The 7 Best Running Hydration Packs for Men of 2024

Best Overall Running Hydration Pack for Men

Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0

Carrying Capacity: 10.3 Liters | Water Storage Options: Two 0.5-liter Body Bottle III Soft Flasks (Included), Reservoir Compatible Up to 2.0 Liters

With the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0, everything just clicked. It's more durable and rugged than the other top-performing vests, can still carry lots of gear, and is comfortable. A simple design with thoughtfully integrated features translates into a pack that is as intuitive as it is useful. Waterproof pockets and tough material choices will keep both you and this vest running for many years to come. Soft trim along all edges and a fine micro mesh interior are comfortable against exposed skin. Add in a top-notch hydration system, and it's clear to see why we reached for the Ultra Vest 6.0 over and over again. For a bit more carry space, another extremely high-performing option that comes with a set of similarly impressive attributes and a soft wrap-around fit is the Nathan Pinnacle 12L.

Dual fit systems on the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 provide enough adjustments to work for a wide variety of body types and varying assortments of gear and layers. We found the medium vest slightly larger than some other mediums, so if you are between sizes, we recommend trying on the vest if you have the opportunity. Compared to some of the other top-performing vests, the approachable price adds appeal for a wider audience. This vest is a great choice for top mountain athletes competing in full-day events. If you like getting out on hikes with your dog and need to carry extra supplies, this pack is easy to use and comfortable. If you plan to cover significant distances on backcountry trails, take a look at the durable and well-featured Black Diamond Distance 15 or Salomon ADV Skin 12.

Read more: Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 review

Best Bang for the Buck

Salomon Active Skin 4

Carrying Capacity: 4.0 Liters | Water Storage Options: Two 0.5-liter Soft Flasks (Included), Reservoir Compatible Up to 1.5 Liters

The Salomon Active Skin 4 significantly outperforms every other entry-level vest in our test. Most budget packs skimp on materials, utilizing more straps and less stretch. That, in turn, leads to less breathability and comfort when you're on the trail. In contrast, the Active Skin 4 has the fit and finish we expect on higher-end vests — a stretchy and form-fitting build, integrated pouches, and soft-touch materials. It's simple to set up, easy to use, feature-rich, and comfortable. For most people, we think there is plenty of storage in this pack, thanks to the large zippered pocket and elastic bungees. There is space for snacks and hydration, with additional room for a hardshell, med kit, headlamp, and gaiters when you're headed out for a longer adventure. Plus, while it ships with two 500-milliliter soft flasks, it's also compatible with an additional 1.5-liter reservoir.

This is a perfect entry into running hydration packs. We do have two minor complaints, though. First, the pack doesn't do as well when heavily loaded. If you fully load the front stretch pockets and the large rear zippered pocket, it tends to sag from the shoulders at the expense of comfort. Second, there are no integrated pole-holders (although the pack is compatible with Black Diamond's custom quiver, an accessory you can pick up as a secondary purchase). If you're a user who regularly spends long days in the mountains, those are likely to be issues for you. The REI Co-op Swiftland 5, another solid budget vest, does rectify one of those issues at the expense of comfort and weight. Thanks to the bulkier and rougher materials, it weighed in at 2.6 ounces heavier when we removed the hydration systems, which is noticeable when you're on the trail. You'll also still need to pick up a secondary bungee set for the poles. Honestly, there are better options for users who need serious capability, like the extremely comfortable but much larger (and pricier) Salomon ADV Skin 12. But for the money, the performance of the Salomon Active Skin 4 is extremely hard to beat for most users.

Best for Access on the Move

Nathan Pinnacle 12L

Carrying Capacity: 12 Liters | Water Storage Options: 1.6-liter Insulated Hourglass Reservoir (Included), Two Soft Flasks Up to 0.53 Liters/Each

The Nathan Pinnacle 12L is unmatched in the amount of accessible gear it can carry. The field of hydration packs for running is only getting stronger, and this pack still stands out amongst stiff competition. Thirteen pockets and a hydration sleeve for a bladder provide extensive storage options for this vest, and the compatibility with soft flasks adds versatility for the user. The number of pockets is one thing, but the side-accessed kangaroo pockets are immense, and one of them is also accessible from the top back of the pack for more rapid access at aid stations or when you're taking a break. Few other options can compare with its combination of extreme comfort, smart design features, and excellent volume-to-weight ratio. However, the slightly smaller Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 comes the closest, and the Salomon ADV Skin 12 is just a hair behind.

