7 hours ago
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Runners can end up carrying a surprising amount of paraphernalia – phone, keys, jacket, maybe snacks (OK, definitely snacks) and water. If you dare to venture into the world of ultra marathons, that list grows even longer. While shorts and running tights have started packing in extra pockets to ease the burden, the best way to boost your mid-run storage is to invest in a running vest or hydration pack.
Like running backpacks, running vests range from minimal race-ready designs to big-volume options for trail-taming self-sufficiency. The best running vests give you the confidence to go further, knowing you’ve got everything you need to conquer your run. Over the years, I’ve relied on vests to help me through thousands of training miles, as well as dozens of marathons and ultras.
I’ve also spent the past two months plodding UK roads and trails, covering hundreds of miles in models from brands such as Salomon, Osprey, Kiprun and Nathan to find the best running vests you can buy. Here are my top picks, all unisex unless men’s and women’s fits are specified below.
At a glance
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Best running vest overall:
The North Face Summit run vest 5l
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Best budget running vest:
Harrier Kinder 10l
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Best running vest for hydration:
Nathan Pinnacle Series Vapor 12l
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Best running vest for winter runs:
OMM UltraFire 5
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Best running vest for urban miles and longer runs:
Stolt 4l vest
Why you should trust me
I test running gear to pay the mortgage. So when I’m not training for a race, I’m generally running around, sampling the latest shoes, clothing and other kinds of running kit. If I can get somewhere by running, I prefer to. I’ve also run close to 70 marathons, as well as lots of ultras and frequent solo marathons around the streets of London.
Over the past decade, I’ve tested dozens of running vests and hydration packs while on a perpetual personal and professional mission to find the very best. Whether you’re racing 100 miles or just out for an easy 10k, it’s a piece of kit every runner should own.
How I tested
I strapped myself into 19 running vests from a wide selection of brands. I recently conducted a full test of bigger running packs, so this test focused on lighter, lower-capacity vests.
First, I challenged each vest’s capacity by filling them with a typical run payload. This included a waterproof jacket, a litre of water and enough energy gels to cover a five-hour marathon, plus essentials such as gloves, a head torch, a battery pack and other bits and bobs to keep me self-sufficient, safe and warm on a solo long run.
I then plodded my way through a series of test runs, first with a full load and then removing some of the kit to see how it performed.
After many, many miles (and a lot of energy gels), I rated the running vests based on storage capacity and hydration options, plus practicality, fit, comfort and durability. I gave extra kudos for versatility and overall value for money. Here are my top picks.
The best hydration vests for running
Best running vest overall:
The North Face Summit run vest 5l
The North Face
Summit 5l run vest
from £124.99
What we love
Light body-hugging fit; easy soft flask access
What we don’t love
No sweat or rain protection
Designed for speedy trail racing but equally good for long Sunday runs, this Summit five-litre vest is light, breathable and packed full of clever details.
Why we love it
Lightweight, airy and fast drying, this flexible vest takes top place in our best running vests test because it hits the sweet spot with a barely there, secure fit, good flexible storage, comfort and versatility.
You’ll see elite trail runners using it to race Alpine ultras, but it’s also an excellent option for regular folk tackling trail adventures, long city runs or even just runs where you want to carry water and a few gels.
I used it for a 22-hour Berlin Wall 100-mile race, and I liked the body-hugging, adjustable fit. It’s not completely bounce-free when it’s fully loaded, but the front straps and extra side compression straps work well for fine-tuning the fit.
The five litres of storage is ample for most adventures. I love the two zippered bottle holsters that make it much easier to refill and replace your soft flasks. There are two stretch drop-in pockets upfront for easy access to gels, two more in the rear, and a trekking pole sleeve that can also double as a jacket stash.
The zippered phone pocket happily swallows larger smartphones, but there’s no weatherproofing here. The fine fabric is incredibly light, and the back-panel mesh can leak sweat through to the main rear pocket, so any spare kit ideally needs to be in a dry bag.
It’s a shame that … there’s no weatherproof pocket.
