With these, you won’t go thirsty

You can teach an exerciser about water, but you can’t make him drink -- unless, of course, you make it as easy as possible. That’s the idea that made CamelBak, which connected a water-carrying backpack to a drinking hose that hung in front of your face, one of the hottest sports name brands of recent years.

Today, dozens of companies market hydration packs that help you get your liquid replenishment. Here are four to consider.

For road or trail

CamelBak Rocket: A well-ventilated backpack designed for road cycling.

Likes: Cooler and drier than similar packs thanks to the bowed “Exo-Air” frame with built-in air channels. Two-liter bladder can be filled without being removed from the pack. Easy to clean. Sleek, aerodynamic design. A clamp lets you secure the hose at chest level. Works for runners too.

Dislikes: Expensive. Cargo pockets are too small for all-day riders; tight fit provides space for energy bars, banana and a wallet, but little else. (CamelBak sells larger bike packs, but none with the Exo-Air frame.)

Price: $75. (800) 767-8725; www.camelbak.com.

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Just the basics

Ultimate Direction Access Plus: This is a bare-bones, running-specific water-bottle fanny pack.

Likes: The 20-ounce bottle feels solid and doesn’t flop around. Includes 4-ounce flask for energy gels (useful on long runs). Bottle has wide mouth for easy cleaning and a handy finger loop. Ideal for 5K or 10K runs. Inexpensive.

Dislikes: Small zip pocket has space only for keys, ID and an energy bar. (For more capacity but no gel flask, try the larger Strider model, at $30).

Price: $25. (800) 426-7229; ultimatedirection.com.

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For the long haul

Nalgene Kaibab III: Big-water, biking-hiking backpack with unique convenience features.

Likes: Large (3-liter) water capacity for long humps. Drinking tube features a quick-disconnect mechanism (so no fuss when removing and filling bladder) and shut-off valve (which stops drips when the pack is set down on the ground or in a car seat). Cargo capacity of 226 cubic inches augmented by external bungee cords, good for holding jackets or bulkier items.

Dislikes: Flexible, form-fitting shape is sweatier than CamelBak Rocket.

Price: $49.99; (800) 625-4327; www.nalgene-outdoor.com.

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From the hip

Hydrapak Hip Sip 70: A large fanny-pack style bag for biking and hiking.

Likes: No irritating weight on your back. Lots of water (2 liters; 70 ounces). Convenient, roll-top bladder fills without removing it from the pack. Flips inside-out for easy cleaning. Cargo pocket is large enough for food, tools and a windbreaker.

Dislikes: May flop around and droop when fully packed. Not very good for running. You might try the lighter Hip Sip 50 ($40). Reaching for a waist-attached drinking hose felt more awkward than the chest-strap variety.

Price: $48. (866) 549-0559; hydrapak.com.

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-- Roy M. Wallack