Keep Going: Choosing the Best Hydration Vest for Runners

Running is all about freedom. It’s just you, the open road or trail, and the wind in your face as your feet rhythmically hit the pavement. But true freedom requires being prepared – and that means having the proper hydration gear strapped comfortably across your back.

A running hydration vest allows you to carry water and fuel easily and hands-free, so you can focus on the run itself rather than worrying about getting enough to drink. No more stopping every couple miles to rummage through pockets for your water bottle. No more struggling with makeshift belts to hold bottles that bounce and chafe. A purpose-built hydration vest changes the game.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about picking the top hydration running vest for your needs. I’ve tested and used hydration vests from many top brands over thousands of miles to create this definitive guide. Read on to learn about:

• The top 5 vests I recommend based on hands-on experience
• Key factors to consider when choosing a vest
• Frequently asked questions about hydration vest features and care

Let’s dive in – your next long run awaits!

The Best of the Best: My Top 5 Hydration Running Vest Picks

Hydration vests come in a slew of shapes, sizes, and features so it can be tricky to parse through all the options. I’ve done the legwork for you in searching out the absolute best vests on the market today based on critical factors like comfort, performance, features, and overall value.

Here are my top 5 favorite running hydration vests right now:

1. Camelbak Nano Vest

The Camelbak Nano Vest tops my list for its featherlight feel and streamlined, bouncing-free fit. The main specs:

• 1.5L Antidote reservoir bladder
• 4 front pockets for ample gel/fuel storage
• Mesh harness and back panel for ultimate breathability
• Quick sip access and on/off lever for the hydration tube

Key pros: So lightweight and comfortable you’ll forget you have it on. The adjustable sternum straps and belt let you customize the fit. The Antidote bite valve and reservoir tube setup is excellent.

Potential cons: It’s one of the more expensive options out there. Chafing is possible if you fill the front pockets too much.

2. Ultimate Direction Adventure Vesta

This vest was designed by women for women with a shorter torso, narrower shoulders, and a tapered fit. Details include:

• 1.5L Hydraulics LT Reservoir bladder
• Stretch woven pockets hold plenty of gear/nutrition
• Internal compression straps stabilize loads
• Trekking pole holders and whistle buckle

Key pros: Excellent vest for female runners with a dialed-in woman-specific fit. Lightweight and chafe-free. Allows you to carry substantial cargo.

Potential cons: Limited color options. Bladder can be tricky to fill and may leak over time.

3. Salomon Advanced Skin 5 Set Vest

The Salomon Advanced Skin 5 is a fully-stocked running vest ready for ultra distances and fastpacking pursuits. It has:

• 1.5L double-access Soft Flask Hydration
• Zippered rolling pockets fit bulky items like poles and layers
• Quick-access top pockets for phone and fuel
• SensiFit technology for customized, bounce-free fit

Key pros: Tons of storage capacity while maintaining a slim, lightweight profile. Cushioned straps provide superior comfort even when loaded.

Potential cons: It’s pricey. The soft flask system has a learning curve. Overstuffing the pockets affects comfort.

4. Osprey Duro 6

This vest from trusted pack maker Osprey retains their reputation for comfortable, ventilated, highly-functional designs. Features include:

• 1.5L Hydraulics LT Reservoir
• Zippered hip belt and harness pockets
• Stow-on-the-go pole carry
• BioStretch harness and wraparound hipbelt with pockets

Key pros: Lightweight and soft against the skin while providing stability. Quick access from multiple pockets. Easy to customize the fit.

Potential cons: Snug fit can feel constricting, especially in hot weather. Limited color options.

5. Orange Mud Endurance Pack

The Endurance Pack from Orange Mud is built to haul plenty of water and gear in comfort over any distance. It provides:

• 2L HydraPak Reservoir
• Abundant storage including side bottle pockets
• Quick-access top zip pocket for phone
• Durable nylon with reflective logo

Key pros: Huge capacity. Can carry trekking poles, layers, even a sleeping bag or pad. The soft neoprene pads prevent chafing.

Potential cons: It’s heavy when fully loaded. The straps may feel bulky. It can get quite hot against your back when packed.

Choosing Your Perfect Vest – Know Your Needs

Now that you’ve seen the top contenders, how do you decide which is right for you? It comes down to dialing in on your specific needs and running style. Before you shop, determine:

• Your usual running distance – Are your runs typically under an hour? Over two hours? All day? The longer you’ll be out, the more water capacity you need.
• Weather/climate – Do you run in hot, humid conditions where hydration is even more critical? Or are you tackling alpine trails where you need extra layers?
• Training vs. racing – In training you may want more storage space for tools/layers. For racing, a minimalist vest may be ideal.
• Your build – Consider your torso length and width to ensure a great vest fit. Women often need a woman-specific vest.

