The Best Running Vests for Men

Our Picks of Men's Running Vests

Best Overall Men's Running Vest

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

When we put on the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0, everything just clicked. It's more durable and rugged than competitors, plus, it is comfortable, and can carry lots of gear with its 10.1-liter capacity. The simple design has thoughtfully integrated features that make the pack as intuitive as it is useful. Waterproof pockets and tough material will keep you and the vest running for years, with soft trim edges to prevent chafing, and a fine micro mesh interior that is 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. The included 500 mL soft flasks are enough for shorter runs, and the pack is compatible with a full 2 L bladder for longer days.

The dual fit systems on the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 provide enough adjustments to work for various body types and gear assortments and layers, but we found the sizing runs large. If you like going 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 tests, with a fit and finish we typically find on higher-end options. This vest has a stretchy, form-fitting build, integrated pouches, and soft-touch materials. It's feature-rich and easy to use without having to stop mid-run to find your next gel. In addition to the large zippered pocket, the pack comes with elastic bungees that you can strap into any configuration using the attachment loops dispersed around the body of the vest. So, despite the advertised 4-liter capacity, we were able to pack snacks, hydration, a hardshell jacket, a med kit, a headlamp, and gaiters. Two 500-milliliter soft flasks are included, but it's also compatible with an additional 1.5-liter reservoir, but it would take up valuable real estate in the back pocket.

This pack doesn't do as well when heavily loaded, for example, as it tends to sag, and we felt it in our shoulders. It also has no integrated pole-holders, but you have to configure some using the bungee straps. There are better options for serious capability, like the extremely comfortable but much larger (and pricier) Salomon ADV Skin 12. But for runners who don't need to pack everything and the kitchen sink on their back, the performance of the Salomon Active Skin 4 is extremely hard to beat for the price.

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 doesn't have the largest capacity, but it is unmatched in the amount of gear it keeps accessible while running. Thirteen pockets and a hydration sleeve for a bladder provide nearly exhaustive storage, and the compatibility with soft flasks adds versatility. The number of pockets is impressive, but the side-accessed kangaroo pockets are immense, and one is also accessible from the top back 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. 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, less durable fabric, there is value in a 12-liter vest that helps you avoid stopping to access the main storage pockets. As with many vests, we were disappointed with the lack of trekking pole storage. If you store poles in the vertical kangaroo pocket, you can technically access them, but it's not a well-tuned system. Otherwise, we had very few issues with 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. The Black Diamond Distance 15 should be your next stop if you need more capacity. Still, the Pinnacle manages to stand out among the competition every time.

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 large capacity pack for massive days or when you need to carry more layers. It is our go-to for long ultras or personal goals, thanks to the substantial carrying capacity and accessibility. Multiple layers of back storage with a zippered stretch pocket are excellent for warm layers, while the front pockets can easily handle a day's worth of food and water. The compressible fabric allows the vest to conform and expand to different load sizes while maintaining a snug, secure fit. It is easy to stuff full rain and insulating layers with 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 with the included bungees.

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/or fuller loads, this can feel overwhelming, and you must maintain organization or your gear can get lost. Given the stretchy nature of the pack, it is also a bit too easy to overpack. While we experienced no durability issues, the zippers and face fabric are very thin, and care must be taken to avoid breaking or snagging the materials. Users who want a slightly more accessible 12L of capacity should consider the Nathan Pinnacle 12L. When your run calls for something slightly smaller but no less functional, you can't go wrong with the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0. Overall, if you have dreams of tackling a race or course without aid stations, then the ADV Skin 12 is the pack we'd recommend.

Read more: Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set review

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. The Distance 15 comfortably carries up to 10 pounds while running.

Fifteen liters is a substantial amount of room, so users not looking to take advantage of the space should opt for a smaller pack. If you don't need much capacity, check out the Salomon ADV Skin 12, which is equally ready for rugged adventures, or Black Diamond, which has an 8-liter version of this pack, with similar features. However, for packing hard-sided items while running, the Black Diamond Distance 15 cannot be beat, and while it is expensive, it does some niche activities very well.

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 for trail adventures because it is the most comfortable. 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 sells with one flask only, but can fit two.

We love this belt, but accessing your water while running is awkward, requiring you to reach behind you and pull out the soft flask. Also, putting on the belt is like pulling on a pair of pants. We were between sizes and ordered down, which helps with comfort and bounce resistance, but makes putting the belt on tougher. Finally, for a belt, it isn't cheap, on par with many higher-end hydration vests. However, 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.

How We Tested

Over the last decade, we've tested countless vests. Our testing begins with identifying the best hydration packs for a wide range of running adventures. We weigh all the packs and spend hours running with different gear setups to explore performance for many adventures. We assess features and functionality for all kinds of runners from dabblers, to top atheltes running short jaunts to ultra-endurance races. In addition to our daily trail runs through the Elk Mountains, Sierra Nevada, or the 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.

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

• Comfort (30% of overall weighting)

• Features (25% weighting)

• Hydration System (15% weighting)

• Volume to Weight Ratio (15% weighting)

• Pockets (15% weighting)

We also 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 wanted to give each hydration pack a fair shake, so we spent 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.

Why Trust GearLab

Our team of endurance athletes has tested these packs over the years. Our team includes Jeff Colt, Nathaniel Bailey, and Matthew Richardson. They've 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 on and off-road. Matthew has run over all the Southwest, finishing in the top 10 of several ultra races.

Analysis and Test Results

To uncover the best packs, we paid attention to how user-friendly the hydration systems are, and compared their overall comfort, fit, and weight.

What's the Best Value?

The price of products in this review varies quite a bit. 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. Generally, the more expensive packs 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. 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.

Comfort

Comfort is king. The number-one most important metric to consider when picking a hydration pack for running is comfort. 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.

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 more classically styled Patagonia Slope Runner impressed us with its super comfortable compressive design. 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 has unbeatable comfort with thin stretch material that provides structure without bulk. The middle, top, and bottom are evenly tensioned, unlike other packs that place the tensioning device towards the bottom. The Black Diamond Distance 15 main compartment has a conventional backpack shape, but it is efficient at moving and limiting bounce. Black Diamond incorporated wider shoulder straps and a thin harness that conforms to the body. The Arc'teryx Norovan 7 utilizes exceptionally light and breathable materials that hug your body for a very comfortable fit that is easy to dial in.

The key feature that makes the Raide Research LF 2L so comfortable is its elastic design, which completely mitigates bounce. Even at high speeds, the belt doesn't bounce. The wide surface area, integrated load-lifters, and tension belt allow for a snug fit. Both the Patagonia Slope Runner and the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 combine static and elastic straps. The Patagonia features two fixed P-cord chest straps and two elastic straps running across the back. The Ultra Vest features two static sternum straps with lateral stretch fabric.

The most uncomfortable packs are the Osprey Duro LT and the UltrAspire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist Pack. The Speedgoat bounces significantly at higher speeds, and the hard flasks can dig in. The Osprey lacks much customization for fit, leaving it to chafe if it isn't fitted properly or the pockets aren't full.

Features

It's critical that hydration packs balance a rich feature set and high functionality. All of the bells and whistles are only great if they are useful and don't detract from effectively carrying food, water, and gear while running.

The most feature-packed packs include the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 and the Nathan Pinnacle 12L. The Ultra Vest 6.0 offers elastic straps that clove-hitch to different webbing tabs. The Pinnacle 12 has many useful features, like a storm whistle, reflective banding, and even a place to put your trekking poles.

The Patagonia Slope Runner achieved basic at its best, with a simple and effective feature set. While the Salomon Sense Pro 5 is also minimalist, it packs a richer feature set that offers more versatile storage solutions.

The UltrAspire Bronco Race has a clever back-entry design, and a stiff strip of material makes grabbing and accessing the vest's contents much easier than the competition. We appreciate how the ADV Skin 12 and Black Diamond Distance 15 provide different locations based on preference.

Those with less impressive features include the UltrAspire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist, Osprey Duro LT, REI Co-op Swiftland 5, and the Nathan Quickstart 2.0 6L. Depending on your goals, the lack of features may not be an issue, as it also tends to create a lightweight minimalist pack. However, if you need more features, these pack could be frustrating over the long haul.

Hydration System

Hydration packs are designed to carry water and address the bounce, jostle, and bound of a runner's stride. Most of the vests include one or more hydration systems: soft flasks, hydration bladders, or hard bottles. We think that companies should include a fluid-holding container when selling a hydration pack, and those that didn't lost favor in our scoring.

Most of these packs use chest-mounted bottles/flasks or a back-mounted bladder and hose setup. Each has pros and cons. We tested the effectiveness of the hydration system included with the purchase; if one wasn't included, we used what we thought worked best.

Bladder & Hose

Bladders, or reservoirs, typically hold between 1.5 and 2 liters of water and are secured in a sleeve pocket on the back of the pack. A hose stretches from the bottom of the bladder over your shoulder and has a nozzle from which to drink. Bladders have advantages, including a large carrying capacity and the ease of drinking while staying focused on the trail.

The disadvantages include: typically only used with water, as the hose is hard to clean; annoying and time-consuming to fill; some tubes flap around while running. Other issues include, water in the hose is susceptible to heating up from the sun or freezing in the cold; and sloshing.

The Nathan Pinnacle has one of our favorite hydration bladder systems. It's lightweight, fillable with one hand, and never leaked. The clever hourglass shape worked well with the longer vest and prevented most of the sloshing. The routing provides comfortable hose management, and a magnetic clip keeps the hose from flapping.

Chest-Mounted Bottles/Flasks

Mounting the hydration system on the chest includes storing liquids in two bottles inside pockets, or “hydration sleeves.” This placement allows you to bring water and an electrolyte mix. It also helps you keep tabs on your liquid supply. For racing, quickly removing and filling the bottles while wearing the pack is a significant advantage.

Chest-mounted bottles put sloshing liquid upfront, and an improper fit can be bothersome. Moreover, the rigid plastic bottles may cause ribcage irritation. Soft flasks are harder to stuff into their pockets, and they contract as they empty, which can change the fit of your vest and cause irritation.

The Ultra Vest 6.0 is the top dog here, with its two 500-milliliter flasks that fit into sleeves on the shoulders, with an elastic strap to secure them in place. 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.

Hydration Belts

Belts hold flasks around your hips; depending on the belt, these can be hard or soft flasks. Our least favorite hydration system is found in the Raide Research LF 2L. The Raide uses a single soft flask held in a pouch. This makes access difficult when moving quickly, but provides a secure ride. The UltrAspire Speedgoat 3.0 wasn't much easier and also performed poorly in our tests for hydration. This belt has two hard flasks in the back. They are easy to access, but aren't comfortable when the belt is fitted correctly to prevent bouncing. The tops of the hard flasks cut into the small of our back, particularly on the downhills.

Volume-to-Weight Ratio

We assessed various packs, from minimalist race vests to larger fastpacking bags. To compare 1.5L vests to 15L packs, we used a volume-to-weight ratio equation. The best packs have a higher value of over 1.0, while smaller and heavier packs will have a value below 1.0.

We weighed each pack without flasks, bottles, bladders, or external removable accessories. Then, we divided the measured weight by the vest's stated storage volume. This equation is designed to place smaller, race-oriented packs on a level playing field with larger packs sporting more storage. Besides carrying water, running hydration packs should be able to hold the clothing, food, and equipment you need without disrupting your stride. Higher scores indicate packs that are well-equipped to carry gear while remaining relatively lightweight.

