Stay fuelled and focused with the expert range of hydration gear at Wildfire Sports & Trek. The best hydration packs and hydration waistpacks for men and women can support your safety and performance whether you’re a runner, adventurer or outdoor athlete of any level. When you're hitting the trails, lining up for race day or tackling a multi-day trek, our marathon-ready and trail-worthy selection ensures that quality hydration is never out of your reach. 

Staying hydrated is fundamental to your performance as an athlete and your overall health – helping boost your concentration, ward off cramping, support healthy muscle contractions for better mobility and optimal temperature regulation. As a trail runner or hiker, you may also benefit from investing in water treatment options to safely purify water in the backcountry.

Drink up on the move to reduce your risk of dehydration and injury with hydration carrying solutions from top brands CamelBak, Salomon, Ultimate Direction, UltrAspire and more. Choose from high-performance running hydration packs and vests or minimalist running hydration waistpacks and belts. Each can be personalised with your choice of compatible hydration bladders and soft flasks or other hydration accessories to stay run-ready during hot weather or long races.

Hydration Packs & Vests

Hydration packs and running vests are engineered for hands-free, long duration hydration. Lightweight yet supportive, these options feature strategically placed compartments for water reservoirs, energy gels and gear. Designed with body-conforming fits, breathable mesh panels and bounce-free comfort, these performance men’s hydration vests and women’s hydration vests are ideal for trail runners, marathoners and ultra-distance athletes.

Salomon hydration packs are built for runners of all levels who prioritise a close fit and minimal weight. Their vest-style design hugs the body, often using Salomon soft flasks on the chest for quick access, and features stretchy, breathable fabrics with smart storage for sports nutrition and gear. Packs like the Salomon Advanced Skin and Salomon Sense Pro are favourites among mountain athletes and competitive runners for their comfort and race-focused layout.

CamelBak, a pioneering brand of hydration systems, offers rugged and versatile running packs with leak-proof reservoirs like the Crux bladder, featuring a high-flow bite valve. While slightly bulkier than some competitors, their designs - such as the CamelBak Zephyr Pro - provide generous hydration volume and storage, making them ideal for long runs, training or mixed activities like hiking and biking.

Renowned for their custom-fitted hiking packs, Osprey has stretched their specialisation into the realm of hydration, with Osprey hydration vests celebrated for their comfort, durability and thoughtful design, making them a top choice for hiking, biking and trail running. With a commitment to sustainability and a long gear lifespan, Osprey offers reliable hydration solutions with adventure-ready features including compatibility with hydraulics reservoirs, stretchy mesh pockets and easily adjustable fits. 

Hydration Waistpacks & Belts

Hydration waistpacks and belts offer a sleek, low-profile solution for runners who prefer minimalism and agility. Perfect for shorter runs or training days, these race belts and running belts provide quick access to soft flasks or small bottles, alongside zip pockets for essentials like keys, energy gels and your phone. Their compact design that wraps around your hips reduces shoulder strain and eliminates the need for a running vest, making them a popular choice among road runners and race day competitors.

Some Salomon hydration waistpacks feature angled water bottle holsters for fast access for runners without restricting your movement, while Osprey hydration waistpacks featuring a lumbar reservoir are ideal for cyclists seeking hassle-free hydration.

Hydration Reservoirs & Soft Flasks

Hydration reservoirs and soft flasks are essential components for customisable hydration systems. Soft flasks collapse as you drink, minimising bounce and saving space, while reservoirs of various sizes fit neatly into compatible hydration vests or packs and provide high-volume water storage. Pair them up with hydration accessories such as replacement reservoir hoses, bite valves and reservoir cleaning brush kits, for replacing, upgrading and taking care of your current hydration setup to sip and go in comfort and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Hydration Packs Worth It For Running?

Yes - hydration packs are absolutely worth it for runners from beginners to elite athletes, including distance runners, trail athletes and anyone training in hot or remote environments. They allow you to carry enough fluid to stay hydrated over long durations without interrupting your pace. Many also provide space for essentials like fuel, a phone, headlamp or light running jacket, which can be critical during races or long runs.

