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The Best Men's Running Hydration Vests

Every year we test out dozens of exciting new hydration packs and narrow them down to our favourites. For this article, we've hand-selected some of the best vests to meet your running needs, whether you're new to the trails or have completed dozens of ultramarathons.

Updated: September 2023


Salomon Sense Pro Set Pack

5L & 10L Storage Options
Salomon Sense Pro Set Pack

The Salomon Sense Pro 5 Set Pack continues the legacy of the wildly popular S/Lab Ultra Pack but with refinements to both comfort and storage. In order to enhance comfort for grueling trail races, this vest features an improved fit that eliminates pressure points and friction, while load-balancing sternum straps even out the weight of your pack. Additionally, the side and rear storage pockets offer smarter storage solutions by being easier to pack and access on the run.

This pack offers 1L of hydration between dual front-riding 500 ml / 17 oz Soft Flasks, which feature wide-mouth caps for fast refills. Minimalist construction strips this pack down to the bare essentials, and the stretch mesh made of soft and breathable material means that this pack can easily be worn shirtless without chafing. Several front pockets offer space to stash nutrition, accessories, and essentials with ease.


Nathan Pinnacle Hydration Vest 12L

As the next generation of the VaporKrar race line, the Nathan Pinnacle 12L Hydration Vest continues to offer top-of-the-line comfort and plenty of storage capacity for your long trail race or training run. With improvements to the overall design and shape, this vest is now 20% lighter and more breathable and features a slightly longer back to disperse pack weight. This pack's soft, shirt-like material adapts to your body to maintain all-day comfort, while adjustable sternum straps provide a personalized fit.

Featuring a 1.6 L insulated bladder, your fluids will stay colder for longer and its hourglass shape drastically reduces sloshing. Offering up to 7 convenient front pockets and holsters, there is more than enough room for a day's supply of gels, capsules, accessories, and extra bottles.


CamelBak Zephyr Vest

Zephyr Vest

Featuring a lightweight feel and high-performance design, the Camelbak Zephyr Vest will help you take on long-distance training runs or even ultramarathons. This lightweight vest offers a customizable fit thanks to adjustable straps on the sternum and sides.

For hydration, the Zephyr Vest includes two 17 oz / 500 ml Quick Stow™ Flasks 2.0 for on-the-move hydration, and if extra water storage is needed, the rear sleeve can carry a 1.5 L reservoir (not included). This lightweight vest provides 8 pockets to carry your water, gels, clothes, and other essential gear. There's even a zippered pocket on the front strap designated for your phone making this pack is ready for your next adventure.


Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0

If you like running far or need to carry a lot of gear on your next long-distance run, then the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 should be a top choice. One major upside of this vest is that it can carry a reservoir, extra layers of apparel, nutrition, and a ton of other small essentials yet still remain extremely comfortable with limited bouncing. As an added benefit, this vest uses Ultimate Direction's Comfort Cinch 2.0 technology which allows you to secure the load and personalise the fit for your unique body.

Shop Men's Best Hydration

Written by David

David grew up in an athletic family on the Central Coast of California and has been playing competitive sports since he was a child. He started running in college in order to get outside, stay in shape, and relieve stress caused by school. 10+ years later, he's still running, and has completed a number of full and half marathons.