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Looking for the perfect hydration vest for your runs? We've bought and tested over 70 top-rated running vests over the past nine years. We included options from every budget for short runs, fast races, and long adventures. Our expert run testers put each pack through thorough examinations and rigorous use in the mountains and on the roads to ensure they're comfortable, practical, and durable. Hydration packs range from very simple for your daily runs to feature-loaded for technical adventures. With so many options out there, making the right choice can be overwhelming. That's why we've broken down our picks to suit the many different use cases runners have.
Our testers have logged thousands of miles this year to find the best running gear. That includes everything from hydration packs to trail running shoes and road running shoes, to GPS watch for your adventures. Use their experiences to help you narrow down your choices. One last note: hydration packs often come in gender-specific fits. In this review, we'll highlight our favorite packs among both the men's/unisex and womens-specific models, but you can dive into each of our gender-specific lineups with the links below.
Advertised Included Liquid Capacity (Volume by Liter)
1.0 L
OGL Volume-to-Weight Ratio (Bigger Is Better)
1.58
Total Number of Pockets (Including Hydration)
11
The Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 is our favorite overall men's vest. That's thanks to durable and lightweight construction, excellent fit adjustments, and an easy-to-use hydration system. Over long efforts, the fine mesh and soft edges helped prevent chafing. We found that the Comfort Cinch system works very well for controlling the movement of the pack, whether it is loaded or unloaded. This pack offers one of the higher overall capacities in our men's lineup at 10 liters yet retains an extremely low weight in its final form, delivering an outstanding balance of performance and weight. Only one other pack in our current test collection, the Nathan Pinnacle 12L, recorded a volume-to-weight ratio over 1.5. Unsurprisingly, these were both top scorers and among our favorite packs for all types of runs.
We think the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 is ideal for those who do a wide variety of runs. If you want a pack that you can take for an evening lap around the local trails but then load up for a full-day adventure on the weekend, this is a great choice. It can't compete with the massive Black Diamond Distance 15 for overnight and technical routes, but it's perfect for most people. It is essential to consider sizing when purchasing this pack. Multiple testers found that a size medium was slightly bigger than expected. We recommend sizing down if you're near or between sizes, as a too-big pack tends to bounce more. Another minor complaint we had was regarding the lat-pockets. While they were accessible while wearing the pack, we found getting things in and out while moving to be awkward. If you want easy access to your gear, the previously mentioned Nathan Pinnacle 12L is significantly better for that. But when it comes to high-quality fit and function, you can't go wrong with the Ultra Vest 6.0.
Advertised Included Liquid Capacity (Volume by Liter)
1.6 L
OGL Volume-to-Weight Ratio (Bigger Is Better!)
1.6
Number of Pockets (Including Hydration)
14
For women, we think the best overall choice for runners with interests that span a wide range of routes and terrain is the Nathan Pinnacle 12L. This vest pairs tons of storage with an extremely comfortable and lightweight fit, making it an excellent option for big adventures. Most packs give you a few pockets to separate your gear. The Pinnacle gives you 14. That makes accessing your most important gear easy, even when moving fast. To ensure a proper fit, Nathan offers six different size options, which our testers found ensured it hugged their upper body perfectly. The Pinnacle can hold 12 liters and only weighs 7.2 ounces. That gives it the best volume-to-weight ratio in the test. And, while it comes with a pair of 0.5-liter bottles for hydration, it's also compatible with a bladder if you prefer to carry the water weight on your back. The only other adventure-ready 12-liter pack that came close to matching its superb fit and smart pocket-heavy design is the Salomon ADV Skin 12, which we also loved.
Our tester's biggest complaint about this vest was the Velcro closure on the upper back. If it isn't perfectly connected, hair would get snagged and pulled uncomfortably while running. If you have short hair or wear it well tucked back, this won't be a concern. But it's worth noting for anyone with longer locks. Also, while the storage options are unparalleled in our lineup, not all runners need this much capacity. Nathan makes another high-scoring pack, the TrailMix 7L, that is both smaller and more affordable. The Pinnacle is an excellent choice for runners who plan to use the capacity of their pack regularly and often carry gear they want to access without complication during their runs. For a slightly smaller (10 L) yet easy-to-fit women's design with excellent carry options, check out the Ultimate Direction Mountain Vesta 6.0.
