Review: REI Trailmade Hydration Sling
The Trailmade Hydration Sling is made for short outings, with room for essentials and an included water bottle that stays secure in an outer pocket so you can stay hydrated on the go.
I’ve been using this sling on recent camping trips, and it’s been especially useful for short walks or quick hikes away from camp. When I don’t want a full daypack, this gives me just enough space to bring the basics along.
The main compartment is simple but thoughtfully laid out, with enough room for things like keys, a wallet, sunscreen, and a couple of snacks. There’s also an internal sleeve designed for a hydration reservoir, but I’ve been using that as a separate pocket to keep smaller items contained.
Specs
- sling capacity: 4.5 liters
- weight: 7 oz.
- exterior pockets: 2
- materials: 300-denier recycled polyester
- dimensions: 12.5 x 7 x 3.5 inches
- includes 24 oz. water bottle
- price: $69.95
Features
The front mesh pocket has been one of the most useful features — I keep my phone there so I can grab it quickly without digging around, which makes a noticeable difference when I’m stopping often for photos or checking maps. The strap has light padding for comfort and can be adjusted to wear over either shoulder, and once I have it dialed in, it sits securely without feeling bulky. At just 7 ounces, it’s lightweight enough that I barely notice I’m wearing it, but still holds everything I need for shorter outings.
The included 750 ml HydraPak RECON Clip & Carry water bottle rides in an outer pocket with a cinch and snap tether, which has been especially helpful when I’m reaching into the main compartment — it keeps the bottle from shifting or slipping out. I have learned to be a bit more careful when flipping the sling around to the front to access the inside, after having my phone fall out of the pocket a few times.
Overall, this sling is a simple, functional option that I reach for when I want to carry just the essentials on short outings, but what really makes it stand out for me is having a dedicated, easy way to stay hydrated without switching to a full daypack.
Disclosure: this item was donated for the purpose of a review.