When selecting a running hydration pack, consider your distance, environment and storage needs. Look for:

• Fit and comfort: Ensure it has adjustable straps and sits snugly with minimal bounce.
• Storage: Consider gear, nutrition and phone storage.
• Ventilation: Mesh-backed panels enhance breathability.

Test the fit if possible, especially when loaded, as the weight distribution can affect your comfort and posture.

What Size Hydration Pack Or Hydration Waistpack Do I Need?

Short Runs (Up to 1 hour) 

If you're running short distances up to 1 hour, a water bottle may suffice, however many runners find a hydration waistpack is often the best choice for hands-free hydration, especially in warmer weather. 

These typically carry between 0.5 to 1.5 litres of water and are designed to hold small bottles or soft flasks. They're compact and also have enough room for essentials like your keys, phone or energy bars and snacks. 

Moderate Runs (1 - 3 hours)

For trail running or races that last from 1 - 3 hours, a minimalist hydration vest is your ideal companion. Most can hold about 1 to 3 litres of water in a back hydration reservoir, and fit snugly to reduce bounce. They usually include extra pockets for energy gels or a lightweight running jacket, with a 2L - 6L gear capacity appropriate for most moderate runs.

Long Distance and Ultra Runs (Over 3 hours) 

For long distance runs and ultra runs - typically defined as anything over 3 - 4 hours or distances beyond a marathon - you'll want a hydration pack that offers both sufficient hydration capacity and ample gear storage (about 8 to 12L) for sports nutrition and your mandatory race kit.

This may include two 500ml soft flasks in the front chest pockets, which are easy to refill and monitor, and a 2L or larger bladder in the back for longer stretches between aid stations or remote trail sections. This combination gives you flexibility: flasks for quick access, a bladder for high-volume water storage. 

Tip: Include ice cubes in your hydration bladder for effective cooling.

Can You Put Sports Drinks In A Hydration Bladder?

Yes, you can put sports drinks in a hydration reservoir, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind if you choose to do so, including taking into account the recommendations of the manufacturer.

The primary advantage of using a sports drink in your reservoir is the added benefit of electrolyte and energy replenishment during prolonged physical activity. High quality sports drinks typically contain sodium, potassium and carbohydrates, which help maintain hydration levels and provide a quick energy source during endurance sports or long hikes. This makes them a practical choice for athletes or anyone engaging in strenuous exercise for extended periods.

However, using sports drinks instead of water in your hydration pack introduces some potential drawbacks. One of the most significant is the increased need for careful cleaning. Sports drinks can encourage bacterial growth and mould, especially in warm environments. If the reservoir is not cleaned thoroughly after each use, you may notice unpleasant odours, lingering flavours or even visible buildup inside the bladder and tube.

Cleaning a reservoir after using sports drinks requires more effort than after using plain water. It’s important to rinse it immediately after use and perform a deeper clean regularly using warm soapy water, special cleaning tablets or a reservoir cleaning kit. Some users find that even after cleaning, flavours from sports drinks can persist in the reservoir’s plastic, particularly in the bite valve and tubing.

To avoid these issues, some runners choose to use a separate reservoir exclusively for sports drinks or stick to water in their main bladder and carry sports drinks in a front soft flask of their running hydration pack instead. It’s also advisable to avoid putting thicker beverages like protein shakes in a hydration reservoir, as they are much harder to clean out and can quickly lead to spoilage and odour.

Therefore, while sports drinks can be used in a hydration reservoir and offer hydration benefits for demanding activities, doing so requires a commitment to proper and consistent cleaning. If you're not prepared for that, it's usually better to reserve your reservoir for water and carry other beverages separately. However, specific sports drink brands like Tailwind are praised for their compatibility with hydration bladders, offering easy cleaning and a gut-friendly source of electrolytes, hydration and energy.