While Salomon's 5-liter carrying capacity is probably accurate for regular use, we fit just as much gear in this pack as those advertising 10 liters of storage.

The Distance 15, is a heavy-hitting, any-condition, multi-day juggernaut, and scores very high.

Pockets

Pockets can be straightforward, or more complex, offering a continuous landscape of pockets. A pack's pocket design impacts comfort, features, volume, and hydration systems.

Running vests have many pockets on the front, attached to the shoulder straps, and sitting on the chest or flanks. Most designs make efforts to make pockets (and their contents) easy to access, even while moving. Ideally, a runner should be able to grab whatever they need without stopping or removing the pack. Many packs now feature a kangaroo pocket, with access points on either side, which uses prime real estate across the lower back to store things like a spare soft flask or extra layer. Another consideration is carrying a phone in an accessible area to easily locate your position on a map or snap a quick photo.

Our favorite pocket configurations were on the Pinnacle 12, Norovan 7, Salomon ADV Skin 12, and Ultra Vest 6.0. These models have tons of different options, all within reach, and all using expandable fabrics to hold different-sized items.

Simply having more pockets doesn't make a pack better. We focused on usefulness and design. The Pinnacle 12, Sense Pro 5, and ADV Skin 12 have a variety of pocket sizes, shapes, and volumes, keeping everything within easy reach, including ample storage, a secure zippered pocket, and a design that places several pockets within reach while moving.

The worst pockets were found on the UltrAspire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist and the Osprey, likely as a result of their belt design that intrinsically limits the number of pockets and what they can hold. However, for shorter quick runs, this couldbe all you need and vast vest storage could be overkill.

How to Pick the Best Running Hydration Pack

Finding the perfect hydration pack for running requires asking yourself a few questions to narrow your choices.

Does Comfort Matter?

Running with something attached to your body can be awkward, so finding a pack that minimizes discomfort is essential. The first step should always be following the manufacturer's guidelines on sizing and fitting. Snug-fitting packs with adjustment points can further help ensure the best fit. Look for packs that avoid putting pressure on areas like the shoulders or the bladder. Packs that use robust, stretchy material tend to be more comfortable over the long haul than those that opt for straps and stiffer fabrics.

Carrying Capacity

Whether you're just venturing into running or have plans for multi-day runs, finding the right carrying capacity ensures you have enough water and essentials for your trip. Packs with two to six liter capacities are plenty for most runs that are less than a full day. You can fit water, snacks, keys, phone, and a small emergency kit or shell. For full-day runs or longer, look for more storage to take more water and items such as extra layers, a water filter, and more food. Finding the right volume capacity includes considering the variance in your running distances and the type of environment you run in. In our experience, overloading a small vest is often less comfortable than lightly loading a larger one. But ideally, your vest should be perfectly sized for the kinds of runs you undertake the most.

Bottles or Reservoir?

Deciding between a reservoir bladder system and a bottle system is a personal preference. Water bottles offer the convenience of faster refilling and the ability to use one for water and the other for a hydration mix. A reservoir provides easy access to water while on the go and can typically hold larger volumes. Each system has its cons, such as the added weight on your back with reservoirs or the process of taking water out of your vest while running with bottles. If you're undecided, some hydration packs use bottles and a reservoir system.

What Features?

While running hydration packs are meant to be minimalist by nature, they often include useful features like 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 trekking pole lovers might want to attach them to their pack. When narrowing down pack choices, consider your personal needs and preferred features.

Conclusion

If long-distance running flows through your veins or you love staying hydrated on shorter outings, you're in the right place. Whether you're searching for the perfect day pack or multi-day pack, minimal storage or lots of storage, we think there is a solution in our lineup to meet your goals and budget.

If you are less of a runner, but love wetting your whistle on outdoor adventurs, there are a whole host of great hydration packs with more storage or bigger bladders to accompany you on long hikes and bike rides. If you're looking for more running gear, like running shoes, or building out the perfect running gear kit, we've tested those too.