19 Best Backpacks with Water Bottle Pockets - Tested and Reviewed!
Note: This article was last updated in April 2024, and we will continue to provide updates as we find new backpacks.
Let’s be honest - most backpacks have water bottle pockets. So why did we even bother writing this buying guide?
The truth is that many pockets are either too shallow, too flimsy, or just too small—especially for those carrying larger stainless steel water bottles, like the popular 32 oz or 40 oz sizes. Do you carry a Stanley Cup or other tumbler with a handle? Finding a backpack that fit these larger bottles can be almost impossible.
In this guide, not only do we focus on helping you find the best backpack with a water bottle holder but one that fits your specific water bottle. We tested these backpacks ourselves to confirm which size bottles fit and posted the results.
Types of Backpacks with Water Bottle Pockets
This backpack buying guide is split into two main lists.
The North Face Surge (left) and the Knack Pack (right)
Backpacks with water bottle holders have your standard side pockets on the outside of the bag. Most backpacks with water bottle holders have this style of pocket.
Backpacks with hidden water bottle pockets offer a more discreet way to carry your water bottles. These pockets can be internal and completely hidden or can blend into the backpack so that they aren’t in the way when not in use. We like these the best for keeping a clean profile.
Water Bottles We Used to Test
Below is a list of water bottles we used to test these backpacks.
Hydro Flask 24 oz
Hydro Flask 32 oz
Hydro Flask 40 oz
Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth
CamelBak 32 oz Chute Mag
Owala Freesip 40 oz
Owala Tumbler 40 oz
Stanley Quencher 40 oz
Yeti Rambler 64 oz
Best Backpacks with Water Bottle Holders
Topo Designs Rover Pack
Our test results:
Fits most water bottles 40 oz and under, including 40 oz and 32 oz Hydro Flask, 32 oz Nalgene Wide Mouth and 27 oz Bink Day Bottle
Does not fit tumblers with handles
Topo Designs is one of those backpack brands that just understands a well designed water bottle holder. The Rover Pack offers a deep gusseted water bottle holder on each side of the pack that can fit a 32oz Nalgene or most stainless steel water bottles up to 40oz. Since these pockets can be compressed with a strap, they can also securily hold small water bottles as well.
Key Features:
Capacity: 20L
15" laptop sleeve
Available in over a dozen colors
The North Face Recon
Our test results:
Fits water bottles 40 oz and under, including 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40 oz Hydroflask, 32 oz Nalgene bottle, Owala Freesip 40 oz and Bink Day Bottle 27 oz
Fits 40oz tumbler with handle like the 40oz Stanley Cup and 40oz Owala Tumbler
If you are looking for a good backpack with a water bottle pocket, North Face backpacks are some of the best around in our humble opinion. The brand uses a mix of water resistant textile and stretchy mesh that hugs your water bottle and keeps it snuggly in place. Our testing found that The North Face Recon can fit 40oz water bottles, including tumblers such as the 40oz Stanley Cup and 40oz Owala Tumbler. The trick is to undo the side compression strap over the water bottle pocket to allow the elastic to stretch fully.
See our The North Face Recon review for a closer look at all features.
Key Features:
Capacity: 30L
15" laptop compartment
Roomy main compartment is perfect as a daily work pack or school bookbag
Can turn into a hydration backpack for hiking
PATAGONIA BLACK HOLE 32L BACKPACK
Our test results:
Fits all water bottles 40 ounces and under, including the 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40 oz Hydroflask, 40 oz Owala Freesip and 32 oz Nalgene bottle.
Fits larger 1 L and 1.5 L water bottles
Fits 40 oz tumbler like the Stanley Cup and Owala Tumbler
Fits 64 oz Yeti Rambler
Small bottles like a 500ml or 24 oz bottle will be a little loose in the pocket
The Patagonia Black Hole 32L has some of the largest and stretchiest side pockets we have ever tested. These pockets have enough room for a 40 oz Stanley Quencher tumbler or 40 oz Owala tumbler and are even large enough to fit the massive 64 oz Yeti Rambler!
We also tested the water bottle pockets on the smaller Black Hole 25L but it's important to note that its pockets are narrower and can only fit up to a 40 oz water bottle like the Owala Freesip or Hydro Flask Wide Mouth. To compare the two backpacks check out our Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L comparison.
Key Features:
Capacity: 32L
16" laptop compartment
High quality materials with water-resistant DWR finish
Daisy chains on exterior for bungee cord or accessory attachments
Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L
Our test results:
Fits all bottles 40 ounces and under, including the Bink Day Bottle 27 oz, 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40oz Hydroflask, 40 oz Owala Freesip and 32 oz Nalgene bottle.
