5 Comfortable Hydration Vests You’ll Actually Want to Run In

As The Best Running Shoes for Men, you'll want to make sure you are hydrating properly on your runs. And unless you are doing loops around a water fountain, that usually means you have to carry your own water. One of the least impeding and most comfortable ways to hold a lot of water is in a hydration pack. These comfortable accessories fit close to the body, won't bounce as much as a belt, and allow you to keep your hands free. They also often have extra room where you can store nutrition, gear, and other essentials, like your phone and keys.

best water bottles for runners hydration vests out there, ranging from super lightweight and minimal models to ones with tons of pockets for your longest runs. Below, find our favorites for every type of run and runner.

Best Hydration Vests

How to Choose the Right Hydration Vest

When looking for a hydration vest, there are a few key features that you will want to consider to ensure the model you choose meets your needs.

Type

While most hydration vests look pretty similar, there are notable differences that can make or break a particular model when it comes to functionality on your runs. There are generally two types of vests—minimal ones ideal for daily ones and more heavy-duty ones designed for adventurous outings. The minimal vests will have just enough room for water and small items like keys, a phone, and a bit of nutrition. Some of these won't even have room for a water bladder—although many come with collapsible bottles—so the amount of water they can hold will typically be relatively limited. Adventure vests will be slightly bulkier, but offer much more storage—enough for the essentials plus some gear—and will have the option of bottles and/or a bladder. While these are a tad heavier, they offer a monumental increase in storage space.

Comfort and Fit

When looking for a vest, the more adjustable it is, the better. This helps you get a customizable fit for your body that will prevent any bouncing or rubbing, and just make it generally more comfortable. Many packs will now also have gender-specific styles instead of one unisex version, helping ensure that the vest you select molds to the contours of your body and avoids gapping.

Bladder Versus Bottles

When it comes down to your means of hydration, a good portion of your choice should be personal preference, but there are some notable differences that may suit your running style better than others. Bottles are most often kept in pockets on the front of the vest, which makes them easy to reach and refill. However, most bottles have to be removed from the vest for you to drink from them, whereas you can sip directly from a hydration bladder's straw. The bottles included on most hydration vests also typically don't hold quite as much water as a bladder.

While bladders generally have a higher water capacity, this can also mean they're heavier than a vest with bottles, and if they're not adequately secured within the vest, the water sloshing inside them may prove annoying for some runners.

How We Selected

Our selection includes top hydration vests that have been personally tested and vetted by our team at Runner's World. We decided on five of the best packs that cover all distances, styles, and types of running to give you a concise and easy selection. These hydration vests were selected from our many tested options as having the best value, technical features, comfort, looks, and ability to haul everything you need without bouncing away with every step. Our full tested article with more options can be found here.

For more great ways to keep your hydration supplies accessible while you run, check out our coverage of the Best Minimal Vest, A Part of Hearst Digital Media, and the The Best Comfy Walking Shoes for Wearing Every Day!