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The best hydration packs and vests for training runs, marathons and beyond
We've put these packs through their paces to bring you our top picks
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Whether you’re training for a marathon, an ultra, or simply heading out for a day on the trails, a hydration pack can help you carry all the essentials you need in one place.
Hydration packs vary from running backpacks in that they tend to be more lightweight and minimalist, suitable for carrying gels, water, electrolytes, snacks and light clothing. A running backpack will fit the bill if you’re going hiking or planning on adding a run commute into your weekly mileage, and need something more substantial for a laptop and a full spare change of clothes.
The best hydration vests and packs
Ready to shop? Here are our favourite, tried and tested hydration vests, at a glance. Or, keep scrolling to read more about them.
How to choose a hydration pack:
Fit: A poorly fitting hydration pack can cause all kinds of grief, digging into your shoulders, chafing or riding up. A hydration vest should be worn high up on your back, and fit snuggly so that it doesn’t create movement when you run. If you’re between sizes, though, we’d recommend opting for the larger one so that you’re not too restricted.
While a lot of hydration packs are unisex, some brands offer women-specific designs with more space around the chest and lower hydration pockets to accommodate for a woman’s build.
Capacity: Most hydration packs are designed to hold between 2-12L of water, either in a bladder sat on your back or soft flasks in the front pockets. The ideal pack size will depend on the time and distance you’re running. For shorter runs (under an hour), a 2L vest will be more than sufficient. For anything over three hours, a 6-10L vest will hold slightly more, as well as having room for extra layers and other items like a power bank.
Features: Planning on running with a credit card or keys? Look for a pack with a zip pocket to keep them secure. If you’re going to be taking on fuel, make sure there’s space for your gels or food to be easily reachable so you can keep moving.
How we test
Every pack in this guide has been tested by the Runner's World editors. They've been worn over a number of runs in all weather conditions, from sun and light showers to wind, heavy downpours and nighttime jaunts. We assess each pack for its fit, comfort, capacity, features, price and more.
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