While the Nathan Pinnacle 12L vest is pricy and made of lightweight, highly stretchable fabric, we still see value in a 12-liter vest that allows a runner to chug along without having to stop to access some of the main storage pockets across the back of the pack. At this point in time, no vest has a great trekking pole solution because poles can be 15" long when collapsed, and most vests are barely this size. With all the movement of running, poles are bound to be a point of high friction if stored in any manner. If you store trekking poles in the vertical kangaroo pocket as intended with the Pinnacle 12's design, you can technically draw them from the pack while moving through the flank access to this pocket, but it's not a well-tuned system. We don't count it against any vest that it's necessary to take it off to store trekking poles at the rear because the few vests with front storage options were also quite uncomfortable. We had very few slights to throw at the Pinnacle 12 — sure, the sternum straps are a bit stiffer, and a vest like the Salomon ADV Skin 12 is lighter weight, but we know the soft, wrap-around Pinnacle is reliable with a user experience that is refined to feel innate. If you need even more capacity, the Black Diamond Distance 15 should be your next stop.

Read more: Nathan Pinnacle 12 review

Best for Going the Distance

Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set

Carrying Capacity: 12 Liters | Water Storage Options: Two 0.5-liter Soft Flasks (Included), Reservoir Compatible Up to 1.5 Liters

The Salomon ADV Skin 12 continues to be our favorite for massive days in the mountains or when you need to carry more layers. This is our go-to for long ultras or unsupported personal objectives, given the substantial carrying capacity and accessibility. Multiple layers of back storage with a zippered stretch pocket are excellent for warm, puffy layers, while the upfront storage can easily handle a day's worth of food and water. The compressible fabric allows the vest to confirm and expand while maintaining a snug, secure fit no matter the load. We found it easy to stuff in full rain and insulating layers with more room to spare, and Salomon continues to provide the best hydration bottles with easy in and out. Multiple attachment points also allow the user to customize their pole-carrying experience fully. If you have dreams of tackling a race or course without aid stations, then this is the vest we'd recommend. If your travel requires an even larger load and technical terrain, you may want also to take a look at the Black Diamond Distance 15.

To get such a secure system, Salomon has implemented many different pockets to maintain tension on the ADV Skin 12. For more carefree running and full loads, this can feel overwhelming, and you must maintain organization — otherwise, your gear can get lost. This also prevents careless packing, whereas a singular compartment would allow easier stuffing. Given the stretchy nature of the pack, it can easily be overpacked, and it's hard to compress the various items. And while we experienced no durability issues, the zippers and face fabric are very thin, and care must be taken to avoid breaking zippers. For hiking or technical terrain, a backpack-style compartment may make more sense; however, for long-distance running, there simply is no better hydration pack on the market. Users who want a slightly more accessible 12L of capacity should consider the Nathan Pinnacle 12L. Or, when your needs call for something slightly smaller but no less functional, you can't go wrong with the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0.

Read more: Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set review

Best for Going Fast and Light

Arc'teryx Norvan 7

Carrying Capacity: 7 liters | Water Storage Options: Two 0.5 Liter Arc'teryx Flasks (Included)

The Arc'teryx Norvan 7 is perfect for ripping through the mountains. Thanks to a feature set that includes a helmet strap and the ability to carry an ice axe comfortably, this pack is also prepared for more technical adventures than most. The two 500-milliliter soft flasks are shaped well for the pockets and slide in and out easily. They're well-placed to drink from without using your hands –- a feature that can be hit or miss with other vests. Arc'teryx opted for almost entirely open, compressible elastic storage on this pack. That's not ground-breaking; other brands utilize this storage style regularly, including the award-winning Salomon ADV Skin 12. But in this application, it makes for one of the most comfortable vests we've worn. It's highly breathable and extremely light but does handle heavier loads with minimal bounce. The lower elastic section of the back storage area is very compressible, which locks down your load when full but doesn't feel bulky when empty. That design choice adds to the versatility of the pack, allowing us to stuff it full when we want or just throw in some water and a phone and go.

The compressive design of the Arc'teryx Norvan 7 does mean that there are no waterproof pockets in this pack, a drawback for some users. And while there is a small zippered pocket for keys, we would prefer enough space to shove our phone into that pocket as well. Finally, the lack of space for an additional reservoir makes this a vest best used on routes where water refills are readily available. We think this is a great adventure companion, but we especially recommend it to users who want a lightweight and fast vest for races and training. More adventure-oriented users will likely prefer the larger version of this same pack or other larger trail-ready packs in our lineup, like the Black Diamond Distance 15, with similar alpine features but far more capacity and weather resistance.

Best for Technical Overnights

Black Diamond Distance 15

Carrying Capacity: 15 liters | Water Storage Options: None Included, Compatible with Reservoir Up to 2 Liters or Two Soft Flasks

The Black Diamond Distance 15 is our top choice for speedy overnight trips and self-supported ultra runs. With its single spacious compartment, packing irregularly shaped items is a breeze. The pack's rigid outer material and padded back panel maintain the pack's shape, preventing any unwanted ballooning. The unique dual pole storage options also offer distinct benefits. We recommend this pack for those who plan to cover distance and will maximize its ample space, although you should keep in mind that the more open design may result in some bouncing of internal contents. We found that the Distance 15 comfortably carries up to 10 pounds while running. If you don't need quite so much capacity, check out the Salomon ADV Skin 12, which is equally ready for rugged adventures.