Advertised Included Liquid Capacity (Volume by Liter)
1.0 L
OGL Volume-to-Weight Ratio (Bigger Is Better)
0.58
Total Number of Pockets (Including Hydration)
7
When it comes to top-notch performance at a low price, the Salomon Active Skin 4 is the pack to beat. Using the same design as Salomon's higher-end packs, the Active Skin has a stretch fit that allows it to hug your upper body when you run. The materials are on par with those of packs that cost significantly more. The 4-liter capacity is perfect for shorter trail runs or longer road races. The vest comes with excellent 500-milliliter soft flasks that fit easily in front pockets, but it is reservoir-ready as well for added storage when needed. Weighing in at 6.9 ounces without the soft flasks, the Active Skin is among the lighter third of vests in our lineup yet is still feature-packed.
For runners who are just getting started, this is the pack we'd recommend. But trail runners should beware: you will find no integrated pole holders. If you want to carry poles with you, you'll need to purchase Salomon's proprietary pole quiver. Our testers also found that this vest tends to sag when it's loaded to max capacity, something that the similar but more capable Salomon ADV Skin 12 handles better. If you're planning to go for big days in the mountains, we think you should consider that larger vest. The more budget-friendly REI Co-op Swiftland 5 is heavier and less comfortable but also has more trail-oriented features and handles bigger loads better overall. However, for most users, the Active Skin 4 massively outperforms its price point.
The Active Skin 4 is extremely comfortable for a very reasonable price.
Advertised Included Liquid Capacity (Volume by Liter)
1.0 L
OGL Volume-to-Weight Ratio (Bigger Is Better!)
1.1
Number of Pockets (Including Hydration)
10
Our women's test team loves the unisex design of the Salomon Active Skin 8, and we think it's a perfect choice for runners looking for great overall value. It's the slightly larger version of our men's award-winner, but with a different cut that we found well-contoured for maximal comfort around the chest. The stretch-fit materials are extremely comfortable. Our female testers found that the Active Skin 8 “strikes the perfect balance between softness and rugged durability.” This pack is highly versatile; it ships with two soft flasks and is designed to work with a reservoir. Our women's size small weighed 7.5 ounces. That's not the lightest in the test, but we found that we could stuff up to 10 liters of gear into it (even though it is advertised at 8 liters only), giving it one of the better volume-to-weight ratios in our test.
There aren't many drawbacks to the Salomon Active Skin 8. Like its sibling, the Active Skin 4, the larger version doesn't have pole-holders. Adjustments are limited to just the front cinch closure, making purchasing the proper size extremely important. Packs that utilize more adjustments, like the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0, sacrifice a bit of soft-touch comfort for a much easier-to-tune fit. We think the size of the Active Skin 8 is great for most runs, but if you need to shove supplies for a big day in the mountains into your vest, a pack like the Salomon ADV Skin 12 - Women's will retain much of the comfort, but give you more overall capacity. At the price, though, it's really hard to beat the Active Skin 8.
Women's Fit Replaced With Unisex Vest
Salomon is no longer offering women's hydration vests; instead, you will find a unisex model now designed to fit both genders. While both models appear quite similar in design and fit, we will be sure to update our review to reflect any notable changes upon retest.
Salomon consistently has some of the best soft-flasks in the game, and the ones that come with the Active Skin 8 are no exception.
Advertised Included Liquid Capacity (Volume by Liter)
1.6 L
OGL Volume-to-Weight Ratio (Bigger Is Better)
1.60
Total Number of Pockets (Including Hydration)
14
If you want pockets to store and easily access your gear, there's no better choice than the Nathan Pinnacle 12L. It has 13 pockets plus a sleeve for your hydration bladder. That may sound like too much to some runners, but we found the two kangaroo stash pockets, both with side access and one with additional vertical access, to be perfect for easily grabbing a snack or your phone while moving fast. Most 12-liter packs require you to take them off to grab the majority of the gear you've stashed away. With the Pinnacle, you can keep it on for longer and still reach important items, which is great during a race.
