Hydration Station

More than 5 000 years ago, the Assyrians filled goatskin bladders so they could carry water across the desert. Today, there's a hydration pack for almost every outdoor activity. Here are seven of our favorites for hiking, running, and riding.

- By Pierre Steyn

CAMELBAK CHASE

Back in 1989, Michael Eidson, a young American medical technician, was about to set off on the Hotter'N Hell 100 cycling race in the heat of a Texas summer. Worried about being able to carry enough water, he hurriedly filled an IV bag, stuffed it into a tube sock, and put it down the back of his cycling jersey. He looped the hose over his shoulder and used a clothes peg to clamp it shut. Ta-da! The modern hydration pack was born.

Eidson became the founder of CamelBak, a company that has become synonymous with hydration vests. Thankfully, the modern Chase is a far cry from the original IV bag-and-sock combo. It's an adjustable, lightweight harness made from breathable mesh material, which fits a 1,5l bladder. It's designed specifically for cyclists, so it sits high on your back, snugly above your jersey's pockets. You can store your CO2 cartridges and tools in the back, and we especially like the pockets on the front of the harness that gives you easy access to your phone and snacks.

R1769 takealot.com

SALOMON ADVANCED SKIN 5

Salomon is a French company that has built its reputation on a wide range of quality hiking and trail-running apparel. This minimalist vest has a premium price tag, but you do get plenty of versatility and comfort. It's designed so you can wrap all your gear around your torso, including two soft 500 ml water flasks that slip into the front pouches. It's aimed at runners - you can secure the flasks with elastic loops - and there are plenty of other easy adjustments you can make so the pack doesn't bounce around.