supply from the elements.
• Lift-Friendly Design: Slim, low-profile design lets you wear this pack comfortably on the lift.

Cons

• Limited Storage: Not ideal for carrying more than a day’s worth of supplies.
• Bladder Design: The bladder may leak at times.
• Freezing Water: The water may freeze in extreme cold weather.

We used the CamelBak Zoid Hydration Pack Vapor/Flame/Beet on our recent snowboarding trip, and it performed well. The SnowShield Material kept the snow from sticking to the pack, and the Therminator Harness protected the water supply from the freezing temperatures. The pack’s low-profile design made it easy to wear on the lift, and the adjustable sternum strap provided a custom fit.

However, the pack’s storage capacity is limited, which may not be suitable for longer trips. The bladder design may also be a concern, as it may leak at times. Additionally, the water may freeze in extreme cold weather, which may be an issue for some users.

Overall, the CamelBak Zoid Hydration Pack Vapor/Flame/Beet is a good option for those looking for a reliable hydration pack for snowboarding. While it has some limitations, its SnowShield Material, Therminator Harness, and lift-friendly design make it a solid choice for a day trip.

Osprey Salida 8 Women’s Bike Hydration Backpack (US $85)

We highly recommend the Osprey Salida 8 Women’s Bike Hydration Backpack for snowboarding enthusiasts who need a reliable hydration pack that can carry just enough gear.

Pros

• The dedicated hydration compartment with included BPA-free Hydraulics LT 2.5L reservoir by Hydrapak is easy to fill and clean, and provides enough water for a full day of snowboarding.
• The full front panel U-zip to main compartment and tool organization allows for easy access to your gear, while the front panel shove-it pocket and blinker light attachment provide additional storage options.
• The AirScape backpanel with a center channel offers supreme airflow and exceptional stability, while the shoulder straps with rolled edges create soft contact points when the pack is maxed out with gear and snacks.

Cons

• The size of the pack may be too small for those who need to carry more gear than just the essentials.
• The magnetic sternum strap bite valve attachment may not work well for all users.
• The pack may be too tight when a full bladder of water is inserted.

The Osprey Salida 8 Women’s Bike Hydration Backpack is a great choice for snowboarders who need a lightweight and comfortable pack that can carry just enough gear. The included 2.5-liter reservoir provides enough water for a full day on the slopes, and the AirScape backpanel with a center channel offers supreme airflow to keep you cool and dry. The full front panel U-zip to main compartment and tool organization allows for easy access to your gear, while the front panel shove-it pocket and blinker light attachment provide additional storage options. The shoulder straps with rolled edges create soft contact points when the pack is maxed out with gear and snacks, making it easy to wear all day long.

However, the size of the pack may be too small for those who need to carry more gear than just the essentials. Additionally, the magnetic sternum strap bite valve attachment may not work well for all users, and the pack may be too tight when a full bladder of water is inserted. Overall, the Osprey Salida 8 Women’s Bike Hydration Backpack is a reliable and comfortable pack that is perfect for snowboarding enthusiasts who need a lightweight and functional hydration pack.

Osprey Siskin 8 Bike Hydration Backpack (US $78)

We highly recommend the Osprey Siskin 8 Bike Hydration Backpack for snowboarding enthusiasts who want a compact, lightweight backpack that can carry all the essentials.

Pros

• The included Osprey Hydraulics LT 2.5L reservoir by Hydrapak with direct-zip access is easy to fill and clean.
• The full front panel U-zip to main compartment and tool organization provides easy access to your gear.
• The LidLock helmet attachment and loop for blinky light attachment (light not included) are convenient features.

Cons

• The pack is a bit small and can barely fit a light down coat.
• The external department is not good and needs tightening straps all the time.
• The mesh-covered foam backpanel could be more breathable.

The Osprey Siskin 8 Bike Hydration Backpack is a well-designed pack that is perfect for snowboarding. The pack is comfortable to wear and provides stability on the gnarliest of trails. The mesh-covered foam backpanel offers ventilation and allows for lively movement while keeping your pack close to your body, even when you’re riding loose. The front of the pack features a LidLock attachment point for a standard-size helmet, while side compression straps expand to fit a full face. The pack also has a front panel shove-it pocket and internal scratch-free slash pocket that is perfect for storing your phone and other essentials.

