Hydration Backpack Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By End User (Sports, Military), By Distribution Channel (Specialty Stores, Departmental Stores, Online Retail), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global hydration backpack market size was valued at USD 343.14 million in 2021. It is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% from 2022 to 2030. There is a rising demand for hydration backpacks as they offer a convenient hands-free application and help maintain optimum hydration while on the move. Factors such as increasing participation in adventurous outdoor activities, growing awareness of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, and a rise in the number of internet users in developing countries leading to higher product awareness are likely to drive the market over the forecast period.

In 2020, the world was brought to a standstill by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early stages of the pandemic, the revenues of hydration backpack manufacturing companies witnessed a minimal decrease because, during the pandemic phase, participation in outdoor recreation witnessed growth. By the end of 2020, the hydration backpack manufacturers performed well in terms of revenue by a significant margin compared to other backpack and luggage bag manufacturers. Additionally, hydration backpack manufacturers showed greater resilience than the rest of the backpacks and luggage bags industry.

Rising consumer participation in outdoor sports and activities has been the primary driver boosting product adoption. The Outdoor Foundation commissioned the 2021 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, which revealed the highest participation rate ever by Americans aged 6 and over, who engaged in outdoor recreation at least once in 2020. The report stated that running, jogging, trail running, and hiking are the most popular sports in the U.S., followed by fishing, road biking, and cycling.

In Europe, the ISPO study on outdoor consumers in 2021 revealed that around 81% of Europeans participated in an outdoor activity in 2020. Similarly, according to the Emerging Sport Participation Trends Report of 2021 by Sports Australia, Australia witnessed increasing participation in outdoor recreation activities in 2020.

Apart from this, various hiking communities, sports associations, and hydration backpack manufacturers are spreading awareness about the importance of proper hydration and are advising trekkers, mountaineers, and athletes to use hydration packs. National Sports ID, Children’s Hospital Association, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, and National athletic trainers' association are among many organizations that have highlighted the importance of hydration during sporting or outdoor activities.

The growing trend of e-tailing is creating significant opportunities for key players in the market to boost their sales and expand their geographic presence. Several companies have successfully reached a wider consumer base through social media and by listing their products in several marketplaces. The increasing penetration of the internet remains a promising development for companies to boost their product visibility across regions

End-user Insights

The sports segment contributed to a large market share of over 75% in 2021. This can be attributed to high product demand among hikers, trekkers, cyclists, and athletes, especially in developed countries. Hydration backpacks are used by military personnel to remain hydrated during combat, training, and other operations. These hydration packs also have rain covers and are made of fabric that helps military personnel to camouflage their presence. The preference for hydration packs is rising rapidly as these allow military personnel to carry a large amount of water with them during missions.

Manufacturers such as CamelBak (Vista Outdoor Products, Inc.), Textrade Associates, and Source Tactical Gear have contracts and collaborations with the government of various countries for providing military hydration backpacks. Source Tactical Gear provides its military hydration backpacks to countries such as the U.K., Germany, Switzerland, and the U.S. This company designs custom hydration backpacks that are practical, spacious, sturdy and weather-resistant.

Distribution Channel Insights

The specialty stores segment held the largest share of over 46% in 2021. The sales through specialty stores will continue to grow over the forecast period as key companies increase their global reach by adding stores in tier II and III cities in major geographies. Furthermore, the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance’s specialty retail growth report for 2021 stated that the national cohort of independent shops was up 29% in sales in 2020.

Manufacturers are opening their own outlets to provide customers with the best experience. For instance, CamelBak opened its world-first flagship store in Sydney, Australia, in November 2017. The store features its bottles and other hydration accessories, including backpacks for various sports.

According to the GVR study, hydration backpack sales through online retailers are expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Major players such as CamelBak, Osprey Packs, Jack Wolfskin, and Gregory have recently redesigned their websites to improve customers’ online shopping experiences.

Over the past few years, e-commerce has been gaining popularity as it offers the convenience of shopping with just a few clicks. Buyers worldwide are gradually turning to online shopping as they can explore various options on a single platform. Numerous niche players in the market are offering high-quality hydration backpacks for various sports. These players are giving tough competition to other established names in the market, such as Osprey Packs, CamelBak, and Source Tactical Gear.

Regional Insights

Geographically, North America accounted for the largest revenue share of over 38% in 2021. Increased product visibility and the region’s well-established sports industry are expected to fuel product demand in the coming years. Hydration backpacks, especially hiking hydration backpacks continue to gain immense popularity across the region owing to the growing popularity of outdoor activities in the region. An increasing number of consumers opt for hydration backpacks as they help provide adequate hydration during outdoor activities.

Moreover, Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing regional market and register a CAGR of 10.7% over the forecast period. The growing popularity of hydration backpacks among individuals who enjoy sports and trek activities, and a well-established sports industry have helped in driving sales across the Asia Pacific market. Moreover, CamelBak sponsored marathons and cyclothons in India to increase visibility and create brand awareness.  

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The hydration backpack market is characterized by the presence of some large multinational companies with a strong presence across the globe. Leading manufacturers hold a significant market share in Europe, North America, and major parts of Asia. Some of the key players in the market are Vista Outdoor Inc. (CamelBak), Columbia Sportswear Company, Osprey Packs Inc., High Sierra, Gregory Mountain Products, Source Tactical Gear, Hydro Flask, Mazama Designs, LLC., USWE Sports AB, and TETON Sports. Some of the key developments and strategic initiatives carried out by leading manufacturers are listed below:

• In June 2022, CamelBak partnered with UTMB World Series as its official hydration and drinkware supplier for hydration backpacks, filtration systems, sports bottles, and drinkware.

• In May 2022, CamelBak introduced a new line of hiking hydration backpacks, which include Cloud Walker, Rim Runner X, and Arete collections redesigned for hiking adventures. The new product line embeds attractive features like packability, comfort, lightweight, breathability, and stylish designs

• In May 2022, Gregory Mountain Products announced its 2022 Ambassador Team consisting of a bright and diverse group of 13 storytellers and content creators chosen for their love of the outdoors and engagement in their communities.

• In April 2022, in partnership with its parent company Helen of Troy, Hydro Flask announced that from the end of calendar 2022, the company will be including 80-100% recycled packaging certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and carry the How2Recycle label.

Some prominent players in the global hydration backpack market include:

• Vista Outdoor Inc. (CamelBak)

• Columbia Sportswear Company

• Osprey Packs Inc. (Helen of Troy Limited)

• High Sierra (Samsonite International S.A.)

• Gregory Mountain Products (Samsonite International S.A.)

• Source Tactical Gear (SOURCE)

• Hydro Flask (Helen of Troy Limited)

• Mazama Designs LLC

• USWE Sports AB

• TETON Sports (C&S Holmes, Inc.)

Hydration Backpack Market Report Scope

Global Hydration Backpack Market Segmentation

This report forecasts growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segment from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global hydration backpack market report based on end-user, distribution channel, and region:

• End-user Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Sports

  • Military

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Specialty Stores

  • Departmental Stores

  • Online Retail

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • Australia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa