To create the most informative running hydration pack review, we researched countless models and consumer reviews, used our past experience, and consulted veteran runners to select an assortment of packs. We purchased them all, filled them with the essentials (food, water, layers), strapped them on, and hit the trails. We covered hundreds of miles to learn the strengths and shortcomings of each — information we then pass on to you. Below are the criteria and performance metrics we used to rate each product.
Comfort
From the tarmac to the trails, mesas to mountains, and occasional run commutes to work, we loaded these packs up and wore them in every walk (and run) of life. We ventured out into the desert alpine of New Mexico, the thick mountain timber of Montana, snowy post-holing in the Wasatch, and mountain missions in the Elk Mountains of Colorado. From cold nights to intensely hot days, we tried to tease out which packs were bouncy, chafed, easily adjusted, soft to the touch, too tight, and so on. Comfort levels can change as a pack goes from full of water and food to empty, and some of you may have experienced that even soft flasks can become uncomfortable when they are too full or empty. The best determinant for comfort is wearing a pack and putting in the miles while being aware of what the pack is doing and how tinkering with adjustments can help. Access to a huge pile of other vests for comparison helps this hunt. After all, how would you know if you don't have anything to compare to? Well, we had every advantage here and did all this work for you so you can find the perfect vest and make better use of your time.
Hydration System
Rating and testing the hydration system of each vest presented some challenges, as all have different carrying systems, despite most vests including soft flasks or bladders. Each system has advantages, and athlete input in the design comes through depending on the intended purpose — from quickly filling a flask at an aid station or being able to carry lots of water through arid terrain. Factors like capacity, ease of filling, accessibility while running, and leakage all contributed to our testing. The overall hydration system rating also considered other issues like bottle storage, hose management for packs with hydration reservoirs, and how the water-carrying system impacts the pack's suspension. We differentiate hydration sleeves from pockets if a pack includes soft flasks; we believe these hydration sleeves are part of the hydration system. If the sleeves were too loose, shallow, or tight, or didn't properly secure the soft flasks, we considered this for the hydration system score.
Features
Every vest we tested for this review was unique. Each had its own take on what a hydration pack for running should be and what it should offer the runner. We purposely selected a range of designs: some larger vests for gear-intensive adventures and smaller vests positioned for racing. We nitpicked and compared details, designs, and features. We tested each described feature and assigned scores for its user-friendliness and overall effectiveness. Some of the things we found in this category were light-reflective markings, whistles, trekking pole attachments, quick-access storage, and waterproof bulk storage. The packs ranged from those that offered the essentials to those that probably had more features than we would actually use, like ice axe storage.
Pockets
Finally, we paid special attention to the placement, size, amount, closure systems, and overall volume of the pockets on each hydration pack. The score combines elements that indicate how functional the pack's pockets are. Some packs have tons of pockets, but the hydration system impacts the accessibility and utility of the pockets. Others have fewer pockets designed with great intention. A higher rating for merely having more pockets isn't helpful; we scrutinized each pocket's efficiency and asked, "Is this pocket necessary to help me accomplish my running goal?"