), Best Overall Running Hydration Pack for Men, put these hydration packs through the paces, How to Choose a Hydration Pack for Running, Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2023, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Durable materials and ample storage combine with a comfortable and secure fit to make this pack ready for the mountains, A comfortable and capable choice for big mileage when gear accessibility is mission-critical, For all-day running or fastpacking overnighters, this pack blends carrying capacity and comfort better than any other, Designed by and for the fastest trail runners in the world, this vest has the fit and features to race fast, A great hydration pack with a simple and effective design, but the paired down design means fewer pockets and storage options, Built for any rugged activity in the mountains but the hydration system needs some work, Close to perfect pockets, fit, and adjustability, but this pack still misses the mark in regards to the hydration system, Impressive accessibility and comfort but we found the adjustment/closure system and hydration pockets less refined than the competition, An overall great running hydration pack that has a few minor comfort issues, This overbuilt ripstop pack is feature-rich but lacks function for a hydration pack intended for running, An entry-level hydration pack for trail running with ample storage at a great price, We cannot recommend this vest due to its bad fit, with the smallest size still being too big, 14.2 oz (pack only, no bottles/bladder included), 7.3 oz (pack only, no bottles/bladder included), 19.9 oz (pack only, no bottles/bladder included), Two 500 mL soft flasks (included), plus reservoir sleeve (reservoir not included). New Blazek 10. Similarly, an expensive pack does not necessarily indicate a great one. We have lots of soft flasks at our disposal, but for a runner buying their first hydration vest, we think it is fair to ask that companies include some container or specify their reasoning for not doing so. Most of the products we reviewed will accommodate a bladder, even if they don't include one.
The most interesting part of testing hydration packs for running boils down to features and design.
The Ultimate Direction Difference. The most notable change for me was the new cinching mechanism (Comfort Cinch!) The Distance 15 was designed in part with Joe Grant for his unsupported FKT of the famous Nolan's 14 route in Colorado. Another point is that your selection of a hydration system will free up a respective pocket or pockets. A hydration vest is probably the best pick if you are in search of maximum running comfort. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! To balance the large rear blitz pocket, Black Diamond incorporated wider shoulder straps and adjustable ribcage bungees that cross three times to offer a secure fit across more surface area.
However you choose to hydrate, you just need to make sure to bring enough water for your run. A properly fitted hydration pack should not change the way you run. For example, ultra-runners will likely need greater capacity packs, while shorter-duration runners may be able to get by with a smaller capacity. Conclusion. $149.95. In previous models . The Salomon Sense Pro 5 continues the legacy of excellent lightweight trail running vests from Salomon. Ultimate Direction Ultra and Mountain vests. They also have many more features and ways to organize your gear, such as more pockets, pole and/or ice axe attachments, and unique ways to adjust the fit. Adequate storage space is necessary to bring along what you need. Our favorite thing about this vest is the intuitive design; at no point do you need to contort your body or undergo an unnatural movement to tighten or adjust a strap. Sale Race Vest 5.0.
When weight is a concern, but you still need adequate water and storage for an all-day adventure, this would be a solid choice. But its big enough to hold all the race-day necessities. On mountain runs where the weather is variable, she may bring two layers, or other emergency gear. Rich with features and pockets that are a breeze to access, this is a great option for most any . Most every vest we reviewed includes at least one of the preferred hydration systems: soft flasks, hydration bladder, or hard bottles. The Pinnacle 12 has features and storage that work well for a smaller outings, but could likely go as far as any human can run. Who needs to haul an ice axe on a run? Use a vest to maximize comfort and hydration, and enjoy your time on the trail.
Test Duration: ~100 miles.
A hydration pack helps prevent dehydration while running or exercising. We took it upon ourselves to weigh all of the vests, but determining usable volume is a bit trickier, so we opted to go with the purported numbers that each brand provided. With the bottles positioned on the chest, it is also easier to perceive how much fluid you have remaining.