The included Osprey Hydraulics LT 2.5L reservoir by Hydrapak with direct-zip access is easy to fill and clean, and the magnetic sternum strap bite valve attachment ensures you can stay hydrated. The full front panel U-zip to main compartment and tool organization provides easy access to your gear, and the dual upper side compression straps double as a full face helmet carry.

Overall, the Osprey Siskin 8 Bike Hydration Backpack is a great choice for snowboarders who want a compact, lightweight pack that can carry all the essentials. It is well-designed, comfortable to wear, and has plenty of convenient features.

Arvano Hydration Backpack Packs with 2L (US $35)

If you’re looking for a functional and affordable hydration pack for snowboarding, the Arvano Hydration Backpack is a great choice.

Pros

• The 2L hydration bladder is made from medical-grade materials and is taste-free and BPA-free. It has an ergonomic handle for easier refilling and an on/off valve that simplifies preventing leaks.
• The breathable mesh back panel and adjustable shoulder/ chest/ waist straps make for a comfortable and secure fit, and reflective strips keep you visible in low-light environments.
• The backpack is lightweight and has a capacity of 6L, with a main compartment, secondary compartment, and small zip pocket in the front for storing necessities.

Cons

• The hose is quite long and the mouthpiece can be difficult to bite down on to get water.
• When the bladder is full, there isn’t much room for anything else in the pack except in the very bottom.
• The zippers may not be as durable as those on more expensive packs.

We’ve been using the Arvano Hydration Backpack for a few snowboarding trips now and have been impressed with how well it works. The hydration bladder is easy to fill and clean, and the backpack itself is comfortable to wear and doesn’t bounce around too much. The reflective strips are a nice touch for added visibility on the slopes.

One thing to note is that the hose is quite long, which can be annoying when trying to drink from it. Additionally, the zippers may not be as durable as those on more expensive packs, so it’s worth being careful with them.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Arvano Hydration Backpack for anyone looking for an affordable and functional hydration pack for snowboarding or other outdoor activities.

GoPro Hydration Backpack (US $49)

If you’re looking for a hydration pack that can handle any outdoor sport, the GoPro Hydration Backpack is a great choice.

Pros

• The 2.5 liter bladder provides ample hydration for a day trip.
• The compression molded back panel makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods.
• The heavy-duty carry and drag handle make it easy to transport.

Cons

• Some users may find the pack to be too small for their needs.
• The bladder may leak if not properly secured.
• The pack lacks organization pockets, making it difficult to find smaller items.

We recently took the GoPro Hydration Backpack on a snowboarding trip and were impressed with its durability and comfort. The compression molded back panel made it easy to wear for extended periods of time, and the heavy-duty carry and drag handle made it easy to transport when not wearing it.

The 2.5 liter bladder provided ample hydration for a day trip, and we appreciated the double zipper pulls on all compartments for easy access. However, we did find that the pack lacked organization pockets, making it difficult to find smaller items like keys or a wallet.

Overall, we would recommend the GoPro Hydration Backpack for anyone looking for a durable and comfortable hydration pack for outdoor sports like snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, or any other extreme sport.

Vibrelli Hydration Pack (US $24)

If you’re looking for a reliable hydration pack for snowboarding, the Vibrelli Hydration Pack might just be what you need.

Pros

• The high flow bite-valve ensures that water flows fast and doesn’t drip on your shoulder when locked, making it perfect for snowboarding and other outdoor activities.
• The taste-free hydration bladder is made from medical grade materials and is free from BPA and PVC, ensuring that your water tastes fresh all day long.
• The Vibrelli hydration backpack has multiple storage options and pockets without being bulky, making it easy to carry your essentials.

Cons

• The main opening of the bladder is smaller than some other brands, which can make it difficult to insert a tong or whisk to keep the bladder open for it to air out dry.
• The pockets are small, so you might struggle to fit larger items in them.
• The opening could be a little larger to make it easier to fit the filled bag in.

We recently took the Vibrelli Hydration Pack on a snowboarding trip and were impressed with its performance. The high flow bite-valve made it easy to drink water on the go, and the taste-free hydration bladder ensured that the water tasted fresh all day long.

The backpack is lightweight and comfortable, making it easy to wear all day long. It also has multiple storage options, which allowed us to carry our essentials without being weighed down.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Vibrelli Hydration Pack for snowboarding and other outdoor activities. It’s a reliable and well-designed hydration pack that won’t let you down.

