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After testing across various outings, the REI Swiftland 5 is an easy pack to recommend for those seeking an affordable option for trail runs of any length. However, its bounce may prove less appealing when distances grow long and weight creeps up and forward as the bladder empties. With three different sizes, all of which offer extensive fit adjustment, choosing the right size should be simple. Simplicity continues throughout the pack design, with user-friendly features and enough space to bring that extra layer or that paperback novel, depending on your plans. This pack should be the clear choice for runners looking to push themselves a bit farther on the trail, and since it can carry a decent load, it has the added value of versatility, too. To see how it stacks up versus the competition, check out our men's running hydration packs review.
REASONS TO BUY
Ample storage
Simple and successful design
Approachable price
REASONS TO AVOID
Lower quality bladder
Minor pain points over longer distances
UPDATED DESIGN: In fall 2024, REI released another update to the Swiftland 5 hydration pack that included the following modifications: removal of the shoulder cinch straps (retaining sternum and torso adjustment straps), eliminating one front stash pocket and replacing it with a vertical zip-entry pocket large enough to hold a smartphone, and introducing a new color. They continue to offer a men's and women's fit for this model, with the primary distinction being the size of the pack (the women's model fits a chest dimension of 31-35 inches while the men's fits 36-42 inches). We will update our review once a retest has been conducted.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Switftland 5 offers a comfortable ride, more storage, and a competitive entry-level price. Simplicity is at the root of this pack's success.
From hikes to long runs through rolling hills, this pack is a great companion.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Comfort
Most hydration packs offer an adjustment across the chest and one on each side of the ribcage. While the previous iteration of the Swiftland 5 had two elastic cinch straps to adjust the fit at the shoulders over the collarbone, the most recent update to the vest relies on sternum straps and lower torso straps alone to secure the pack's contents and prevent any bounce.
Vertical rails along the trim of each shoulder strap enable the sternum buckles to move up and down. We could handily tweak the fit of the pack mid-stride as we drank water and decreased the bladder's volume and weight. All tightening straps on this pack are intuitive and don't require you to crane your elbow or neck. The elastic cords over the shoulder pull straight down, and the straps along the flank pull towards the front, both natural movements.
While the materials used on the shoulder straps are stiff, adjustments and fit are easy.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Breathable, structured mesh lends form and comfort throughout the vest, and wider-than-normal shoulder straps add to the form-fit feel that carries weight nicely. Pack shapes vary significantly, from longer back designs that conform to the torso and around the ribcage to shorter stout packs that position above the taper of the ribcage. The Swiftland 5 falls into the latter group, a design that reflects cheaper material choices and targets a more versatile fit than a performance fit. Hydration packs for runners that sit higher up on the back are more prone to bouncing, which we could feel with this pack compared to some of the stretchier, wrap-fit vests.
The REI Swiftland 5 sits higher than we'd prefer, but still remains comfortable.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Features
Features are only as great as they are intuitive. Both top clasps on the sternum strap of the Swiftland 5 have channels for convenient hose management, positioning the bite valve a head tilt away from drinking. Both top pockets on the shoulder straps have cinch closures, keeping soft flasks snug, and a vertical zip pocket large enough for a phone sits just below at one side.
We appreciate the long zipper across the top of the back, allowing full access to the hydration bladder and storage, and making refilling a breeze. An internal divider separates the hydration bladder from the primary gear storage area. An external pocket can fit extra layers and accommodate collapsible trekking poles if you have them (or choose to use the 4 PackMod Bungee compatible loops on the back). The closure on the rear exterior storage pocket may be the fastest access system we tested, and it doubles as a fit system, helping keep all of the contents in place.
This two for one strap both helps with the pack suspension and tightens the rear external storage pouch!
Credit: Jeff Colt
Ample reflective stripes on the shoulder straps, webbing tabs, and a quick-access external storage pocket on the back round out this pack's feature set. There is a key clip to secure valuables and two mesh pockets within the larger rear zippered pocket in the back. A whistle is missing, but add it to your essential gear, and you're good to go.
Hydration System
This pack includes a 1.5L Hydrapak reservoir, though soft flasks also work. Our preference for this little pack stems from its intuitive functions and simple design. That said, we were sorry to find the included Hydrapak doesn't have an easy-release valve where the hose connects to the bladder. It makes refilling a bladder and hose management all the easier.
