![\"(Photo\/Nathan](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/N_SS19_SanDiego_0219_IMG_1701-700x467-1.jpg\")
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There\u2019s been an explosion of running vests and hydration packs in the past few years.<\/strong> Not only does that mean there are more options, but they\u2019re also more comfortable and functional than ever before. Improved designs have led to less bounce and chafing, and more comfort mile after mile.<\/p>\n Carrying capacity has also grown, with running vest capacity reaching 10-15 L and running packs expanding into the 20L range. This means you can go further and carry more, all with the convenience of a running vest.<\/p>\n From snow-packed trails in Eastern Sierra\u2019s Mammoth Lakes to high-altitude training grounds in Northern Arizona, to the wilds of New Zealand, we\u2019ve put a lot of miles on hydration vests. We tested for overall comfort, capacity, fit, and ease of use. And, while there isn\u2019t a single hydration pack that will work for every person, we\u2019ve included a variety of options to fit your style of running.<\/p>\n Current authors Chris Carter and Matthew Medendorp are both religious trail and road runners, clocking endless miles each week in pursuit of PRs and podium finishes. They know the importance of proper hydration on long runs and settled for only the best in the creation of this guide. <\/p>\n For more help choosing the best hydration pack for running, check out the buyer\u2019s guide<\/strong><\/a> and comparison chart<\/strong><\/a> at the bottom of this article, along with our FAQ section<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Editor’s Note: We refreshed this article on April 17, 2024, adding Norr\u00f8na\u2019s senja econyl70 vest, additional details about our testing practices, and updated product photography. <\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMinimal to no bounce while running<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCleverly designed and spacious pockets<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPull tabs everywhere you need them<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQuick adjustment points for on-the-fly tightening<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPocket for bladder if preferred<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHigh price point<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLower water bottle placement<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The senja vest<\/a> ($229) is Norr\u00f8na\u2019s freshman debut into trail running and hydration packs, but it has none of the growing pains typical of a brand\u2019s first outing. Instead, it\u2019s intelligently packed with features, adjustment points, strategic zippers, and, crucially, a minimal bounce suspension system that limits the washing machine effect while running.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n With a 7L capacity, it\u2019s not an overnight pack. But for anything short of a multi-day FKT attempt, this pack proves worthy. Its single, central zipper on the main backpack storage area is water resistant and held off an impressive amount of moisture for our tester, who wore it for several rainy runs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n But the senja really stands out from the crowd via its buckles, which are easy to operate one-handed. Combined with a comprehensive adjustment system, it creates a sturdy, easy-to-operate vest. It\u2019s one of our favorites on a list of VERY good competitors, with the only knocks being a low water bottle placement and a high price point.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAffordable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBreathable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot the best storage capabilities<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOn the heavy side for how small it is<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n If you\u2019re looking for something to get the job done without any fancy features, the\u00a0Nathan Quickstart 2.0<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0($80) running vest is an affordable but high-quality option. This vest is the perfect size for short to medium runs. It\u2019s lightweight and breathes well even in hot weather.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Our tester has fit multiple layers in the main zip pocket, although it was more of a challenge than we would like. We recommend this vest for runs where you don\u2019t need to carry multiple layers.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n This\u00a0running vest<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0comes with a 1.5 L hydration reservoir that our tester has used for about 6 months without any leaking or durability issues. We especially appreciate the reservoir tube hook that keeps the nozzle stored out of the way while moving. In the front, there is space for a bottle (not included), a stretch mesh pocket, and a zipper pocket.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreat storage capabilities<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSolid anti-chafe air mesh panel<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWaterproof stash pocket on shoulder<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan feel bulky and bouncy when loaded down<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBack panel not as breathable as other models<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n If you\u2019re an ultra runner, or like to do big mountain runs where you need a lot of supplies,\u00a0this running vest<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0($150) is a solid option. We were surprised to see that the capacity is similar to the\u00a0Salomon Sense Pro 10<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2014 they both have around 10 L of space. But this vest feels like it can carry a lot more with all its bells and whistles.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n However, the downside to all the pockets, stash straps, and zippers on this vest is that it feels bulky and bounces a bit when you\u2019re moving. Our female tester had to tighten the vest quite a bit for less bounce, which left long tails hanging from the front buckle straps. This vest does not feel nearly as sleek as the Salomon vests or the\u00a0Patagonia Slope Runner<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Lots of storage does make it easy to pack everything you need for an all-day outing. The main zippered pocket features a waterproof material and easily fits a few layers. There is space for a 2 L reservoir (not included), two included 500mL flasks in pockets, a zippered phone pocket, trekking pole attachments, two stretchy easy access stash pockets, and small zippered pockets in the back.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n This vest<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0features a partial air mesh back panel to protect from the Comfort Cinch 3.0 elastic bands. The air mesh panel is less breathable than other mesh back panels. The Comfort Cinch 3.0 design makes it simple to adjust to your body.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLots of capacity<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Best Running Hydration Packs & Vests of 202<\/strong>4<\/h2>\n
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\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Overall Running Hydration Pack\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNorr\u00f8na senja econyl70 7L vest Hydration Vest\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t7L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t324 gr<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tECONYL\u00ae yarn – recycled nylon with a PFC Free DWR<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAll-day mountain runs, day hiking<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/senja-econyl70-7l-pack.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tIlana Newman<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tCheck Price at norr\u00f8na <\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Budget Hydration Pack\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNathan Quickstart 2.0 4L\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4 L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t9.5 oz. with bladder<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNylon, polyester<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShort to medium trail and road runs<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/nathan-quickstart-20-4-l-hydration-pack-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tIlana Newman<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$80 at REI<\/a>$65 at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Hydration Pack for Ultramarathons\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tUltimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t10.3 L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t7.9 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFlex Mono Mesh, MicroMono Mesh, 20-denier sil-nylon, nylon, elastane with ripstop<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUltras or all-day mountain runs<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ultimate-direction-ultra-vest-60-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tIlana Newman<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t$150 at REI<\/a>$150 at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Hydration Pack for Multiday Trips\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tUltimate Direction FastPack 20\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t23.4 L<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 lb., 4.8 oz.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMonoRip mesh, nylon<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFastpacking, dayhiking, ultra running<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/ultimate-direction-fastpack.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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