Fits up to 40 oz tumbler with handle like the Stanley Quencher tumbler and Owala Tumbler
Fits larger 1 L and 1.5 L water bottles
Fits 64 oz Yeti Rambler
Patagonia makes our list again but this time with the Atom Tote Pack 20L. This backpack is great for shorter people with a smaller frame who want a more appropriate fit. Despite its small size, the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack has very stretchy water bottle pockets that can fit a Stanley Cup or even a 64 oz water bottle like the Yeti Rambler. Not bad for such as small laptop backpack!
For a closer look at the details make sure to see our Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L review.
Key Features:
Capacity: 20L
13" padded laptop sleeve
Lightweight design with very comfortable shoulder straps
Switch from computer backpack to hydration backpack thanks to removable laptop sleeve that makes room for a water bladder.
Sherpani Camden Convertible Backpack
Our test results:
Fits most water bottles 40 oz and under including the Bink Day Bottle 27 oz, 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40oz Hydroflask, 40 oz Owala Freesip and 32 oz Nalgene bottle.
Fits tumbler with handle up to 40 oz, like the Owala Tumbler and Stanley Cup
The Sherpani Camden is a cute backpack, tote and crossbody bag in one! In addition to being roomy enough for school, work and travel - the Camden also offers deep and stretchy water bottle pockets that will hold any 40oz water bottle perfectly in place. The stretchy elastic even fits 40oz tumblers making it the perfect backpack for a Stanley Cup.
Key Features:
Capacity: 21L
15" dedicated laptop sleeve
Available in tons of fun colors
Convertible: backpack, tote bag and crossbody bag
Perfect size to use as a personal item backpack on flights
King Kong PLUS Backpack
Our test results:
Fits most water bottles 64 ounces and under including shaker bottles, water bottles and tumblers with handles
Fits larger 1 L and 1.5 L water bottles
Fits the Yeti Rambler 64 oz
Small bottles stay in place due to deep pockets with elastic
We recommend the King Kong PLUS to anyone looking for a great gym backpack with a shoe compartment thanks to its sturdy construction, easy access pockets and unique design. The two massive side pockets are easily some of the largest we have ever tested. When used as water bottle sleeves, they consume the giant 64 oz Yeti Rambler and can handle 40 oz tumblers like a champ. Thanks to the elastic and the depth of each pocket, even smaller bottles stay securely in place.
Key Features:
Capacity: 26L
15" dedicated laptop sleeve
External shoe compartment that zips flat when not in use
Unique dual access to the main compartment (clamshell and regular)
Osprey Proxima 30 Backpack
Our test results:
Fits most water bottles 64 ounces and under, including 32oz Nalgene, all Hydro Flask sizes and all Yeti Rambler water bottle sizes.
Fits tumblers with handles like the 40 oz Owala and Stanley tumbler
Small bottles like a 500ml or 20 oz water bottle will be a little loose in the pocket but the pocket is deep enough to keep it securely in place.
Designed to be the ultimate school backpack, the Osprey Proxima 30 is loaded with a large main compartment, spacious pockets and two perfectly stretchy water bottle pockets to keep you hydrated on long days. The high quality mesh that Osprey uses on their backpacks is some of the best. It can accomodate large 40 oz bottles and tumblers but still holds smaller slim bottles in place. It can even fit a 64 ounce water bottle!
Key Features:
Capacity: 30L
16" laptop compartment
Front compression straps gives you extra storage for bulky jackets or a skateboard
Airscape backpanel for great stability
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Our Test Results
Will fit all water bottles 40 ounces and under, including the 32 ounce Hydro Flask and 40 ounce Owala Freesip
Easily fits 40 ounce tumbler like the Owala or Stanley Tumbler
Fits larger 1 L and 1.5 L water bottles
Fits 64 ounce water bottle like the Yeti Rambler
The Osprey Daylite Plus has one of the most versatile designs available today. It can serve as a travel backpack, thanks to its built-in trolley sleeve, a daily laptop backpack, or you can add a water bladder to transform it into a hydration backpack for hiking.
The side pockets on the Daylite Plus are great thanks to the stretchy mesh that securely holds large water bottles with ease. Big bottles, such as the 40-ounce Owala or Stanley tumbler, fit comfortably inside. Additionally, the deep pockets are perfect for making sure smaller bottles, like a 20-ounce or 24-ounce stainless steel bottle, stay securely in place.