At the end of the day, this is an expensive pack. Serious runners might not bat an eye at the price, but if you aren't sure how often you'll need that easy-to-access 12-liters of storage, a pack like the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 or Salomon ADV Skin 12 will offer similar amounts of storage at a more affordable price. Sure, they sacrifice some ease of use, but they are still excellent choices. We found pole storage on the Pinnacle to be difficult when in motion. If you're a racer who wants quick and easy pole storage, we recommend the Arc'teryx Norvan 7, which has easy-to-use and access front pole storage. The Pinnacle is best suited to serious runners who want lots of comfortable storage that they can access while moving quickly.
Advertised Included Liquid Capacity (Volume by Liter)
1.0 L
OGL Volume-to-Weight Ratio (Bigger Is Better!)
1.3
Number of Pockets (Including Hydration)
13
We wear hydration packs to stay hydrated, and the versatility of the hydration system on theSalomon ADV Skin 12 is top-notch. Salomon consistently has some of the best soft flasks available, and two 500-milliliter ones come with the package when you pick up this pack. And while it doesn't ship with a reservoir, the ADV Skin 12 also has an insulated reservoir sleeve. This makes it very easy to slip a 1.5-liter bladder into the pack and head into the mountains with 2.5 liters of water. But that's not the best part. Thanks to the fit and adjustment bungees of the pack, you can fully load it and still experience minimal bouncing and excellent comfort. Plus, the materials are high quality, and the mesh allows the pack to breathe well.
Our biggest complaint about the ADV Skin 12 pack is relatively minor: its bungees are pretty long when cinched down. Unless you tuck them in somehow, they whip around when running and can be annoying. The buckle system with an elastic retention loop, like that of the Nathan Pinnacle 12L, does a much better job of staying out of the way but doesn't provide as much ease of adjustment. On the other hand, the storage options on the ADV Skin 12 are excellent, and this pack handles a heavy load well. If you don't need quite that much capability, the women's Salomon Active Skin 8 is slightly smaller but still has a similar fit, hydration setup, and materials at a much lower price.
Unisex Model Replaces Women's Fit
Salomon is no longer selling the women's fit of the ADV Skin 12. Instead, they offer a unisex model that is very similar in design to the women's version. Our review will be updated to note any changes detected by our test team with our next update.
The Salomon ADV Skin 12 can be run with either a reservoir, two soft flasks, or both.
Advertised Included Liquid Capacity (Volume by Liter)
1.0 L
OGL Volume-to-Weight Ratio (Bigger Is Better)
1.33
Total Number of Pockets (Including Hydration)
13
The Salomon ADV Skin 12 pairs a stretchy, high-performance fit with heavy load-hauling capability. That makes it our top choice for big days in the mountains. The two included Salomon 500-milliliter soft flasks, which are excellent and easy to remove and replace in their pockets. Weighing in at 9 ounces, the ADV Skin 12 is heavier than its closest competition, the Nathan Pinnacle 12L, which comes in 1.5 ounces lighter. However, the ADV Skin 12 feels significantly better when worn with a heavy load. The front stash pockets hold the essentials, and the zippered pockets hold your valuables. The rear main pocket is harder to access, but there is a lot of available storage inside.
All that storage makes the ADV Skin 12 better suited to full-day (or multi-day) trail adventures rather than shorter runs and hikes. Packs like the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 and Arc'teryx Norvan 7 offer less storage but will likely be more comfortable for shorter outings. The Salomon Active Skin 4 is a great budget compromise that retains much of what we like about the ADV Skin's fit and versatility but in a smaller capacity. We think the ADV Skin 12 is perfect for runners who plan to utilize its full capability, but it may be overkill for many. For runners who think 12 liters is too little storage, you can't beat the backpack-style storage of the Black Diamond Distance 15.
