The Best Hydration Vests to Keep You Hydrated on Runs

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Staying hydrated on long runs is crucial to keep you moving through miles and healthy once you reach the finish line. But once your runs start to inch past 60 minutes—or multiple hours if you’re an ultra-runner—bringing enough water (let alone holding it for all that time) is tough, which is where hydration vests come in.

"The longer your run, the more fluid you'll want, and a running hydration vest often enables you to carry a larger volume of fluid than a single water bottle or hip pack," explains Janet Hamilton, CSCS, CCEP, USATF and RRCA-certified running coach, founder and coach at Running Strong Professional Coaching in Atlanta.

For trail running, the best hydration vests will offer extra space to carry energy gels and other fuel, emergency supplies (like a first aid kit) and extra running gear for changing weather and altitude.

The best hydration vests for running should be able to carry at least 1.5 liters of water (or more, depending on your mileage), fit snugly against your body to cut down on bounce and help you avoid chafing and wick sweat as your body builds heat.

Here, we’ve picked our eight favorite hydration vests for every runner.

Our Picks for the Best Hydration Vests for Running:

• Best Overall Hydration Vest for Running: Lululemon Fast and Free Hydration Vest
• Best Budget Hydration Vest for Running: CamelBak Octane Dart
• Best Beginner Hydration Vest for Running: Osprey Duro LT
• Best Lightweight Hydration Vest for Running: Nathan VaporAir 7L 2.0 Pack
• Best Hydration Vest for Running a Half-Marathon: The North Face Flight Race Day 8L Vest
• Best Hydration Vest for Trail Running: Salomon ADV Skin 12L Set Hydration Vest
• Best Men’s Hydration Vest for Running: Salomon Sense Pro 5
• Best Women’s Hydration Vest for Running: Salomon Adv Skin 5

Best Overall: Lululemon Fast and Free Hydration Vest

Key Features:

• Water capacity: 2.5 liters, not included
• Size range: XS–XL
• Gear capacity: Chest pockets for small items only
• Space for additional water bottles: Yes, not included
• Price: $118

Lululemon's Fast and Free Hydration vest has a snug fit and thoughtful details that make the design stand out, which is why it comes in as the top pick for best hydration vest for running.

This unisex hydration vest features three elasticated sternum straps to keep it secure across your chest, each of which you can move up or down on the daisy chain for a fit personalized to your body. There are small loops just below either shoulder to secure your hydration hose and make it easy to grab mid-stride. It has three small zippered pockets and two drop-in access pockets to stash your essentials like fuel, phone, keys and sunscreen. The vest also has small reflective details to make you more visible to cars.

For hydration, this running vest can fit a 1.5 liter hydration bladder in the back, as well as two 500 milliliter hydration flasks in the front drop-in pockets. We love this versatility, since the large capacity can keep you hydrated on long runs, but on short runs you have the option to ditch the bladder and instead stash an extra layer in the back compartment while using the hydration flasks for water.

The hydration vest itself is made from abrasion-resistant, four-way stretch fabric that's both quick-drying and sweat-wicking. We do wish it came with the hydration flasks or a hydration bladder for the price, and that it was offered in more sizes.

Pros:

• 2.5 liter water capacity
• Compatible with both hydration flasks and a bladder
• Reflective details for better visibility and safety
• Adjustable sternum straps

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with hydration flasks or bladder
• Some reviewers say the toggle closure doesn’t tighten well

Best Budget: CamelBak Octane Dart 0.5L

Key Features:

• Water capacity: 1.5 liters, water reservoir included
• Size range: One size
• Gear capacity: 250 cubic inches
• Additional water bottles: No
• Price: $70

This CamelBak is one of the best hydration packs, and with it you’ll score not only a comfortable, durable backpack that moves with your body on the go, but also an included 1.5 liter water reservoir.