Suitable for: lightweight racing and long runs
Capacity: 5l
Sizing available: XS, S, M, L, XL
Weight (M): 169g
Soft flask compatible? Yes (included)
The North Face
Summit 5l run vest
from £124.99
What we love
Light body-hugging fit; easy soft flask access
What we don’t love
No sweat or rain protection
Best budget running vest:
Harrier Kinder 10l
What we love
Lots for the price; plenty of sizes for a better fit
What we don’t love
It’s a bit heavy, and the phone pocket is too small
Harrier’s trail vest is a reliable yet affordable workhorse, pairing excellent comfort with loads of stash space.
Why we love it
The Kinder 10-litre is on the heavier side for a trail vest. But you trade the extra weight for extra padding in the back and harness, and form-fitting fabric that moulds nicely to your lumps and bumps. This all adds up to boosted comfort and minimal bounce on longer-haul adventures.
The wide shoulder harness prevents unwanted pressure points and cutting in, even with a heavy load. The mesh back panel also keeps things pretty airy, though I would have liked a better barrier between my dry kit in the large main compartment and my inevitably sweaty back.
Storage is solid. There are nine easy-to-reach pockets upfront, including room for soft flasks (sold separately), two well-sized stretch pockets and two zippered pockets with nice big zips. You also get a zip pocket on the shoulder strap, but sadly it’s too small for even a smaller phone.
Two height-adjustable sternum straps let you adjust the fit to how you like it. I enjoyed the smart details, such as little silicone grippers on the straps that make them easier to grip and pull, and a bungee cord that can securely cinch kit and/or hold a jacket. A great all-rounder that offers excellent value.
It’s a shame that … the phone pocket is tiny.
Suitable for: long runs, trail runs, hikes and run commutes
Capacity: 10l
Sizing available: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
Weight (M): 287g
Soft flask compatible? Yes (not included)
Harrier
Kinder 10l
£29.99
What we love
Lots for the price; plenty of sizes for a better fit
What we don’t love
It’s a bit heavy, and the phone pocket is too small
Best running vest for hydration:
Nathan Pinnacle Series Vapor 12l
Nathan
Pinnacle Series Vapor 12l
£100.94
What we love
Comes with a 1.6-litre hydration bladder
What we don’t love
Phone pockets are a bit of a squeeze
With a smart hydration bladder system and enough capacity to tackle big mileage on the road or trail, the Pinnacle quenches your thirst for adventure. I tested the unisex version, but there’s also a women’s fit with smaller sizes.
Why we love it
A close-fitting soft fabric vest with a second skin feel, the Nathan Pinnacle is wonderfully comfortable and surprisingly roomy. It’s light and compact enough for shorter runs, but the 12-litre capacity and impressive pocket array provide excellent storage and organisation for longer runs, too.
The main large rear compartment has an easy-access diagonal zipper that makes it simple to stow and retrieve your stuff in a hurry. There are two Velcro stretch pockets within easy reach and two water-resistant, zippered harness pockets, including somewhere to store your phone (though it was a squeeze for a larger iPhone in a case). The front right zip pocket also has a headphone-case-friendly pill pocket and a safety whistle.
The Pinnacle comes with a 1.6-litre insulated bladder, with handy magnets to fix your hydration tube in place on the harness: no flappy hose here. You can also carry soft flasks, though you’ll need to buy your own.
The substantial, height-adjustable chest and sternum straps made it easy to find a fine-tuned fit, with large glove-friendly clips.
It’s a shame that … there aren’t more muted colour options.
Suitable for: ultra-running, long-distance or all-day adventures
Capacity: 12l
Sizing available: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
Weight (M): 386g with empty bladder
Soft flask compatible? Yes, not included
Nathan
Pinnacle Series Vapor 12l
£100.94
What we love
Comes with a 1.6-litre hydration bladder
What we don’t love
Phone pockets are a bit of a squeeze
Best running vest for winter runs:
OMM UltraFire 5
What we love
The zip pulls are nice and grabbable – even with gloves
What we don’t love
Soft flasks aren’t included
OMM makes great mountain-going gear, and this mid-capacity vest is ideal for battling tougher terrain and changeable weather.
Why we love it
This OMM UltraFire vest is great for storage. It has loads of upfront space, and a big water-resistant rear roll-top compartment keeps spare kit dry, safe from the elements and your sweaty back.
