The Best Running Hydration Packs & Vests of 2024

The senja vest ($229) is Norrøna’s freshman debut into trail running and hydration packs, but it has none of the growing pains typical of a brand’s first outing. Instead, it’s intelligently packed with features, adjustment points, strategic zippers, and, crucially, a minimal bounce suspension system that limits the washing machine effect while running.

With a 7L capacity, it’s not an overnight pack. But for anything short of a multi-day FKT attempt, this pack proves worthy. Its single, central zipper on the main backpack storage area is water resistant and held off an impressive amount of moisture for our tester, who wore it for several rainy runs. 

But the senja really stands out from the crowd via its buckles, which are easy to operate one-handed. Combined with a comprehensive adjustment system, it creates a sturdy, easy-to-operate vest. It’s one of our favorites on a list of VERY good competitors, with the only knocks being a low water bottle placement and a high price point.

If you’re looking for something to get the job done without any fancy features, the Nathan Quickstart 2.0 ($80) running vest is an affordable but high-quality option. This vest is the perfect size for short to medium runs. It’s lightweight and breathes well even in hot weather.

Our tester has fit multiple layers in the main zip pocket, although it was more of a challenge than we would like. We recommend this vest for runs where you don’t need to carry multiple layers.

This running vest comes with a 1.5 L hydration reservoir that our tester has used for about 6 months without any leaking or durability issues. We especially appreciate the reservoir tube hook that keeps the nozzle stored out of the way while moving. In the front, there is space for a bottle (not included), a stretch mesh pocket, and a zipper pocket.

If you’re an ultra runner, or like to do big mountain runs where you need a lot of supplies, this running vest ($150) is a solid option. We were surprised to see that the capacity is similar to the Salomon Sense Pro 10 — they both have around 10 L of space. But this vest feels like it can carry a lot more with all its bells and whistles.

However, the downside to all the pockets, stash straps, and zippers on this vest is that it feels bulky and bounces a bit when you’re moving. Our female tester had to tighten the vest quite a bit for less bounce, which left long tails hanging from the front buckle straps. This vest does not feel nearly as sleek as the Salomon vests or the Patagonia Slope Runner.

Lots of storage does make it easy to pack everything you need for an all-day outing. The main zippered pocket features a waterproof material and easily fits a few layers. There is space for a 2 L reservoir (not included), two included 500mL flasks in pockets, a zippered phone pocket, trekking pole attachments, two stretchy easy access stash pockets, and small zippered pockets in the back.

This vest features a partial air mesh back panel to protect from the Comfort Cinch 3.0 elastic bands. The air mesh panel is less breathable than other mesh back panels. The Comfort Cinch 3.0 design makes it simple to adjust to your body.

This running pack ($150) is the perfect choice for long mountain runs or even overnight trips. It fits like a running vest, but has the capacity of a daypack. It’s probably overkill for short runs but if you’re an ultrarunner or like to do fast and light multiday trips, this is the pack for you.

Our tester took this pack on a 40+ mile run through Southwest Colorado, which included a good section of bushwhacking. The front zippered pockets keep a phone secure, and the other front stash pockets hold snacks for easy access.

In the back, the main compartment uses a roll-top closure so it is secure even when mostly empty. Our tester carried a jacket, 2L reservoir, and a sandwich in the rear compartment, and appreciated the side access to reach the jacket without needing to take the whole pack off.

One challenge with this pack is that it does not seem to have any way to attach a reservoir hose to the shoulder straps without it rubbing on our tester’s collarbone. The removable hip strap was nice to remove when not fully weighted but would be great to have for a fastpacking mission.

Anyone who runs in hot climates will appreciate this breathable vest ($160). At just 13 ounces, this pack won’t weigh you down. But it’s big enough to hold all the race-day necessities.

It comes with a 2L hydration bladder, and the front storage pockets can easily fit 22-ounce soft flasks (sold separately). The VaporAir 3.0 has been revamped to reduce sloshing while bounding about.

Our testers didn’t have any problems with chafing and appreciated the breathable, mesh-like fabric. The 3.0 delivers a number of thoughtful upgrades that boost the comfort and useability of this pack, with new wicking air mesh over the shoulders and around the back for even greater breathability than the already mega-ventilated 2.0.

A new Adaptive-Fit adjustable sizing system gives the runner a tailored, body-mapped fit that can be easily tweaked on the go. Simply unzip a pocket on each shoulder strap, and pull the elasticated webbing inside. This automatically cinches in the side panels and proved to be one of the quickest methods of snugging up a load that we’ve ever seen.

Side toggles on the VaporAir and VaporAiress 3.0 (women’s model) allow you to carry trekking poles, and the back kangaroo pocket is perfect for easily stashing an extra layer.