Advertised Included Liquid Capacity (Volume by Liter)
1.0 L
OGL Volume-to-Weight Ratio (Bigger Is Better!)
1.1
Number of Pockets (Including Hydration)
11
If you're planning to race an ultra, the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0 is a great option. With 10 liters of storage and one of the better volume-to-weight ratios in our lineup, this lightweight hauler is comfortable and capable. The pack offers a lot of adjustments that make dialing in the fit easy, and the choice to use straps at the front prevents having to adjust on the go. The hydration system is comfortable, allowing you to use either the two provided 500-milliliter soft flasks or a 2-liter hydration reservoir (or both). Thanks to the cinch system that utilizes bungees, even large loads are well-compressed and don't bounce while racing.
The Ultra Vesta 6.0 breathes well and sits comfortably on your torso when it's well adjusted, but it has rougher materials than its closest competitors, like the women's Nathan Pinnacle 12L. The edges are covered with soft-touch materials, and we didn't have issues with chafing, but if you prefer a stretchy, soft fit, this likely isn't your pack. And while the full-featured setup of this vest makes it excellent for racing and big adventures, a pack like the smaller Osprey Dyna 6 is great for shorter trips out. At the end of the day, though, this is a top-notch pack that will carry you through your biggest training days and races with ease.
Advertised Included Liquid Capacity (Volume by Liter)
1.0 L
OGL Volume-to-Weight Ratio (Bigger Is Better)
1.07
Total Number of Pockets (Including Hydration)
7
When it's time to move quickly through the mountains, the Arc'teryx Norvan 7 is our choice. It's fully featured and ready for more technical adventures that require an ice axe and helmet. For runners who want a lightweight and breathable vest, the stretch fit of the Norvan 7 is supremely comfortable when you're moving fast. The vest weighs 6.5 ounces. That's not the lightest in our lineup. Other race vests like the Salomon Sense Pro 5 weigh less, but they also hold less volume. We love the high-compression tunnel pocket at the back of this pack. It locks down your gear well yet is unnoticeable if you just want to run it practically empty. That makes this pack our go-to when we just want to take water, our phone, keys, and a few snacks.
One of the features that make the Arc'teryx Norvan 7 so comfortable — its lightweight, stretchy, breathable mesh construction — is also a bit of a drawback. There's no weatherproof pocket for storage to keep your extra layers dry (an uncommon feature, but something that would make sense on a vest geared towards technical alpine running). Likewise, the zippered pocket only holds our keys, nothing else. This pack is more geared towards moving quickly than other options like the similarly alpine-oriented but larger Black Diamond Distance 15 or even the Salomon ADV Skin 12. To us, the Norvan 7 is the perfect vest for fast training and racing, with the capability to handle some occasional peak-bagging.
The Norovan 7 is great for fast training and racing.
Advertised Included Liquid Capacity (Volume by Liter)
1.0 L
OGL Volume-to-Weight Ratio (Bigger Is Better!)
0.6
Number of Pockets (Including Hydration)
8
For truly minimalist hydration, the women's Naked High Capacity carries your essentials and not much else. It fits more like a sports bra rather than a traditional hydration vest but still manages to fit two 500-milliliter soft flasks. We found that the high-riding bottle positioning resulted in easy-to-reach mouthpieces for on-the-go hydration. Our testers found the nylon mesh to be both soft and breathable, producing a “comfortable, clothing-like feel.” The snug fit does a good job of compressing the 3 liters of total storage, making it nearly unnoticeable while running fast.
The small overall capacity of the women's Naked High Capacity vest is a drawback for runners with longer adventures planned. If that sounds like you, you'll likely prefer the larger 10-liter capacity of the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0, which delivers similar comfort. Getting the correct fit with this vest is essential to achieving excellent compression. Naked has 12 different sizes. Be sure to use their sizing guide, or better yet, try it on. If you love the minimalist approach of the Naked but would rather carry your gear on your waist, the unisex Raide Research LF 2L is an excellent belt that carries 2 liters of gear with no bouncing. For women who want a comfortable hydration vest for daily mileage, we love the Naked High Capacity.