The seven easy-to-reach front pockets include two 500ml soft flask holders, two huge stretch-mesh front pockets, and two zippered pockets ideal for securing a smartphone and other mission-critical kit. There’s also a small mesh pocket I found great for storing gloves and a head torch.
With loads of access to snacks, hats and all your other essentials, it’s great for runs where you don’t want to waste time stopping to dig around in the main compartment, such as wet winter runs.
You also have the option to fix a two-litre bladder in the back, though sadly there’s no clip to attach the hose to the front harness. But other neat touches are included: bungees on the back for attaching extra kit; a strap to cinch everything down; a reinforced bottom in case you put your bag on a wet floor; and a built-in safety whistle.
It’s a shame that … there are no soft flasks included and there’s no hydration hose clip.
Suitable for: long runs and trail runs
Capacity: 5l
Sizing available: S, M, L
Weight (M): 228g
Soft flask compatible? Yes (not included)
OMM
UltraFire 5
from £72
What we love
The zip pulls are nice and grabbable – even with gloves
What we don’t love
Soft flasks aren’t included
Best running vest for urban miles and longer runs:
Stolt 4l vest
What we love
Really well built and durable with excellent comfort
What we don’t love
Limited accessible storage and can run a bit hot
The Stolt four-litre vest is built stronger than most, designed to handle everything from long Sunday runs to daylong ultras.
Why we love it
This is a no-nonsense running vest that screams “solid durability”. While some vests are a bit flimsy, here everything from the harness to the back is built robustly, with a more padded feeling from the much thicker fabric. That makes it a touch heavier than many of the vests on test, but that’s the price for extra cushioned comfort and durability.
I tested a medium/large and the fit was close. It hugged securely with virtually no movement, and two height-adjustable front straps made it easy to lock down. The vest sits high on your torso, keeping everything well out of the way of flailing arms.
There are nine pockets: in the front there are two soft flask holsters, two slip pockets for gels and other essentials, and two water-resistant lined zipped pockets that can swallow a larger smartphone. There’s not much stretch and flex to those front storage slots, though, which limits what you can carry and makes it all feel somewhat squeezed. At the rear, the two-litre zipped pocket has enough room for a lightweight shell jacket, or there’s a couple of loops if you want to stash the jacket externally (or fit in a couple of trekking poles if you head for the hills).
It also comes with two 500ml soft flasks and some reflective detailing. There’s no built-in whistle or key hook, though, which I’ve come to expect as standard.
It’s a shame that … front storage is a bit cramped, and it can run a bit hot.
Suitable for: everyday miles, longer runs and races carrying minimal kit
Capacity: 4l
Sizing available: XS/S, M/L
Weight (M): 205g
Soft flask compatible? Yes (included)
Stolt
4l vest
£129
What we love
Really well built and durable with excellent comfort
What we don’t love
Limited accessible storage and can run a bit hot
The best of the rest
Decathlon Kiprun Race 900 3l
Decathlon
Race 900 3l
£49.99
What we love
Brilliant barely there fit for running fast and light
What we don’t love
No rear storage or weatherproof pockets
Best for: marathons
A great-value option that weighs just 90g, this super-minimal Decathlon Kiprun three-litre vest is perfect for runs and races where you only need the bare essentials. This racing hydration pack is set up for chasing PBs across any distance, but particularly ideal for marathons where you want to bring your own backup hydration. There’s room for two 250ml soft flasks (sadly not included), two big front stretch pockets and front zippered stowage that held my 6.7inch iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The thin fabric and mesh back aren’t as robust as on heavier vests, but it all stays cool even when you’re working hard. It also dries fast if you get wet or sweaty. Rear storage is limited to a mesh pouch that’s only really big enough for a lightweight jacket. But this vest is all about having water, gels, a phone and a few bits right where you can reach them. Oh, and a big thumbs up for the wide range of sizes from XXS to XL.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s not as versatile as a larger-capacity vest.
