Bottles range in size from about 250 to 600 milliliters and are a popular form of hydration for supported races, short runs, and routes near lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water where you can replenish your supply throughout the day. The advantages over hydration reservoirs are clear: Bottles are much easier to refill and don’t require that you take off your vest to do so, and they allow you to monitor how much remaining liquid you have far better than a reservoir. Finally, most runners carry two bottles (one on each shoulder strap), which allows them to drink two different liquids—often water and an electrolyte fluid—and balance the weight. The Salomon ADV Skin's HydraPak bottle Before we get into the nitty gritty, it’s important to note that even the lightest, softest, and best-fitting vests will still be a slight burden on your stride. In fact, one of our gear testers resisted wearing a vest for so long that she ran her first ultra (a 41-mile race) with handheld bottles and gels stuffed down her shirt. But she’s since changed her ways (and so have we), and the good news is that today’s vests are more comfortable than ever. Hydration vest for greater freedom and performance while running, Adjustable straps and 3D mesh for versatility, comfort and ventilation OPENING & CLOSURE - Large opening: Salomon bags have a large opening to make it easy to see and store your gear.

CONCEPT & TECHNOLOGY - Sensifit™: The construction uses stretch, breathable fabrics and lightweight adjustments to optimize fit and stability. What we like: More than double the storage of the ADV Skin 5 for ultras, long unsupported efforts, and winter running. Salomon Active Skin 4 Set Unisex Hydration Vest, with 2 Soft Flasks (500ml), Trail Running and Hiking. It’s a lot cheaper than the Hydra 4, but with the same quality and reliability you would get with any Salomon product. The REI Co-op Swiftland 5 redefines the standard of introductory running vests. At an affordable price, it's easy to use, highly adjustable, and capable of carrying a decent load. Our favorite thing about this vest is the intuitive design; at no point do you need to contort your body or undergo an unnatural movement to tighten or adjust a strap. We love that the amount of storage permits you to get out for full-day adventures with the necessary gear and some additional layers or medical supplies if need be. Compatibility with both a hydration bladder and soft flasks (not included) add to the versatility of this do-it-all vest.

Top 12 Product Ratings

I did a lot of trail running on one of the many hikes in Sedona Arizona and this hydration vest came in real handy there. In fact, I did at least 20+ miles of hiking with this on when I went there and I felt the immense comfort and application of using it on the runs I did there. Note: Recently I discovered the Hydra 4 vest has been discontinued for whatever reason and I am now recommending you get the Hydra 8 version of it. The great news is that: First, I went to Harriman State Park (in the middle of winter by the way) and wore some tight, but very insulated clothing to keep me warm while hiking in the cold.

Grand Canyon: When I hiked here, I wore a hoodie and in spite of the extra layer of clothing, the vest still fit me perfectly well (as you can see): HYDRATION - Reservoir compartment: This item contains an internal reservoir compartment with a hanging strap to hold the reservoir in place. CARRYING SYSTEM - Key holder: This elastic key chain holder makes it easy to pull keys off the bag while remaining safely attached. Designed by and for the fastest trail runners in the world, this vest has the fit and features to race fast

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Salomon Active Skin 4 Set Unisex Hydration Vest, with 2 Soft Flasks (500ml), Trail Running and Hiking - New Updated Model. Regardless of this variable, many of the larger vests we tested are notably lightweight, while some of the smaller vests tested were included as price-point options and are built with heavier materials. I don’t consider myself a serious trail runner (yet), but for the goals I’ve set in the coming year (basically to become one), to me, this vest is a perfect fit in more than one way for my needs and I fully intend to make the most of it. For example, I intend to do serious trail runs like Devils Path in one day next year, and this hydration vest is absolutely ideal for me to wear when I do this.

The majority of vests come in at least two sizes, with some available in up to five for both men and women. But as is common in outdoor gear, it can be difficult to find options beyond the small-to-large spectrum. For larger body sizes, the REI Co-op Swiftland 5 is the only vest we reviewed that offers both XL/1X and 2X/3X sizing. The Nathan VaporAir 3.0 comes in a 1X to 3X option, and a few others here have XL offerings. We hope that this is a sign of things to come, and look forward to seeing more manufacturers expand their size ranges. FABRICS - 3D air mesh: Soft 3D mesh adapts to your body on the move, without rubbing your skin or tee-shirt. Larger holes maximize comfort and breathability. Rise to the challenge with Salomon hydration gear: easy hydration, secure fit, maximum comfort and freedom of movementSalomon Active Skin 8 Set Unisex Hydration Vest with 2 Soft Flasks (500ml), Trail Running and Hiking. Not just good for trail running, but this vest is also good for biking and long marathons in my opinion.

Depending on what type of outdoor hikes/trails you intend to do, this running vest might be either the best thing for such an occasion or you may need something else. In this review, I’ll help you understand just that.