Water Buffalo Hydration Backpack (US $35)

If you’re looking for a hydration backpack that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Water Buffalo Hydration Backpack is a great option.

Pros

• The reflector strips make it easy to be seen in low light conditions.
• The ripstop lining ensures durability and longevity.
• The zipper closure keeps your belongings secure and prevents them from falling out.

Cons

• The water bladder may leak if left flat while full.
• The fit may feel awkward if you have broad shoulders.
• The insulated pocket and tube may not keep water cool for the advertised 5 hours.

We recently took the Water Buffalo Hydration Backpack on a snowboarding trip and were impressed with its performance. The backpack is lightweight and comfortable, making it easy to wear for extended periods of time. The chest strap ensures that the backpack stays in place, even during high-intensity activities.

The 2L water bladder is a great size and provides enough water for several hours of activity. The insulated pocket and tube keep the water at a cool temperature, although it may not stay cool for the advertised 5 hours. The reflector strips are a nice touch and make it easy to be seen in low light conditions.

One downside is that the water bladder may leak if left flat while full. Additionally, the fit may feel awkward if you have broad shoulders. However, the ripstop lining ensures durability and longevity, and the zipper closure keeps your belongings secure and prevents them from falling out.

Overall, we would recommend the Water Buffalo Hydration Backpack to anyone looking for a reliable and durable hydration pack for their outdoor activities.

Mothybot Hydration Pack (US $30)

If you’re looking for a hydration pack that can keep your drink cool for hours, the Mothybot Hydration Pack is a great choice.

Pros

• The insulated bladder compartment keeps your drink cool for up to 5 hours.
• Multiple storage compartments allow you to pack all your essentials.
• The backpack is lightweight, making it perfect for outdoor sports.

Cons

• The backpack may feel a bit heavy for long hikes.
• The hose clip on the right shoulder strap may not be very durable.
• The backpack may not fit larger frames comfortably.

We recently tried out the Mothybot Hydration Pack during a snowboarding trip and were impressed by its performance. The insulated bladder compartment kept our drinks cool for several hours, even in the sun. We also appreciated the multiple storage compartments, which allowed us to pack all our essentials, including snacks and extra layers.

The backpack is lightweight and has padded shoulder straps, making it comfortable to wear for long periods. The breathable system also helped prevent us from getting too sweaty during our hikes. We also liked the waist pouch, which was perfect for storing our phone and wallet.

However, we did notice that the backpack felt a bit heavy after a few hours of hiking. The hose clip on the right shoulder strap also felt a bit flimsy and may not be very durable in the long run. Additionally, the backpack may not fit larger frames comfortably, so make sure to check the dimensions before purchasing.

Overall, we think the Mothybot Hydration Pack is a great investment for anyone who loves outdoor sports. Its thermal insulation and multiple storage options make it a versatile backpack that can be used for hiking, snowboarding, cycling, and more. Plus, with a lifetime warranty and free replacement, you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality product.

FREEMOVE Sports Backpack Daypack (US $32)

We highly recommend the FREEMOVE Sports Backpack Daypack for anyone looking for a reliable hydration pack for snowboarding.

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Multiple compartments and pockets for storage
• Waist straps distribute carrying weight and relieve back pain

Cons

• Zippers are not the best quality
• No water bladder included
• Straps may not fit wider belts on some backpacks

The FREEMOVE Sports Backpack Daypack is a top-quality daypack backpack that is specially designed for all your daily needs while snowboarding, hiking, cycling, running, trekking, biking, MTB, motorcycling, skiing, kayaking, and more. With a 10-liter overall storage capacity, this backpack provides you with all the portable storage space you need. It also comes with a convenient extra detachable waist phone pocket that can be attached to the backpack or to your waist belt for easy and quick access to your cell phone, keys, money, etc.

This backpack is water-resistant, lightweight, and comfortable with reinforced stitches, fully adjustable with shoulder, chest, and waist straps with extra padded shoulder and waist straps for complete comfort. The waist straps distribute the carrying weight and relieve your back so you can enjoy your snowboarding activities all day without back pain. The back airflow system and many reflective elements also ensure your safety while on the slopes.