This unisex hydration pack is made from 70D ripstop nylon on the body and mesh shoulder straps that'll breathe instead of trapping sweat and heat on your body. The straps have a buckle that attaches across the sternum for a snug fit, helping to avoid feeling like the water is sloshing along with you.

There isn't much room in the main compartment of this bag for anything other than your water, but the backpack does have two zippered pockets where you can stash small items—think energy bars, tampons or a car key. While you probably can't fit a layer in the pack, it has just enough room for all the essentials you'll need on most runs.

We love that at this price, the hydration bladder is included, the fabric can really stand up against tough runs, and CamelBak offers a lifetime manufacturer warranty.

Pros:

• Water reservoir included
• Affordable
• Durable and breathable material
• Lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Not size inclusive
• Only one cross-chest strap, so won’t be super secure on trail runs

Best Beginner Hydration Vest for Running: Osprey Duro LT

Key Features:

• Water capacity: 0.72 liters, reservoir included
• Size range: Small, medium, large (men's and women's)
• Gear capacity: 0.5L
• Additional water bottles: No
• Price: $95

This unisex hydration running vest has just enough room for about 0.75 liters of water to keep you hydrated on short to medium length runs. The smaller water-carrying capacity makes this the perfect vest for beginner runners or those just starting to carry water on runs, as it is incredibly lightweight.

The Osprey Duro LT has two chest pockets for the included 360-milliliter soft hydration flasks, two small stretch pockets for essentials and zippered harness pockets for valuables. Instead of a back water reservoir, this vest has a large dual-entry stretch mesh rear pocket where you can store a warm or rain layer.

The back and side panels utilize 3D Spacermesh bodywrap for light, comfortable padding as well as full ventilation thanks to the recycled nylon stretch mesh. Its two chest straps snap into place and are adjustable for a fit custom to your body size and shape. This vest also has a tuckaway whistle, which we love for runners concerned about safety.

If you’ll be logging major miles, you’ll probably want a more versatile vest that gives you the option to carry at least one full liter of water. But if you’re looking for a hands-free way to stay hydrated and comfortable on runs under an hour, this lightweight and highly breathable vest is it.

Pros:

• Two hydration flasks included
• Big and small pockets for layers and essentials
• Body-contouring mesh design keeps the weight light and moisture off your skin
• Sustainably designed and sustainable materials

Cons:

• Can only hold 720 milliliters of water

Best Lightweight Hydration Vest for Running: Nathan VaporAir 7L 2.0 Pack

Key Features:

• Water capacity: Three liters, two liter reservoir included
• Size range: XXS –M or L–XXL
• Gear capacity: Seven liters 
• Additional water bottles: Yes, not included
• Price: $149.95

This large capacity 7L hydration vest can stow a ton of gear in addition to two liters worth of water in its included reservoir—and it still only weighs 12.2 ounces (with the reservoir empty).

The Nathan VaporAir 7L 2.0 Pack is loaded with pockets, including zippered pockets on the back and both bungee and stretch pockets on the chest for hydration flasks (not included) and other must-haves like fuel and sunscreen. We especially love the dedicated phone pocket on the chest, which is both vertical and zippered, for a secure hold on one of the bounciest of objects.

This hydration vest has two cross-chest straps to cinch the vest in place. The back panel is made from breathable foam and the shoulder straps are breathable, so the pack won't feel hot as you work up a sweat.

The main compartment of the back holds the included two-liter water reservoir, but it also has a small kangaroo pouch beneath, accessed from the outside, where you can easily side out a single layer or stash your poles without adding much time to your pace.

Pros:

• Two liter water reservoir included
• Tons of stash and layer pockets
• Lightweight design

Cons:

• Expensive
• Can feel a bit bulky if you utilize every pocket
• Only two size options might not allow for the best fit

Best Hydration Vest for Running a Half-Marathon: The North Face Flight Race Day 8L Vest

Key Features:

• Water capacity: One liter, two 500 milliliters flasks included
• Size range: Small, medium, large
• Gear capacity: Eight liters
• Additional water bottles: Yes, not included
• Price: $148.95

The North Face's Flight Race Day Vest is sleek, comfortable and somehow has a whopping eight liters of gear capacity.

