Hydration packs give you a convenient, hands-free way to carry water, whether you are hiking, cycling, hunting, etc.. However, they won’t keep your water cold unless you get an insulated hydration backpack.
What Makes this Tactical Hydration Backpack Different?
This Camelbak-style hydration carrier includes a 2-liter bladder PLUS an insulated compartment. It can keep your liquid cool for up to 4 hours, so it works perfectly for day trips.
The insulation section of the backpack is constructed of a thickened aluminum foil material. Therefore, it doesn’t add much weight to the pack. In fact, the entire backpack only weighs 26 ounces.
Plus, the bladder compartment holds your water securely so you don’t have to worry about it bouncing around.
Note: By the way, the hydration pocket can hold a 2.5 liter bladder. So, if you get extra thirsty or want to switch to a larger bladder, you can.
You Can Carry Plenty of Gear in this Hydration Pack
In addition to the water carrier, this pack also includes 2 smaller zippered pockets. Therefore, you can easily carry more stuff like your phone, wallet, snacks, a camera, knife, keys, sunscreen, etc..
Plus, you probably noticed the mesh pocket squished in between the back pockets. It has a center strap that holds contents securely in place, yet easily accessible.
For example, I find this pocket a great place to store bandanas, snack bars, small towels, caps or maps. Grab these items easily without having to remove your backpack and unzip the pockets.
Ultra-Comfortable Backpack Design for Active Outdoorsy People
The well-designed back panel includes 3 ventilated foam mesh pads to help keep you comfortable and dry while exercising or simply sitting in the sun. Even the shoulder straps contain the same mesh padding!
Furthermore, the shoulder straps have an added chest strap, and the pack includes a waist band. Everything is adjustable, so you can securely attach this hydration pack to your back for bike rides, trail runs, skiing and more.
Note: What surprised me the most about this insulated hydration backpack is that you get all of the features I talked about above for under $30! That’s right – even the 2 liter bladder and insulated pocket.
You can save almost $50 compared to buying the Camelbak Ambush. Even the Unigear Tactical Hydration Pack costs about $10 more for essentially the same design.
And I haven’t even mentioned the Molle system on the outer pockets. They even added some down the shoulder straps, along with D-rings for attaching even more gear.
This Insulated Hydration Backpack is Ultra-Versatile Too…
Whether you decide to carry water or not, the Sharkmouth backpack makes a great day bag.
For example, you can take it to work, shopping, to outdoor concerts and music festivals and more. Due to the number of ways it can carry things, this pack also comes in handy when traveling too.
PS. I forgot to mention why this military-style hydration carrier uses the name, “Sharkmouth”. the water bladder features a large 3.4″ diameter opening. This makes filling easier (especially for ice), not to mention cleaning and drying out.
Many bladders nowadays come with this convenient feature. However, it’s an important factor to keep in mind when shopping for a hydration bladder or pack.
The Accessory that the Sharkmouth Backpack Doesn’t Have:
The only additional accessory that I’d want is a bladder cleaning kit.
This handy $8 cleaning system includes 3 different pipe cleaner style brushes to clean out the drinking tube as well as the mouth piece.
(Believe it or not, gunk can build up in the drinking tube over time, even if you only use water in your bladder.)
Plus, you get a convenient hanging frame to help air out your bladder quickly. This quick-drying concept is simple, yet brilliant! I didn’t know how much I’d like it until I got one for myself.
How to Clean Your Tactical Hydration Backpack:
1. Simple Rinse & Dry
If you only use water in your bladder, cleaning comes down to rinsing and hanging to dry. If you have a cleaning kit, I’d recommend brushing out the drinking tube as well.
2. Don’t Use Washing Machine, Soak Bladder Instead
Don’t wash the bladder in a washing machine. If it needs a more thorough cleaning, soak it in water for 30 minutes prior to hand washing with a mild soap.
3. Don’t Hang in Direct Sun
Also, don’t hang your bladder in the sun to dry. Keep it in the shade because direct sunlight can damage the material and make the drinking tube hard.
About the Drinking Tube:
Speaking of the drinking tube, Sharkmouth includes an insulated neoprene drinking tube cover. I like having the neoprene cover because it helps protect the tubing in addition to insulating it.
The mouthpiece also has a practical shut-off valve along with a cover cap. Very handy when biking dusty trails. Once again, this is a well-designed product. (No BPA either!)
Specs for Sharkmouth Insulated Hydration Backpack:
- Dimensions: 18.5″ Tall x 10.5″ Wide x 3″ Deep
- Max Shoulder Strap Length: 35″ Long
- Max Waist Strap Length: 59″ Long
- Weight: Less than 1 lb
- Backpack Material：Water-resistant, Heavy Duty 900 Denier Polyester
- Lining Material: PVC
- 2L Water Bladder Included (BPA-Free)
- Brand: Sharkmouth
- Get the Sharkmouth Hydration Pack here
- 7 Color Options: Black, Green, Camo, Desert Clay, CP Tan, CP Green, ACU Green
By the way, if you like camo, you’ll like hearing that this pack gives you 4 camouflage patterns to choose from. In addition, you can get it in black, a neutral tan or an olive green.