Suitable for: everyday runs, fast training runs, races and marathons; capacity: 3l; sizing available: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL; weight (M): 94g; soft flask compatible? Yes (not included)
Decathlon
Race 900 3l
£49.99
What we love
Brilliant barely there fit for running fast and light
What we don’t love
No rear storage or weatherproof pockets
Silva Strive 5
What we love
Compact and lightweight with a better fit for smaller frames
What we don’t love
Shoulder harness is prone to rolling up
Best for: petite runners
Lighter and sleeker, Silva’s extra-small Strive 5 weighs in at just over 150g while the large is only 191g. The soft, flexible ripstop fabric and 3D mesh have a close-hugging fit and more compact cut, ideal for anyone who feels swamped by larger vests. The five-litre storage is spread across soft flask holders, two big stretch pockets on the front, a phone-friendly zippered pocket (sadly not water-protected), and a large rear compartment that accommodates a hydration bladder. The large stretch-mesh rear pouch is perfect for stashing jackets.
The wide harness isn’t very padded and can sometimes roll up, and soft fabric vests like this are never entirely bounce-free when you’re packing full soft flasks. The hook clips on the bungee sternum straps were a bit fiddly with gloves, too, although they adjust easily for a fairly secure fit.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it wasn’t entirely bounce-free when fully loaded.
Suitable for: long-distance runs and races; capacity: 5l; sizing available: XS, S, M, L; weight (M): 170g; soft flask compatible? Yes (not included)
Silva
Strive 5
from £59
What we love
Compact and lightweight with a better fit for smaller frames
What we don’t love
Shoulder harness is prone to rolling up
CamelBak Apex Pro 12l
CamelBak
Apex Pro 12l
from £139.38
What we love
Bucketloads of space in a low-bounce vest
What we don’t love
A bit big for the day-to-day
Best for: big loads, run-hiking and fast-packing
The Apex Pro 12l is one of the best options when you need more capacity for longer runs, adventures and races but you still want a vest rather than a regular backpack.
You can pack in an impressive amount. There are two front-holstered soft flasks and an optional two-litre bladder that you’ll have to buy separately, plus almost endless storage for all your other fuel and essentials, including a water-resistant zippered pocket, big enough to carry larger smartphones like my iPhone 15 Pro Max. For steeper, challenging terrain, there’s a handy detachable quiver (think of an archer’s arrow sleeve) for trekking poles, and it’s reliably comfortable for long runs, with a soft, comfortable, thicker fabric back and harness. Built-in Recco safety technology can also help rescue crews find you, should something go wrong.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s a bit too big for everyday use, unless you run-commute.
Suitable for: long solo runs, ultra races and off-grid adventures; capacity: 12l; sizing available: XS, S, M, L, XL; weight (M): 345g; soft flask compatible? Yes (included)
CamelBak
Apex Pro 12l
from £139.38
What we love
Bucketloads of space in a low-bounce vest
What we don’t love
A bit big for the day-to-day
Saysky Flow Vest 12l pack
Saysky
Flow Vest 12l pack
£177
What we love
Big capacity in a very light, comfy vest
What we don’t love
It’s a bit expensive
Best for: trail running
A 12-litre pack that feels like a five-litre on the move. This brilliantly versatile vest offers enough stash space for longer trail excursions and ultra races while staying lightweight. It doesn’t feel baggy when you’re just carrying water and a few gels on long training runs, either.
The slightly padded, bounce-free harness has a great hugging fit; the adjustable hook-fastening system secures easily and doesn’t work loose. Storage is pretty practical, too, with two 500ml soft flasks, two big zippered front pockets, open drop-in pockets with toggles to secure important items, plus a large main compartment that’s big enough for a jacket and waterproof trousers. The rear well can also take a bladder, and there’s a built-in safety whistle.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s on the pricey side.
Suitable for: long runs and trail adventures; capacity: 12l; sizing available: XS, S, M, L; weight (M): 233g without bottles; soft flask compatible? Yes (included)
Saysky
Flow Vest 12l pack
£177
What we love
Big capacity in a very light, comfy vest
What we don’t love
It’s a bit expensive
Osprey Duro/Dyna LT
Osprey
Duro/Dyna LT
from £55.30
What we love
Comfortable with a close fit for long distances
What we don’t love
Worries about mission-critical kit bouncing out
Men’s (Duro)
Women’s (Dyna)
Best for: marathon racing in comfort
It has more storage than a running belt, but Osprey’s 0.5-litre running hydration pack is another race-ready vest built for the bare essentials rather than a full-day’s backup kit. There’s more padding and plush comfort in the harness and back than the really minimal Kiprun, but you still benefit from a close fit that lets you run free.
