Best Trail and Ultrarunning Vests of 2023

JUMP TO: SALOMON ACTIVE SKIN 8 | ULTIMATE DIRECTION ULTRA VEST 6.0 | NAKED HIGH CAPACITY RUNNING VEST | ULTIMATE DIRECTION MOUNTAIN VEST 5.0 | OSPREY DURO/DYNA 6 | BLACK DIAMOND DISTANCE 15 | PA’LANTE JOEY | NATHAN QUICKSTART 2.0 3 L | BUYING ADVICE  | COMMON QUESTIONS

Author: Steve Edgerton | Updated: Jun 5, 2023
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The Short Version

The Long Version

Trail and ultra running vests have become the de facto hydration solution for many runners. Handheld bottles and low-profile hip belts may be all you need for short outings, but the storage capacity, comfort, and hands-free nature of hydration vests make them the only hydration setup to prepare you for everything: from every day training sessions to epic trail runs and ultramarathons.

The variety of running vests now on the market can be overwhelming. The category includes everything from race-oriented models that carry little more than a couple of soft flasks to fastpacks with enough capacity for multi-day adventure runs.

 

It may not be a true running vest, but with its vest-style harness the Pa’lante Joey was our favorite pick for fastpacking.

 

Despite the breadth of options, the best trail and running vests share a few key traits: they are comfortable, versatile, and durable. Most importantly, they keep running fun, no matter what you’re carrying.

Whether you need a running vest for short urban trail runs, overnight fastpacks, or your next 100-miler, this list will help you find the best vest for you.

If you love reading this review of the best trail and ultrarunning vests, then you'll likely love reading some of our other running related content:

 

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Wondering how to know what vest is best for keeping you hydrated, fueled, and focused? Then don’t miss our buying advice at the bottom of the article where we take a closer look at what to consider when investing in a trail and ultrarunning hydration vest!

 

Best Overall: SALOMON ACTIVE SKIN 8

WEIGHT: 12.9 oz / 367 g

VOLUME: 8 L

INCLUDED LIQUID STORAGE: 1 L

TYPE OF LIQUID STORAGE: Soft flask pockets in vest (2 x 500 ml flasks included), reservoir sleeve (reservoir not included)

TREKKING POLE HOLDERS: No

PRICE: $$

PROS: Fit and adjustments eliminate bouncing, comfortable, feature-packed

CONS: Breathability is not the best

Salomon’s Active Skin 8 (men’s and women’s) sets the standard that all trail and ultra running vests are now compared against. It is snug but comfortable, durable but lightweight, and high volume but hardly noticeable—even when packed to its impressively cavernous limits.

This well-rounded vest is equipped to take on ultramarathons, long city training runs, and winter trail jaunts. You can pack enough extra layers, gear, and snacks for a whole day and night of running, but the vest is still streamlined to not feel like overkill on shorter runs when only carrying your water, phone, and keys.

The Active Skin 8 comes with two 500 ml soft flasks. A large hydration pocket can accommodate an additional 1.5 L reservoir. Other nifty features include form-fitting Sensifit construction, highly customizable sternum straps, an accessible collection of zippered and mesh pockets, and foam protection pads to minimize chafing from flasks.

The only real downside of the Active Skin 8 is its subpar breathability, as the mesh back panel can be quite suffocating. This is a mostly unavoidable tradeoff for a comfortable, high-capacity but low-bounce vest, unfortunately. Heavy sweaters might sweat right through the pack into the main zippered compartment and should consider storing extra layers in a plastic bag.

There is also a 4 L Active Skin vest, with a lower profile perfect for racing or for folks whose runs perhaps don’t extend into the backcountry for too long. If epic all-day mountain runs are your specialty, you may prefer Salomon’s Advanced Skin 12 for its extra capacity and built-in trekking pole attachment points.

All Salomon vests are durable and highly comfortable, but we particularly love the Active Skin 8 for its superior balance of volume and versatility. It never feels like too much vest, while still being more than enough for almost any single-day adventure on the trails. For trail runners seeking a “single quiver” hydration system that does everything exceptionally well, this is the vest for you.

Best Overall Runner-Up: ULTIMATE DIRECTION ULTRA VEST 6.0

WEIGHT: 11.7 oz / 331.7 g

CARRYING CAPACITY: 10.3 L

INCLUDED LIQUID STORAGE: 1 L

TYPE OF LIQUID STORAGE: Soft flask pockets in vest (2 x 500 ml flasks included), reservoir sleeve (reservoir not included)

TREKKING POLE HOLDERS: Yes

PRICE: $$

PROS: Comfortable, durable, designed for all-around performance

CONS: Runs large, awkward position for soft flasks

Ultimate Direction was one of the OG brands creating specialized trail running gear, and their hydration vests continue to be among the best. Their Ultra Vest 6.0 (men’s and women’s) stands out as a comfortable, durable, and versatile hydration solution, informed by UD’s decades of experience designing hydration gear for trail and ultra runners.

