I like a hydration pack for hiking in hot weather – I drink more if it is easy. But, itis hard to clean.
For real backpacking, I would stay away. There is always a chance of a leak. If you don’t screw things in quite right, all of your clothes would be wet. That risk exists for a day hike as well, but for a day hike, I’m probably only taking polarfleece and raingear so I’m not as worried if they get wet.
It seems there would be more flexibilty if she had a backpack with water bottle pockets on the sides. She could add more water bottles inside it if needed. Sometimes I also bring collapsible water bottle in pocket, easy to stow once consumed.
Thank you again for all of the tips. We went to REI a second time and got a salesperson who was very helpful. We also ordered a few backpacks online because the stores have pretty low inventory. We took them all home and packed them with what she will need for this upcoming trip which narrowed her choices down quickly as some were way too small.
She ended up with an Osprey Mira 32, it has the hydration pack but it is removable and also has side pockets that will fit water bottles. This trip it sounds like she won’t be hiking with the bag, just using it as storage, so she will take the water pack out.
That sounds like the perfect solution, so she can have the choice. My husband loves his hydration pack, but it always seems to be leaking, and gets gross, hard to clean. I don’t want one, ugh. But it’s good to have the option, to decide what she likes.
You already got good points from both sides of the argument, e.g. hygiene/cleaning vs. accessibility.
Let me just say that any good pack will have pockets for nalgenes of up to 48oz that a hiker will learn how to reach while walking without taking the pack off.
And every 8-10 mi there’ll certainly be time for a snack and a chance to swap bottles (or use a filter to pump fresh resupply)
I like water bottles. I put them in the freezer the night before and have nice cold water the next day.
I’m not a fan of built in hydration.
I’ve been using a hydration of one sort or another since the first Camel Back came out. The modern ones are easy to clean. The hose separates, and you put a folding frame in the bladder to air dry it. Every pack I own is bladder compatible.
That said, I almost never put a bladder in. I carry bottles. I like that experience better. The water tastes better out of stainless.
It’s not a binary. You don’t have to insert the bladder. There’s zero downside to keeping the possibility open though.
Personally I carry a bladder when I backcountry ski, occasionally on long mountain bike rides, or if I need a ton of water. I want a bladder when my hands will be occupied and my balance will be taxed.
I’m a huge fan of Osprey. You can get a compatible pack and she can get a bladder later if she wants one.
Sounds like a fun trip!
It sounds like you already purchased a backpack, but I’ll add my voice to the chorus. I don’t like hydration packs. A sturdy, waterproof backpack with side pockets has always been my go-to hiking pack. It’s easy enough to pack a regular or collapsible water bottle. As a CU undergrad, I just used my everyday REI college backpack for hiking.
The Osprey Mira is a good choice for short or day hikes. If she develops an interest in backcountry camping, then she’ll need something bigger. But, you can climb that mountain when she gets to it.