Bottom Line
The Teton Oasis 18L hydration pack excels in durability and waterproofing, making it a solid choice for short hikes or outdoor activities in various weather conditions. Its thick fabric and strong materials ensure longevity. Plus, the rain cover and waterproof design protect gear from wet conditions. The pack offers good compartmentalization with multiple pockets, though its lack of a hip pocket and somewhat disorganized interior can make it difficult to access smaller items quickly. The hydration bladder is functional but lacks a handle and features a difficult-to-use Velcro attachment, which could be a frustration for some users.
Even though the pack is a bit bulky for its size and feels heavy when loaded, it provides ample space and good comfort for short trips. Its durability and waterproof features add value, but it may not be ideal for users seeking a lightweight or minimalist option. It ranks as a budget option our hydration packs guide. Overall, it’s a great choice for those prioritizing weather resistance and durability over ultra-light design.
How We Tested
We took the pack out on a 5 mile hike at Carkeek Park in Seattle in the winter to test its comfort and carrying capacity. We tested ease of use for the hydration system and evaluated water resistance with a simple shower test.
Quick Specs
TETON Sports Oasis 18
Very Affordable Hydration Pack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.2/5.0
Price: $50
Capacity: 18L
Weight: 2 lb.
Pros
- Affordable
- Spacious main compartment
- Rain cover
- Multiple compartments for organization
Cons
- Bulky
- Not easy to use
- Flimsy hydration bladder
Comfort & Fit
The Teton Oasis 18L features a breathable back panel, which provides some airflow on short walks. However, the overall comfort is compromised by the pack’s bulky feel. The back was well padded and offered good ventilation, but it felt awkward and thick when we wore it on our hike. The pack was also difficult to size correctly, especially for our smaller torso. The shoulder straps and hip belt are minimally padded, which detracts from its comfort when loaded with heavier gear.
We felt like the pack was over designed in general with too many buckles to ensure a snug fit. It shifted around during the whole hike. We think that the pack is fine for short hikes or casual use, but it may not be as comfortable for longer treks where stability and precise fit are crucial.
Hydration System
The hydration bladder included with the Teton Oasis 18L leaves much to be desired. It lacks a handle, making it difficult to fill. The bladder itself was very flimsy and did not hold shape like other hydration bladders we tested. The bladder opens at the top instead of a screw up cap, which makes it necessary for us to use both hands to steadily hold the bladder open.
In addition, the velcro attachment system to hang the bladder felt flimsy and ineffective. It seemed like an afterthought design. The hose connection to the bladder was stiff to use but we liked that there was a clear audible click to ensure proper connection to the bladder. Another drawback is a lack of a hose clip, so we had to tuck the hose away in the sternum strap to keep it from flapping around.
Overall, the bladder may work in a pinch, it’s not as intuitive or durable as other hydration systems available. That being said, we loved that there was space to put a Nalgene-sized bottle on the outside side pocket, unlike many of the other packs we tested.
Compartments
The Teton Oasis 18L has a variety of compartments, but its attempt at organization is overdone. Rather than internal pockets, the Teton Oasis 18L primarily keeps organization with 2 smaller exterior pockets and one main compartment. The lack of a dedicated hip pocket made it difficult to access smaller items like keys or a phone on the go. We also did not like how awkwardly the lowest outer pocket is attached. It must be strapped back onto the pack using three buckles to prevent it from flopping open again. The best use of the foldable pocket is for storing a jacket on the outside. Overall, the pack offers plenty of space for gear, but its lack of thoughtful organization makes it difficult to find and access specific items quickly.
Waterproofing
The Teton Oasis 18L does the best out of all packs in terms of waterproofing, especially with its rain cover, which offers great protection for the pack and the hydration system. The cover is stored at the bottom of the pack and is easy to deploy, although the Velcro can make it a bit stiff to remove at first.
We subjected the pack to a simulated rainstorm by setting it under a shower faucet for 30 seconds. Even when we tested the pack without the rain cover, the Teton Oasis 18L is still very waterproof, with built-in covers for the zippers to allow water to slip off the pack easily. Like most packs, the hydration hose opening easily allows water to seep in, but only to the hydration compartment and not the main bulk of the pack, which is not a big issue.
Overall, we were very happy with how much waterproof and protection from rain this pack offered. For those who often hike in wet conditions, this pack is a great option.
Durability
The Teton Oasis 18L is made with durable materials that feel robust and long-lasting, ideal for casual hikers and those looking for a pack that can withstand regular use. We felt that while the zippers are sturdy and functional, they were very stiff to use and difficult to pull through the zipper track, especially when navigating curved areas of the pack. The fabric is made of 210D Polyester, which is relatively tough and resistant to wear and tear. However, that’s not nearly as strong as packs like the Gregory Juno/Citro 24 or Gregory Swift 16/Inertia 18. The pack withstood the rocky terrain of Carkeek Park and felt great for a moderate day trip, but given its weight and material construction, it may not be the best choice for ultralight enthusiasts or those who need a pack that can handle more rugged conditions over extended periods.
Weight
The Teton Oasis 18L hydration pack feels somewhat heavy considering its relatively small size. It is nearly a pound heavier than the Gregory Swift 16/Inertia 18. However, its thick fabric gives it a robust, durable feel, and it holds a surprising amount for its volume. We did not like how the pack is wide for its size, which makes weight sit further from the body, feeling much less ergonomic than the Gregory packs. For the first hour of the hike, the pack remained fairly comfortable, but throughout the hike, the added weight became noticeable. If you’re looking for something ultra-lightweight for minimal gear, this might feel a bit bulkier, but for those who prioritize durability and capacity, the weight is acceptable for the value it offers.
Should You Buy the Teton Oasis 18 Hydration Pack?
The Teton Oasis 18L hydration pack is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who value durability, weather resistance, and ample compartmentalization for short hikes or day trips. It is ideal for hikers, bikers, and adventurers who frequently face wet conditions and need reliable waterproofing. The pack’s sturdy build and rain cover make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize weather protection, though it may not be the best fit for ultralight hikers or minimalist users.
While it provides great durability and a solid hydration system, the pack’s bulky design and lack of hip pockets might not appeal to users seeking a streamlined, lightweight option. Those looking for easy organization and water resistance without needing to carry heavy loads will find it beneficial. Overall, it offers good value for individuals who want a versatile, weatherproof hydration pack but may be less suitable for those focused on weight savings or simplicity.
What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?
If you’re not sold on this budget hydration pack, consider the packs below or browse all of our top rated hydration packs
Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O: The Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O is a more comfortable and versatile choice than the Teton Oasis 18L. It offers superior fit, including an adjustable torso length and breathable back panel, making it a better option for longer hikes and a more tailored, all-around comfortable experience.
Deuter Speed Lite 13: Though the Teton Oasis 18L is good for budget-conscious hikers, the Deuter Speed Lite 13 offers similar lightweight performance but in a more compact and less bulky design.
Osprey Dyna/Duro 15L: If you’re looking for a body-hugging fit for running or fast hikes, the Osprey Dyna/Duro 15L outperforms the Teton Oasis. Its form-fitting design ensures the pack stays snug, minimizing bounce and maximizing comfort.
