When it comes to running hydration there are plenty of options for carrying water, including my personal favorite the running hydration pack. Over the last 13+ years, we’ve tested an insane number of options AND gotten feedback from runners like you. 
Whether you’re hitting the trails or racing hard on marathon, having the right hydration pack can make all the difference.
From ultra-lightweight vests designed for minimalists to high-capacity packs for long trail days, we’ve narrowed it down to help you make a decision!
10 Best Running Hydration Packs
Over the years I’ve been lucky to test out a variety of running hydration vests. Some I have truly hated, others had the comfortable fit that made me realize it was a piece of gear I couldn’t do without.
But equally important has been the feedback I’ve received from the hundreds of athletes we coach every year and the thousands of you who respond on Instagram to questions! It’s allowed me to have more options for body size, usage and fit.
My Go To Option for Pockets and Tall Flasks – Nathan Pinnacle 4L ($174)
I like being able to carry collapsible flasks with Tailwind fuel in one and water in the other. The back of this isn’t padded, so there’s also less to make me sweaty.
We tested out a lot of Nathan packs and running handhelds. We keep coming back to the Pinnacle in both the 4L and 12L sizes.
The pack’s long fit ensures an even distribution of weight centered on the back for a more comfortable run. The 12 exterior pockets, including two water-resistant zip pockets at the front, make it incredibly easy to stash away important things. (Hello my key is safely zipped away, while I can pull my phone out easily.)
I’ve worn this pack for up a 50K and I like that the bottles have longer straws for drinking.
The tapered back also helps help encourage moisture to stay away from the skin.
The Pinnacle can also work with insulated bladder that helps keep water cool on hot days. But I generally am just using the 20-ounce soft flasks in the front pockets.
The vertical pocket is great for storing your trekking poles. With this pack, you’ll have plenty of space to store snacks, extra layers, etc. during a run.
- I like that with two flasks I can carry water and an electrolyte
- I don’t have to clean out a bladder, but can 100% put one in for longer trail days
- It has an easy to reach phone pocket upfront
- Plenty of packs in the back for when I overdress or want to carry trekking poles
- It’s slim and works as a race vest
- Straws can be trimmed so they aren’t so long
I used this for our entire Moab trail adventure vacation and that sealed the deal, I’ll continue to use it. I also went with a small women’s size, which felt like a secure fit that doesn’t bounce around.
Bustier ladies, I don’t know that the straps on this would work well.
Sleek and Thin (my second go to) – On Running Ultra Vest ($149)
Admit it, we care about our race day photos!! I’ve heard some of you say that’s why you don’t wear a vest. So let’s find a way to stay on top of nutrition and get that great photo.
Don’t let the name fool you, this isn’t just a super long trail runners vest. Available in 5L and 10L, you can decide how much hydration you want to carry vs use on course. I personally love being able to empty out a flask and then grab water on course, my brain tells me I’m getting lighter, ha!
Bungie cord adjustment across the front and sides does make this a Unisex item, but it comes in sizes from XXS to XL.
I’ve tested both the White 5L and Black 10L. At this time I like the 5L and wear it a ton. The 10L had some cords sticking out that ended up rubbing on me and it’s a bigger pack to carry more.
I LOVE this vest for being really light weight and so perfect for summer running. I wore it probably 100 times and then had one of the bottles break…this is a bit of an issue because it’s tapered and so other bottles didn’t immediately fit.
- Sleek but has deep back pockets so this works great in training too
- Available in white and black
- Stays put, no bouncing around
Low Cost Option with Pockets – Camelbak Circuit Hydration Vest ($83)
Ok they keep changing the model so it used to be closer to $60, but still decent. Mind you it’s supposed to be one size fits all. I used a similar style to this (again just model name changes) for like 6 years and really liked it.
Over the years, CamelBak has become synonymous with on-the-go hydration, and for a good reason! The recently updated Circuit is one of their most popular running bests and a great one to start off with.
With the CamelBak Circuit, you get a lightweight hydration vest that includes a reliable 1.5-liter reservoir. The vest also features a zippered cellphone pocket, the reservoir with a functional open and close valve, and two flask pockets for additional bottle storage.
It’s made of a breathable mesh that keeps air flowing while you run and break a sweat.
I like that the pockets are in front so I can easily grab my phone and am not carrying more water than needed.
It tightens to fit close to my body. In fact, I don’t feel it moving and don’t hear water sloshing around, which oddly bothers me.
- I like having flasks to carry both water and electrolytes
- The back is not as thin as some so not ideal for very hot days
- Definitely holds more gear than some, so ideal if you may shed layers or just have extras to carry (keys, sunglasses, etc)
Best for Carrying a Lot (Layers, Poles, Etc) – Ultimate Direction Vesta ($170)
Ultimate Direction’s Adventure Vesta is ideal for a long day on the trail. It includes enough space and pockets for snacks, hydration, layers, and even a few safety items.