When our tester first saw this vest she was astonished at how small it was.
New . 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 10 ratings. "Value," as far as we're concerned, is a function of price as it relates to performance. This is our go-to for long ultras or unsupported personal objectives, given the substantial carrying capacity and accessibility.
A hose stretches from the bottom of the bladder over your shoulder and has a nozzle on the end for you to drink from. Whether youre training for an ultra or heading out on a casual jog, the right running hydration pack will carry all the gear and water you need for a successful run. GearJunkie Copyright 2013 2023. 3 models Ultimate Direction Access 500 Belts $39.95. GearJunkie editor Chelsey Magness and her adventure race team have been using this ultralight pack for the last couple of years for short training runs and adventure races around the world.
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. Hydration packs for running are tools designed to make carrying water, food, and layers easier. Our hope is that this criterion places vests that are designed to be smaller race-oriented packs on a level playing field with larger packs that are designed with more storage space. If you are a top mountain athlete competing in full-day events, this vest will perform. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, OGL Volume to Weight Ratio (bigger is better! The Patagonia vest features two fixed P-cord chest straps and two elastic straps that run all the way across the back. embedded in the back of the vest. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! To fit all that, she needs at least a 5 L pack, and 10 L is very comfortable. Our tester carried a jacket, 2 L 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. Neither is strictly better, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. For a 1-2 hour run, you will probably only need ~1 L of water. This is a combined review comparing two Ultimate Direction hydration vests: my long-lasting UD PB Adventure Vest (2012) and my brand-new and my quickly-failing UD Adventure Vest 5.0 (2020) Ultimate Direction PB Adventure Vest (2012) 454 grams / 11 L / size Large Winner: Worked great, right off the rack. At this point in time, no vest has a great trekking pole solution because poles are 15" long when collapsed, and most vests are barely this size. Then, you can make any necessary adjustments to its fit. Skip to main content.
That makes them a great first pick for someone who has never used a running vest before and wants to try one out.
Plus, its hard to access the phone to check maps or change music. For one, now that sloshing water is front and center, it can be a lot more aggravating if the fit isn't right. For a few runners, these features are what speaks to them.
The idea is that a runner should be able to grab whatever they need, whether it is water, food, cell phone, or salt tabs, while on the run and without needing to stop or remove the pack. But theyre not going to have all the bells and whistles of a more performance-oriented pack. This vest offers plenty of newly-designed, accessible pockets and a bounce-free ride for a lower price than some of its competitors. Ten front pockets for accessible storage. We weigh all of the packs and then you guessed it spend a lot of time running with various gear setups to explore performance for a multitude of adventures. Compare Selected Products () New Mountain Vesta 6.0. Regardless, if you are buying your first vest and it comes with a bladder, also referred to as a reservoir, consider buying two soft flasks as well for extra water storage and to try out a different system for preference. Regardless of this variable, many of the larger vests we tested are notably lightweight, while some of the smaller vests tested were included as price-point options and are built with heavier materials.
If we look at the heaviest and lightest packs in this review, it becomes apparent which packs are built with weight-conscious materials and which are generally bulky. Our female runners have also extensively tested hydration packs in our women's specific review. In the front, there is space for a bottle (not included), a stretch mesh pocket, and a zipper pocket. But if you have race ambitions, you may want to choose something more technical and geared toward performance. For a look into her other more mother/athlete focused writings, check outwww.endurancemama.com. If you purchase a bladder separately, make sure it is designed to be compatible with your pack. He has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in America: the Pacific Crest Trail (2018), the Continental Divide Trail (2021), and the Appalachian Trail (2021), and has explored, rock-climbed, and backpacked all over the world. Comfortable and lightweight vest, with solid durability, for everyday trail runs. Compatibility with both a hydration bladder and soft flasks (not included) add to the versatility of this do-it-all vest. From mountainous Colorado trails to the wilds of New Zealand, weve put a lot of miles on hydration vests. For most runners, 2 L of water in the pack can offer a good balance between weight to carry and available water. Trail running is challenging, this capable lightweight trail vest can make moving in the mountains a bit easier. High stretch fabrics allow you to store lots of gear, but the best minimalist vests fit great when empty and full. Its an especially good way to carry extra layers that dont fit in your pack or can be used to carry trekking poles if there isnt another option.