Everything’s just a touch more comfy and durable, and less floaty. The two adjustable bungee-style elasticated sternum straps with their hook-clip fastening are easily tweaked for a good fit. There’s easy access to soft flasks and a front phone pocket, though rear storage is limited. There’s a two-way entry mesh pouch that’ll take a jacket, but it’s not very secure, and I never felt completely confident that mission-critical kit wouldn’t bounce out. On the plus side, it comes with two 500ml soft flasks and easy-to-adjust elastic straps to hold them in place.
It didn’t make the final cut because … I had worries about losing kit.
Suitable for: short to medium runs; capacity: 0.5l; sizing available: S, M, L; weight (men’s M): 159g without bottles; soft flask compatible? Yes (included)
Osprey
Duro/Dyna LT
from £55.30
What we love
Comfortable with a close fit for long distances
What we don’t love
Worries about mission-critical kit bouncing out
What you need to know
What should you look for in a running vest?
Running vests tend to follow similar designs. A vest-style harness with holsters for water bottles, various combinations of zippered and mesh pockets on the shoulders and rib cage, and bigger compartments in the back for big kit, jackets and hydration bladders. Some also add bungee systems for extra storage.
Capacity can vary. As a rough guide: for short runs up to an hour, you probably only need a two- or three-litre vest. These minimal hydration vests offer soft flask water stowage but prioritise a barely there fit and weight saving over carry space. They’re great for race day (such as a marathon), long training runs or any plods where you need to carry only a few vitals.
At the other end, there are 15-litre monsters to swallow everything you need to be self-sufficient on multiday remote adventures in the mountains. Some may also double for lighter-load midweek run commutes.
For maximum versatility, I find a five-litre vest to be the sweet spot. Unloaded, they’re light enough to handle hydration on shorter weekday runs, but they also have the capacity to carry backup kit for daylong ultras.
How do I find the right fit?
Fit is the top priority: the best running vests need to feel as if they’re part of you. They should be as lightweight as possible, breathable, secure and bounce-free – even when fully loaded.
The sternum straps are key. Look for maximum adjustability, with easy and reliable fastenings that aren’t fussy or fiddly. If you have to lash it down so tight you can’t breathe, it’s not the one for you. Also look for a shoulder harness that’s wide and won’t cut in, ideally padded if you know you need more protection from heavy loads on longer runs.
Many packs are unisex (the occasional pack, such as the Osprey Duro LT, offers men’s and women’s fits), some are one size, some offer a size range, so shop armed with your measurements. I also highly recommend filling a vest when you try it on for size before you commit. Everything changes once you’re bounding down the road with a fully laden vest. Watch out for how well your soft flasks stay put and how easy it is to get them in and out, too.
Any other details to look out for?
I always look for good front storage space for a few essentials such as your phone, fuel and headphone case. You’re less likely to eat that gel if it’s tucked away in the back of your pack. A running vest with a phone holder in the front is always useful, and I always miss it when it’s not there. If that pocket is waterproof, even better.
If the vest has bladder compatibility, make sure you can route the hose and clip it somewhere it won’t flap in your face.
I also geek out about zips. Fiddly little zips may save weight, but they’re not your friend when you’re frozen-finger cold or exhausted as you approach the final six miles of a marathon.
Bonus points to running vests that come with a built-in safety whistle, key hooks, reflectivity and some weatherproofing and rain repellence.
For more:
The best running backpacks
The best running shoes
The best running watches to hit your fitness goals
Kieran Alger is a running, fitness and health journalist who splits his time between testing, training and tapping out reviews. You’ll regularly find him strapping on a running vest, racking up miles or chasing down a lofty challenge while wearing three watches, brand new running shoes and a whole host of kit that needs putting through its paces
