Best running hydration packs and vests of 2024

First things first, this bag looks great. It's also fantastically light, weighing in at only 110g (less than the two bottles that come with the pack). Surprisingly at that weight it also has a 10 litre capacity bladder pocket which, if fully filled with water, would obviously add some heft. But a bladder isn't even required since the flexible TR 10 also has room for flasks.

Speaking of which, there are no less than 6 pockets on the front of this bag. They follow the standard pattern; two at the top for Gels, Middle two reserved for your 500ml flasks. The flask pockets come with fixation loops so if you do something silly like fall into a stream whilst running, the bottles won't go astray.

Two lower pockets are for items such as gloves, headscarf, sweets etc. The material here is said to be stretch fabric but there's not a huge amount of give; we'd prefer an elasticated material to keep things slightly more secure. This is only a minor gripe however.

If six front pockets weren't enough, you have zip pockets on either side of the waist and they are large enough to stash a mobile phone securely. No space is unused on this pack, its ergonomic design really does shine. The pack fits great and the two straps across the chest are easily adjusted.

This bag will catch the eye for those looking for a light race pack and will also accommodate a longer run across a day. It might not be the cheapest bag but it covers so many aspects for trail runners it could be the only one you need.

We absolutely love the Patagonia Slope Trail Runner Vest. It’s everything we hoped for and more from a brand with such a strong environmental reputation. The vest is incredibly comfortable, thanks to its lightweight ripstop mesh and durable water repellent finish. It also fits so well that we sometimes forget we’re wearing it, even on long, hot runs. The adjustable design keeps everything secure, and we’re impressed by how stable the water flasks stay in the low-profile front pockets.

The thoughtful details really stood out to us—Patagonia included two 500ml HydraPak flasks, and the array of pockets is perfect for snacks, gels, and extra layers. The zip pocket for valuables is a great touch, too. Plus, we appreciate that there’s room for a hydration reservoir for very long outings where a litre just won't cut it.

On the sustainability front, Patagonia doesn’t disappoint. We’re big fans of their commitment to recycled materials and fair trade practices; while the vest does show a slight stretching over time, we’re confident in its durability, especially with the Ironclad Guarantee.

Yes, the price is steep at £150, but in our opinion, it’s worth it if you want a vest that’s built to last. Patagonia’s Slope Runner Vest is a fantastic investment for any serious runner.

Read our full Patagonia Slope Runner Vest review

The Montane Gecko VP 20L+ is built for runners who need serious capacity without sacrificing comfort, ideal for longer adventures that might involve a bivvy, bothy, or even multi-day hut-to-hut runs. This pack has ample space for essentials like a compact sleeping bag, fleece, lightweight waterproof, snacks, phone, keys, and a head torch, making it versatile enough for both day-long runs and minimalistic overnight trips.

Storage options are well-organised, with a spacious main compartment, a zipped security pocket for valuables, double-drawcord holders for poles or an ice axe, and stretchy front pockets perfect for quick-access items like gels or bars. Montane’s design philosophy of “wear it, don’t carry it” rings true; the Gecko clings comfortably to your body, supported by a broad Velcro strap over the abdomen that keeps loads secure even on rocky trails. However, when the 500ml bottles are full, there is some sloshing and slight movement, though it’s minor compared to other packs of this size.

At 420g (including bottles), the Gecko is lightweight, compressible, and offers decent ventilation, though its mesh back panel doesn’t breathe quite as well as the Arc'teryx Norvan’s. That said, the softer and lighter materials make it easy to pack down when you don’t need full capacity, and padding around the lumbar area offers extra comfort on the go.

While some may find it a bit more complex than Montane’s previous Via Fang vest, the Gecko VP 20L+ achieves the ideal balance between trekking-pack capacity and running-vest comfort. For those willing to trade a bit of minimalism for extra carrying capacity and thoughtful design, the Gecko is an impressive companion on long, challenging runs or ultralight trekking excursions.

The Camelbak Apex Pro 12L running vest is a high-quality hydration pack designed for athletes and trail running enthusiasts, especially for challenging environments like the UTMB series. Built with durable nylon, it holds up well against rough conditions, although it’s slightly heavier and less breathable than some competitors. Despite this, the vest remains comfortable, thanks to its four-way stretch material and adjustable straps.

The pack features a large main compartment, a smaller waterproof pocket, and a mesh section for a 2L water reservoir (sold separately, which is a bit of a gripe seeing as this pack dosen;t come cheap). A feature we really like, however, is the removable trekking pole quiver, which includes drainage holes for wet conditions. Safety is prioritised with RECCO reflector technology and multiple reflective patches throughout the vest's construction.

The pack includes two 500ml quick stow flasks in front pockets, though these flasks may feel undersized for a 12L pack. Additional storage options include a zipped pocket, a key clip, and a pass-through pocket for extra layers. Retailing at £140-£150 (but with a very high RRP of £175), it competes with the Salomon Advanced Skin 12 but offers better value with the included pole quiver.

Sustainability efforts are present here, but transparency about specific goals achieved is lacking. Tested on the Yorkshire Moors and Dales, the Apex Pro performed excellently, proving itself as a reliable, durable, and comfortable choice for long-distance mountain adventures. Despite its high price, the Camelbak Apex Pro 12 justifies its cost with its practical features and overall performance - this vest will last years, if not decades.

