The Best Trail Running Vests and Packs

Whether you are an occasional or experienced trail runner, you will need a reliable running vest to carry things like water, food, and other items you may require on the go. The design and capacity of the vest will depend on the type of trail you plan to complete, and it must help you finish your activity successfully.

Running packs are different from traditional backpacks, so don’t try to use your regular backpack for trail running. An inappropriate model can cause discomfort, chafing, and irritation.

If you have doubts about which model will best suit your needs, don’t worry! In this article, I’m going to talk about design, fit, capacity, hydration systems, ventilation, pockets, and other important features of hydration vests. In addition, I’ll review the best models of the year, so that you can find what you are looking for.

Take a look at other articles to find the best trail jackets, ultra running shoes, T-shirts, minimalist shoes, running watches, running shorts, and running belts.

THE BEST TRAIL RUNNING BACKPACKS

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SALOMON ADVANCED SKIN 5 SET

The Salomon Advanced Skin stands out for its excellent design and snug fit. This model adapts perfectly to your torso, so it doesn’t bounce around on the run. It’s compatible with a 1.5L hydration bladder (not included).

It features several pockets for easy access to water and snacks, compression straps for a snug fit, and trekking-pole attachments. The rear compartment is super stretchy, so you can store several extra layers.

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CAMELBAK NANO

The Camelbak Nano is ideal for minimalist trail runners who want an incredibly lightweight model. Weighing only 4 ounces, this vest can easily accommodate two water bottles, a smartphone, and a pair of poles.

The rear pocket has been specially designed to carry your trekking poles, which makes it the perfect option for short to medium-distance trail running races. If you aren’t a big fan of hiking poles, this might not be the option for you.

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NATHAN VAPORKRAR 2.0

The Nathan Vaporkrar features a comfortable, lightweight design, built with highly breathable and soft-touch materials that don’t cause chafing, even when you’re running shirtless. It includes two soft flasks equipped with extended tubes, so you can drink on the go without slowing your pace.

With a 4L capacity, it has enough space for snacks, gels, and extra layers. Plus, it’s compatible with a 1.5L hydration bladder (not included) for longer-distance runs. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have trekking-pole attachments.

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SALOMON S / LAB SENSE ULTRA 5 SET

The Salomon S / Lab Senser Ultra 5 Set is a minimalist vest specially designed for short and medium-length-distance races.

This model stands out for its reduced weight (only 6.7 oz without accessories), ergonomic fit (it feels like a second skin), highly breathable construction (built with Cocona 3D fabrics that wick away sweat without retaining odors), easy access to hydration (it includes two 500 ml soft flasks), and great flexibility (it allows for great freedom of movement). Overall, this is one of the best minimalist models of the year.

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NATHAN VAPORHOWE 2.0 12 L

The Nathan Vaporhowe is a women’s backpack designed for long-distance, demanding runs. This model features a 1.6L hydration bladder, two soft-flask-compatible front pockets (bottles not included), a waterproof pocket for your smartphone (located on the shoulder strap), two side elastic pockets, and a rear storage compartment for extra layers and other objects. The hydration sleeve is insulated, so you can run in cold weather.

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BLACK DIAMOND DISTANCE 8

The Black Diamond Distance 8 is ideal for slightly more demanding, technical mountain adventures. This model stands out for its rugged design and advanced mountaineering features. It’s not as streamlined, minimalist, and lightweight as other models on the list.

However, it has a more sturdy, durable construction, a greater capacity for carrying extra equipment, and several attachments and straps in case you need to bring your hiking poles, ropes, ice ax, etc. It’s also available in a 12L version for longer routes. Overall, it’s one of the best options for technical trail running when you need to go light and fast.

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CAMELBAK ULTRA PRO VEST

The Camelbak Ultra Pro Vest is made with 3D micro-mesh that provides maximum breathability and comfort in both short and long-distance races. This ultralight model includes two front pockets for easy access to 500 ml bottles, two side pockets for snacks, and a zippered security pocket for your phone.

The rear compartment, as well as the side pockets, are made from highly stretchy materials, so you can store several extra layers. It features trekking-pole attachments and an adjustable strap system for a snug fit. It’s compatible with a 1.5L hydration bag for longer-distance runs.

