Hydra 26L Backpack
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Head off on your day-long missions with the Hydra 26L Backpack from The North Face. Its minimalist design reduces weight while still allowing quick access to the contents of the pack when you're traveling long distances. This lightweight design is enhanced by the patent-pending Dyno Lift System that doesn't add any weight and features a self-equalizing, on-the-fly, adjustable load lifters for a comfortable carry through the miles. A FlashDry back panel provides you with quick-drying, breathable performance for strenuous ascents while the T6 aluminum frame allows you to have total freedom of movement when scrambling up to the summit.
Details
- Backpack with a minimalist design to tackle your day-long missions
- 26L accommodates tools, extra layers, hydration system, and snacks
- Lightweight design helps to keep you fast and nimble on the trails
- Dyno Lift System features self-equalizing, on-the-fly load lifters
- FlashDry trampoline back panel is breathable and quick-drying
- Easily accessible pockets allow you to quickly get to your gear
- Reflective webbing provides visibility in low light conditions
- Two tool keepers stash your poles or ice axes when not needed
- Item #TNFZAH1
- Material
- 70D IronLite nylon, non-PFC DWR finish
- Volume
- 26L (1587cu in)
- Support/Suspension
- Dyno Lift System, trampoline back panel
- Shoulder Straps
- adjustable
- Waist Belt
- adjustable
- Hydration Compatible
- yes
- Access
- top
- Pockets
- [external] 1 zippered front, 2 stretch side, 2 zippered waist, , [internal] 1 hydration sleeve
- Gear Loops
- 2
- Trekking Pole Carry
- yes
- Compression
- adjustable
- Dimensions
- [small/medium] 21.3 x 12.2 x 8.7in, [large/x-large] 23.2 x 13.2 x 8.7in
- Claimed Weight
- [small/medium] 1lb 15oz, [large/x-large] 2lb
- Manufacturer Warranty
- lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 7 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageSeptember 15, 2021
Yes
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] From North Carolina, but used on a day hike in Ala Archa, Kyrgyzstan hiking 8000 ft up to a 14,000 ft summit. The pack is well-built, light, comfortable, and attractive. I think accessibility when fully loaded is sup-bar, however. I am still new to hiking and mountaineering, so my systems still need work...but I can see this little guy featuring prominently in my carrying systems moving forward, especially for day-long pursuits.
Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com
February 24, 2021
Love this pack
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Great pack. Well-made and fits a ton of gear.
Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com
June 11, 2020
Weird but good pack
I used this pack on a thru-hike of Te Araroa, a 3000km rough track across both islands of New Zealand. I've never had a framed or unframed pack that carried weight so comfortably (I have used üla, hyperlite, arc teryx, etc) I am 6'5 (2 meters) tall with a long torso, and the L/XL frame with the back adjusted to the maximum was absolutely perfect. This is rare as I've had to modify the size L packs from other makers. I started using this pack with serious back issues that lingered for 3 months and got worse with my üla, but after 2 months of carrying 12-20kg in this for 10-14 hours a day, I was completely recovered. That is why I give this pack 5 stars. It is still my go-to. Now for the bad: -the main compartment is surprisingly waterproof EXCEPT for the design makes it physically impossible to close, so there is a hole at the top and you have full water penetration in the rain. (Not a big deal as I line with a trash bag) -the plastic piece that cinches the top is injection molded plastic with hard corners, and predictably it broke after about a month and a half. I tried to replace it with a normal drawstring cinch and it is just incompatible with the cordage used. I ended up having to tie a knot every morning. -the back adjustment/frame suspension uses a single strap to hold the straps on the frame, and that strap is not held in place by anything, so the pack would become uncentered and the weight would bias to one side. I had to fix this about 3-4 times per day. I hope they can learn from these 3 flaws and the next version of this pack will be the undisputed king of < 1kg framed packs.
Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com
October 11, 2019
Suitable for longer day hikes but inferior to the Litus pack
I use it on longer day hikes in the Adirondack high peaks region and it is good in the sense it holds just a bit more than my Litus 22. That being said I think just about every other aspect of the Litus pack is better. The cinch top on this is not my favorite. The pack does everything I need it to do but I am not a fan of the overall design.
Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com
September 23, 2019
Excellent day pack
Wore this pack for 12 hours as we crossed from the north rim of the Grand Canyon to the south rim. I had a 3 liter bladder and still had plenty of storage. It was comfortable to wear all day. Can't wait to use it again!
Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com
April 18, 2019
A solid pack for it's purpose
i would use the product for only hiking. i had intended to see if it'd work for travel with the family, to better support the stuff i need to carry for the kids. unfortunately the accessibility to the storage pockets is a little cumbersome due to the latching and securing of each pocket. they get in the way when you want easy access to a diaper or food or extra clothes. the color also doesn't exactly match to the actual product so whereas i wanted this bright yellow, i got more of a deli mustard result. i think the lightweight and strength and load balancing are it's key strengths. meanwhile, i'll keep searching for the travel pack that's technical for load support, but doesn't look like another diaper bag.
Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com
April 15, 2019
Five-Star Carry Comfort
Carry comfort is, by far, the primary criterion for judging a pack. And this little Hydra carries beautifully. It sits high and tight on my back. Load-lifter straps are extraneous on most daypacks, because the short pack frames prevent them from actually working. In this regard, the Hydra is unusual, perhaps unique. The frame extends high enough that my load-lifter straps angle up and back at nearly a text-book 45° angle. That's common on backpacks, but almost unheard of on daypacks. And it makes a difference, allowing you to tighten the load-lifters, bow the frame, and create a sensation that the pack is levitating slightly rather than dragging down on your butt. The shoulder straps are fine on the men's Hydra. (Though they're way, way too broad, stiff and heavy on the women's version.) Ventilation is good but not great, though I can't complain given how comfortably this pack carries. As for the pack bag, it's untraditional. With no lid, there's no easy way to ensure any of the contents will remain high or instantly accessible. The bag basically consists of three vertical compartments, and in each of these, the contents instantly shifts down. The only way to combat that is by packing strategically, which is time consuming. But, hey, it's a small pack, so this is a minor issue. The main compartment opens with a tug; no need to fuss with a toggle. That's a welcome, original touch. The pack material is supposed to dry fast, but I've not yet put that to the test. Finally, the gold color is refreshingly different. All in all, the Hydra 26 is very impressive. TNF doesn't seem to get the attention of Osprey or Deuter. But, in my opinion, TNF has long made the world's most innovative daypacks and backpacks. Guiding and writing guidebooks is my business, and all my packs are TNF.
Originally reviewed on thenorthface.com
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