This hydration vest comes with two hydration flasks that slide into the front pockets. It’s also compatible with a water reservoir for long training runs. However, we love that the design is streamlined without a back reservoir so during races you’ll have easy access to pull out and refill the hydration flasks and be on your way.

This vest has two stash pockets below the flask pockets on either side, a secure zippered cell phone pocket and hidden whistle that meets race regulations. There’s a quick-grab horizontal kangaroo pouch on the back for stashing your trekking poles on a trail race. Small reflective features on the vest also provide 360-degree visibility on roads.

The vest is made from durable, breathable Cordura and the white dominant mesh will help keep you cool under the hot summer sun. The minimalist harness is secured with two adjustable straps on the chest, both of which are movable and adjustable.

Pros:

• Streamlined and aesthetic design
• Hydration flasks included
• Huge gear capacity (eight liters)

Cons:

• Might not be enough water for some runners
• Limited sizes
• Expensive

Best Hydration Vest for Trail Running: Salomon ADV Skin 12L Set Hydration Vest

Key Features:

• Water capacity: 2.5 liters, two 500 milliliters flasks included
• Size range: XS-XL
• Gear capacity: 12 liters
• Additional water bottles: Yes, not included
• Price: $159.95

Trail runners need to be able to carry more supplies than road runners: They’re often moving through different altitudes on long trails, which sometimes can mean unpredictable weather patterns, so they need extra fuel and water, and they’re smart to carry a first aid kit since help is further away compared to road runs.

From the leading trail running brand, the Salomon ADV Skin 12L Hydration Vest offers 12 liters of storage capacity for long runs in the mountains. It comes with two 500 milliliters soft flasks stored in the front stretch pockets. It has a removable insulated reservoir sleeve in the back—very thoughtful to prevent a frozen bladder on cold high-alpine runs—that can fit an additional 1.5-liter reservoir. When not using a reservoir, that back pocket offers a ton of storage for supplies.

Salomon's running vest harnesses are known for their proprietary Sensifit load balancer suspension and adjustable z-closure system that, together, help the hydration vest feel like a second skin as you bounce over rocks and roots. The vest is made from uber-breathable performance fabric so heat and moisture don't build up on your torso. It has a variety of pockets for smaller storage and two dedicated loops to stow running poles comfortably in the back.

Pros:

• Carefully designed to move with your body
• Huge storage capacity at 12 liters
• Two hydration flasks included with additional reservoir compatibility

Cons:

• Expensive
• Overkill for those other than long-distance trail runners

Best Men’s Hydration Vest for Running: Salomon Sense Pro 5

Key Features:

• Water capacity: 2.5 liters, two 500 milliliters flasks included
• Size range: XS–XL
• Gear capacity: Five liters
• Additional water bottles: Yes, not included
• Price: $160

Salomon’s running vests are known for their close-fitting design that moves with your body rather than against it as you bounce from stride to stride. The Salomon Sense Pro 5 is the perfect size to carry one liter of water via the included hydration flasks along with one extra layer—easily accessed in the back stash pouch without even taking the vest off—and all your small essentials. It has 10 pockets total, including a low-back kangaroo pocket for a layer or poles.

The vest itself is made from soft, breathable mesh for maximum sweat-wicking and quick-dry performance. It closes via Salomon's signature z-strap design, which is adjustable even on the go to secure a fit that's right for your body and movement. And Salomon’s SensiFit suspension system that’s responsible for the bounce-free design also helps minimize pressure points, so this vest stays comfortable hour after hour, mile after mile.