Fifteen liters is a substantial amount of room, so users not looking to take advantage of the space should opt for a smaller pack. Black Diamond has an 8-liter version of this pack, and many similarities are shared. Yet for packing hard-sided items while running, this pack cannot be beaten, and while it is expensive, it does some niche activities very, very well. For shorter days or adventures with adequate support, you may like what the Arc'teryx Norvan 7 has to offer better.

Read more: Black Diamond Distance 15 review

Best Hydration Belt

Raide Research LF 2L

Carrying Capacity: 2 Liters | Water Storage Options: One 0.65 Liter Soft Flask With Locking Cap (Included), Compatible with One Additional 0.65 Liter Soft Flask

The Raide Research LF 2L has quickly become our go-to choice for trail adventures. It's the most comfortable system we've used. Designed to sit snugly around your waist and hips, this belt manages to go unnoticed, even on long runs. No other belt we've tested managed to remain comfortable for long distances, eventually rubbing around our hip bones. When fully loaded, it doesn't bounce. That's huge. No other hydration system we've tested (vests included) boasts this level of bounce resistance. The belt has loops for poles, small pockets for trash and gels, larger pockets for snacks and a phone, a zippered pouch for keys, and a large pouch for the soft flask. It ships with one flask only but can fit two.

We love this belt, but there are a few drawbacks. First, accessing your water while you're running quickly is awkward, requiring you to reach behind you and pull out the soft flask. Second, putting the belt on can be a little awkward; you have to pull it up like a pair of pants. We were between sizes and ordered down, which definitely helps with comfort and bounce resistance but does make putting the belt on a little tough. Finally, for a belt, it isn't cheap, on par with many higher-end hydration vests. But at the end of the day, if you value comfort and dislike wearing a vest, we think you will love this belt. And while it is marketed to mountain athletes, we think this belt is a great choice for road runners as well. If you're a runner who hates vests but needs to carry water, the UltraAspire Speedgoat 3.0 allows you to carry more water at a lower price point but is significantly less comfortable and does bounce a bit.

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	87	Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 Best Overall Running Hydration Pack for Men	$150
	86	Nathan Pinnacle 12L Best for Access on the Move	$200
	84	Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set Best for Going the Distance	$165
	79	Black Diamond Distance 15 Best for Technical Overnights	$180
	78	Salomon Sense Pro 5	$180
	77	Arc'teryx Norvan 7 Best for Going Fast and Light	$160
	76	Patagonia Slope Runner	$169
	72	Salomon Active Skin 4 Best Bang for the Buck	$100
	70	UltrAspire Bronco Race	$130
	65	Raide Research LF 2L Best Hydration Belt	$149
	64	Nathan VaporAir 3.0	$170
	62	Nathan Quickstart 2.0 6L	$100
	58	REI Co-op Swiftland 5	$100
	45	UltraAspire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist Pack	$90
	45	Osprey Duro LT	$95

How We Test Running Hydration Packs

Our testing begins with identifying the best hydration packs available on the market for a wide range of running adventures. Over the last decade, we have tested countless vests, and each year, as manufacturers update their offerings and new packs are introduced, we vet those options and update our review. We weigh all of the packs and then — you guessed it — spend a lot of time running with various gear setups to explore performance for a multitude of adventures. We want to know how these packs will perform for runners just starting to dabble with larger outings and for top athletes competing in ultra-endurance races. In addition to our daily trail runs through the Elk Mountains, Sierra Nevada, or variable landscapes of Utah and Montana, we tested these vests in some ultras, including the Jemez Mountain 50 (NM), Western States 100 Miler (CA), and IMTUF 100 (ID) mile race. The bottom line is you couldn't find a better team to put these hydration packs through their paces, pushing the limits so you can find the best match for your specific needs. See our How We Test article for more on our testing process.

Our hydration pack for running testing is divided into five metrics:

• Comfort (30% of overall score weighting)

• Features (25% weighting)

• Hydration System (15% weighting)

• Volume to Weight Ratio (15% weighting)

• Pockets (15% weighting)

In addition to these weighted metrics, we consider what type of runner each pack will perform best for, what type of running it is designed for, and how it stacks up on the trail. We consider testimonials in our selection process and test for any points of discomfort or shortcomings we read in customer feedback.

Why Trust GearLab

A bomber team of endurance athletes has tested these packs over the years. With bulging muscular calves and an affinity for getting lost, Jeff Colt, Nathaniel Bailey, and Matthew Richardson make up the most current trio of running awesomeness. They have all put in some serious time, chugging away on races ranging from 10 to 100 miles. Jeff competes internationally in trail races from 50k to 100 miles and trains locally in Colorado's Elk Mountains. Nathaniel is a USA Track and Field certified coach and regularly competes in shorter distances, both on and off-road. Matthew has run over all the Southwest, finishing in the top 10 of several ultra races. This dynamic and cohesive team covers all the bases and then some for the assessments in this review.