You get a total of 6 pockets with the Vesta. The front stretchy mesh storage can store your phone, some snacks for fuel, and even valuables. The total storage for this vest comes to 10.3L.
The Comfort Cinch technology on the Vesta provides a nice, custom fit with easy on-the-go adjustments. It includes 4-way stretch material in key places to move with you and stay nice and snug. With the sliding rail sternum and waist straps, you’re bound to find a good fit.
It even has a new, redesigned trekking pole holder for your next trail run. It minimizes bounce and snaps out of the way when you’re not using it.
I’ve also run with this pack and again, as I mentioned above, it has tons of pockets. But I didn’t like that I needed to buy the bladder separately.
However, it’s a favorite among many of my runner friends who want to be able to take off jackets or gear as the weather changes.
It has more room in the pack to carry things, which makes it ideal for more trail running days where you need extra fuel and the weather is often changing on you.
Best for Shorter Torso – Salomon Adv Skin 5L ($145)
I’ve tested out a few things from Salomon and all of their packs impress me.
It’s the ultimate hydration pack for women with narrower chests and shoulders. It Salomon Advanced Skin features a curved front and tapered 500ml soft flasks with straws. This allows for a better fit against your chest and eliminates pressure on the chest as well when cinched tight.
It can even hold an additional bladder, loads of gear, and even your cellphone, thanks to the many pouches and zippered pockets it has. You’ll also get multiple pole holder solutions for versatile options in attaching poles.
I’ve also heard from shorter runners that they felt this was super comfortable on their torso. And while I am a tall runner, I have a very short torso and would 100% agree that where some packs feel like they are hitting my shorts and thus rubbing, I never had that issue with Salomon.
This one also had great pocket access in the front, which some smaller packs don’t. I would also say this is an outstanding choice for just about anyone.
And while it used to be on the higher end of price now they are also right in line with everyone else.
- Great strapping system to get a locked in fit
- Breathable mesh fit
- Easy front pockets for flasks or back for a bladder
Minimal Running Pack – Camelbak Classic Light ($75)
This is no frills, no pockets, just gimmie a bladder for my water and lets go. Its breathable mesh with large holes allows you to stay cooler and you’ll barely even notice the vest while wearing it!
The side pockets on this vest allow you to store food and other gear. You can even store your trekking pole in the back. It’s a great option if you’re going for a minimalist look and feel!
- Great if you aren’t using electrolytes (I hate cleaning the bladder and tube from those)
- Ideal if you don’t need to grab your phone while running
- Back could still feel warm
- Most ideal if you are fine walking or stopping to grab your fuel
Smallest Sizing Available –Lululemon Trail Vest ($145)
One of the few vests that go down to an XXS, which is super important to ensure that you’re getting a good snug fit. In addition, we don’t want these bouncing around on us. Another one with easy front pockets and also 2 straps for best fit.
It’s lightweight and can carry a 1.5L bladder and is specifically designed with the female form in mind. It’s form-fitting without being uncomfortable.
It has pockets all over for quick access to essentials, and it includes pockets inside other pockets! The weather-resistant chest pockets in the front of the vest are great for storing your cellphone and keys.
Best for PR Race Day –UltraApsire Basham Race Vest ($89)
If you don’t need to carry a lot of liquid nutrition, you just want to be able to hold your phone, your gels and your keys then this is a absolutely winning choice.
You’ll note that you can put a bottle in the back, so you absolutely have water with you. But as long as that’s not something you will pull out frequently in the race this is a super thin and light Vest.
- One size fits all adjustment with toggles
- You probably won’t easily be whipping out your phone or grabbing a drink
- Super, super light
- Bottle is only .5 liters of water
- Narrow strap design to prevent strain on shoulders
Best Small Capacity – Osprey Duro/Dyna ($110)
The 1.5-liter low-volume race-ready packs, the Osprey Duro 1.5 and Osprey Dyna 1.5, contain everything you need for a quick and light day of running.
The included 1.5-liter hydration reservoir fits in a zippered compartment in the back. Plus, there are two large stretch pockets on the front that can hold food, small items, or Osprey’s 500ml or 360ml soft flasks, which are sold separately and increase the pack’s hydration capacity.
Although there is an outside bungee cinch cord to carry a jacket or extra layer, it’s important to note that the back pocket can’t accommodate additional gear when the hydration bladder is in use.
The storage capacity is completed with a smaller front zip pocket and two stretch pockets under the arms for small items like a buff, hat, or gloves.
The rear hydration bladder pocket has a diagonal zipper opening that only allows the tubing to go over the right shoulder, which is something to consider if you prefer it on the left.
Instead of having a buckle in the middle, the sternum strap is held in place by plastic snaps that clip on each of the shoulder straps. This makes it simple to move the shoulder straps to a position that is comfortable for you.
If you have broad shoulders or arms, it is recommended that you order a size bigger from what you normally wear since this pack tends to run on the small side when it comes to the arm holes.
The material is slightly thicker and heavier than some of the other packs on th elist, but it is still quite breathable and durable.