The FREEMOVE Sports Backpack Daypack also features the best quality zippers, a pocket with an earphone hole, and trekking poles fixing system. It can also be used as a hydration backpack with H2O outlet and tube clip, suitable for 2L or 3L hydration water bladder (the backpack does not include water bladder). This backpack is built for your enjoyment and you will use it for a long time without worries, tested and proven in practice.

In summary, if you’re looking for a reliable hydration pack for snowboarding, the FREEMOVE Sports Backpack Daypack is an excellent choice. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and has plenty of storage space for all your essentials. The only downsides are that the zippers are not the best quality, no water bladder is included, and the straps may not fit wider belts on some backpacks.

Hydration Pack Capacity Guide

Ensure the hydration pack you choose carries enough water and gear to meet your needs. Also keep in mind that water is heavy. 3 liters of water can weigh about 6 pounds, so remember how long or where you will be when you’re riding.

Will your location have somewhere where you can get more water so you can refill? If so, a small reservoir should be sufficient. If you will be located in a place where fresh water is scarce then you may want to go with a bigger bladder.

Another way to think of it is if you’re planning on doing a mix of short and long distances then a big bladder can be good for both since you don’t have to fill it to max capacity.

Reservoir Capacity

Small = 1 liter or less: These are pretty small packs usually waist packs that carry an amount of water thats perfect for a comfortable run or a nice walk.

Medium = 1 – 1.5 liters:  These are good for a decent bike ride, hike or a long run.

Large = 2 – 2.5 liters: This is maybe the most common size reservoir perfect for just about all activities. It has the right size for either refilling every once in a while, or just filling it halfway for a shorter distance activity.

XL = 3 liters +: This is a great size for those of us that do not like to refill. These reservoirs are also common for athletes who perform in locations where running fresh water may be hard to find.

Hydration Backpack Capacity

What size hydration backpack should I get?

You will have a wide variety of sizes to choose from on these packs. The size or volume is generally measured in liters. The packs can range from 3 liters to 50.

How you figure out which on is right for you is by thinking of the gear you will carry. Are you carrying just a change of clothes and some food or will you be carrying a lot of gear?

Under 5 liters: These packs are intended for activities that do not require a lot of equipment. The lightweight design helps you easily move and carry only essential items like a phone, keys and a light jacket. Good for running, skiing, snowboarding, cycling and short hikes.

Under 10 liters: These packs are made to easily carry a change of clothes, food, a small camera and keys and a phone. Good for snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, short hikes and trail running.

Under 20 liters: These packs are perfect for hiking, mountain biking or trail running and carrying snow gear. They are designed to carry a larger equipment capacity and offer additional features for your convenience. Easily carry clothes, food, first aid kit and other gear for a day exploring.

Above 21 liters: These bigger packs are excellent for longer hikes or multi day excursions. They have a lot of space for all kinds of gear and equipment. You shouldn’t have a problem taking this pack on an overnight adventure.

Hydration Pack Fit

Now that you have an idea of the capacity of your hydration pack, it’s important to understand how they fit you.

• Make sure it’s the right size for your torso (no hip belt – only torso size is important)
• If the pack has a hip belt, make sure it fits tightly on your body.

Size of Torso

All manufacturers make a variety of bag sizes that fit different torso lengths. They can also vary depending on gender. A good way to find exact information on that is by looking at manufacturer specifications for size details.

To make it easy for yourself you can look for packs that offer adjustable suspension making it easy to adjust the fitting for your torso. This is also helpful if your right in between sizes and finding the correct size is not easy.

Size of Waist

Hip belts go around your hips and are adjustable to fit hips of all sizes. They can average fitting hip sizes of a range of about 18 – 40 inches. If you’re not sure you can always look at the specifications tab.

Key Hydration Pack Features

The best hydration pack for snowboarding and all other sports should meet your requirements to achieve your goals. We will provide you with an extended list of features in the different packs offered by manufactureres.

A minor set of features can make a difference whether your hitting the slopes or scaling mountains. You need to purchase a bag suited for your activities.

You may want snowboard attachments to carry your board, goggle cases for easy storage and a system to help you carry your helmet.

Maybe you only want a light pack with some minor features to keep you safe and hydrated while your in motion. Whatever your choice may be, it’s important to know all the features available to you before purchasing.