Advertised Included Liquid Capacity (Volume by Liter)
0.7 L
OGL Volume-to-Weight Ratio (Bigger Is Better)
0.38
Total Number of Pockets (Including Hydration)
7
Not every runner wants to wear a vest for their adventures. That's where the Raide Research LF 2L comes in. With 2 liters of storage and a 650-milliliter soft flask, there's enough capacity for adventures in the mountains without the discomfort and annoyance a lightly loaded vest can have. The belt weighs 5.2 ounces, which is lighter than all but one vest in our lineup. Most belts (and vests) have a little bounce when fully loaded, but if you size the Raide belt correctly, there is none. This waist pack has quickly become our go-to hydration system thanks to its extremely comfortable design and versatile storage. There is a large stash pocket in the rear, where the soft flask goes, along with other larger items you're carrying. Or stack a second flask on top of the first for added hydration on longer outings. The front stash pocket is great for your phone, and the small gel pockets keep your fueling prepared and easy to access.
To keep your soft flask from bouncing, the Raide Research LF 2L belt offers a rear compression stash pocket that snaps closed. That placement does make access while moving a little awkward, especially compared to a belt like the UltraAspire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist Pack, which weighs more and has bounce but keeps its hard flasks in easily accessible hip holsters. Once the Raide belt is on, it's supremely comfortable. But getting it on at the trailhead can be a little awkward; you pull it on like a pair of (very snug) pants. Our lead tester was between sizes and sized down. That made for excellent bounce resistance but also made putting the belt on more difficult. When it comes to ease of use and a comfortable fit, highly adjustable packs like the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 and Vesta 6.0 are hard to beat. But if you're a runner who isn't chasing full-day routes and wants a lightweight option for fast running or hiking, we strongly recommend the Raide belt.
We absolutely love the Raide belt for light and fast running.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
How We Test Hydration Packs for Running
Like any type of running gear, we have to run with each hydration pack to know how they perform. Our male and female testers have logged thousands of miles on varied terrain, testing the comfort, durability, features, and capability of each pack.
When we purchase a new hydration pack to test, we put it through the same rigorous testing that every other pack has been through. One of the most important factors in whether a hydration pack gets used is comfort, and a great example of one test for comfort is our long run. We stuff a pack full with all the gear we need, then set out for a multiple-hour run. Reservoirs and flasks get filled and refilled, and we put the pack through its paces, noting how it handles varied loads over varied terrain. Throughout all of our testing, we keep detailed notes about our experiences and how the pack performed. Once we feel confident that we've fully tested the pack, we score it on five key metrics:
Comfort
Features
Hydration System
Volume-to-Weight Ratio
Pockets
We take these packs far into the backcountry to assess their performance.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Why You Should Trust Us
Our testing teams are all experienced runners who have spent thousands of lifetime miles pushing their limits in training and races, both on and off-road. To fully evaluate the fit and comfort of gender-specific packs, we have separate teams for each gender.
Jeff Colt, Nathaniel Bailey, and Matthew Richardson are our lead mens testers. Each has pushed themselves (and these packs) to their limit in the mountains and on roads. Jeff trains in Colorado's Elk Mountains and races internationally in ultra-distance races. You're more likely to find Nathaniel pushing the pace in a sub-marathon distance race than in an ultra. He's a full-time endurance sports journalist and USATF-certified coach who regularly competes in races both on and off-road. Matthew has recorded top-10 finishes in several ultras and runs throughout the Southwest.
Ally Arcuri is our lead women's tester. Ally earned her Bachelor's in Kinesiology and her 200-hour Yoga Teaching Certificate. She's an ultramarathoner and exercise expert who has traveled all over the US, exploring on foot.
We're not kidding when we say our testers have logged thousands of miles in their testing.