Pros:

• Utilizes Salomon’s SensiFit to minimize bounce and pressure points
• Tons of pockets and five liters of storage
• Two hydration flasks included

Cons:

• May rub against back of neck for some body shapes
• Only one zippered compartment

Best Women’s Hydration Vest for Running: Salomon ADV Skin 5

Key Features:

• Water capacity: 2.5L, two 500 milliliters flasks included
• Size range: 2XS–L
• Gear capacity: Five liters
• Additional water bottles: Yes,1.5-liter reservoir
• Price: $140

Most running vests are designed for the male anatomy and then adapted for women, so it’s hard to find a running vest that secures in the right way and right places for women of different shapes and sizes. But the Salomon ADV Skin 5 has been fine-tuned to what Salomon calls the “female morphology” year after year, which is why it's one of the most-loved running vests for women.

This vest utilizes stretchy, breathable fabric with a specific suspension system to minimize pressure points on the chest and reduce bounce as you hit the pavement or trail. Part of that is thanks to the double-stretch chest straps, which don’t make you feel constricted when you start breathing heavily. The adjustable straps can be adapted for individual bust, chest and waist sizes and provide a super stable fit.

Even the hydration flasks have been fine-tuned for the female shape, as the ones that come with this vest are more triangular and positioned lower down to remove pressure from the biggest part of your chest. The women's flasks also include a straw for easy drinking without having to remove the flasks.

This vest is compatible with a 1.5-liter bladder in the back, which can otherwise be used for layer and supply storage alongside stretch and zippered pockets in the front. The hydration vest is also outfitted with elastic cords and loops that you can move to different places to customize how you carry things. For example, you can create a better pole-carrying solution for your style and preferences.

Pros:

• Specifically and thoughtfully designed for running with a larger chest
• Hydration flasks shaped for comfort
• Adjustable harness for different size chests
• Compatible with 1.5L water reservoir

Cons:

• Pricey

How We Chose the Best Hydration Vests for Running

To narrow in on the best hydration vests for different runners, we leaned on years of expertise testing some of these hydration packs first-hand, as well as the insight of a professional running coach.

What Is a Running Hydration Vest?

A running hydration vest is, first and foremost, an easy way to carry enough water on long runs while also being able to keep your hands free. This is especially nice for trail runners, who often use running poles to hike steep terrain. But road runners who are out for more than an hour may also like not having to grip a water bottle the whole time or fumble with a waist belt. A running hydration vest also allows you to carry running fuel and extra layers for changing weather, and it gives you a place to stash your essentials. The best running hydration vests are designed to hold everything you might need (water, fuel, layers, essentials) while also minimizing bounce and slosh with every stride you take.

How to Choose the Best Hydration Vest For You

First, you’ll want to find a vest that is the right fit for your body. Then, consider your style of running (trail vs. road), your typical length of runs and what else you want to comfortably carry. Consider the below factors when choosing which is right for you.

You might have to try on a few different vests before you find the right one for you. “[Fit is] highly individual and most runners would be wise to go try on a variety of different brands/styles at their local running supply or outdoor supply store,” Hamilton says.

Should You Get a Running Hydration Vest?

If you run longer than 60 minutes regularly, or you trail run where you’ll be far from your car and want to carry layers, trekking poles and fuel, you might prefer to have a hydration vest to run with.

What to Look for in a Hydration Vest

Water capacity

Most people will want a running that can hold at least 1.5 liters of water unless you run in an area where you can refill your bottles when you run out. But if you regularly run for longer than 90 minutes, you’ll want more: Hamilton explains that if you sweat a liter an hour, you’ll want to rehydrate with 150–250 milliliters (five to 10 ounces) every 15 minutes. This also varies depending on other personal factors, such as sweat rate. If you sweat more than most, you’ll want more water.

That means the average runner should aim to drink 600 to 1,000 milliliters on a 60 minute run, around 1,200 to 2,000 milliliters for two hours out and so on. If you’re a long-distance runner, look for a running vest that can hold at least 2.5 liters of water.