Analysis and Test Results

We wanted to give each hydration pack for running a fair trial, so we spent months upon months doing a lot of running. We took these packs everywhere we went, from the high alpine to our local trails and then to the farmer's market. We wanted to know how their storage capabilities compared in terms of both size and design. To uncover the best packs, we paid attention to how user-friendly the hydration systems are, all the while comparing their overall comfort, fit, and weight. We have allotted a weighted ranking to each metric, but we urge you to review the scores and decide for yourself which categories are most important to you.

What's the Best Value?

The price of products in this review varies quite a bit. We sought out a variety of packs that spread across the spectrum of affordability. We looked for those that were entry-level, minimalist, premium, designed for fastpacking, and some others to round out the field. We looked for a wide range of materials and designs and then chose the final contenders we wanted to take to the trails for testing. There are cost discrepancies, but we worked hard to identify competitive products that could break personal bests without busting the bank.

The more affordable vests generally have fewer bells and whistles: these are user-friendly, simple packs to help you drink water on the go. The more expensive packs have more specialized materials, more storage options, and designs targeting running comfort and convenience. “Value,” as far as we're concerned, is a function of price as it relates to performance. A pack may be cheap and crappy, or it may be a great deal that functions nearly as well as the most expensive pack. Similarly, an expensive pack does not necessarily indicate a great one. That said, we generally found that more expensive packs in this review do have more to offer and are constructed of higher-end materials that better suit and reflect the natural movements of running.

The Salomon Active Skin 4 sits in a league of its own when it comes to value. Following it is the REI Co-op Swiftland 5. It's a great value for the price, offering a snug, comfortable fit, and storage room for most outings in the mountains. You could certainly spend more money on a vest that performs at the same level without much benefit. The Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set is also a great value, with stellar comfort and the ability to seemingly never run out of storage space for food, equipment, or water. In contrast, a pack like the Osprey Duro LT offers many useful features in a streamlined, minimalistic design. Yet, overall, it carries very little (only a 0.5 L capacity), and what it does carry does not make for a particularly comfortable run. So, even though its cost out the door may be less, its lower scores make other options seem a better value, even if a bit more expensive.

Comfort

Comfort is king. Learn it, love it, or lament out on the trails. The number-one most important metric to consider when picking a hydration pack for running is comfort. Thus, comfort is weighted more heavily than any other single attribute, and we think you'll understand why. Essentially, running is already uncomfortable, so why make it harder? If your pack is causing chafing, rubbing, or discomfort, you're less likely to use it and maybe even less likely to hit the trails for the long missions you've been scheming up. Thus, we put in the miles ahead of time: things that feel annoying at mile two can easily be a dealbreaker by mile twenty.

The most comfortable contenders are the ones that use an elastic and stretchy material to hug the body or use stretch in conjunction with static adjustable straps. Packs constructed of inflexible material that merely used static webbing for adjustments didn't perform as well. While straps, especially on the sides, allow for greater adjustability, they also rub and chafe more. Additionally, packs that include shoulder adjustment straps tend to be more comfortable than those without because of the fine-tuned fit. The most comfortable vest models we tested are the ADV Skin 12 Set and the Black Diamond Distance 15 — both are larger packs that really hone in on suspension and gear-carrying ability. Among smaller capacity designs, the svelte Arc'teryx Norvan 7 impressed us with its super comfortable compressive design, as did the more classically styled Patagonia Slope Runner. The Raide Research LF 2L also took top marks for comfort thanks to its minimal and extremely well-thought-out belt design.

The ADV Skin 12 is unbeatable in terms of comfort. This pack has been updated with subtle graphics and colorways, but the overall design remains unchanged. Unlike other brands that use thick materials, Salomon's thin stretch material provides structure without bulk. By placing the tensioning system in the middle, the top and bottom of the vest are evenly tensioned, unlike other packs that place the tensioning device towards the bottom of the pack, resulting in uneven tightening.

The Black Diamond Distance 15 surprised us. Its main compartment has a conventional backpack shape, yet it was efficient at moving in the mountains and limiting unwanted bounce. To balance the large rear blitz pocket, Black Diamond incorporated wider shoulder straps and a thin harness that conforms to the body. In this instance, combining a static material with flexible straps still provides plenty of support and enhances the vest's comfort. The Nathan VaporAir 3.0 also scored highly in comfort thanks, in part, to adjustable side compression. Overall, this vest wasn't our favorite because it is only bladder hydration compatible. But, if you only ever use a hydration bladder, we'd highly recommend checking out the VaporAir.

