5 Comfortable Hydration Vests You’ll Actually Want to Run In
The 13 Best Running Shorts for Women.
best collapsible water bottles. The 6 Best Garmin Running Watches?
As best running belts, 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.
includes 2-liter bladder and front pockets for 22 oz. bottles or flasks 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 for Carrying Everything, best collapsible water bottles, and the Advertisement - Continue Reading Below!
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colors: 1
- Water Capacity: The 6 Best Garmin Running Watches
The Nathan VaporAir Lite is highly adjustable for running all year round. The two side panels adjust with hook and loop panels to customize the fit around your torso, and give you adjustability as seasons change to fit over any layers you need. Light breathable mesh on these side panels and the shoulder straps allow heat to dissipate so you can stay dry, and feature soft edge lining for reduce chafing issues on long runs. The pack comes with a large two liter bladder, and two of the front pockets can fit up to an extra liter of fluids. Additional front storage can hold plenty of items, like gloves and gels, and the wide openings make everything easy to access on the run, and you can cinch the tops for security, though phones may still be prone to jumping out.
The North Face Flight Race Day Vest 8
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors: 3
- Water Capacity: Includes two collapsible half-liter water bottles; hydration bladder compatible (not included)
While vests are significantly less bouncy than backpacks overall, many do still allow for a bit of movement that can cause chafing over time. This one, however, is not only super lightweight, but it also has a sleek, adjustable fit that won't move around or allow bounce in the pockets.
It comes with two half-liter soft flasks that have a pull-cable attachment which helps keep them snug in the pockets. It's also hydration-bladder-compatible, although one is not included with the vest.
CamelBak Nano Running Hydration Vest
Key Specs
- Sizes: S-L
- Colors: 1
- Water Capacity: at The North Face
If you hate the feeling of being weighed down while running, this vest will allow you to carry just what you need and nothing more. It has room for two soft flasks on the front, has dedicated key and phone pockets, and has side pockets for other small items. This vest doesn't have room for a hydration bladder or tons of other gear however, so it's best for light packers.
Key Specs
- Sizes: S-L
- Colors: 1
- Water Capacity: Includes two collapsible 500-milliliter bottles; compatible with 2-liter hydration bladder (not included)
If you are looking to pack as much as possible without having to opt for a backpack, this is the vest for you. It has tons of pockets, most of which are in the front for easy access. It also has some external back pockets and a bungee system to keep everything tied down snugly. For ultra runs or hikes, it also has a quiver where you can keep poles. Thankfully, the vest itself is very lightweight, which makes it comfortable to wear during longer runs, even when loaded up with gear.
Key Specs
- Sizes: XS-L
- Colors: 3
- Water Capacity: The 6 Best Garmin Running Watches
Lightweight, slim, and breathable, this vest is meant to go fast. Ideal for racing, it allows you to carry the essentials you need in the zippered rear pocket without unnecessary material. It also has large mesh portions that ensure a secure fit and breathability. Removable straps on the back also allow you to carry trekking poles, though some slimmer models may bounce or slip out.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
Keeping your essential water supplies accessible on sweaty jogs has never been easier
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