The kangaroo pocket is the most useful large capacity storage option, as it makes gear accessible while moving. Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 6 - Men's. Products You Might Like 1-3 / 4. .
Zippered pockets:Front zippered pockets are useful for phones so they dont fall out of stretch pockets (its happened to one of our testers!). 8 models Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta - Women's $149.95 Free 2 Day Shipping. Backpacks are often bigger and offer more capacity than hydration vests. We pounded out the miles wrapped up in running hydration packs from Nathan, Salomon, Naked, Ultimate Direction, and more to help you find the best option. The Ultra Vest 6.0 is top dog here though, with its two 500mL flasks that fit into sleeves on the shoulders. We have yet to encounter a design where the bottles slip back in drama-free, but Salomon designs their soft flasks to be longer and thinner than most other brands, positioning them closer to the mouth and making them easier to get in and out of the hydration sleeve pockets. Test Locations: Gunnison Crested Butte, Colorado; Logan, Utah; Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.
The pack is made out of nylon ripstop material and four-way stretch mesh, so its tenacious and stretchy. 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. The Patagonia Slope Runner achieved basic at its best, having a very simple and effective feature set. Our experts test thousands of products each year.
If you have dreams of tackling a race or course without aid stations, then this is the vest we'd recommend. The streamlined design allows for easy loading, and we like that it lays flat in the pack. However, some tend to fall down or are hard to reach without a lot of work while on the move. The air mesh panel is less breathable than other mesh back panels. We had very few slights to throw at the Pinnacle 12 sure, it is heavier than some other vests, and the sternum straps are a bit stiffer, but we know this vest is reliable, and the user experience is refined to feel innate. Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. Additionally, the hard plastic of bottles can irritate the ribcage over time. Our top hydration packs for running all lined up and ready to go. We recommend this vest for runs where you dont need to carry multiple layers. And two other stretchy pockets fit a phone and snacks. MEN'S. View at REI View at Amazon View at Ultimate Direction WOMEN'S. View at REI
We ran in new and veteran packs for this review, subjecting them to months of meticulous, head-to-head testing. However, for this entire review, we describe and rank the effectiveness of only the hydration system included with the purchase of each vest, rather than every conceivable method of rigging the pack. And in the warm months, it can make the difference between a sluggish run and a feel-good run. She was always either covered in dirt or high up in a tree. The vest didnt sway with one item or swing with a full load. One of our editors ran theLeadville 100in it with zero chafe. We wanted to know how their storage capabilities compared in terms of both size and design. 10 Total Pockets; 7 front pockets; Ice axe attachment:Some running vests and packs have ways to attach ice axes which can be useful if you like to go fast and light while mountaineering. The provided cap straps keep the flask snug against your chest to limit movement. It's also critical to know that the sheer number of pockets sewn onto each vest doesn't correlate to the score it received. New Ultra Pants . Bottom line, you couldn't find a better team to have put these hydration packs through the paces, pushing their limits so you can find the best match for your specific needs. It's critical that hydration packs find the balance between a rich feature set and the functionality of those features. This vest doesn't have a waterproof pocket, and if you routinely overfill it, the material may stretch out in a way that negatively impacts the fit. All rights reserved. We found it easy to stuffy full rain and puffy layers with more room to spare, and Salomon continues to provide the best hydration bottles with easy in and out. Born and raised in Alaska, Chelsey has always been in love with the outdoors. $79.95. Running Vests Home Running Vests ( 17) Filter New Mountain Vest 6.0 $169.95 New Mountain Vesta 6.0 $169.95 New Adventure Vest 6.0 $179.95 New Adventure Vesta 6.0 $179.95 Trail Vest $99.95 Highland Vest $119.95 Ultra Vest 6.0 $149.95 Race Vest 6.0 $129.95 Ultra Vesta 6.0 $149.95 Race Vesta 6.0 $129.95 Sale Dog Vest - Prior Year $79.95 $51.97 TheDistance 4 Hydration Vest($150) is a lightweight, stretchy, and durable pack with innovative storage solutions. $34.95 $20.97. The Nathan Pinnacle 12L is unmatched in the amount of accessible gear it can carry. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. . Black Diamond has created a line of complementary items using the Distance name. Be sure to check out ourfull review of the Black Diamond Distance 4 Hydration Vest(previous model) for more info. Additionally, packs that include shoulder adjustment straps tend to be more comfortable than those without because of the fine-tuned fit. The thesis statement of our entire review, these packs have been designed to carry water and incorporate a system that goes beyond a regular backpack to address the bounce, jostle, and bound of a runner's stride. 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. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. A hydration backpack tends to be versatile enough to be used for other activities aside from running.
