Trail-running hydration gear has evolved a lot since the days of fanny packs and water bottles with duct-tapehandles. As the sport has grown,so has the variety of vests designed to hold water, food, and gear for hours-long runs or between race aid stations. We spent the summerchecking out new and updated packs from a host of top brands.Here are six of our favorites, some recently launched and some coming in early 2019.
Ultimate Direction ϳԹ Vesta 4.0 ($160)
Online managing editor Abigail Wise ran two ultras in the original version of the —Ultimate Direction’s large-capacity women’s vest for long days on the trail—so she was excited to test the updated model. “It’s like UD was watching me fumble with the old one and dreamed up impactful tweaks to make this model as efficient as possible,” she says. Cases in point: one of the two front bottle holstersis replaced with a zippered iPhone-sizepocket, a new fabric loopsnaps open and shut to quickly secure drink tubes, and the vest now has a monofilamentmesh backing that is more durable but also more breathable and faster-drying than the old cloth-meshblend, which was prone to absorbing more moisture.
The North Face Flight Trail Vest ($150)
Don’t let the slim profileof The North Face’s fool you: it can fit more than you think. Two front stretch pockets accommodate multiple bars, gels, and chew packets, while the zippered side pockets are each big enough for an iPhone—though, when filled, they somewhat block the kangaroo pouch on the back. Two small zippered pocketshigh on the shoulder strapsare perfect for keys, salt tabs, or lip balm. The North Face took a page from Salomon’s playbookfor the fabric and fit, with thin poly-elastanefor pocketsand fine nylon mesh next to the skin—reminiscent of the French brand’s wildly popular vest. The end result is close-fitting with a low-bounce ride.
Raidlight Responsiv 10L ($170)
This French company has been gaining traction in the U.S. for several years, thanks to its detail-driven designs andhigh-quality construction (think: laser-cut, stitch-free hems). The , the brand’s most popular vest, is getting an upgrade in 2019, with two additional liters of capacity and a zipper on one of the front pockets for more secure storage. Thankfully, many of our favorite features remain, including theFreelockwheel-and-wire cinches, similar to Boa dials, on both sides for a supremely dialed-in fit(though as a result the vest does not have side pockets).Water-resistant nylon on the main rear compartment means gear stays relatively dry during squalls, while a vertical pole-storage system has stretchy pockets that cover the pole tips, so you don’t have to fear impaling yourself if you fall.
Salomon Agile 6 ($100)
Some of us prefer a vest that fits more like a pack, without the full underarm coverage and the mess of front pockets.That’s where Salomon’s new comes in. The front straps have soft-flask holsters but no other pouches; instead, the main back compartment offers a full six liters of storage, with a U-shaped zipper that opens the pack like a clamshell for easy organization. A smaller internal zippered pocket holds keys, and a separate zippered hydration-bladder slotsits against your back. Without fronteasy-access stuff pouches, thisisn’t the vest you’d reach for on race day. But the shoulder padding, wide opening, and large capacity make it ideal for those long days when you’d welcome the chance to stop and take off your pack to shed a layer.
Patagonia Slope Runner 4L($140)
Patagonia’s new running hydration pack—its first in many years—wears more like a shirt. The slim, minimalist design accommodates two 500-milliliter soft flasks up front anda bladder in back. The two side and front pockets are made of compressive, stretchy fabric, which keeps small items like sunglasses, keys, gloves, or snacksfrom jostling around or slipping out. The chest-flask holders are made of the same fabricbut lack acinch up top, so getting flasks back in after a refill can be difficult. Still, the close-to-the-body fit and secure pockets makethis a great choice for light-and-fast runs.
Available January 2019
CamelBakWomen’sUltra Pro ($120)
The Ultra Pro has been in CamelBak’s line for several years, but 2019 marks its firstwomen-specific version. Like its unisex predecessor, the Women’s Ultra Prohouses seven liters’ worth of gear and water, butitis equipped with two sets of pockets for housing soft flasks, one high and one low. Three large stuff pockets and a phone-sizezippered pocket up front hold everything from snacks and headlamps to gloves and sunglasses, while arear kangaroo pouch layered over two smaller stretch pockets (also phone-size) offers easy on-the-go access to stashed layers. The main back compartment also accommodates a water bladder. CamelBak opted for a3-D mesh next to the skin, which is chunkier than the thin stretch mesh used byPatagonia and The North Face but risesoff the skin at points for ventilation, a bonus in hot weather.
Available in January 2019