Key Features:
Capacity: 20L
14" padded sleeve for laptop or tablet
Super light weight design
Available in tons of different colors
Versatile design: Can be used for travel, laptop carry and day hikes
Rains Trail Mountaineer Bag
Our test results:
Will fit most water bottles up to 64 ounces, including the Yeti Rambler 64oz
40 oz tumblers with handles can easily fit
Fits larger 1 L and 1.5 L water bottles
Smaller bottles 24 ounces and under will be a loose fit inside the pocket
Crafted from waterproof materials, the Rains Trail Mountaineer Bag blurs the line between a high-end fashion backpack and a rugged outdoor bag. At its core, it's an everyday backpack designed to handle life's essentials, including a laptop, cell phone, jacket, large water bottle and other common daily items,. The extra-large mesh side pocket accommodates most bottles up to 64 oz, including a 40-ounce tumbler with a handle, making it perfect for carrying your drinks with ease.
Key Features:
Capacity: 22L
16" laptop sleeve
Made with Rains' signature waterproof fabric
External straps, bungee and webbing allow you to expand your storage (you can easily attach an extra water bottle to the straps)
THE NORTH FACE SURGE
Our test results:
Will fit most water bottles 40 oz and under, including 32oz and 40oz Hydro Flask with a boot, 32 oz Nalgene, Owala and Yeti water bottles
Will fit 40 oz tumblers with handles like the Stanley Quencher and Owala tumbler
The Surge is one of the largest North Face backpacks currently available thanks to its 31-liter capacity, multi-device laptop compartment, and large number of pockets. A bigger footprint also means large side pockets for water bottles. We found that the side water bottle holders can easily fit larger bottles like the 32 oz Nalgene, 40 oz Hydro Flask and even a 40-ounce Owala or Stanley tumbler.
The North Face offers the Surge backpack in both men’s and women’s versions for the perfect fit.
Key Features:
Capacity: 31L
15" laptop compartment with extra sleeve for a tablet or documents
Includes chest strap and removable hip belt
Lots of organization: 19 pockets total
Stubble & Co. The Backpack
Our test results:
Fits slim water bottles 20 ounces and under, including 500 ml water bottles
The Backpack by Stubble & Co is great for anyone looking for a high quality backpack that is built to last. The side water bottle pockets on this backpack are deep enough to secure a water bottle, umbrella or small items without worry of anything slipping out when on the move. Just keep in mind that although the side water bottle holders are great for smaller 500ml and 20 ounce bottles, they are not going to fit large water bottles.
Key Features:
Capacity: 21L
16" laptop sleeve
Made of water resistant waxed canvas.
Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Backpack
Our test results:
Fits most water bottles 40 ounces and under, including 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40 oz Hydroflask, 32 oz Nalgene, 40 oz Owala Freesip water bottle and shaker bottles.
Does not fit tumbers with handles like the Stanley Quencher or Owala Tumbler 40oz
The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 is a sports and school backpack for those with busy schedules. This backpack includes a large main compartment, front organizers and a separate bottom compartment for shoes. As a backpack with water bottle holder, the Hustle includes two extra large mesh pockets on either side that can hold most big bottles up to 40 ounces. However, they do not stretch far enough for tumblers with handles like the Owala and Stanley Tumber.
Check out our Under Armour Hustle 5.0 review for more details or check out our Under Armour Hustle 5.0 vs Pro backpack comparison (the Pro has a water bottle cooler pocket!)
Key Features:
Capacity: 29L
16" laptop sleeve
Bottom shoe compartment
Organizer compartment for smaller items
Pacsafe Vibe Anti-Theft Backpack
As far as anti-theft backpacks go, few brands offer as much innovation and smart design as Pacsafe. With their 20 liter Vibe Anti-Theft backpack, Pacsafe offers a creative take on the daily backpack by giving you plenty of anti-theft features like anti-slash fabrics and the ability to lock the bag to a table or chair leg when needed.
The water bottle pockets on the Vibe are made of a tight-knit mesh that keeps your bottle snuggly in place and is deep enough to secure your bottles if you were to lean over. And because this mesh is incredibly stretchy, you can accommodate a variety of water bottle sizes without worry.
Jansport Superbreak Plus
The original Jansport Superbreak is one of the best affordable backpacks you can use for school, commuting or travel but unfortunately it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to modern features. Jansport changes the tide by offering the Superbreak Plus. This updated Superbreak gives you the best the original had to offer with the addition of a 15” laptop sleeve and side pocket, making the Plus a perfect option for anyone looking for a Jansport backpack with water bottle pocket.
