Hydration packs work well because you can drink on the move and drinking little and often is the most effective hydration strategy. Most self-respecting packs now come complete with a reservoir pocket and some sort of tube fixing to accommodate them. There are downsides though - hydration systems are hard to keep clean and prone to freezing in cold weather. So, what should you look out for when buying?
Buyers' Guide - Hydration Systems
Still using a water bottle? Get with the programme, we tell you what to watch out for when selecting a hydration system plus some maintenance tips too.
New From The North Face - Spring '08 Camo hydration packs, new lightweight day sacs and their first fell-running shoe all hitting the shops about now. - 28/3/08
