Porter Water Bottle Holder: How to Carry a 20 oz Bottle
By Hyperlite Mountain Gear | Lightweight, Durable Outdoor Gear | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to attach and use the Porter Water Bottle Holder for hands-free hydration on your Porter pack. Step-by-step setup, fit checks, and common mistakes.
Quick answer
Attach the Porter Water Bottle Holder to the daisy chains on either side of your Porter 40, 55, 70, or 85 pack using the side release buckle, then secure your 20 oz bottle with the locking shock cord. Position it low enough for a natural reach but high enough to avoid arm swing. This setup gives you hands-free hydration without stopping or removing your pack.
Why use a dedicated bottle holder instead of a side pocket?
Side pockets on ultralight packs are often shallow or positioned behind your arm, making it awkward to grab a bottle while moving. The Porter Water Bottle Holder moves the bottle to the daisy chain, where you can reach it without twisting or stopping. At 2.01 ounces (57 grams), it adds minimal weight for the convenience of hands-free hydration hiking. If you already carry a bladder, this holder lets you keep a backup bottle accessible for electrolytes or quick refills.
Step-by-step: attaching and using the holder
Follow these steps to set up the Porter Water Bottle Holder on your pack. Each step includes a checkpoint to avoid common mistakes.
Steps to attach and use the Porter Water Bottle Holder
- Choose the side and position: Decide which side you prefer for drinking—usually your dominant hand. On the Porter pack, locate the daisy chain on that side. Position the holder so the bottle sits between your hip and shoulder, roughly at lower rib height. Checkpoint: With the pack on, your hand should reach the bottle without shrugging or bending sideways.
- Attach the side release buckle to the daisy chain: Thread the side release buckle through a loop on the daisy chain. You can attach it to either side of the pack. Close the buckle to secure the holder. Mistake to avoid: Don't attach it too high or low—test reach before tightening.
- Secure the bottle with the locking shock cord: Place your 20 oz bottle into the holder. Pull the locking shock cord over the top of the bottle and cinch it down. The cord should hold the bottle firmly but allow you to pull it out with one hand. Checkpoint: Shake the holder gently—the bottle should not shift or fall out.
- Adjust for comfort and arm swing: Put on your loaded pack and walk a few steps. Swing your arms naturally. If the bottle hits your arm, move the holder to a different daisy chain loop or switch sides. Mistake to avoid: Ignoring arm contact—it causes chafing and frustration on long hikes.
- Practice one-handed access: With the pack on, reach back and pull the bottle out by the cap or body. Drink, then slide it back into the holder and re-secure the shock cord. Repeat until it feels smooth. Checkpoint: You should be able to do this without stopping or looking down.
Product facts
- Porter Water Bottle Holder - 20 oz: Weighs 2.01 ounces (57 grams) and attaches to daisy chains on Porter 40, 55, 70, or 85 packs with a side release buckle and locking shock cord. Adds negligible weight while keeping a 20 oz bottle secure and accessible on the move.
- Porter: Porter pack features external daisy chains for versatile attachment points and is customizable with Porter accessories. The daisy chains are the mounting system for the holder, so you can tailor the pack to your activity.