Plus, this pack has a safety whistle on the front and a spot to attach trekking poles when you’re not using them. It has a lot of thoughtful details for a small pack and can hold as much water as many larger packs.
Best for Staying Visible – Nathan Laser Light Vest ($110)
This innovative hydration pack boasts Light Up Thread technology on the back, offering a maximum output of 6 lumens to enhance visibility during nighttime or low-light conditions. I FREAKING love that we are combining multiple things in one so you don’t have to remember your lights, they are just built in.
However, I would still use a front blinker. I keep mine clipped on so I don’t have to remember it.
Equipped with a 1.5L bladder, it ensures hands-free access to liquids, providing a vital energy source to fuel your run or hike without interruption, even in dimly lit environments. The front pockets also work for 22 oz flasks if you’d rather use those than a bladder or all together.
There is a handy front storage compartment for your phone, a well-designed compression system for comfort and aerodynamic performance, and breathable mesh paneling for ventilation to keep you from overheating.
If you don’t want to deal with lights and just want the reflective to be taken up a notch, checkout the Hypernight.
Will a Hydration Pack Change My Running Form?
Wearing a well-fitted hydration pack should not alter your running form, but it will take some getting used to. The main issue is learning to keep your shoulders relaxed during the run, which overworks your upper traps and leads to neck pain.
You’ll have a tendency to shrug until you get used to feeling something sitting on you. But the weight should never be enough to alter your form.
Hydration packs constructed of elastic and stretchy fabrics hug the body and keep the entire pack from bouncing around while you run.
Hydration Pack vs Vest?
Everything listed here could be referred to as either a hydration pack or a hydration vest.
When you start getting in to larger sizes, a hydration pack is often considered a backpack. It’s designed to carry gear for camping and a lot more food. That could become necessary for multi-day stage races, but it’s not what we’re looking at in terms of most marathon and trail running.
Do You Need a Hydration Running Pack?
No, it’s not a must.
I spent decades not running with one. However, now I can’t imagine running without it.
As noted we know holding something in your hand can alter your arm swing which is a big problem for running form. And I also like having quick access to water, my phone and a just in case granola bar when I’m doing 2 hour runs.
As a rule of thumb, I ask our athletes to take a sip of water at least every mile, to stay on top of electrolytes. But during the summer, you’ll likely need to be sipping more often.
PLUS it busts all your excuses for not carrying energy gels or liquid nutrition.
How Much Gear Capacity Do I Need in a Running Hydration Pack or Vest?
Remember we generally want to drink between 4-6 oz of water per hour while running.
For runs lasting less than two hours, the Pinnacle with a couple of 20 oz flasks is a great option with additional room to store small gear, snacks, and sunscreen. For a one hour run, you might just take 1 flask.
For a longer run lasting up to three hours, you might want a little more capacity. In such a case, the Salomon Advanced Skin Series has a few great options to choose from. Pick anything from a Adv Skin 5 to Adv Skin 8 depending on how much gear you want to store.
For runs lasting longer than six hours, a rest with 4 to 12 liters of storage is ideal. The Nathan Pinnacle 4L or 12L are two great options to choose from!
Bottles Vs Bladders
The main reason I do bottles or flasks now is because cleaning your bladder after using electrolytes is kind of a pain in the butt. You can just put an empty bladder in the freezer to kill bacteria, but I still feel like it gets sticky and gross.
Flasks are much easier to clean out and most can go in the top rack of your dishwasher. However, the longer the day the more a bladder is appealing! You absolutely don’t want to end up without enough hydration.
How Can I Tell If My Running Hydration Pack Fits Well?
Look for a snug fit that prevents chafing and bouncing while you run. To measure your size for a hydration pack, dress as you would for a run and measure the diameter of your torso. This would be below your bust and/or at the top of your ribcage.
You can then read the brand’s guidelines to find the appropriate size for your measurements.
Do Marathon Runners Wear Hydration Packs?
Sometimes. As much as I love having my hydration pack in training, I actually love to shed it on race day and feel lighter.
What I will then do is carry a bottle with my electrolytes for the first half. In fact, I have some leggings with pockets where I can shove that bottle. Then toss it at an aid station and switch to water.
There is NO REAL RUNNER RULE prohibiting you from wearing one. So if it’s a hot race, if you have a super sensitive stomach and know what works for you, then wear it!
***NOTE sometimes there are rules! Like the Chicago Marathon or other large marathons that prohibit them for safety reasons.
Like any other piece of clothing or piece of gear, the best running vest is one that fits your body and meets your needs. There is no single ‘most comfortable’ vest, as what suits one runner may not fit another properly, may not fit your body.
What to read next?
- Complete Running Hydration Guide
- Top Electrolyte Powders for Runners
- Best Running Belts for Hydration
- Gifts for Trail Runners
Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinish
Facebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinish
Sign Up to Receive a Weekly Newsletter with Top Running Tips and Laughs
Topo Vista Review | Great Cushion and Grip, But There’s a Catch
Leave a Reply