As mentioned above, a zipper opening up across the top of the pack creates easy access to the hydration compartment. Removing a hydration bladder from a small pouch or pocket with a tired mind and cold hands can be a struggle. This system starts on the pack's left side and continues across the top, coming to a close with a small opening for the hose over the right shoulder. While this restricts the ability to route the hydration hose along the left shoulder, we don't imagine that preference will polarize users.
The two hose clips on the sternum straps position the bite valve in just the right spot for hands free running while hydrating.
Credit: Jeff Colt
A hose clip is built into the top of the sternum strap and clasp, directing the hydration hose down before it U-turns back up to park right in the desired spot. Lastly, a twist-lock bite valve prevents the hydration hose from leaking. Some vests incorporate bladder systems effectively by providing additional storage on the back of the pack and opening up the chest pockets for more gear and heavier items to counter the weight of the bladder. The Swiftland 5 succeeds at this, though as the hydration bladder empties throughout a run, the pack starts to creep up the back more.
We love lockable bite valves as they prevent leaking.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Volume-to-Weight Ratio
This metric intentionally favors packs that can carry more, as the reason for running with a hydration pack in the first place is to bring enough food, water, and the essential gear to go farther.
As an introductory running vest, the Swiftland 5 doesn't limit you to small afternoon outings. With more accessible volume in the front pockets, the large main compartment, and the exterior storage, we were able to fit sunglasses, sunscreen, an iPhone, Garmin inReach, 1,000 calories, a spare 500mL soft flask, and our baseline race kit comprised of tights, a space blanket, a headlamp, medical tape, gloves, waterproof gloves, a buff, a winter hat, waterproof pants, and a waterproof jacket.
In our opinion, the money saved is worth a couple extra ounces with this pack.
Credit: Jeff Colt
On the flip side, if you are looking for a lower-risk 5-mile jaunt, the straps and pack tighten down in a low profile close to the back, eliminating most bounce or jostling. When we used it for these shorter, quick-hit runs, we preferred soft flasks instead of the bladder.
Pockets
Compared to the previous version of this pack (the Swiftland Hydro), the Swiftland 5 has better and more pockets, all added without much change in weight or comfort. In previous updates, the large back pocket was incorporated into the zippered hydration sleeve, adding over 1 liter of secure zippered storage space. In more recent days, one stretchy stash pocket on the chest has been removed to include instead a zippered pocket large enough to accommodate a phone, a common feature requested by many runners.
When we loaded the rear pocket with all our gear and a full bladder for a big day out, we felt some pressure on the upper, as the shorter pack shape didn't distribute weight as effectively. However, we weren't carrying an additional outfit for most of our runs, and with a baseline race kit, we didn't have this issue.
A single zipper opens up access to the hydration bladder and the primary storage along the back of the REI Swiftland.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Each shoulder strap features a single pocket that works with soft flasks or could store other essentials, including an iPhone. A second lower pocket appears on one side, large enough to hold gloves or snacks. This one works great for nutrition or other small items. However, it is worth noting that it functions best when the upper pocket is stuffed pretty full since it does not have a cinch strap to restrain items, making it reasonably easy for a single gel packet to fall out when running more dynamic trails. Conversely, you'll find a vertically zipped pocket large enough to accommodate a phone.
With breathable mesh, a durable exterior, and multiple fit solutions, this vest is as ready as you are for the next adventure.
Credit: Jeff Colt
Should You Buy the REI Swiftland 5?
The Swiftland 5 excels at simplicity and can carry enough gear for a significant outing. If you are looking for a hydration pack for running your first 50K that works well for mountain biking and as a light day pack to bring on bigger camping adventures, look no further. We are confident this vest will be an excellent choice for runners looking for an affordable hydration pack with extensive fit adjustments. We recommend getting a couple of soft flasks if you don't own any, as these will add versatility and extend the range of the pack. The Swiftland 5 will serve a range of beginners to experienced runners and hikers alike.
What Other Running Hydration Packs Should You Consider?
For the same price, we recommend the Salomon Active Skin 4, which has a better fit and finish, an improved hydration system, and a more comfortable experience.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare REI Co-op Swiftland 5 versus top competing products:
