Summer heat and humidity have a way of roaring back and sneaking up on you. While run hydration is important all year round, it’s even more so in the summer months. It is helpful to know your sweat rate. Running vests have become quite popular for the mainstream running set in the past few years. How do you know which type is right for you? There are a few important things to consider when choosing a running hydration vest.
How to choose a running (hydration) vest
The two most important factors (in my opinion) to choosing a running vest are comfort and practicality. Let’s take a closer look at those.
How much water would you like to carry?
Packs can vary in terms of capacity from 20-ounce bottles to 2-liter bladders (reservoirs). Do you have access/availability to replenish your supply mid run? How long is your run and how much fluid do you expect to need? Answering these questions will help you avoid common hydration mistakes.
Bottles vs Bladder (reservoir)
Some people find the weight of the full reservoir on their back uncomfortable. A large reservoir can also feel hot on your back. Reservoirs have a straw to allow for easier access to water sips mid run while bottles often do not. Bladders typically hold significantly more water. Bottles can be easier to clean and refill. It comes down to personal preference and comfort.
Storage pockets
What else do you want to carry with you on your run? How many fuel pockets do you need? Do you need a pocket big enough to carry your phone? Do you plan to carry keys?
Fit Styles of hydration packs
Where do the straps hit on you? Are you comfortable with one or two chest straps? Many companies now offer women specific vests with narrower shoulders and a more comfortable bust fit. Improper fit can cause chafing and make for a pretty miserable run. It is important to check the dimensions and sizing recommendations from the manufacturer as well as customer reviews. You are looking for a snug fit that does not constrict your movement or bounce around.
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Orange mud HydraQuiver single barrel
(This is NOT a sponsored post) After much research, I chose the Orange Mud HydraQuiver for a number of reasons.
-The small footprint of the pack appealed to me as I do not like having weight on my back. I don’t feel any heaviness with this one nor do I feel hot.
-The strap style appealed to me. I am not comfortable with a tight chest strap of any kind. I was drawn to the backpack style straps that did not require a chest strap and I have not experienced any bouncing or chafing while running. In fact, I hardly know it’s there. Reflective piping is always a plus.
-The 24 ounce bottle should accommodate my runs of 1-2 hours. The bottle is easy to fill and refill mid run if necessary and easy to clean. Bladder packs can be hard to clean. I can easily retrieve my bottle when needed.
-Ample storage pockets. These can easily fit my large phone, mask, wipes, tissues, and keys in the large pocket. The front has 2 small pockets that are great for fuel.
-Price is right at around $85 compared to some pricier options. I also love the pink option. You can get 15% off with code FF15Brooks here.
Looking for a bigger option? Check out the double barrel hydraquiver.
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Great review, thanks, Deborah!
I like the way you have easy access to the water bottle although it’s on the back.
I bought a new hydration pack 2 weeks ago, from Salomon. I am very happy with it. It has two bottles on the front.
I’m not a fan of the bladder. It is quite hard to suck water through a straw when you’re running at high elevation. I always get dizzy!
I agree that I was not interested in the bladder and straw combo for myself either. Hope yours works out for you as well
This looks like a good one! Ive had a camelback hydration pack for many years and its probably time to replace it. There are 2 pockets but they are really small. I like that it carries so much water though. I found that it feels weird to run with the extra weight at first but I eventually got use to it.
Running with the extra weight is hard for me and I don’t like the heaviness on my chest. After all the stroller running you do, I guess you are used to extra weight
Thanks for the info. I prefer a hydration belt for my water and other necessities .
I used to run with a hydration belt for years and then it just kind of bugged me a lot. It’s all just personal comfort that matters right?!
Exactly. And who knows if that might change in the future. 🤷🏽♀️
Nice review! I am going to need a pack with more hydration than the HydroQuiver, tho. I’m looking at the Nathan VaporHowe. I’ll share more once I make a decision.
Yes would love to hear which one you pick and why. I wish there was a way to test them out before committing
I never did buy one, lol! My son had a Camelback that I trialed. I didn’t love it for running but it would be great for hiking. It has a large bladder and did a lot of sloshing when I ran. And like you said, it got hot on my back. Maybe I could just have a sherpa that could meet me at designated stops with water? :p
now that would be a great idea!
Glad you found a pack you like! When I got mine, recommendations from friends running similar distances were key. I went with one from Ultimate Direction and I LOVE it. It’s got a bladder + 2 bottles that collapse away to almost nothing + room for phone, gels, everything.
That’s great. It’s definitely not an easy choice and there are so many styles to choose from
You name it, I’ve tried it when it comes to hydration. And I like to stay well hydrated! I moved to a hydration pack quite a few years ago. I love it — except when I don’t. It does tend to rough up my clothes a bit, which I hate. I love all the pockets! And I don’t find it at all heavy — so much more comfortable than hydration belts, IMHO — plus I’m not dropping bottles on the road!