We’ve been fans of these nifty vests for years, and the updated 3.0 adds even more value to an already legendary design.

When our tester first saw this vest she was astonished at how small it was. Compared to the other vests and packs on this list, this vest seems like it should fit nowhere near as much gear. But Patagonia created a durable stretchy mesh fabric that fits nearly as much as the larger vests.

Patagonia says the Slope Runner Endurance ($160) fits more like a garment than a pack, and that’s a good way to put it. It’s super low profile and easy to adjust the fit. When empty, this vest lies flush to your body with no loose parts.

There are three back pockets on the Slope Runner, including space for a hydration reservoir. A zippered pocket holds snacks and the stretchy stash pocket is accessible from both sides when the vest is on. Our tester was pleasantly surprised to see she could fit a fleece and a rain jacket in the stash pocket.

In the front, two 500mL water flasks sit with an elastic band to keep them easy to use while running. And two other stretchy pockets fit a phone and snacks. Carry your trekking poles with attachment points on either side.

The Distance 4 Hydration Vest ($150) is a lightweight, stretchy, and durable pack with innovative storage solutions. The airy vest offers ample space to tow apparel, nutrition, hydration, and gear. The vest worked well for short, daily trail runs and also for ventures with stout mileage in a single push.

The vest’s well-designed compartments allowed us to evenly distribute gear and weight. The front of the pack has two 500mL flask pockets. Usually, the front pockets on other running packs aren’t large enough to hold our phone/camera, but in testing, our phones slid freely into this vest’s flask pocket and were completely encased, which was awesome.

We never experienced hotspots or pressure points in the Distance 4 Hydration Vest. The pack is made out of nylon ripstop material and four-way stretch mesh, so it’s tenacious and stretchy. The seams are soft against the skin due to a stitch-less design that’s reinforced through a proprietary taping technology.

Overall, the Distance 4 Hydration Vest is a quick-drying and malleable yet sturdy vest. The material and seams are not abrasive, regardless of the cargo quantity, and we could comfortably layer up or down beneath the vest. The vest didn’t sway with one item or swing with a full load. Over time, the seams and fabric showed no signs of deterioration. If you need a long-lasting, lightweight hydration vest for trail running, this one is an excellent option.

Be sure to check out our full review of the Black Diamond Distance 4 Hydration Vest (previous model) for more info.

Comfort is a top consideration in a running vest, and it’s where the Advanced Skin 12 Set ($160) excels. The vest rides almost unnoticed, hugging the back, shoulders, and chest.

It doesn’t bounce, even when loaded with a full pack of gear, water, and food. One of our editors ran the Leadville 100 in it with zero chafe.

This pack is designed for runners who need a decent amount of gear but also require comfort for moving fast. It has one large internal pocket with a bladder-hanging system compatible with a 1.5L bladder (not included).

The shoulder straps each have three open pockets and one zippered pocket. From ultraraces to casual runs, this is a comfortable, durable, and hardworking vest.

This well-designed pack ($120) has everything you need in one sleek package. The medium/large size holds 1.5 L of water, and the small/medium carries 1 L. The lower stretch mesh and zippered pocket offered up just enough room for us to fit a light shell and snacks.

Both our male and female testers were able to get a comfortable, no-bounce fit thanks to the variety of adjustment straps. The double front clips are adjustable and helped hold everything in place, even with a full bladder.

Speaking of which, this hydration vest comes with Osprey’s unique Hydraulics reservoir. The streamlined design allows for easy loading, and we like that it lays flat in the pack.

With 11 L of storage, but tipping the scales at a scant 7.4 ounces, the Camelbak Zephyr Pro Vest ($160) offers an ultralight solution to long running missions. When weight is a concern, but you still need adequate water and storage for an all-day adventure, this would be a solid choice.

This unique vest threw a few fun touches our way that we haven’t seen on any other vest we’ve tested. First and foremost — a robinhood-like trekking pole quiver for quick deployment and stashing of your poles while charging hard. This stowable, fully removable sheath can be clipped diagonally to the vest, and cinched in tight to your back to avoid bouncing around while running. This truly does look like a hunter’s quiver, and while it feels somewhat silly, definitely allowed us to access, and put away, our folded trekking poles faster than any other model we’ve tried.

The engineered knit mesh affords stellar breathability, without feeling abrasive even when soaked in sweat. Pockets abound on this vest. Without packing on too much weight, the shoulder pockets have two layers of stretch mesh and nylon, with five different compartments on the right strap alone. A main zippered opening in the back holds a larger water bladder (not included) and windbreakers or light layers.

The 17-ounce Quick Stow flasks nest comfortably in the front shoulder pockets, and are held just above of the mesh by elastic bands — a simple solution we wish other brands would catch onto.