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OSPREY DURO 1.5

The Osprey Duro 1.5 has a strong and durable construction, designed to last for many years. It features a highly breathable mesh that improves ventilation and wicks away sweat, adjustable straps for a perfect fit, and side attachments for your hiking poles.

The hydration system is compatible with two front soft flasks and a rear 1.5L hydration bladder. This model is perfect for intermediate trail runners looking for a compact, comfortable, and durable vest.

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NATHAN TRAILMIX

The Nathan Trailmix has several advantages: a medium capacity (7 liters), a reasonable price, a sturdy construction, and a bunch of advanced features that make it one of the most versatile options on the list.

It’s perfect for medium-distance races, marathons, and slightly more demanding mountain trails. It includes a 2L hydration bladder, and it has two front pockets for soft flasks (not included). Despite its compact size, it has enough space for storing several extra layers.

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ULTIMATE DIRECTION ULTRA VEST 5.0

The Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest is built with a thin, highly breathable mesh that helps you stay cool while running. This model is popular for its adjustable cinch system, which makes it one of the most comfortable vests of the year. Also, it includes elastic side attachments in case you want to carry your hiking poles. It’s not particularly cheap, but it’s one of the best values for the money.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR RUNNING HYDRATION PACK

BACKPACKS vs VESTS

Trail running vests and backpacks have similar designs. The main difference is that, with vests, most of the compartments are on the front side (on the straps’ shoulders), while backpacks have more rear compartments. However, many models have plenty of compartments on both the front and rear sides, making it difficult to tell under which category they fall.

Generally, backpacks offer greater capacity and include more extra features, which means they can be used not only for trail running but also for other outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, MTB, etc. Unlike traditional backpacks, trail running packs sit high on your back, providing a firm fit that prevents the interior content from bouncing around.

Most vests have less capacity than backpacks. However, they offer several advantages: They can adapt better to the torso shape, they feel more comfortable when you make sudden movements, and they offer direct access to pockets and compartments. Vests are generally designed for running only.

Both vests and backpacks can be used for carrying hydration bladders, water bottles, gels, snacks, and extra layers, so you can stay hydrated and fueled while having easy access to your belongings.

If you don’t know which style will suit you best, you can try both designs and see how you feel. Generally, short-distance runners prefer vests for their light weight, snug fit, and quick access to the compartments. On the other hand, long-distance runners appreciate the greater capacity of a backpack.

TYPE OF ACTIVITY

Another way to determine what type of pack will suit you best is to think about the intended use, type of activity, distance, etc. Do you need a model for city running? Are you preparing for a long-distance race? What will the weather be like?

Most occasional runners will be happy with a basic model, preferably with a small capacity, solid construction, easy access to the front pockets, and reflective elements. Most entry-level models aren’t made with ultralight materials and don’t include many advanced features. However, they do their job and are reasonably priced.

Serious runners, on the other hand, will look for advanced features such as lightweight materials, great ventilation, extra comfort, and quick access to all pockets and compartments.

Multi-day trail runners will look for a backpack with greater capacity, equipped with attachments for trekking poles, ice axes, crampons, etc. The capacity of these types of backpacks is usually over 10 liters, and they generally include room for a hydration bladder, a waterproof jacket and other extra layers, mountaineering gear, and front pockets for water bottles or soft flasks.

These models are also popular among fast hikers looking for an option lighter than traditional backpacks.

CAPACITY

Many backpacks are available in different sizes. It’s a personal choice that will depend on each runner. However, you should consider several factors:

Think about the trail’s distance, the terrain’s orography, and the climate. Your body will dehydrate much faster if you’re trail running in Tenerife, where the sun’s rays can be strong, as opposed to running in Canada during the winter. Likewise, you’ll need more water for running up steep ravines than you will for running on flat terrain.

If you are going to be running in a marathon, you must think about what kind of support you’ll have. How many supply points are along the trail? Some runners don’t bring enough water and can suffer from dehydration.

Also, there may be streams along the route where you can refill your water bottles, which would allow you to significantly reduce your water load. If that’s the case, consider bringing a water filter.

Generally speaking, most mid-length distance runners prefer 1.5L to 5L vests, as they offer enough space for a couple of water bottles, some energy bars, snacks, and a raincoat. For longer, more demanding trails, you’ll need a model larger than 7L, so you can also store some extra layers, mountaineering gear, etc.