To properly test value, if a pack made a claim, we tried to test it. However, the downside to all the pockets, stash straps, and zippers on this vest is that it feels bulky and bounces a bit when youre moving. Whatever pack you end up choosing, remember the goal is to get out and run. Currently building up for my next 100 and was looking at buying a UD mountain vest. Trekking poles have grown in popularity for ultra runners and casual runners on a mountain adventure. Earn up to 10% back in Moosejaw Reward Dollars on every order. You can trust us if you are looking for a lightweight pack with perfect pockets that you can use for any distance, look no further. Some vests missed the mark on this, while others provided a couple of different pockets that could effectively securely store a phone and keep it readily accessible. While this vest is pricy and made of lightweight, highly stretchable fabric, we still see value in a 12-liter vest that allows a runner to chug along without having to stop to access some of the main storage pockets across the back of the pack. The evolution of virtually all outdoor gear is to be lighter without sacrificing durability or functionality; weight is an important characteristic, which is why we believe that lighter is better, so long as the pack can still perform and carry the necessary equipment for the mission.
Both our male and female testers were able to get a comfortable, no-bounce fit thanks to the variety of adjustment straps. This Ultimate Direction running vest (or ' Vesta ', for the women's fit version), offers plenty of storage, including zippered pockets up-front for your phone and essentials, and . While the contenders for our awards all had in the ballpark of 10 pockets, we rewarded the higher-scoring packs for their usefulness and design. In order to compare 1.5L vests side by side with 15L packs, we developed our volume-to-weight ratio criterion. 1-3 / 10. However, its a good idea to check the packs specs to ensure that it will work for someone with your body type and size. This carrying capacity, paired with the weight of the vest, gives valuable insight into the quality of the construction, feel, and function of each pack. The front of the pack has two 500mL flask pockets. At an affordable price, it's easy to use, highly adjustable, and capable of carrying a decent load. However, its a fine line to run since water is a necessity while on the move. The Sense Pro includes space for a hydration reservoir (not included), although it does not have any way to hold it up that we could tell.
