CamelBak Annadel Hydration Pack Photo: CamelBak.com

If you're not a member at the gym or just really like the outdoors, chances are good that, now and again, you go for a run/walk/hike/bike ride that requires you to bring more water than just a little bottle. Or, you might just want to keep your hands free -- I know I have a really hard time reaching for a water bottle while on a bike without eating dirt.

There's a simple (and affordable) solution to all of these -- a hydration pack. CamelBak has been making a wide range of hydration packs over the years to suit a variety of needs. They have options for an expanding array of sports and sizes. The latest women's design is the Annadel, which I just tried out.

The Annadel ($45) is fairly compact, holding one to two hours of hydration (50 oz) and not a whole lot else. There's a pocket for keys, phone and a few other basics. My husband went with the Rogue ($55), which is also fairly streamlined but holds over two hours of hydration (70 oz) and a little more cargo than mine.

While we got them with the intention of using them for hiking and biking, we decided to go for a run with them since that's what we do the most. I was worried that the swishing of the water in the backpack would be distracting, or that the straps would rub on my bare shoulders (I hate running in sleeves, don't you?). Neither of these things were issues for me, although my husband did report some discomfort from the straps rubbing his shoulders.

CamelBak Rogue Hydration Pack Photo: CamelBak.com

In order to secure the straps in place, a buckle comes across the chest. It didn't bother me, but I will say that, if you're on the larger end of the size spectrum, particular in the breast area, you might not be able to go with a women's style. I don't have all that much going on up there, and I still had to loosen the strap to almost the end.

You'd probably be smart to go to a retailer and try one on to make certain you like the fit. I might've planned on using this for long excursions, but now I see no reason not to fill it up for my regular 2- or 3-mile runs around the neighborhood.

Do you use a Camelbak?