Once you sort out the above, you can zero in on the key vest features and attributes that matter most:

Bladder Capacity

How much fluid you can carry determines how long you can go without refilling. For runs under an hour, you can likely get by with a 1 liter bladder. But most standard size vests have 1.5 liter capacity, which is good for runs up to 2-3 hours. Ultrarunners may opt for high-capacity vests that hold 1.5 – 2 liters for all day endurance.

Storage

Assess how much you need to carry beyond just water. Do you need room for gels/fuel, phone, keys, cash, layers, poles, spikes? Prioritize quick-access pockets for items you’ll use frequently mid-run like phone and nutrition. Organization helps keep gear secure. Look for vests with some expandability if you may need to pack more on longer adventures.

Material and Durability

Running vests take a beating, so the fabric needs to withstand abrasion from packs and harness straps. Look for tough nylon or polyester mesh that won’t rip but still breathes well. Spandex adds stretch and flexibility. Check that zippers and buckles are high quality. Replace vests at the first sign of material breakdown.

Adjustability and Fit

You want your loaded vest to feel like a second skin, not a bouncing, chafing burden. Seek models with ample sliding strap adjusters, snugging cinches, and foam stabilizers to get that customized, bounce-free fit dialed. Women’s designs accommodate shorter torsos and busts. Trying on vests is ideal to test the personalized fit.

Quick Access on the Go

Easy access to water and other essentials is key so you don’t lose momentum fiddling with pockets mid-run. Look for zippered shoulder strap pockets for phone or fuel. Well-designed hydration tubes with magnetic clips or easy slack adjustments make drinking a breeze.

Bladder Function

Hydration reservoirs vary widely in mouthpieces, hoses, filling mechanisms, cleaning, insulation and overall ease of use. Assess your preferences. Do you want a bite valve or sipping nozzle? Look for large fill openings and quick disconnect tubes. Clean regularly. Inspect for leaks.

Getting the right vest for your running style and needs ensures you’ll have what you need without unnecessary extras weighing you down. Test drive vest options to find your optimal fit and features when fully loaded. A vest should be molded to your body, not the other way around.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hydration Vests

How often should I clean the hydration bladder and reservoir?

Clean the bladder after every 2-3 uses. Fill it with warm water and a small amount of mild soap, swish it around, then thoroughly rinse. Let it completely air dry before storing to prevent mold. Many bladders have a wide opening that allows access for cleaning.

How can I prevent chafing and rubbing from my vest?

Chafing defeats the purpose of wearing something to make running more comfortable! Try applying an anti-chafe balm like Body Glide to problem areas on torso and shoulders. Wear a moisture wicking shirt under the vest to protect skin. Adjust and retighten straps from time to time to maintain a snug but not too restrictive fit.

What kind of gear can I carry comfortably in a hydration vest?

Most vests allow you to carry phone, nutrition gels/bars/chews, cash/cards, layers, folding poles, bear spray, keys, and more. Some even have room for additional water bottles or a folded sleeping pad. Look for secure zippered pockets, magnetic guides to hold the drinking tube, and attachment points for gear.

How do I know when to replace the hydration bladder?

Plan to replace the reservoir every year or two with frequent use. Or retire it sooner if you notice mold, cracks, leaks, or strange odors even after thorough cleaning. A worn out bladder will hamper your hydration efforts. Vests themselves hold up well for many years if fabric remains intact.

What are some tips for preventing the hydration tube from bouncing around?

An annoyance of many vests is the hydration tube flopping all over as you run. Try securing it to your shoulder strap with the retention clip. Allow some slack so it can move with you. Some systems have magnetic hardware that guide the tube and keep it semi-contained.

What fabrics are hydration vests made from?

Look for soft, durable, breathable fabrics like polyester mesh and nylon that won’t absorb sweat. Spandex adds stretchiness while ripstop nylon makes for abrasion-resistant pockets. Straps may have mesh lining or soft foam next to skin. Zippers and hardware should withstand frequent use and laundering.

How can I ensure the best fitting vest for my body type?

Match the vest size closely to your torso length – this is critical. The vest should sit just below your ribs to just above hips. Test wear a loaded vest to gauge fit. Snug all adjustable straps, hip belts, and sternum straps to eliminate bounce. Women often find a woman-specific design provides a better tapered, short-torso fit.

Keep Your Run Fueled with the Right Hydration Vest

Hydration vests have revolutionized distance running by allowing us to carry our own water and nutrition for workout and race self-sufficiency. Choose a vest tailored for your typical run duration, climate, and gear needs. Load it up, cinch it down, and enjoy the freedom that comes from being fully prepared to fuel your miles.

Your vest should fit so flawlessly loaded with water and essentials that it feels like a part of you. You’ll quickly wonder how you ever managed long runs without this clever hydration harness across your shoulders. The right vest provides comfort, carry capacity, and easy access when you need it.

So gear up and get out there – the open road awaits! With your hydration vest by your side, you’ll feel ready to overcome any distance. Just fill ‘er up, strap in and go!