From the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to the Routeburn Track, and every ridge scramble and backcountry mission in between, hydration systems need to do more than carry water. They need to stay accessible, move efficiently with your body, and perform reliably in New Zealand's fast-changing mountain conditions.
The HydraPak PackFlask™ kit is built specifically for lightweight, front-of-pack hydration. Designed to attach directly to a pack harness, PackFlask™ keeps water visible and within reach while moving, wherever the route takes you. The soft flask design collapses as you drink to reduce sloshing and bulk, helping trampers, trail runners, and fastpackers move more efficiently over long distances.
What is the HydraPak PackFlask™?
PackFlask™ is a chest-mounted hydration flask system designed for tramping, trail running, fastpacking, and multi-day backcountry travel. Unlike traditional reservoirs that rely on hoses and rear storage, PackFlask™ places hydration directly on the front of your pack for faster access and easier on-the-go water-level monitoring.
Key features include:
- Front-of-pack hydration access
- Lightweight, collapsible soft flask design
- Secure daisy chain and hook-and-loop attachment system
- Stretch mesh stabilisation pouch to reduce bounce
- Self-sealing high-flow bite valve
- Integrated dust cover to protect from dirt, mud, and wet hands
- Durable abrasion-resistant TPU construction with RF-welded seams
Why Front-of-Pack Hydration Matters on NZ Trails
New Zealand's backcountry demands constant movement and quick decision-making. Traditional hydration reservoirs make it difficult to monitor water intake, refill quickly, or drink without stopping, which can add complexity when you're navigating loose scree, river crossings, or exposed alpine terrain.
The PackFlask™ system solves this by moving hydration to the front of the body, where you can drink, refill, and track consumption naturally without breaking your stride. For trampers tackling the Te Araroa, and minimalist backcountry travellers heading into Kahurangi or the Kaikōura Ranges, this means a more efficient hydration workflow with less interruption and less bulk.
PackFlask+™: Filter on the Fly in the New Zealand Backcountry
New Zealand's backcountry is laced with streams and tarns, but waterborne contaminants like Giardia are a genuine risk in popular tramping areas. For athletes and trampers wanting to travel lighter and drink from the source, the PackFlask+™ is a genuine game-changer.
It includes all the minimalist features of the standard collection, with the addition of integrated filtration, letting you carry less water weight and top up safely from alpine streams and hut water sources along the way.
PackFlask+™ filtration specs:
- Removes 99.9999% of bacteria and parasites per NSF 42
- Filters approximately 1,500 litres of water
- Fast flow rate of up to 1 litre per minute
- Includes backflush adapter for restoring filter performance
- 750ml capacity optimised for moving efficiently between natural refill points
Lightweight Hydration Built for New Zealand's Mountains
The HydraPak PackFlask™ collection was engineered for outdoor users who prioritise efficiency, accessibility, and reliability in demanding terrain. By combining lightweight soft flask construction with modular front-of-pack integration, it delivers a streamlined alternative to hard bottles and hydration bladders.
Whether you're crossing the Southern Alps, grinding out a long day on the Heaphy Track, or putting together a fast-and-light setup for a Southland river valley, PackFlask™ and PackFlask+™ keep hydration simple, fast, and always within reach.