Backpacks with Hidden Water Bottle Pockets
Knack Pack Expandable Backpack
Our test results:
Only fits slim water bottles 24 ounces and under, including 500 ml water bottles
Water bottles with handles or lids that protrude will not fit (example: CamelBak Chute Mag or Thermoflask Chug Lid)
The Knack Pack is an expandable everyday and travel pack for those who want one bag to rule them all. We tested the Medium Knack Pack size that has an 17 liter volume unexpanded for daily carry and can expand up to 31 liters for travel. The hidden water bottle pocket can be found on the side of the backpack and we found that it can only fit smaller bottles 24 ounces and under. This should be no problem for people who carry slim bottles from popular brands like Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask and Owala.
We have testes both the Knack Pack Series 1 and Series 2 extensively and have found that the water bottle pocket on the Series is one is slightly larger and can fit more bottle sizes. For a closer look at the difference between the two, check out our Knack Pack Series vs Series 2 comparison.
Key Features:
Capacity: 17-31L expandable
15" laptop sleeve and separate tablet sleeve in main compartment
Made with anti-microbial lining to prevent stinky smells
Perfect work and travel bag thanks to hidden packing compartment and lots of pockets.
Able Carry Daily Plus Backpack
Our test results:
Fits most water bottles 40 ounces and under, including the 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40 oz Hydro Flask, 32 oz Nalgene bottle, and all slim water bottles 24 ounces and under.
Tumblers with handles will not fit
The Able Carry Daily Plus is a lightweight daypack for those who are serious about organization of tech and daily essentials. The Daily Plus is equipped with a 16-inch laptop sleeve, seperate tablet sleeve and plenty of pockets for organization - all housed inside a minimalist outer design. This backpack ditches the traditional water bottle holder for a hidden side pocket that can fit a stainless steel water bottle up to 40 ounces, such as the 40oz Hydro Flask Wide Mouth water bottle.
Key Features:
Capacity: 21L
16" dedicated laptop sleeve and 11" tablet sleeve
High quality X-Pac water resistant construction
Super comfortable shoulder straps with ergonomic back panel
Able Carry Max Backpack
Our test results:
Fits most water bottles 40 ounces and under, including the 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40 oz Hydro Flask, 32 oz Nalgene bottle, and all slim water bottles 24 ounces and under.
Tumblers with protruding handles will not fit
Designed for both daily carry and travel, the Able Carry Max offers a stylish minimalist design and beefy construction for those who want one tough versatile backpack. The large main compartment gives you a ton of packing space while the rear laptop compartment acts as a mobile office for your tech and accessories.
Like the smaller Able Carry Daily Plus Backpack, the Max offers an internal water bottle pocket that stays hidden when zipped shut. We found that it can fit up to a 40 oz stainless steel water bottle with ease.
Key Features:
Capacity: 30L
17" rear laptop compartment
High quality X-Pac water resistant construction
Lockable zippers, luggage sleeve and large main compartment for travel
Ridge Commuter Backpack 20L
Our test results:
Fits most water bottles 24 ounces or smaller, including 24 oz Hydro Flask and 500ml bottles.
The Ridge Commuter Backpack is one of our favorite daily carry and travel backpacks thanks to clever pockets that allow you to have everything in its right place. The highly water-resistant construction also makes it one of favorite waterproof backpacks for college.
This backpack has water bottle holders on each side of the pack that stay hidden when zipped closed. Our testing found that the side pockets can securliy fit slim water bottles up to 24 ounces. This means your 17oz, 20oz and 500 ml water bottles will all fit inside the side pockets.
Key Features:
Capacity: 20L
16" laptop compartment with water resistant zipper
Includes removable main compartment divider for easier packing
Water resistant construction
Nomatic Backpack
Our test results:
Fits most water bottles 40 ounces and under, including 32 oz Hydro Flask , 40 oz Hydro Flask and 32 ounce Nalgene water bottle.
Looks can be deceiving with the Nomatic backpack. A minimalist exterior doesn’t exactly prepare you for the number of pockets that meet you once inside the pack. In fact, it's one of our favorite recommendations for people looking for a backpack with lots of pockets.
When it comes to water bottle holders, the Nomatic does things a bit different. Each side pocket is held together by a magnet that stays flat against the backpack when not in use but inside is a very stretchy mesh material that can old up to a 40 ounce water bottle. Smaller bottles are held firmly in place thanks to the stretchy mesh that hugs the bottle.
Key Features:
Capacity: 20-24L expandable main compartment
Seperate laptop and tablet sleeves
Hide the shoulder straps and carry like a briefcase
Water resistant materials and zippers
