Ultralight hydration pack

Abstract

This application describes a hydration pack suitable for use while engaging in a prolonged physical activity such as running. The hydration pack is configured to sit on the upper back of a user and includes an adjustable-height hydration vessel receptacle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pack configured to be worn on a user's back while exercising, comprising:
 a pack body including a front face, a back face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side, the pack body including at least one sealable receptacle positioned on the front face, the pack body further including a first adjustment strap attached to the first side of the bottom portion of the pack body and a second adjustment strap attached to the second side of the bottom portion of the pack body;   first and second shoulder extensions, the first shoulder extension attached to the first side of the top portion of the pack body and extending outwardly away from the pack body at a first angle, the second shoulder extension attached to the second side of the top portion of the pack body and extending outwardly away from the pack body at a second angle, the first and second shoulder extensions configured to extend over each of the user's shoulder and mate with the first and second adjustment straps, respectively, to adjustably secure the pack to the user;   at least one hydration vessel retention system configured to receive and securely retain a hydration vessel, the hydration vessel retention system including an outer sleeve, a semi-rigid insert, and a tension band, the semi-rigid insert having a tapered funnel shape including a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter.   
     
     
         2 . The pack of  claim 1 , wherein the sealable receptacle includes a security feature. 
     
     
         3 . The pack of  claim 2 , wherein the security feature comprises at least one of a zipper, buttons, snaps, and hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         4 . The pack of  claim 1 , wherein the back face includes at least two pads. 
     
     
         5 . The pack of  claim 4 , wherein the at least two pads are separated by a space. 
     
     
         6 . The pack of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second shoulder extensions includes a storage receptacle configured to be accessible by the user while wearing the pack. 
     
     
         7 . The pack of  claim 6 , wherein the storage receptacle includes a closure device. 
     
     
         8 . The pack of  claim 7 , wherein the closure device comprises at least one of a snap, button, zipper, and hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         9 . The pack of  claim 1 , wherein the hydration vessel retention system further includes an adjustment element for adjusting the height of the retention system. 
     
     
         10 . The pack of  claim 9 , wherein the adjustment element comprises a strap releaseably attached to the outer sleeve. 
     
     
         11 . The pack of  claim 10 , wherein the adjustment element is releaseably attached to the outer sleeve by one of a hook and loop fastener, snap, and button. 
     
     
         12 . The pack of  claim 1 , wherein the hydration vessel comprises a bottle. 
     
     
         13 . A pack configured to be worn on a user's back while exercising, comprising:
 a pack body including a front face, a back face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side, the pack body including at least one sealable receptacle positioned on the front face, the pack body further including a first adjustment strap attached to the first side of the bottom portion of the pack body and a second adjustment strap attached to the second side of the bottom portion of the pack body;   first and second shoulder extensions, the first shoulder extension attached to the first side of the top portion of the pack body and extending outwardly away from the pack body at a first angle, the second shoulder extension attached to the second side of the top portion of the pack body and extending outwardly away from the pack body at a second angle, at least one of the first and second shoulder extensions including a storage receptacle configured to be accessible by the user while wearing the pack, the first and second shoulder extensions configured to extend over each of the user's shoulder and mate with the first and second adjustment straps, respectively, to adjustably secure the pack to the user;   at least one hydration vessel retention system configured to receive and securely retain a hydration vessel.   
     
     
         14 . The pack of  claim 13 , wherein the sealable receptacle is sealable by at least one of a zipper, button, snap, and hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         15 . The pack of  claim 13 , wherein the storage receptacle includes a closure element to prevent contents from becoming dislodged from the storage receptacle during use. 
     
     
         16 . The pack of  claim 15 , wherein the closure element comprises one of a snap, button, zipper and hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         17 . The pack of  claim 13 , wherein the storage receptacle is formed of a mesh material enabling the user to visually identify the contents. 
     
     
         18 . The pack of  claim 13 , wherein the hydration vessel retention system includes an outer sleeve, a semi-rigid insert, and a tension band. 
     
     
         19 . The pack of  claim 18 , wherein the semi-rigid insert has a tapered funnel shape including a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter. 
     
     
         20 . The pack of  claim 13 , wherein the hydration vessel retention system includes an adjustment element for adjusting the capacity of the retention system to accommodate variable sizes of hydration vessels.