How To Choose a Hydration Pack for Running
Choosing the right hydration pack starts with a simple assessment of what you plan to use it for. Are you the type of runner who plans to spend 12-hour days moving through alpine territory? Or are you looking for a lightweight option that will carry your phone, some water, and maybe a few snacks? Maybe you're somewhere in between. Take a moment to consider how you'll use your pack. Once you have a good idea, we can start narrowing down the best options.
Most hydration packs come in a gender-specific cut. The differences typically focus on the shape of the pack around the chest and arm cutouts.
Men's Hydration Packs
We have an in-depth analysis of our testing results of men's hydration packs. This chart provides a great summary of how each pack in the lineup scored:
Women's Hydration Packs
Our female testers broke down the performances and fit of women's specific packs in our lineup of women's hydration packs. You'll see a lot of the same packs as in the men's lineup, but with slightly different designs and fits that led to differences in performance:
How Much Gear Do You Need?
Now that you've thought about how you plan to use your pack, you should have a good idea of the gear you'll need to carry. If your plan is sub-3 hour jaunts from a trailhead, you'll likely be fine with a pack (or belt!) that has a capacity of less than 4 liters. Depending on the type of terrain and weather you plan to deal with, a pack with between 6 and 12 liters should get you through most big adventures. Typically, runners who have massive, multi-day adventures planned actually need much more than 10-12 liters.
This 15 liter pack has plenty of space for multi-day adventures.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Think about the size and shape of the gear you'll be carrying. Hydration packs come with myriad different pocket options, often in different sizes and with varied ease of access. Typically, front pockets tend to be more accessible, while back pockets tend to be larger. If you want to carry poles, be sure to confirm that the pack you choose has a carrying option that you like. Some offer elastic loops, sleeves, or compression laces at the front, rear, top, or side meant for securing poles. Others are designed to attach a custom quiver as a secondary containment feature. Just keep in mind the positioning can be awkward, depending on your body type and flexibility in reach. So be sure you double-check each pack you are considering to ensure the pole storage arrangement works for you and everything you need will be easily accessible once you start your run.
A 12 liter pack can haul a serious amount of gear.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
How Do You Want To Carry Your Water?
Most packs offer a choice between a reservoir that is carried on your back or flasks that are carried on your chest. Belts are the exception, allowing you to carry flasks around your waist. Reservoirs can carry a lot of water but only hold one type of fluid at a time. They can also be awkward to remove and refill and may start to slosh when less than full. Flasks tend to be more versatile and convenient for shorter runs or on runs during which refills are readily available. Some packs allow you to utilize both types of hydration. If lengthy adventures feature in your plans, be sure you consider not only the overall carrying capacity of your pack but also the maximum liquid capacity. This may include optional flasks or bladders not included with your original purchase.
Soft flasks are easier to remove and refill.
Credit: Jeff Colt
How Can You Ensure a Proper Fit?
Getting the right size pack is extremely important. Make sure you choose a size according to the provided charts on each manufacturer's website, or better yet, try the pack on. Stretch-fit packs are designed to hug the contours of your body and are often made of stretchy materials. These packs may or may not have much adjustment, which can make it extremely important to ensure you get the pack in the right size.
This pack has a stretch fit, but minimal adjustment outside the front bungee.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Strap-adjustable packs offer a bit more range between sizes, but nailing the fit is still important. Cinch-straps often move less when running, requiring less adjustment over the course of a long effort. Some of our favorite packs utilize both.
This pack uses a cinch strap and horizontal buckle paired with a stretch fit to allow for a very precise and comfortable fit.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Conclusion
Hydration packs are great tools to help you extend your distances. Some come really close to doing “everything” well, while some are far more niche. Choosing the correct one for your runs really comes down to a proper assessment of what you need the pack to do.
This review highlights the experiences of our expert review team. Thanks to our hands-on, rigorous testing, we're confident that you'll be able to narrow down your choices and eventually find the perfect pack to use on your next adventure.
—Nathaniel Bailey, Ally Arcuri, Matthew Richardson, and Jeff Colt