It is difficult to find many cons to this vest, but we did find the included emergency whistle to be somewhat annoying. It’s attached to a long string on the left shoulder and bounces around uncomfortably, or even worms its way under the strap, unless tucked into one of the daisy chains. You also can’t remove it without cutting the string.

The Zephyr Pro is a versatile vest that would be a great companion for long weekend runs, or 100-mile adventure races. The solid breathability, thoughtful storage options, and overall comfort make this a great choice for pretty much any run you find yourself on.

Check out our full GearJunkie review for more info.

Night owls and early-morning grinders rejoice! Gone are the days of purchasing extra annoying light belts or clip-ons for your low-vis endeavors. Nathan’s Laser Light Pack ($120) is the all-in-one hydration, storage, and lighting package of your dreams.

Living in the brutal summer humidity of the south, most of our tester’s best training days happen in the shoulder seasons, when temps are perfect — but days are short. The sun drops fast after clocking out of work, meaning any substantial mileage needs to be hit after dark. While a headlamp will suffice for isolated runs on backcountry trails, you need to stand out with additional lighting if you’ll be hitting the roads or busy biking trails after dark.

The Laser Light Pack is the perfect, functional solution for long-distance runners who want to keep it simple. A 6-lumen light thread winds its way along the back of the pack, with three different modes: solid, strobe, or slow blinking. A lightweight on/off button is conveniently placed on the left shoulder strap. Despite being wired up, this vest boasts a respectable weight at 12.4 ounces, and the strap with the button doesn’t bounce at all while leaping around technical trails, or bolting down the road. The lights take two CR2032 lithium batteries, with an impressive 30+ hour burn time.

We do wish that the light thread also illuminated a bit on the front of the vest, as it is also important to be noticed by oncoming traffic — but bright reflective strips on the shoulder straps provide adequate visibility.

Soft perimeter bindings left our tester with zero signs of chafing, and breathable mesh back panels and straps provide adequate ventilation when night temps are high. It’s not the most breathable design, but since this is made for night runs, we don’t sweat as much while wearing it. Two adjustable straps run along the side, which allow you to dial in the fit, but aren’t the easiest to tweak while actively running.

The pocket layout on this vest is quite basic, with one zippered pouch on the left shoulder strap big enough for iPhones, and two simple cinched and elasticated drop-in pockets on the right strap. There is only one main zippered pocket on the back, with a separate space for its 1.5L bladder. The 3L capacity doesn’t afford much storage, but has been enough for most of our running needs.

While it’s not the most featured vest on this list, the addition of an integrated lighting system — with that comfortable, thoughtful design we’ve come to expect from Nathan — makes this a phenomenal pick for anyone staring down the barrel of post-dusk or pre-dawn miles on busy roads where top-notch visibility is a must.

This minimalist vest from The North Face would work well for races or long runs with support. As the lightest vest ($150) on this list, it’s a great option when every ounce matters. It features multiple stash front pockets for gels, snacks, and water, however, it did feel like things could fall out of these pockets in the right situation.

A zippered phone pocket just barely fits our tester’s iPhone 12, it would be very challenging to get a larger phone to stay in. Plus, it’s hard to access the phone to check maps or change music.

The fabric feels very durable, however, it’s not very stretchy. The lack of stretch combined with the slick feeling of Cordura nylon material caused it to move a bit while running for our female tester.

A back pocket holds a hydration reservoir and a lower pocket allows you to stash trekking poles when not in use. Compared to other 8L running vests, this vest seemed to have less capacity for layers or other things. However, for racing or long-distance running with support, it’s a great option.

Arc’teryx pulled out the design bells and whistles with the Norvan 7 ($160), building a vest with capacious pockets that swallows (seemingly) more than its advertised 7 liters. Built from a stretchy mesh, the Norvan is comfortable and breathable.

The two chest straps are built from hook and loop cords, allowing for easy release while wearing gloves. The front dump pockets are spacious, even when stuffed with gels and bars they fit a running hat with ease.

The only adjustment points on this vest are the two chest straps, which makes proper sizing important. What initially appear to be adjustment points is a myriad of attachment points for trekking poles, ice axes, and even a helmet. The hem of the vest is lightly elastic and stretches with added layers, but can’t be cinched by the wearer.

The Norvan is the rare running vest that works better loaded down. Our tester was initially skeptical of the vest, which bounced when lightly loaded with flasks and nutrition. But on his first loaded-down long run, our tester was impressed with this vest’s performance. He did find that by crossing the two chest cords in an X, you could squeeze out some extra compression when needed.

The Norvan 7 works well fully loaded for the mountains, breathes impressively, and its dump pockets swallow gear with aplomb. Just make sure to size correctly, since its adjustability leaves something to be desired.