Hydration packs are also called water bags, CamelBaks, and water bladders. All of these names revolve around the general idea of a water backpack with a tube connecting your mouth to the pack. These packs are much more accessible than water bottles when you’re spending a large amount of time outdoors.

Having the biggest pack that holds the most amount of water isn’t exactly the best decision. Water weighs more than you think. A lightweight pack filled with water is going to be more lenient on your body than a bigger one or multiple ones.

Here are our recommendations for the best hydration packs of 2018.

Unigear Tactical Hydration Pack

If you’re looking to get that cool military look while hiking, the Unigear hydration pack will give you style in the outdoors. The pack has pockets on the outside that allow you to place your valuables in. It’s not ideal for hikes or outdoor activities lasting longer than a day due to its size.

The valve at the end of the hose is bite-activated, meaning you don’t have to open the hose with your fingers in order to get a flow of water. On a smaller note, one of the buckles actually functions as a whistle in case of an emergency.

This backpack comes with a free 2.5L bladder.

TETON Sports Oasis 1100 Hydration Backpack

TETON’s Sports Oasis is one of the best backpacks out there for an extended time period in the outdoors. It functions as a larger backpack if you’re looking to take more stuff during the day while having the capacity to carry a 2L bladder. The valve on this backpack’s hose is also bite operated.The Sports Oasis is outfitted for men, women, and youth with a variety of ways to make it more comfortable for you. Weighing only 2lbs when empty, the Sports Oasis can fit or attach anything from bungee cords to helmets.

This backpack comes with a free 2L bladder.

Mubasel Gear Hydration Backpack

This backpack is a pretty simple do-it-all. It may look small on the outside by Mubasel Gear designed this backpack to hold clothes and valuables if you take out the bladder. You can even use it as a pillow while you sleep and can withstand up to 132lbs of weight.

This backpack comes with a free 2L bladder.

Forward Hydration Pack

The Forward hydration pack has a classic backpack design but isn’t as large or as bulky as the Sports Oasis. You’ll be able to hold more gear or valuables than a pack built around a water bladder and still not feel like it’s weighing you down. The valve on this hose is bite-activated.

This backpack comes with a free 2L bladder.

Camden Gear Hydration Pack

If you’re looking for a hydration pack that gives you a tight fit, then Camden Gear as the pack for you. This hydration pack has two waist straps (with pockets on them) for added security and space. Aside from being rain resistant, the primary pocket can hold anything from a moderately sized camera to an iPad if you’re looking to transport valuables.

This backpack comes with a free 1.5L bladder.

GPS equipped radios are hard to come by. The norm is to buy GPS and two-way radios separate from one another. However, there are a couple of manufacturers that have made the process simple for buyers. While there’s not too many of them, these GPS radios are the face of the GPS/radio hybrid technology. This innovation is still quite new, that’s why there’s so few of them.

Having one device that does two jobs might be more or less expensive depending on the manufacturer. However, what it will do is save you the hassle of trying to use two different devices at once for two different purposes.

Here are the best GPS Radios of 2018:

ICOM Marine 

The ICOM Marine is a highly sophisticated hybrid radio. The GPS will plot your location, bearing, and speed but what’s really awesome about this radio its variety of functions. From distress calls to weather updates, the Marine is more of multi-tool than a hybrid radio.

A couple of its functions allow the user to know when it’s been dipped in water. Water is also repelled away from the receiver grill by a function called Aqua Quake. Not only is it a multi-tool, but it’s pretty durable when put up against the elements.

Standard Horizon HX870 

The HX780 is also a pretty durable radio and has the ability to float in water (just to give you an idea of how waterproof it is). Aside from GPS, one of its notable aspects is that its display screen is very user-friendly. Some radios have problems with their channels and acronyms being difficult to understand (especially if one is new to radios and GPS’). When synced up with other HX870 or Standard Horizon devices, it will display a mini-map of the locations of your party.

When synced up with other HX870 or Standard Horizon devices, it will also display a mini-map of the locations of your party.

Garmin Rino 750 

Garmin is widely known for its user-friendly and intuitive designs with fitness trackers. The Rino 750 is no exception as the newest member of the GPS/radio hybrid family. It is entirely touch sensitive on its main screen for most of its primary features. There are a couple of push buttons on the side for additional features.

As one of the fanciest and easiest to use GPS radios, it is also one of the most expensive. Garmin as a company is well versed in the tracking technology industry, so it would make sense for the Rino 750 have the latest and greatest in metric software.