The key feature that makes the Raide Research LF 2L so comfortable is its elastic design that completely mitigates bounce. Even at high speeds ripping downhill, the belt doesn't bounce. The wide surface area and integrated load-lifters and tension belt allow for a snug fit. The soft materials don't chafe, and because the belt is wide, it doesn't cause any hotspots as most other belts do. Plus, running with a belt tends to be far less constricting than even the best vests.

Another primary factor in pack comfort is the materials used and the placement of those materials. The back material on the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 is a lightweight and ultra-breathable micro-mesh. While items not stored in waterproof pockets might get wet with a light rain shower, the breathability far outweighs the slight downsides. This micro-mesh material does not stretch much, so UD used a four-way stretch, ripstop, nylon/elastane fabric in the pocket design to hold items snugly and prevent bouncing. The result of using a well-thought-out integration of advanced fabrics is a vest design capable of taking you long distances in relative comfort. Time and time again, we reached for the Ultra Vest, not because it was among the lightest, but because it was among the most comfortable and easiest to use.

The Arc'teryx Norovan 7 utilizes exceptionally light and breathable materials that hug your body well. This results in a very comfortable fit that is easy to dial in. The pull-string cinch on the front, along with shoulder adjustment points, allows you to calibrate your fit easily. This placed it among the highest-scoring packs in the comfort category.

Both the Patagonia Slope Runner and the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 combine static straps with elastic straps but with different design approaches. The Patagonia vest features two fixed P-cord chest straps and two elastic straps that run all the way across the back. They are integrated into the material, providing a cinch that supports plenty of weight and hugs the bag. The Ultra Vest features two static sternum straps with lateral stretch fabric. Both systems work seamlessly, showcasing the advantages of mixed adjustment straps.

Features

The most interesting part of testing hydration packs for running boils down to features and design. Whether you want to compare the minimalist race vests with the maximalist fastpacking vests or the entry-level vests with those designed by professional ultra legends, it's fascinating to put them side by side and work backward through the thought processes that went into their creation.

It's critical that hydration packs find the balance between a rich feature set and the functionality of those features. Having all of the bells and whistles is only great if they are useful to have on a pack and don't detract from the fairly simple goal: effectively carrying food, water, and gear while running. The Patagonia Slope Runner achieved basic at its best, having a very simple and effective feature set. At first, we missed the zippered pockets on the shoulder straps we had grown accustomed to. Still, Patagonia intended to eliminate any excess features, and they achieved that in a beautiful basic vest. While the Salomon Sense Pro 5 is also minimalist, it packs a richer feature set that we love and offers more versatile storage solutions.

In addition to examining the features of each product, we took an in-depth look at how these features help or hinder the overall functionality of the pack. Taking the Norovan 7 as an example, the features provided could be much more than necessary for some trail-running applications. Some runners might wonder about the helmet carry system; what's that about? Who needs to haul an ice axe on a run? For a few runners, these features are what speaks to them. Maybe they are eyeing Longs Peak in the early season when the frozen morning snow allows for faster travel, the helmet will protect against rockfall, and the ice axe will come in handy on the afternoon glissade down the softening snowfields. We worked to review each subcategory or interest that our community of trail runners shares. We tested the Black Diamond Distance 15 to understand how another pack carries gear and water for an overnight outing and ridge-top scrambles.

Other subcategories we considered are simple entry-level vests with straightforward functions, minimalist race vests that are still highly capable but have streamlined features, and vests geared more toward longer races while offering extra features and better comfort than their minimalist counterparts. Additionally, we discovered some vests had standout features that separated them from the rest of the field and worked on comparing them in more depth. The UltrAspire Bronco Race has a clever back-entry design, and a stiff strip of material makes grabbing and accessing the contents of the vest much easier than the competition.

Trekking poles have grown in popularity for ultra runners and casual runners on a mountain adventure. As the trekking poles serve more of a purpose on the ascent and are not used as much on the downhills, having the option to store the poles on the hydration pack can free up your hands for faster arm swings, balance, and accessing nutrition or hydration. Many of the vests we tested have the option to store trekking poles. Most commonly, the attachments are either along the bottom of the pack across the lower back or on each side of the shoulder straps in front of the torso. Some packs fit the poles inside or across the back, either vertically or diagonally. We really appreciate how the ADV Skin 12 and Black Diamond Distance 15 provide different storage options based on preference. Our team definitely has different personal preferences for where to place their trekking poles. Along-the-shoulder straps are one option, but our lead tester prefers the back of the pack to reduce clutter and likes to opt for a hip belt that is easily accessible. The Ultra Vest 6.0 also offers elastic straps that clove-hitch to different webbing tabs based on user preference. Some runs require frequent transitions between using and storing trekking poles, while on other runs, we might bring them along just in case.

Some vests incorporate features into the design of pockets, so there can be some cross-pollination between vests with amazing pocket layouts and how they score for features. The Pinnacle 12 earned the highest score for features and pockets, which is not coincidental.

