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A running backpack or hydration vest can be your best friend during long runs<\/a>, ultra-marathons,<\/a> or even your commute<\/a>. Whether it\u2019s to hold your water flasks, energy gels<\/a>, running jacket<\/a> or your office supplies, you want a bag that is going to safely hold your belongings without impacting your running form<\/a>.<\/p>\n We know that running backpacks aren\u2019t a one-size-fits-all purchase. The type of running you\u2019re doing can determine the style and weight of your bag.<\/p>\n You also want to consider hydration. Do you want a hydration pack that also packs a bit of storage, or a running rucksack that has space for some bottles or a bladder?<\/p>\n To help you find the best buy for your needs, we asked our expert group of runners to test and review some of the best running backpacks and hydration vests available from brands we love and trust.<\/p>\n Technical details:<\/strong><\/p>\n What our tester said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI typically only wear hydration vests if I absolutely have to. Even the most lightweight ones I\u2019ve tried have had a bit of a bulky vibe, with cords flying everywhere and not the most flattering fit.<\/p>\n This vest has changed the game for me! It\u2019s as stylish as it is functional and it fits like a glove. Buttery soft, stretchy fabric means that it\u2019s comfortable to wear both over a top and on its own during really hot weather. The easy-to-use clips have eradicated any cord wrangling. And can I please take a moment for the pockets: there are 12. Yes, 12! It\u2019s got pockets for soft flasks, zipped pockets for essentials, gel-size pockets, hidden pockets\u2026the list goes on.<\/p>\n Where I used to only don a vest for longer runs, I pull this one on for every single run I do, even if I\u2019m not carrying water. It\u2019s much more comfortable than the belt I used to use to carry my phone and keys in, and doesn\u2019t bounce around during the run either. And if all of that wasn\u2019t enough, it comes in the most delightful colour combos \u2013 and you can even buy matching running kit, if you so desire. Can you tell I\u2019m obsessed?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Technical details:<\/strong><\/p>\n What our tester said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cYou only need one race vest, and this Trail Goddess one is now The One for me. My old vest never fitted properly and I just put up with it. I assumed that vests would never fit women properly. Trail Goddess is out to change that, with its promise of \u201cno bounce, zero chafe, just running\u201d.<\/p>\n It looks great: it\u2019s bright turquoise with hi-vis zips. It\u2019s short and compact so that the pockets sit at the sides of the chest rather than over the middle. It fits me well. There is lots of space for arm movement. The gap between its top seams and my collarbones and neck means no chafing. In fact, with a phone, one soft flask and many snacks in the pockets, I can happily report there\u2019s been no movement while running.<\/p>\n The vest has been well thought out, boasting 12 pockets, two of which are zipped (one front, one back) and many more that will hold a phone or gel without them bouncing out. There\u2019s even a hidden whistle attached to one of the many bungee cords. The back has a few layers of fabric but the short length means it doesn\u2019t feel hot when I\u2019m out running.<\/p>\n My only gripe is the soft flasks; the valves are stiff to bite and I find them hard to wash. That\u2019s not a dealbreaker for me, as I can swap in another bottle brand. Overall, an excellent, well-designed piece of kit that is worth the investment.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Technical details:<\/strong><\/p>\n What our tester said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI have loved (and ruined, via tumble dryer) my older Salomon pack, and was desperate to replace it. On first wear, this one is a very different feel. The older version was more stretchy, while this feels a bit more rigid, and the fabric is more \u2018anorak\u2019.<\/p>\n It comes with two soft flasks, but you can easily pop a bladder in the back as well\/instead. I\u2019ve taken it on several long marathon-prep runs. It stays put, with no chafing around my neck. The storage has increased and improved, with even more pockets. The water flask pockets hold them in place brilliantly.<\/p>\n The only slight niggle is that I\u2019ve noticed that when I\u2019m fiddling about with my hydration, the elastic can sometimes pop loose from the hook at the top. It\u2019s worth taking the time to adjust this and make sure it\u2019s really snug before you set off. Other than that, I can\u2019t quite believe I\u2019m saying this, but I love it even more than my old, broken version! Well done, Salomon!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Technical details:<\/strong><\/p>\n What our tester said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis backpack came along a matter of days before the London Marathon. And while the Running Gods tell us not to use anything new on race day, I decided not to listen. Why? Cos this fitted perfectly. I had one in a size smaller than I\u2019d normally go for, but it was bang on.<\/p>\n I was able to fit a bazillion gels, an inhaler, tissues, cereal bar, and two litres of electrolytes and it all packed in wonderfully. No bouncing, no chafe. Yes, I had a dreadful London Marathon, but none of it was down to this, which will be accompanying me on my next (hopefully more successful) one!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nBest running backpacks and hydration vests<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Best hydration vests<\/h2>\n
mileoff Hydration Run Vest<\/h3>\n
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Trail Goddess Artemis 5L Race Vest<\/h3>\n
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Salomon Active Skin Set<\/h3>\n
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Deuter Traick 5 SL<\/h3>\n
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