My wife used a backpack style water container one year at Burning Man; I don't know the brand. We had been carrying canteens. She liked the backpack so much she gave it to me and bought one that is the combo-pack&water container. I really liked the backpack-style water carrier.

She, however, found that when she filled hers with water and all the other crap she carries, it was uncomfortably heavy, and she was taking it off all the time to get stuff out. The hose was clipped to her collar, got under the straps, fell in the dirt, tangled in her arm, and etc. Water is heavy (I think about 8lbs. per gallon).

I don't know what the solution is with regard to weight and ease at getting to stuff. I used her old watercarrier (platypus?), putting it on first, then a photographer's vest for my crap. I don't know what they cost, but see if you can try one on and try it out for ease of access.

Phil