Love the pink color. Wish mine was pink!
I used a hydration belt for years and it just kind of bugged me when it moved around. It’s hard to find just the right thing!
This is the exact vest that I have and I used it during my training and for 2 marathons – I absolutely love it! And it also feels so lightweight.
Oh wow I did not know that. We have good taste don’t we? I love it so far
Nice review…and gotta say I love the pink color 🙂 My pack is convenient but I don’t need it often. It has pockets on the front straps for bottles (2) and a deep pocket on the back that a bladder would fit in (but, ewww…never utilized that feature LOL). Numerous small pockets on the front as well.
You definitely have to find what works for you. I was going for lightweight and comfort on the chest straps
Welcome to the Orange Mud club! I love my OM packs. I started with the one you have, the HQ single, and then I got the double barrel, and most recently I’ve added the gear vest 1L and the endurance pack 2L. I love them all!!
wow that is a lot of gear!
Thanks for the advice.
I don’t have one and never thought of getting one.
I seems to be so hot in the summer. I just carry or plant a bottle and when I raced, there were the water stops.
When it cold enough to wear one, I don’t find I need much water.
I would only use it in the summer months when I am looking for more water. Not sure any water fountains will open this year!
I hate carrying anything so hydration vests are tough for me. I also can’t stand any pressure on the back of my neck or my shoulders. It’s a no go. The one vest I did have did not have a chest strap, but by the end of my run, I think I would have preferred it. I do like the small footprint of this one. I think that might make it feel lighter.
It feels very light and it did not bother my neck or shoulders at all
That vest looks great! I’ve tried a few different hydration vests and I find them so uncomfortable. Too much weight and I don’t like the sloshing around feeling/sound. I stick with my handheld especially now that drinking fountains are open and I can refill.
I am not the fountains will open at all here this year!
I’m not sure I can get use to wearing a vest. I definitely don’t think I would want the one with a bladder…I feel like it will get gross.
I use a waist pack with 2 bottles and a big pocket for my phone and fuel.
I also felt that the bladder option would get gross. I used to use a waist pack but it started to bug me too much
Thanks for sharing this. Interesting. I usually use belt. This vest might be helpful if I run longer runs or if it’s super hot and I need extra hydration.
I was wearing a belt for years and then it just started to bug me too much. I am really happy with this vest
I’ve been looking to get a hydration vest for quite some time but haven’t pulled the trigger. I really appreciate your insight on this! It definitely comes in handy and gave me some good perspective!
Glad you found it helpful. Happy running!
I have never used a hydration vest. However, this sounds great, I am going to give it a try as I often run out of water using just my few belt!!
I love it and I hope you do too! Let me know
The longer I run with a vest, the more I value the points you mention, Deborah!
I am still a big fan of my Salomon Sense 8 vest. It’s so light and the bottles in the front are easy to drink from and refill.
My husband has a Salomon with a bladder and you are right about the bladder being hard to clean. Such a pain!
I tried a vest on my bike and it is just too hard to clean. I like the bottle version myself as well
I am still getting used to the hydration vest that I got this year. I like that there are so many pockets and options for carrying water. I tend to like the packs with a bladder so i can just drink out of a straw.
that is definitely a plus for sure. It takes some practice to get used to running with vests but it’s a necessity around here
Great review Deborah! Finding the hydration pack I really loved was not easy, especially because so many of them are mail-order only so there’s no chance to try it on. Many of them are built for men, so entirely too large for me. I found others to lack the pocket space I needed. My best advice is to ask others what they like about theirs. A female ultra runner friend was able to make wonderful recommendations and that’s how I found the Ultimate DIrection vest I love!
I agree it is hard to find the right one and I wish you could try them all on. For me, it was the front chest strap that I did not like on so many of them
I love my vest, but don’t use (or need) it very often. I use the bladder pocket more for storage than anything else (I have never actually put water in there, but use the two strap bottles frequently, even without the pack itself).
Those are good ideas for storage when you don’t need the water. I’ve realized that I need to hydrate especially on more humid days. It really helps with my recovery
I have a camelbak hydration pack that I quite enjoy – it has a bladder with the straw which I’m quite comfortable using, as well as a few storage sections. But I’d love to try the one you have featured especially for shorter runs. I also really love that pink!
I of course love the pink as well and I especially like the backpack style
Oh wow, I literally just ordered this hydration pack (yesterday) and I’m kicking myself for not using your code!!!!!!!!! ARG! Other than that, i’m super excited to get it- i’m hoping to have it for my run this weekend. All the reviews are positive so I’m excited to try it out.
oh wow funny you are going to love it!
Fantastic tips!