Hydration Reservoir Compatible

Some packs do not come with a bladder, but are hydration bladder compatible. What this means is that the pack has an inner sleeve specifically designed to hold a water reservoir.

The reservoir makes it easy to stay hydrated while you’re snowboarding. You won’t have to stop or take your backpack off to get a drink.

Since these are winter sports packs they should come insulated to protect the bladder, hose and tubing.

Wide mouth opening

This is not something many consumers think about before purchasing a reservoir. A wide mouth opening lets you easily clean your reservoir’s inside. The alternative in purchasing smaller mouth opening can be the hassle of purchasing a cleaning kit or taking more time to properly clean it.

Bite valve shut-off switch

This is a cool feature you can purchase separately or it may come included with your pack. This is a convenient option that allows you to bite down and in some cases to twist open and close the valve. Other bite valves have switch to prevent water from getting out when not in use. Camel bak has one that you bite down and it open and closes similar to a fish mouth if that makes sense.

Tube portal

Think of this as a slot on the pack that allows the tubing to go from the inside of the backpack to the outside through a slit for easy access. Pack usually come with a single, centered or double tube portal. Giving you the option to choose either shoulder or just one for the tubing to hang over.

Strap clips

This common feature is used to hold your tubing in place for easy access. It prevents movement at all times.

Quick disconnect tubing

A convenient solution for refilling your reservoir quickly when you run out of water. The tube disconnects easily allowing for easy access to the reservoir. All you have to do is press a button and pull the reservoir. A perfect feature for tubes that are routed through the tube portals.

Winter weather add-on

If your pack does not come equipped properly for cold weather you can purchase additional add0ons to prevent your water from freezing. This includes insulated reservoirs, sip tubes and covers for the tube and reservoir. Be sure that the added equipment will fit in your pack before purchase.

Weatherproof construction

Of course, if you’re in the snow you and your pack will get wet. All snow bags should come with weather proof materials, but it’s not always the case because the bag you choose may not be intended for your specific sport.

Weatherproof features can range depending on the manufacturer you choose. Some common winter pack features can be water resistant exteriors, storm flaps, special back panels and sealed seams.

The features you choose should make sense based on your activities. You can purchase dry bags or rain covers if you do not want to spend extra money on a winter ready pack

Durability

Outdoor sports can wreak havoc on your equipment quickly. With the cold and moisture pounding the bag you will also have branches or boulders scraping the exterior causing unwanted damage.

Not only does Mother Nature play a role in beating up your pack but the constant load of your equipment can also cause natural wear and tear over time.

Purchasing packs mad with high quality water resistant material can really make the difference in saving you money. Making sure the bags can withstand abrasions and scratches is something to look for. Some fabrics come with resistant qualities in the bottom or other areas that are more susceptible to damage.

Reinforced padding and seaming can also help with the overall quality of a well-designed pack.

Suspension System

A suspension system serves an important purpose in the overall comfort and stability of the user. Compression straps can help secure the pack closer to your body for added stability. Having the proper sternum straps and waist belts can really improve the amount of weight you can carry and also help with stability. Padded shoulder straps and waist belts are always an added bonus.

Key Hydration Pack Safety Features

Storing Safety Gear

Easy access to emergency equipment at a moments notice can be the difference in a bad situation. If you plan on being in location where safety is a concern then having your safety gear secured inside of your backpack is important. This will help you to not lose any gear while your riding or in a boulder or avalanche

Airbags

This feature can be a life saver incase you ever get caught in an avalanche. The airbags are not guaranteed to save your life, but they can provide you with added protection specifically to the neck and head area.

If your are caught in an avalanche, airbags can help in reducing injury and preventing your from getting buried under the snow.

These bags can help search teams find you quicker since your body will be closer to the surface of the snow. Overall they increase your chances of surviving a possible life ending incident.

These airbags are more expensive and you do not have to purchase them, but its a good feature to familiarize yourself with in case you ever decide to snowboard in a high risk location. Always practice safety first and do not take Mother Nature lightly.

AvaLung

Avalung is another safety feature that could possibly save your life. It’s designed by Black Diamond and it is a lightweight safety device created to help you breathe under snow directly from the pack.

It pulls fresh air from the snow pack and removes CO2 from the users face through an exhaust port. The Avalung increases usable air supply when your trapped under the snow. The best hydration pack for snowboarding deserves an Avalung for your safety,