How we tested running hydration vests
As a health and fitness journalist and keen runner, I’m always either training for a race or taking part in one, so having a running hydration vest to store my essentials and help me hydrate is invaluable. I had hands-on experiences with all these backpacks, testing them when I went on multiple training runs, short runs, hikes and trail runs, making sure I tested them extensively for comfort and usability.
Most importantly I assessed how much water or hydration they could carry and whether they had room for flasks and bladders. I looked at how accessible this hydration was as I ran or hiked. I also reviewed the convenience on the hydration vests – how easy was it to store gels and snacks, plus other layers, and to grab them on the go? Other factors tested were: adjustability, how much sweat they wicked away, value for money and if they were made from sustainable materials.
Best running hydration vests at a glance
- Best running hydration vest for races: Salomon ADV SKIN 5, £125
- Best running hydration vest for PBs: Ospray Dyna LT, £65
- Best running hydration vest for hiking: Vango Apex Hydro 10, £29.95
- Best running hydration vest for trail running: Lululemon fast and free train running vest, £118
- Best lightweight running hydration vest: Adidas Terrex techrock vest 2.5L, £120
- Best running hydration vest for training: Montane Gecko VP+, £120
- Best running hydration vest for shorter runs: MP hydration vest, £65
- Best budget running hydration vest: Kiprun 5L running vest, £49.99
- Best running hydration vest for men: Camelbak Zephyr Pro Vest, £145
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Best running hydration vests 2025
Salomon ADV SKIN 5
Available from Salomon (£125)
Best running hydration vest for races
Pros:
- Fits like a second skin
- No bounce
- Slanted pockets
Cons:
- Not cheap
- Keyholder wasn’t secure
Star rating: 4/5
This is an excellent hydration vest for racing, so good that I’m planning to wear it for my next half marathon. It fits securely, doesn’t bounce and offers multiple hydration options. One standout feature is the large, slanted side pockets, which make it easy to grab gels and snacks as you run.
The chest quick-link system lets you adjust the fit across the chest, while additional adjustability around the hips gives it a second skin feel. It comes with two soft flasks held in place with elastic bands, they’re slightly slimmer than average, so they sit close to the chest without shifting. It also has space for a hydration bladder, with capacity for up to 5L of water
For trail runners or hikers, there are secure sections at the back and sides to stow poles. There’s also a mesh top pocket with a clip and key holder, though I found it wasn’t quite sturdy enough, as my keys slipped out during the run. While this is one of the pricier hydration vests available, its comfort and thoughtful design mean it’s worth paying a little more.
Available from:
Osprey Dyna LT
Available from Ospray (£65), Amazon (£94.46)
Best running hydration vest for PBs
Pros:
- Premium material
- Great ventilation
- Light and compact
Cons:
Star rating: 4/5
Although priced the same as the MyProtein version below, this hydration vest immediately feels more premium and thoughtfully designed. It features smartly layered pockets throughout, including a large wraparound pocket at the lower back, which securely held extra layers during my run.
The pack comes with two 500ml soft flasks that sit comfortably and don’t feel overly heavy when full. However, there’s no space for a hydration bladder, which meant I ran out of fluids more quickly than I’d like, making this vest less suited for long-distance runs or routes without refill stations.
Extra padding around the neck and shoulders was a welcome touch, preventing any chafing. Inside, the 3D spacer mesh kept me cool and sweat-free, while adjustable chest straps made sure it was a bounce-free, secure fit.
The vest is made from recycled nylon, so top marks for sustainability. While the fabric feels high quality, it does mark easily and is hand-wash only. A lightweight, comfortable vest that’s ideal for race day, especially if you’re chasing a new PB.
Available from:
Vango Apex Hydro 10
Available from Amazon (£29.95), Vango (£42)
Best running hydration vest for hiking
Pros:
- Comes with a 2L bladder
- Large amount of storage
Cons:
- Heavier and sturdier
- No pockets for flasks
Star rating: 4/5
This is more of a sturdy hiking backpack than a lightweight running vest, but for under £50, it offers excellent value. With two main compartments and a massive 10L capacity, it also includes a 2L hydration bladder housed in a separate chamber. The bladder is secured with Velcro, keeping it stable while walking or running and it was easy to refill, though it did feel quite heavy when filled to the max.