So my confession is that I hate carrying anything. Vests annoy me, belts bother me, and I don’t want to hold anything in my hands. When I’m training, I leave my hydration and fuel at my house and loop back to it, and during races, I try to rely on course support.
wow, I am surprised you can do that down in your heat and humidity!
It’s funny, I absolutely prefer the bladder style and have never found it hot or heavy — and I feel that sucker up! Oddly, though, I will resist using it until I really need to, but I haven’t been running long for a long time so I really haven’t needed it.
One thing I would add is that the bladder keeps cold water cold for a REALLY long time, much longer than even insulated bottles.
I love running hands free!
I also love running hands free! It is definitely all about preference with the bladder or the bottles. happy running
That pink hydration vest is so adorable! Would be so perfect so I appreciate your insight!
Thanks Leslie! I do love my running gear
I have an Ultimate Direction vest and it is one of my favorite pieces of running gear. It’s so comfortable and convenient!
They are super comfortable and I love wearing it year round now
These are great factors to consider, Deborah!
I still have my Salomon hydration pack and I’m super happy with it – except for its soft flasks.
I found that they can be quite tricky to close properly after refilling at the aid stations. At my last race, the nozzle even came off. I couldn’t find it anymore and had to run the rest of the race with an open bottle. Wasn’t ideal! 🙂
yes, I have had similar issues with bottle tops like that myself
Last summer I ended up getting an Ultimate Direction vest that holds a bladder and//or 2 bottles in the front. It has lots of storage pockets too! I just need to make sure I get the straps on just right to avoid any chafing.
I was surprised that I never chafed from this one. I liked that it did not go across my chest in the front. I have enough going on there! LOL
Great review.
I don’t use one. I don’t even usually carry water.
But yours sounds like a good option.
Really? Not even in the summer? I get so thirsty and I like to hold my keys and phone in there too
As I mentioned above, I don’t use my vest very often but I do use the individual bottles a lot just on their own. They have an ergonomic shape that makes them super easy to carry for those days when I’m not running long, but need hydration with me. I love the design of your pink pack…those backpack straps look comfortable!
I really like the design of this one and that it does not go across my chest. It is super easy to reach the water bottles and it holds my keys and phone as well
Yes, I love the hydraquiver. Before I got it, my fears were that it would bounce, and also that having something on my back would make me too hot. Neither of these things are true- you seriously can hardly feel it, and it’s so small, it doesn’t make my back hot at all. I love it so much! I have the single bottle one, which has been fine for what I need so far. I would consider getting the double in the future though if I need it. Thanks for this recommendation!
I agree I really don’t feel it on my back at all. I am glad you like yours too. I do use the double when it get crazy hot out there and I know I need more water.
I don’t mind the bladder type pack at all, and I need #allthewater, LOL! But lots of pockets are an absolute must.
My only complaint about my hydration pack is it tends to rough up my running top a bit. I love my running clothes and I really hate that so I tend to really hold off on actually using it and sometimes I have to get creative with my outfit to carry enough water in the Summer.
Great tips, Deborah!
I have not had any issues with the pack bothering my shirt at all. I do love how much water it holds and that my keys and phone can fit in as well. I need lots of water on my runs too!
When I used to do long runs, I usually alternated between using a handheld water bottle and the Orange Mud single barrel holder – both were great!
For some reason, I don’t like holding something in my hand when running
Hydration vests are tricky. It’s nice not to have to carry anything in your hands, but I hate things on my shoulders and back. I’ve been relying on race amenities rather than carrying my own.
They can be tricky. I like this one bc it holds all of my stuff and does not restrict my movement
awesome…I’m going to share to our Facebook group…..I’m a fountain of advice but everyone is different right? I love my single bottle in the small of my back waist belt thing, but will use the hydration pack for longer, or through the mountain relay races where there may or may not be aid stations….and I need a handy spot for my phone/camera and gels……it took me a while to understand the burping thing, and how to stop thee sloshing thing
Yes everyone is different when it comes to hydration. It is so hot and humid here I like to have more liquid with me. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never really felt comfortable with a vest when I run. I’ve tried one or two and I have to say the sloshy sound drives me nuts! I generally carry a handheld, which I’ve done for years without trouble (even through a marathon). They also are easy to refill as needed and they don’t slosh around!
I do really like this one bc it does not go across my chest. We don’t have too many places to refill where we run so I like to carry a bit more with me
Being hard to clean is always what turns me off the bladders
Funny how we’re all different on chest straps. If mine is unhooked on my backpack it drives me nuts with the bouncing.
I was lucky to have easy acess to stores or water fountains on marathon training so don’t anticipate ever needing a vest. I’ll be honest most times I don’t even wear the belt, just carry water. Doesn’t owrk for everyone but I’m used to it
yes, it is a personal thing on what is most comfortable while running