Harrier Curbar 5L hydration vest | Tested and reviewed

Harrier is a relatively new brand in the world of trail running, but it’s already making waves with its range of affordable running gear. Based in Derbyshire and founded with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, Harrier stands out not only for its products but also for having a female company director, which is something I always appreciate in a male-dominated industry.

One of Harrier’s standout products is the Curbar 5L hydration vest. Designed to offer lightweight storage for shorter races and everyday training runs, the Curbar has quickly built a strong reputation among trail runners.

But how does it perform in practice? I tested it to see whether it delivers on comfort, storage, and practicality.

Design and features

One of the key features that sets Harrier apart from other hydration vest manufacturers is the extensive range of sizes. While many brands only offer small, medium, and large options (which often run too big for women with smaller frames), the Curbar 5L is available from extra-extra-small to extra-large.

Harrier also provides useful size guides and fitting advice to help you choose the perfect size. After testing both the small and extra-small, I found that the extra-small provided a much better fit and didn’t ride up while running.

In terms of storage, the Curbar 5L is deceptively spacious. Despite its compact size, it features an impressive 13 storage compartments. The main storage area consists of a large, stretchy open pocket at the back, which expands to accommodate bulkier items.

In front of this is another compartment with a slightly padded, breathable mesh lining that sits comfortably against the back.

At the front, the vest includes a zippered pocket on the sides, which extends slightly toward the back and are ideal for securing a phone or other valuables. Next to this is an open stretch pocket, perfect for easy-access nutrition.

The main front compartments are designed to hold soft flasks and have additional elastic toggles to keep bottles secure and prevent bouncing while running. Behind the bottle holder pocket on the left-hand side is a secondary zippered pocket, which is slightly harder to access but useful for items that don’t need to be reached frequently.

There is also a long pocket on both sides behind the flask pocket but it is not particularly accessible as it is narrow and fiddly to get into.

On the back the vest includes attachment points for running poles, with horizontal loops. However, if you’re not using these loops, they can flap around quite a bit while running, which I found slightly annoying. It’s a good idea to tie them down beforehand if they’re not in use.

Fit and comfort

The Curbar 5L is designed to provide a snug fit, ensuring minimal movement while running. This is particularly important in a hydration vest, as excessive bouncing can lead to discomfort over long distances. I found the fit to be excellent, with the adjustable chest straps allowing for a secure and personalised fit.

Unlike some other vests I’ve tried, such as the INOV8 RacePac 20, the Curbar 5L does a much better job of catering to different body shapes. The quick-release clips at the front are easy to use and make taking the vest on and off a breeze, even mid-run. The front straps are also adjustable to accommodate different chest sizes and preferences.

One minor issue I encountered was the excess strap length after tightening the vest. The extra material tends to flap around, so you need to find a way to tuck it away to avoid distraction.

The vest is made from a soft, breathable fabric that feels comfortable against the skin. I didn’t experience any chafing, and the breathable mesh backing helps to wick moisture away during longer runs.

Performance

When it comes to usability, the Curbar 5L is a strong contender in the lightweight vest category. The stretchy back compartment allows you to fit a surprising amount of gear, making it more practical than some similarly sized vests, like the Camelbak Ultra Pro, which lacks the same level of expandability.

For a 5L pack, the storage capacity is impressive. I was able to fit a waterproof running jacket, running gloves, hat, long-sleeve layer and some snacks in the back compartment with space to spare, while keeping my phone, energy gels, and soft flasks within easy reach at the front.

The zippered compartments offer additional security for small valuables, though I did find the side zip pocket slightly awkward to access while on the move.

One downside is the lack of any waterproof compartments, which means you need to pack items accordingly in wet conditions. The vest is best suited for summer running or races where waterproof storage isn’t a necessity.

Price and sustainability

At £64.99, the Curbar 5L is competitively priced and offers excellent value for money. It’s significantly cheaper than some of its major competitors like the Salomon Advanced Skin vests, which can cost over £100. Despite its affordability, the Curbar doesn’t feel cheap—it’s well-constructed and designed to last.

While it doesn’t have some of the premium features of higher-end hydration vests, such as fully waterproof pockets or ultra-lightweight materials, it delivers outstanding functionality at a fraction of the price.

When it comes to sustainability Harrier emphasises creating durable products through rigorous material testing, minimising packaging waste with compostable and recyclable materials, and prioritising sea shipping to reduce carbon emissions. They also collaborate with Pre-Loved Sports to repurpose demo and seconds kit, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Verdict

The Harrier Curbar 5L is a fantastic hydration vest for runners who need a lightweight yet spacious pack for short to mid-distance runs.

With its impressive storage capacity, comfortable fit, and excellent price point, it’s a great alternative to more expensive options on the market. While it lacks waterproof storage it delivers where it matters—practicality, comfort, and ease of use.

For runners looking for an affordable, well-designed hydration vest that won’t break the bank, the Curbar 5L is a solid choice.

About the author

Lily Canter is a freelance journalist and running coach (among a myriad of other jobs, including competitive ultra running) who contributes to LFTO with expert coaching advice and granularly detailed gear reviews. She also founded women’s running club Great Bowden Runners. As a qualified England Athletics running coach, Lily loves nothing more than seeing women achieving their running goals.