Hydration System

The thesis statement of our entire review is that these packs have been designed to carry water and incorporate a system that goes beyond a regular backpack to address the bounce, jostle, and bound of a runner's stride. Almost every vest we reviewed includes at least one of the preferred hydration systems: soft flasks, hydration bladder, or hard bottles. If a vest didn't include a hydration system, we made sure to call it out and took a single point off their score. We have many soft flasks at our disposal, but for a runner buying their first hydration vest, we think it is fair to ask that companies include some container or specify their reasoning for not doing so. Regardless, if you are buying your first vest and it comes with a bladder, also referred to as a reservoir, consider buying two soft flasks as well for extra water storage and to try out a different system for preference.

Most of these models are adaptable to use either chest-mounted bottles/flasks or a back-mounted bladder and hose setup. There are pros and cons to each, so we advise trying out both options. However, for this entire review, we describe and rank the effectiveness of only the hydration system included with the purchase of each vest rather than every conceivable method of rigging the pack. If a system wasn't included with the pack, we went with what we thought worked best. Take into account the ability to expand your water-carrying capacity before making your final decision. Another point is that your selection of a single hydration system will also then free up a respective pocket or pockets.

Bladder & Hose

The bladder and hose hydration system is one that we are all familiar with and is almost synonymous with the brand CamelBak. Other competitors make bladders now, and many use a slide-lock opening instead of the classic circular screw cap. Bladders, also referred to as reservoirs, typically hold between 1.5 and 2 liters of water and are secured in a sleeve pocket of the pack positioned against your back. Most packs now feature some way of keeping the bladder upright using a snap, velcro, or tab. Unless that system is really frustrating in its design (like the difficult-to-maneuver, two velcro-strap lashes of the Nathan Quickstart 2.0 6L), we notice little difference between competing options. A hose stretches from the bottom of the bladder over your shoulder and has a nozzle on the end for you to drink from. The advantages of this system are the large carrying capacity and the ease of drinking from a bite valve that can be brought up to your mouth, keeping your focus on the trail ahead.

The disadvantages are that you can only have one liquid, and bladders usually don't work well with anything besides water, as the hose is much harder to clean. Furthermore, they can be annoying and time-consuming to fill since they are positioned on the inside of your backpack, and the tube, depending on how it mounts to your shoulder straps, can be annoying when it flaps around as you run. Some packs use a quick-release feature on the bladder, so you don't have to worry about rerouting the tube when you go to fill up. Even with this, refilling bladders inevitably will slow you down in comparison to refilling soft flasks.

Other nitpicking complaints we have about bladder systems are that the water in the hose is susceptible to heating up from the sun or freezing if it's frigid outside. Also, when you carry all of your water in one place, especially two liters, it sloshes around more fiercely. Despite the drawbacks, this is the most popular hydration system in a running pack.

The Nathan Pinnacle has one of our favorite hydration bladder systems, proving this setup is great when done right. It's lightweight, can be filled with one hand, and never leaked on us. The clever hourglass shape of the bladder worked well with the longer vest design and prevented most unwanted sloshing. Routing between fabric layers over the shoulder and under a loop provides comfortable hose management, and a magnetic clip keeps the hose stowed instead of flapping about. A small velcro tab at the top of the vest and the quick-release feature on the hose at the bottom of the bladder keep the bladder upright and easy to refill.

Chest-Mounted Bottles

Mounting the hydration system on the chest is becoming increasingly common for running packs. Your liquids are stored in two bottles that are held by pockets, also referred to as hydration sleeves, on the chest attached to the shoulder straps. With two bottles, you can bring along water and an electrolyte mix, which can help you avoid bonking. With the bottles positioned on the chest, it is also easier to perceive how much fluid you have remaining. For racing, being able to quickly pop a bottle out of its sleeve and fill it up without taking the pack off is a significant advantage. Packs incorporating front-mounted bottles into their design can strike a more balanced fit, as weight is more distributed across the runner's frame.

Nonetheless, chest-mounted bottles have their downsides. For starters, with the water sloshing directly in front, an improper fit can be significantly more bothersome. Moreover, the rigid plastic of these bottles may cause irritation to the ribcage over extended use. While hard bottles can still slosh, they maintain their form, unlike soft flasks mounted on the chest.

Chest-Mounted Soft Flasks

The ADV Skin 12 Set uses slim chest-mounted hydration flasks that slide in and out better than other systems. Loops are provided to keep the cap snug against your chest, reducing movement. Other packs employ a similar design, but most of them don't function as well as the Salomon support loops. The Ultra Vest 6.0 is the top dog here, though, with its two 500-milliliter flasks that fit into sleeves on the shoulders. An elastic strap also secures these in place, and this is the best execution of this design that we've seen thus far, though the positioning is slightly low for our preferences.

