Staying hydrated is the name of the game when it comes to surviving festival season. We’ve curated a list of our top hydration packs to help you out.
Picture this – you’re living your best life at a festival with your favorite artist playing… but you just ran out of water, and it’s hotter than ever in the packed crowd. While some attendees might brave the packed crowd to head to lengthy vendor lines or even do their best to bear it out, neither is a solution to a potentially dangerous problem. Veteran ravers have figured out the best way to keep dancing – by bringing a hydration pack along with them.
Not only do hydration packs hold plenty of water for you (and your crew) to stay hydrated when you need it the most, but they also give you some added space for all the merch, trinkets, and more that you might pick up along the way. While hydration bags were pioneered by outdoor lifestyle brands like Camelbak, which still makes some of the best to this day, other brands like RaveRunner and Lunchbox have entered into this space with added features, including anti-theft measures and other festival-ready accessories.
Read on to discover which hydration packs are topping our list this year. Don’t forget to keep the security rules of what festivals you’re attending in mind, and don’t forget to pick up a pair of earplugs too!
Top Festival Hydration Pack Picks for 2024
RaveRunner CLEAR Hydration Pack by GenZ
RaveRunner takes the top slot in this year’s list with the CLEAR version of their hydration pack that will help you bring it into any festival or stadium that might’ve implemented new security policies in recent years. While the main shell is made of clear PVC, the rest of this bag retains the two main storage compartments, additional chest pockets, and the other theftproof features that fans of the brand have come to love.
If you want to deck out your RaveRunner, there are plenty of options, from multiple skins that are vibrant to EL Wire, Clutchloops, Underglow, and a solar panel charger. And don’t fret if you purchased the CLEAR version because all of the new versions are compatible with those custom and artist series skins. These zip on and off, so you won’t be walking around with everyone being able to see what’s inside after you pass through security!
Check out our review on how the RaveRunner handled EDC Las Vegas!
Pictured: RaveRunner by GenZ – $81 via LiveGenZ.com
Camelbak M.U.L.E.
The Camelbak M.U.L.E. is the perfect hydration pack for those who plan to leave their hotel and campground to spend the entire day and night at a festival. This pack fits 100oz of water in its bladder and features a stability belt, ventilated harness, and adjustable sternum strap, making it comfortable to wear when traveling from stage to stage.
While the Camelbak M.U.L.E. might be devoid of any anti-theft features, its straps make it more difficult for a nefarious person to zip open than most others on the market. This bag is best for festivals where you’ll need extra storage room and plenty of water to get you through those hot summer days, so don’t sleep on this pick!
Pictured: CamelBak M.U.L.E. Hydration Backpack – $115 via Amazon
Lunchbox Clear Hydration Pack
This list wouldn’t feel complete without the other anti-theft bag on the market, Lunchbox, appearing. These packs have been neck and neck with RaveRunner for years for those who want to keep their belongings safe while dancing the day and night away. Both offer similar features, such as unique customization options with interchangeable skins, ripstop material, and more, with the newer Clear model using Coated TPU Vinyl for added strength.
The Lunchbox Clear Hydration Pack is a great option for those who want to keep their belongings secure, with comfortable straps and an easy-to-access compartment to use when filling the bladder.
Pictured: Clear Lunchbox Hydration Pack – $129 via LunchboxPacks.com
Camelbak Lobo
Much akin to the Camelbak M.U.L.E., the Camelbak Lobo is a quality option for anyone who wants to use their festival hydration pack as an everyday hiking pack as well. The two-liter reservoir won’t feel heavy at all with its back panel support, and you won’t have to worry about the drinking tube bouncing around with its magnetic holder. This bag is also sure to meet most security standards with its limited number of pockets, but keep in mind it has less storage space than the larger MULE.
While the Camelbak Lobo might not be the flashiest on the list, with limited color options available, it gets the job done and will last you for years to come.
Pictured: CamelBak Lobo Hydration Pack – $100 via Amazon
Sojourner Medium Hydration Pack
If you want a hydration pack that will fit any space theme you might have planned for this year’s festival season, look no further than Sojourner. Their medium-sized bags fit two liters of water and have multiple pockets to store all of your festival essentials. These bags that ride at the intersection of fashion and comfort have a low-profile athletic cut, comfort-stitched straps, and zipper pulls for easy access.
If you’re looking for a lightweight option that will look flashy, Sojourner might be the hydration pack for you. Just be careful, as these bags lack the anti-theft measures our other picks have.
Pictured: Sojourner Medium Hydration Pack – 2L Water Bladder – Holographic Silver – $69 via Sojournerbags.com
We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site. Please see this page for more information.