I tested it on an eight-mile hike and was impressed by how much it could hold. Alongside the bladder, I packed extra layers and snacks and still had room to spare. I didn’t run out of water until the very end. There are also two zipped side pockets – perfect for storing essentials like your phone, keys and wallet.
The back panel feels more rigid than some of the other packs I tried. While the chest and waist straps didn’t chafe during the hike, I could imagine them feeling less comfortable if I hadn’t been wearing bulky layers. Adjusting the straps took a bit of time at first, but once set up, they offer a good fit. I especially like the sturdy Duraflex buckles on the chest straps.
Airmesh on the straps and back panel help with ventilation, keeping you cool throughout, and a quick cleaning spray afterwards kept it smelling fresh. The polyester fabric is also waterproof and means it could withstand lots of wear and tear. It’s a great choice for long hikes or trail runs, just be aware it’s heavier and less streamlined than others.
Available from
Lululemon fast and free trail running vest
Available from Lululemon (£118)
Best running hydration vest for trail running
Pros:
- Soft, durable, sweatproof material
- Layered pockets
Cons:
- Flask and bladder sold separately
Star rating: 4/5
Given its premium price, it’s surprising that Lululemon doesn’t include soft flasks or a hydration bladder with this vest. However, its clever design helps justify the cost. There’s room for one 500ml flask on the left chest, and the vest features multiple tiered pockets on the sides and back. I especially liked the double-layered back pocket, which kept extra layers dry and sweat-free during a 10K run.
The side zipped pocket is both sweat and waterproof and kept my phone and keys bone-dry. The adjustable cross-body straps are a standout feature; the elasticated sternum straps clip into place with double clips. I initially thought they’d be fiddly, but they were intuitive and felt secure once fastened.
The vest has a slim, true-to-size fit and the four-way stretch material came in handy on quicker runs, allowing for full range of movement. The fabric feels soft and premium against the skin, and the Glyde material kept me dry during a rainy trail run while also offering protection from the wind.
Available from:
Adidas Terrex techrock vest 2.5L
Available from Adidas (£93.60), Very (£120)
Best lightweight running hydration vest
Pros:
- Super lightweight
- Fits well and easy adjustment
Cons:
Star rating: 4/5
The first thing I noticed about this vest is how incredibly lightweight it is. Made primarily from the brand’s AEROREADY quick-drying material, it’s not the softest to the touch, but it kept me dry and comfortable throughout the run. It also features reflective details, making it a smart option for evening workouts.
I tested it on a short run, carrying just one 500ml flask. It stayed securely in place thanks to an elasticated cord near the top and was easy to grab mid-stride. While there’s no space for a hydration bladder, the vest makes up for it with plenty of pockets, including some clever double pockets that are perfect for small essentials like keys.
The fit is snug and adjustable, with quick-tightening bungee cords at the front and extra adjustment at the sides. Once on, it was so comfortable I barely noticed it until they reached for my phone in one of the pockets. It’s a great choice for shorter runs, but you may struggle without a bladder for longer runs.
Available from:
Montane Gecko VP +
Available from Montane (£120)
Best running hydration vest for training
Pros:
- Weightless
- Room for bladder and flasks
- Odour control
Cons:
- Not sweatproof
- Bottles aren’t as secure
Star rating: 4/5
If you usually avoid running vests but need hydration on the go, this one could be feel different: it’s practically weightless. While the two 500ml bottles do add some weight, they’re still lighter than many others I’ve tried, though slightly less secure.
The vest features three adjustable front straps, which help it sit securely across different parts of the torso and can be repositioned for a better fit. It also boasts multiple easy-to-reach pockets, some with zippers and enough room for a hydration bladder or bulkier items.
One downside was how warm it felt on a sunny test day. Despite the mesh panels, the breathability wasn’t great, and I ended up feeling quite sweaty. That said, a standout feature is the POLYGIENE odour control built into the fabric. Even after several uses, it stayed fresh, something you don’t always get with other vests.