Another downside of utilizing soft flasks is the inevitable frustration of stuffing the bottles back into their pouches when full. We have yet to encounter a design where the bottles slip back in drama-free. Still, Salomon designs their soft flasks to be longer and thinner than most other brands, positioning them closer to the mouth and making them easier to get in and out of the hydration sleeve pockets. As mentioned above, another gripe with soft flasks is that you can spend time getting the fit of your vest just right, but as you drink your liquids, the soft flasks empty and contort, changing the fit of your vest and often causing small pain points.

Hydration Belts

Hydration belts offer yet another option for carrying your fluids. Instead of chest-mounted flasks, belts hold flasks around your hips. The two belts in our review use different types of options: soft flasks versus hard flasks.

The Raide Research LF 2L uses a single soft flask held in a pouch. This makes access difficult when moving quickly but provides a very secure ride. Our biggest frustration with the access isn't the pouch but the snap that holds the pouch closed. We found it difficult to snap back closed when running, and leaving it open reduces the bounce resistance that makes this belt so good.

The UltraAspire Speedgoat 3.0 uses two hard flasks mounted in the rear. These are easy to access… but they do have a tendency to create discomfort when the belt is cinched down enough to prevent bouncing. We found the tops of the hard flasks would cut into the small of our back, particularly on the downhills. However, the form-fitted flask and holder made access a breeze, even when running quickly.

Volume-to-Weight Ratio

We wanted to assess a variety of packs in this review, from minimalist race vests to larger fastpacking bags. To compare 1.5L vests side by side with 15L packs, we developed our volume-to-weight ratio criterion. The best packs have a higher value of over 1.0, while smaller and heavier packs will have a value below 1.0. The evolution of virtually all outdoor gear is to be lighter without sacrificing durability or functionality; weight is an important characteristic, which is why we believe that lighter is better, so long as the pack can still perform and carry the necessary equipment for the mission.

We weighed each model's base weight, meaning no flasks, bottles, bladders, or external removable accessories. We then took the measured weight and divided it by the volume of the vest's storage. Generally, the larger volume packs scored better (as having a larger denominator will greatly impact the score), and the packs made with high-stretch materials often could carry more volume than advertised. As there isn't a great way for us to measure volume, we followed the measurements provided by each brand.

Regardless of this variable, many of the larger vests we tested are notably lightweight, while some of the smaller vests tested were included as price-point options and are built with heavier materials.

Looking at the two factors in our volume-to-weight ratio, each offers valuable insight. While storage capacity should help you narrow down what you are looking for depending on your primary use, weight is a critical attribute to consider within each segment of volume. As this category assesses a range of pack sizes, this score reflects packs that are well-equipped to carry gear while remaining very light. Often, you will be wearing your pack for hours on end in an environment where speed and efficiency are necessary. If we look at the heaviest and lightest packs in this review, it becomes apparent which packs are built with weight-conscious materials and which are generally bulky.

Beyond carrying water, hydration packs for running should carry the clothing, food, and equipment you need for a successful long run without disrupting your running stride. Adequate storage space is necessary to bring along what you need. This carrying capacity, paired with the weight of the vest, gives valuable insight into the quality of the construction, feel, and function of each pack. While this category still goes hand-in-hand with the one below, pockets, it allows for a more objective assessment of a pack's carrying capabilities given its size and weight, taking more of the pack's intended design into play, be it short race or long fastpack.

Minimalist race vests we tested performed really well in the volume-to-weight ratio, as they are designed to be lightweight and highly capable. We took it upon ourselves to weigh all of the vests, but determining usable volume was a bit trickier, so we opted to go with the purported numbers that each brand provided. The Salomon Sense Pro 5 is one product that gets slighted by this metric. While the 5-liter carrying capacity listed by Salomon is probably accurate for regular use and the long-term fit of the pack, we could fit just as much gear in this pack as others that advertise 10 liters of storage.

We hope that this criterion places vests that are designed to be smaller race-oriented packs on a level playing field with larger packs that are designed with more storage space. The Distance 15, for example, is a heavy-hitting, any-condition, multi-day juggernaut, and scores very high. When reading our reviews, it's important to remember that a lower storage capacity doesn't make a pack worse. Consider what you need to bring with you on your runs and objectives before deciding whether bigger (or smaller) is better.

Pockets

Pockets as a category can be either straightforward, in the case of more traditional pack designs with isolated pockets, or more complex with modern vest designs that are a continuous landscape of pockets. For this reason, the pocket design on a pack is critical, as it impacts comfort, features, volume, and hydration system options. We try to assess the overall contributions of the pockets in the sections above, and in this category, we look at the number of pockets and their utility.