Gear capacity

Running vests have space for water and space for your gear. Road runners can get by with smaller pockets for essentials and possibly one or two layers, but trail runners will want a vest with a bigger gear capacity (at least five liters).

“If you’re trail running, the additional carrying capacity of the hydration vests will enable you to have more space to carry your fuel, like energy gels, and possibly emergency supplies like a first aid kit, maybe extra clothes like a jacket and your cell phone,” Hamilton explains.

Comfort

Finding a running vest that fits you comfortably is crucial. "In my opinion it needs to be lightweight and have wider straps, and be highly adjustable for different frames," Hamilton shares.

Additionally, the shoulder straps and waistband shouldn’t chafe or cause any hot spots. The material of the vest should be breathable and sweat wicking so heat doesn’t build up.

Most of all, the vest should have an adjustable closure system, ideally with multiple lash points, so you can cinch the vest down to fit your torso tightly and minimize bounce. Also, look for stretchy fabric, which will help minimize bounce.

“It’s important to try the vest on and see how the sternum straps feel—you want to make sure they’re adjustable to ensure that they don’t ride too low across your [chest],” Hamilton adds.

Mostly, she says, you want to find the one that fits your body.

Cost

Running vests are complicated designs, so in this case, it’s likely worth investing in one that is right for you, rather than picking one based on price alone. When shopping around, keep in mind most quality running vests start around $75, but typically run closer to $150.

Running vest accessories

The accessories you’ll want in a running vest depends on the type of runner you are and where you’re running. At the very least, you want stash pockets for your essentials. Trail runners or people in varying climates will also want bigger pockets for their layers. Trail runners looking for a race vest will do well with a one that includes a whistle, as most races require you to have one with you.

Running Vest FAQs

How often should you hydrate when you run?

“The longer the run, the more fluid you’ll want,” Hamilton says. The amount you should hydrate should be relative to your sweat rate, she explains: If you sweat a liter an hour, you might want to rehydrate perhaps 150-250 milliliters every 15 minutes—or, if you sweat an average amount on your run, drink five to 10 ounces every 15 minutes while out (as well as about 20 ounces before and after).

Why should you use a hydration vest?

Running vests make it more comfortable to carry water on longer outings. "Most people would prefer not to have to hold something in their hands on a run longer than an hour," Hamilton says.

This is especially true if you run an ultramarathon. “If you’re going to be running several hours and doing it in a relatively remote locale, like with trail running, you’d probably want to switch to a hydration vest or backpack,” Hamilton adds.

Running vests also allow you to bring extra supplies, like fuel, layers, and accessories like running poles for trail running.

How tight should a hydration vest be?

A hydration vest should be snug, but not tight. You want it to fit close to the body to minimize bounce and chafing when you run, but you don’t want it to dig into your skin.

Do marathon runners use hydration vests?

Hydration vests have traditionally been more popular among trail running, but they are now catching on with road runners too. Hydration vests are ideal for marathons, both road and trail: "The biggest advantage to the hydration packs and vests is their increased fluid carrying capacity along with multiple places to stash the things you think you’d want on a longer run, like fuel, phone, or some emergency cash,” Hamilton explains.

Can runners over-hydrate?

Yes, it is possible to over-hydrate, or drink too much water. In general, Hamilton says overhydration feels like a sloshy or uncomfortable feeling. But, as Hamilton explains, “the bigger risk seems to be if you rehydrate with water only and what you sweated out was a mix of water and electrolytes.” This disrupts your sodium/water balance, which can lead to hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood, a potentially dangerous condition that can affect your blood pressure as well as how your nerves and muscles fire).

Final Thoughts

The best running hydration vest should be able to carry enough water for your average run length; have enough gear storage for the fuel, layers, and accessories you like to bring; and be breathable and sweat-wicking. Most of all, it should fit your unique body—which might mean you need to try on more than one.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.