FIT AND COMFORT

Regardless of the design, a good running pack should fit snugly against your torso. It must be very comfortable and fit close to your body, almost like a second skin.

Running with a backpack that bounces around can be uncomfortable. Also, it can cause irritation, chafing, or even blisters. The best models have an ergonomic design that adapts perfectly to the shape of your body.

Stretchy materials, well-designed shoulder straps, and adjustable compression straps are essential elements for distributing weight correctly, ensuring a good fit, and reducing bouncing.

WEIGHT

Weight is an important factor to consider, especially if you are going to be participating in a competition. The lighter you go, the more comfortable and faster you will run. Good trail running vests should be as light as possible.

AIR CIRCULATION

Although some people sweat more than others, all runners will perspire while running. Therefore, a reliable vest must have some kind of ventilation system.

Most models feature highly breathable materials in the back panels, shoulder straps, and front panels. In addition, a vent mesh can be placed in certain areas to improve air circulation and wick away sweat.

Keep in mind that tight-fit models are generally worse-ventilated than pack-like models (most have mesh back panels). Likewise, large models offer less air circulation than minimalist packs.

BOTTLES vs BLADDER

All models include some type of hydration system, so you can drink comfortably on the go. The most popular hydration options are water bottles and water reservoirs (also known as hydration bladders).

Keep in mind that some models don’t include any bottles and bladders in the purchase price. Sometimes, they are sold separately.

Water bottles:

Bottles are perfect for short-to-mid-distance running as well as for running in places where you can refill your bottles along the route. Typically placed at the front side of the vest (on the shoulder straps), bottles have several advantages:

They give you easy and quick access to water. You can see how much liquid you have left (without removing your vest). You can fill them with two different liquids. (For instance, you can have water in one bottle and an isotonic drink in the other.)

Water bottles can be rigid (traditional ones) or flexible (known as soft flasks). Today, most people prefer soft flasks because they are lighter and more comfortable to wear.

Hydration bladders:

Bladder are best suited for long-distance running because they allow you to carry more liquid than soft flasks do. Typically placed in the rear compartment, hydration bladders also allow quick access to water through a flexible tube from which you can easily drink. You won’t need to remove your backpack.

On the downside, bladders don’t allow you to check how much water you have left, and they are usually heavier. However, they are the best option for those who need to bring more water with them.

WINTER ACCESSORIES

If you’re planning to run in winter or in high-altitude mountain areas, where temperatures can easily drop below 0º Celsius (32º Fahrenheit), I recommend that you look for an insulated backpack. These packs include an insulated neoprene sleeve for the hydration bladder, so the water won’t freeze.

POCKETS AND COMPARTMENTS

Minimalist models barely have two or three pockets for storing water and snacks; that’s it. Although these models can be ideal for short runs, long-distance runners will need extra compartments.

Many packs have two front pockets for water bottles, a rear compartment for a hydration bladder, small rear compartments for keys, money, etc., and two underarm pockets (usually under the bottles) for storing snacks, bars, and gels.

Larger capacity backpacks can include several rear compartments for storing extra layers, a pair of gloves, a hat, etc.

ATTACHMENTS AND STRAPS

Models designed for challenging expeditions include external accessories and compression straps, so you can attach your hiking poles, ice axes, crampons, ropes, etc.

Trekking-pole straps and attachments can offer different carrying options, including lateral, along the shoulder, and diagonal set-ups. No matter the design, you must feel comfortable while carrying your poles.

SIZE

Most models come in various sizes, typically S, M, and L. To find the right size, I recommend that you look at the manufacturer’s size chart.

Many models include adjustable straps and Velcro systems for a custom fit. Adjustable vests are a great option for entry-level runners because you can use the same pack for training as well as for your first races.

Also, you can wear them throughout the year, as they can be adjusted to different layers of clothing. The main drawback is that adjustable systems can increase the final weight. This probably won’t a problem for intermediate runners, but it could be an issue for professional runners.

WOMEN’S MODELS

Trail running is becoming very popular among both men and women. For this reason, some models (though, unfortunately, not all) are available in a women’s version.

There are significant differences in the torso areas between men and women, so I recommend that you look for a model specially designed for your gender.

EXTRA FEATURES

If you like city running, especially at night, make sure your model includes reflective elements that will make you more visible.

Some models include interesting features like waterproof pockets, emergency whistles, special compression straps, sunglass compartments, etc.