The liberal use of pockets may be the most notably different characteristic of a hydration pack for running as compared to a regular old hydration pack. Running vests are designed with many different pockets on the front of the pack, attached to the shoulder straps, and sitting on the chest or flanks, where they are within convenient reach of the runner at all times. The idea is that a runner should be able to grab whatever they need, whether it is water, food, cell phone, or salt tabs, while on the run and without needing to stop or remove the pack. Many packs now feature a kangaroo pocket, which has access points on either side of the pack and uses prime real estate across the lower back to store additional supplies such as a spare soft flask or extra layer. The contenders with our favorite pocket configurations are the Pinnacle 12, Norovan 7, Salomon ADV Skin 12, and Ultra Vest 6.0, which have tons of different options, all within reach and all made out of expandable fabrics to hold different-sized items.

It's also critical to know that the sheer number of pockets sewn onto each vest doesn't correlate to the score it received. While the contenders for our awards all had in the ballpark of 10 pockets, we rewarded the higher-scoring packs for their usefulness and design. To us, some essential features of a hydration vest are ample storage, at least one secure zippered pocket for small, easily lost items, and a design that places several pockets within reach while moving. The Pinnacle 12, Sense Pro 5, and ADV Skin 12 nailed all of these points excellently with a wide variety of pocket sizes, shapes, and volume, keeping everything within easy reach.

Another consideration with pocket design is the ability to carry a phone in an accessible area so you can easily locate your position on a map or snap a quick photo. Some vests missed the mark on this, while others provided a couple of different pockets that could effectively securely store a phone and keep it readily accessible. The UD Ultra Vest 6.0 has ten pockets and a rear bladder sleeve for plenty of storage and access while moving.

How to Pick the Best Running Hydration Pack

We have put together four important buying considerations to help narrow down your next running hydration pack selection.

Does Comfort Matter?

The concept of running with something attached to your body can already be an awkward feeling, so it's important to look for packs that minimize that discomfort and provide features that allow for the focus to be on running. Look for packs that won't put pressure on areas like the shoulders or the bladder. Also, look for adjustment points, such as shoulder straps, to help dial in a more precise fit. Along with identifying key areas for finding a comfortable pack, it's important to look at the manufacturer guidelines and size guidelines to narrow down the correct sizing.

We've found that packs that use a robust, stretchy material tend to be more comfortable over the long haul than those that opt for straps and stiffer materials. On the other hand, that isn't always the case, particularly when carrying a heavier load. Thinking about your ideal use case will help you determine what will contribute most to your comfort.

What About Carrying Capacity?

Whether you're just venturing into the world of running or have plans for multi-day runs, finding the right carrying capacity ensures you have enough water and essentials to last your trip. We tend to find a pack with between two and six liters plenty for the majority of runs that are less than a full day. You'll be able to fit water, snacks, your keys, your phone, and a small emergency kit or shell. For runs lasting a full day or more, look to packs with more storage to accommodate more water and items such as extra layers, a water filter, and more food. When deciding on the right volume capacity, consider the variance in your running distances and the type of environment you're in. In our experience, overloading a small vest is often less comfortable than lightly loading a larger one. But ideally, your vest will be perfectly sized for your needs.

Bottles or Reservoir?

Ultimately, deciding between using a reservoir bladder system or a bottle system comes down to personal preference. Water bottles offer the convenience of faster refilling and the ability to use one for water and the other with a hydration mix. A reservoir provides easy access to water while on the go and can typically hold larger amounts of water than bottles can. Each system has its downsides, such as the added weight on your back with reservoirs or the process of taking water out of your vest while running with bottles. For those undecided, some hydration packs can use both bottles and a reservoir system.

What Features to Look For?

While running hydration packs are meant to be minimalist by nature, they come with specific features that can become especially useful under certain circumstances. This can include pockets, trekking pole attachments, and reflective material. Runners who like to carry a small camera with them even in wet conditions will likely want a waterproof pocket, while someone who plans on using trekking poles will probably want the ability to attach those to their pack. When narrowing down pack choices, consider your personal needs and preferred features while out on the trail or road.

Conclusion

Hydration packs for running are one of the more “niche” categories that we review here at GearLab. There are a whole host of great packs on the market if you're looking for something to accompany you on long hikes and bike rides, including hydration packs that include more storage space inside for other gear. This review is aimed at runners, and each pack keeps the specific needs of runners in mind throughout its design. We accept that runners might also like biking, climbing, skiing, and hiking. Still, all of the vests covered here are designed to remediate the expected bouncing of water and gear that is inevitable to our running strides. They fit tight to the body, have less storage than an average daypack, and are generally more expensive, featuring a bunch of details that non-runners may find unuseful.

If long-distance running is calling your name, you're in the right place, and we have the gear to get you where you want to go. Whether you're just getting started and you're interested in our picks for running shoes, or you're using a fully featured GPS watch to train for an ultra, we're here to help you build out the perfect running gear kit. Short of giving you our phone numbers, we're here to help, so narrow down what you are in the market for and read through those in-depth reviews. We are confident we have a good solution for you.