Read our full Camelbak Apex Pro Vest review

The North Face Flight Race Day Vest 8L is a lightweight running vest, coming in at just 200g, enabling high performance on the trail. It first catches your eye in the sharp green colour, keeping you uber visible on the trails (although it is also available in black if bright colours aren’t for you), with a further attractively reasonably price tag.

It is constructed from high quality quick drying wicking material with a water repellent DWR finish, keeping extra water weight to a minimum when you undoubtably get caught in the rain whilst out in the hills. But even during hot weather runs, the material breathes well, and you barely notice you are wearing a pack. The pack also comes equipped with a whistle to fulfil race day regulations.

The North Face Flight Race Day Vest comes equipped with plenty of storage options with a handy zipped phone pocket on the front, along with easy access side pockets for gels/snacks or small layers, as well as the larger back pocket for larger extra layers. There is also a lower back pocket, ideally suited for stashing running poles or a quick access layer.

 A really nice feature of this pack is that it comes with two 500ml soft flasks included which are easily attached to the bottom of the pockets via a flexible leash system, which keeps the bottles secure on the go but also enables quick refilling. The flasks fit snuggly into their pockets and when secured properly, bouncing is minimal. The pack also is also hydration bladder compatible and a 1L bladder can be slotted into the large back pocket, secured by a sturdy clasp fastening system.

As an outdoorsy woman on the smaller side I often find the fitting of packs and vests quite difficult, however this vest fits just perfectly. As a size 8, I found the sizing of the XS vest to be a snug yet comfortable fit. The straps on the front are very easy to adjust and the clasping system is sturdy, and even with a full pack I found the ‘bouncing around’ of the pack to be extremely minimal. Although, general verdict on the internet suggests the Flight Race Day Vest runs large, so for a compact snug fit maybe it would be worth sizing down. Overall, the North Face Flight Race Day Vest 8L is a great pack for both the beginner and experienced trail runner.

The Rab Veil 6L Lightweight Running Vest is is a brilliant bit of kit. The fit is snug, yet breathable, ensuring you remain cool even when the miles—and the sweat—start to pile up. Sure, it's not as lightweight as other vests on the market, but its features and design more than make up for it. Tested over the course of a damp British summer, we're impressed with its load capacity and well-thought-through features such as zipped pockets for keys and cards, plus bungee cords for your poles.

Pockets galore are the highlight here: perfectly placed and sized to hold everything from snacks to your phone without turning you into a pack mule. We especially like the stretchiness of the main pocket, which is a bit of a tardis when it comes to stuffing in insulation layers and packets of biscuits. The hydration system, featuring two soft flasks, is also easy to sip from without breaking your stride.

Once you’re off and running, the Rab Veil 6L becomes an invisible companion. It’s so lightweight that you might forget it’s even there, only to be pleasantly reminded by the easy access to an energy gel or a quick glug of water. Even in the rain, the vest’s materials shrug off moisture, keeping your gear surprisingly dry. The only thing we'd like to see improved is the sustainability credentials, as very little of the vest is made with recycled fabric.

Whether you’re tackling an ultra, or enjoying a leisurely Sunday jog, this vest is a reliable partner that’ll have your back through every mile. Strap it on, load it up, and hit the road.

With a generous 14L capacity, this vest easily holds a lightweight fleece, waterproof jacket, snacks, and a first aid kit. It even has space for stashing poles in the side wing pockets or securing an ice axe via front-panel drawcords, making it ideal for serious mountainous expeditions.

Two 500ml soft flasks sit on each harness strap, with additional storage pockets below for essentials like a phone, gels, and small items such as car keys or medication. The Norvan’s stability on the move is exceptional, with minimal bounce even when fully loaded. Its clever compression drawcords ensure it stays snug against your body, preventing the dreaded slosh of full water bottles.

Arc'teryx has equipped the Norvan with a rigid mesh back panel for enhanced breathability and support, though this adds some weight. The sturdy ripstop front panel further boosts durability, making it a bit heavier than some ultralight alternatives. However, this robust construction contributes to the pack’s impressive stability, even on rough terrain.

A thoughtful addition is the RECCO reflector, which can assist rescue teams equipped with compatible technology—widely available across Europe and used by UK Mountain Rescue.

The Norvan isn’t without its quirks. There’s no women-specific version of this 14L model, and the large wing pockets, while perfect for poles, aren’t suited to smaller items due to their taper. With a multitude of pockets, the vest’s complex layout requires some getting used to, especially if you’re prone to losing track of where items are stored. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Norvan 14’s balance of capacity, stability, and ruggedness make it an ideal companion for ambitious trail runs and alpine adventures.

The stretchy material that largely comprises The North Face’s Summit Run 12 makes it a unique pick. Opting for a slightly unusual approach, this pack hugs around your torso with a light mesh which is breathable and accommodating for movement.  

This choice, however, comes at the expensive of sacrificing the tighter, more secure fit you might expect from a race vest. You may find the vest bounces around a bit if you aren’t lucky enough to match its dimensions perfectly. This is a rare moment where we'd advise you to go down a size if buying online. Still, the Summit Run is super comfortable to wear and has a large back compartment, as well as front pockets that can really stretch if needed.

Two 500ml flasks sit securely on each strap thanks to a leash system – though this isn’t super easy to use. A whistle is attached inside one flask pocket which is a nifty addition. If your phone is particularly large, you’ll have trouble squeezing it into the zip pocket which sits behind the flasks. There are a couple of quite sleek diagonal pockets for gels.

All in all, a comfortable pack that looks flashy (if you get it in black – we’re less keen on green) and fits snugly. Usually.