8 models Ultimate Direction Ultra Vests - Men's As Low As (Save Up to 25%) $112.46 Free 2 Day Shipping. Twelve pockets and a hydration sleeve for a bladder provide extensive storage options for this vest, and the compatibility with soft flasks adds versatility for the user. Thus, we put in the miles ahead of time: things that feel annoying at mile two can easily be a dealbreaker by mile twenty. Here are a few things I've learned and want to share. New Ultra Pants . The previous 4.0 model clocked in at an impressive 5.29 oz without the bottles. The Salomon Sense Pro 10 and Camelbak Zephyr Pro are good examples of solid performance-oriented hydration vests. They have enough capacity to fit overnight gear but still fit close enough to the body that its not distracting while running. If you plan to participate in a race or major planned run, its a good idea to run several times beforehand with your pack on so you can get used to it. The main pocket easily fits a few layers with room to spare. Speaking of which,this hydration vestcomes with Ospreys unique Hydraulics reservoir. A main zippered opening in the back holds a larger water bladder (not included) and windbreakers or light layers. It's worth noting that if a vest did not include a hydration system, we weighed it as is and automatically docked the score by one point. Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 vs Ultra Vest 5.0 - Which One is Better? Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 5.0 Hydration Vest: Y, 2 bottles: 13.4 L: 11.57 oz: Y: S-L: 12: SOURCE: Manufacturers. Yes the Swiftland is heavier, but it carries gear and food really well - in fact, the fuller the pockets, the more secure the contents! Stated Features: . Fastpacking is distance trail running and backpacking at the same time. Both systems work seamlessly, showcasing the advantages of mixed adjustment straps. Support us! The vests well-designed compartments allowed us to evenly distribute gear and weight. That said, we generally found that more expensive packs in this review do have more to offer and are constructed of higher-end materials that better suit and reflect the natural movements of running. This category is aimed at runners, and each pack keeps the specific needs of runners in mind throughout its design. Weve learned things about these packs and vests that the manufacturers dont even advertise, and were doing our best to convey everything weve learned to you, whether this is your first running vest, or youve worn your last one to pieces. The new version of the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta ($134.95) looks slightly larger than its predecessor but fits snuggly, eliminating bounce, and at 8.6 ounces (without the bottles) weighs barely more than one-tenth of an ounce more.
Running vests and hydration packs come with anywhere between 2 L and 20 L of storage space. The most comfortable 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. Our tester took this pack on a 40+ mile run through Southwest Colorado, which included a good section of bushwhacking. This unique vest threw a few fun touches our way that we havent seen on any other vest weve tested. This is a big improvement from traditional rectangular or oval-shaped bladders. Our tester has fit multiple layers in the main zip pocket, although it was more of a challenge than we would like. Multiple attachment points also allow the user to fully customize their pole-carrying experience. What Size Hydration Pack Is Right for Me? The mesh is lightweight and breathable, and once we had this vest on, its tougher-than-average texture was hardly noticeable. I have an Ultimate Direction running vest in size S/M.sounds like S/M in this is a bit small for big . The field of hydration packs for running is only getting stronger, and this pack still stood out amongst stiff competition. .
Add PureRun UltraLight Hydration Vest to Compare REI Co-op Swiftland TT Hydration Vest - Men's. $120.00 (27) 27 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Let us know!
Make sure to organize all your gear so the weight is evenly balanced and there isnt too much in the front or the back. So much about the CamelBak Ultra Pro is great, but if the hydration system doesn't work, the vest won't be as useful. The amount of water you want to carry will depend on how far you are going. Never Miss Out. We wanted to assess a variety of packs in this review, from minimalist race vests to larger fastpacking bags. Some runners might wonder about the helmet carry system; what's that about? All trademarks property of their respective owners Compression straps:Compression straps can help you fit even more gear on your pack or vest. When thinking about how much water you need, consider if you will have any opportunities to refill. JARRETT: The Race Vest 5.0 is Ultimate Direction's newest lightweight vest in their signature series. The front zippered pockets keep a phone secure, and the other front stash pockets hold snacks for easy access. An elastic strap also secures these in place, and this is the best execution of this design that we've seen thus far, though the positioning is slightly low for our preferences. The result of using well-thought-out integration of advanced fabrics is a design capable of taking you long distances in relative comfort. Both the Patagonia Slope Runner Endurance 3L and the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 combine static straps with elastic straps but with different design approaches. Custom Fit.
Its important to consider what kinds of runs or adventures you plan to use your pack on when choosing the right one for you. Another primary factor in pack comfort is the materials used and the placement of those materials. With 20% of our new apparel made using recycled materials, we pushed sustainable design even further. These are both small features but they stood out for the ease of packing and drinking while on the move.