Available from:
MP hydration vest
Available from MyProtein (£65)
Best hydration vest for shorter runs
Pros:
- Cheaper version
- Lots of hydration space
Cons:
- Layered pockets felt bulky
- Redundant bungee cords at back
Star rating: 3.5/5
If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the bigger-name brands on the list, MyProtein offers a more affordable alternative. However, it does come with a few compromises: fewer pockets and some noticeable chafing around the neckline.
The overall design is similar to the other vests, with a snug, body-hugging fit and mesh panels that offer decent ventilation during a run. I initially thought the elasticated front clips might be annoying, but they were easy to adjust and felt secure once in place. That said, the front pockets felt bulky, with gels and essentials sitting beneath the hydration flasks, making them tricky to access mid-run.
You can add a 2L bladder into the zipped compartment at the back, while the bungee cords on the back are intended to keep the pack tight, but I found them slightly redundant, side adjustments or additional storage would’ve been more useful.
It’s clear this vest is made from less premium materials: it felt like it might wear down quickly and the fabric was noisy and rustled as I ran. It also caused some irritation around my neck when I took it on longer runs or was wearing fewer layers.
Available from:
Kiprun 5L running vest
Available from Decathlon (£39.99)
Best budget running hydration vest
Pros:
- Cheaper price point
- Space for bladder and bottles
Cons:
- Comes up small
- Less premium feel
Star rating: 3.5/5
This budget-friendly option from Decathlon is comfortable enough, but the lower price point is reflected in the materials and fit. The adjustment clips feel a bit clunky and there isn’t much flexibility to accommodate extra layers.
However, it offers impressive storage, with space for up to 5L of water via flasks and a bladder, plus 10 pockets in total. I tested it on an 8K training run, while it didn’t chafe, it felt less secure and not as soft or sweat-wicking as some of the more premium vests.
The pocket system is well thought out, with zipped and tiered compartments that make it easy to grab a phone and gels while running.
There’s also the option to attach trail running poles and a large rear pocket for layers or snacks, making it a solid choice for longer training sessions on a budget.
Available from:
CamelBak Zephyr™ Pro Vest
Available from CamelBak (£140), Running Xpert (£145.99)
Best running hydration vest for men
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable (especially on the back)
Cons:
- Adjustment straps design
- Some chafing
Star rating: 3.5/5
This lightweight vest offers great cushioning at the back, making it a comfortable choice for longer trail runs. However, the design of the adjustment straps, both across the chest and at the sides felt less robust than other brands I tested. They also lacked length, which made the fit feel a bit tight when worn over extra layers. I can imagine the side straps potentially chafing on warmer days with fewer layers underneath.
The two front hydration bottles sat securely and were easy to reach mid-run. There’s also space for a bladder in the back, adding flexibility for longer distances. Most of the vest is made from engineered mesh, which kept me cool, and it features reflective trims for added visibility.
I appreciated how stable the vest feels while running, and the waterproof zip pocket at the front kept my phone secure. There’s also a feature for attaching walking poles. While I enjoyed using it for a trail run, the design seems more tailored to men’s bodies.
Available from:
Getty
How should a hydration vest fit?
When you’re running you want your vest to feel as though its part of you, almost a second skin, not another thing that could annoy you throughout the run. Equally, you don’t want it to feel constrictive or be too loose that it could chafe the skin as you run or bounce. This is where good adjustment straps come in – look for ones that have them on the chest and around the waist, meaning you can get that snug, second skin feel, without it chafing. Adjustment straps also need to account for when you’re wearing layers, so make sure they have a lot of give, with the ability to adjust their positioning.
When do you need a hydration vest?
Whatever type of run you’re going on, a hydration vest is a good idea. As we sweat, we lose water and salt from the body, so having water or a hydration drink handy means you’re less likely get dehydrated on your run. However, a hydration vest is a necessity if you’re doing a long run, 10K or more. Many runners like the ease of using a bladder and hydration pack when they’re training for a race, or on race day itself, as it means they can hydrate on the go and don’t have to worry about stopping.
Hydration vests are also great for hikes or trail runs, as these are longer days with more mileage, and you’re also less likely to stumble on anywhere to fill up or buy water. Having a hydration pack on you during warmer conditions, whether you are on a run or hiking also means you can concentrate on your PB, rather than stopping to fill up regularly.
Previously tested running vests:
- North Face Summit vest 8L: 5/5 – £150
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