Like Salomon’s Active Skin 8, the Ultra Vest 6.0 provides a ton of volume and features without compromising on running comfort. It has 10.3 L of internal volume. External cinching straps to keep everything locked down. The chest harness combines accessible mesh pockets with a waterproof, zippered phone pocket.

Two adjustment points make it easy to adjust the vest on the go. Lightweight micro-mesh on the shoulders and backstraps is comfortable and not prone to chafing. Two soft flasks are included in the vest and a 2 L hydration bladder can be added to the dedicated back pocket.

The vest does have a couple of design quirks we don’t love. The soft flask pockets seem to sit a touch low on the chest harness, which makes drinking on the go somewhat awkward. Trekking poles are stored with cinch straps on the bottom of the vest, so you can’t stow them away or pull them out without first taking off the vest.

The Ultra Vest 6.0 also tends to run large, so we recommend sizing down to get a fit optimal for running. Performance-wise, we rank this vest close to on par with the Salomon Active Skin 8 as our overall favorite. The Active Skin is better for soft flask access and overall fit, while the Ultra Vest wins out in breathability and storage capacity: it is a well-rounded option for any trail run or race. Read our full review here.

Best for Well-Supported Races: NAKED HIGH CAPACITY RUNNING VEST

WEIGHT: 5.8 oz / 164 g

CARRYING CAPACITY: 3+ L

INCLUDED LIQUID STORAGE: 1 L

TYPE OF LIQUID STORAGE: Soft flask pockets in vest (2 x 500 ml flasks included)

TREKKING POLE HOLDERS: Yes

PRICE: $$

PROS: Light, comfortable, accessible design perfect for racing

CONS: No zippered pockets, form-fitting design can feel constraining

Part of the appeal of ultramarathons is the ability to traverse epic distances over inspiring landscapes unencumbered by a large and heavy pack, thanks to aid stations and support crews. The Naked High Capacity Running Vest (men’s and women’s) is our favorite vest for these kinds of environments when you still need some backcountry essentials, but not the entire kit that big self-supported adventure runs require.

The High Capacity Vest is minimal, comfortable, and designed to keep you moving. The main cargo pocket is unzippered and understated: it doesn’t limit breathability in the way burlier vests do. The 3+ L capacity is more than enough for an extra layer or two, a headlamp, and loads and snacks. An external mesh pocket adds an extra storage option. Large access points on either side make it possible to grab extra flasks or a rain shell without stopping.

The super secure fit of this vest does take some getting used to. For an uncompromising, chafe-free fit, Naked designed it to not be adjustable. Instead, the vest comes in 12 highly specific sizes. Following Naked’s size guide closely is critical. The right size may feel too constraining for some, but if it works for you, the total elimination of bouncing, chafing, and constant adjustments is a revelation.

At the front, two mesh pockets securely fit soft flasks of multiple sizes and brands. It is easy to remove and re-pack flasks on the go, and there is no sloshing or flopping around at all: this soft flask hydration design is damn near perfect. You could add a hydration bladder to the main storage pocket, but it is not really optimized for that. If you need more than 1L of water, you would be better off packing additional soft flasks in the rear mesh pocket.

Four small mesh pockets on the front and the rear unzippered primary pocket are all highly accessible. With some smart packing, you can get to almost everything on the go. This includes trekking poles: attachment points along the chest allow you to effortlessly pull them out and stow away your poles as needed.

Overall, we love the easy access, soft flask hydration system, and streamlined, bounce-free fit of Naked’s High Capacity Vest. It is perfect as a dedicated race vest that can handle most daily training runs, too. Read our full review here.

Best for Remote or Mountainous Races: ULTIMATE DIRECTION MOUNTAIN VEST 6.0

WEIGHT: 8.1 oz oz / 229.6 g

CARRYING CAPACITY: 13.4 L

INCLUDED LIQUID STORAGE: 1 L

TYPE OF LIQUID STORAGE: Soft flask pockets in vest (2 x 500 ml flasks included), reservoir sleeve (reservoir not included)

TREKKING POLE HOLDERS: Yes

PRICE: $$$

PROS: High volume, comfortable, accessible storage

CONS: No attachment point for bladder hose

If you often run and race in remote, alpine terrain with generous spacing between aid stations, the Naked High Capacity Vest may not suffice. The Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 6.0 (unisex) and Mountain Vesta 6.0 (women-specific fit) is the best way to level up for races of the most rugged variety.

The Mountain Vest has 13.4 L of storage capacity and supports up to 4 L of water, which is great for long unsupported stretches of trail. Its on-the-go accessibility is ideal for races, where every stop to layer up, refill water, or stash away poles really begin to add up. Two cinch pockets on the chest harness accept the included soft flasks. Four other Velcro and zipper pockets help organize your phone, snacks, and other essentials. We also love that the trekking pole attachments are at the front of the vest. This makes the transition between steep and flat sections seamless.

At the back, the Mountain Vest has a hydration sleeve that can fit a reservoir of up to 2 L. Newer versions of the vest have removed straps on the shoulder harness to keep the hydration hose secure. Stuffing it into a chest pocket is now the best option, which is not the most elegant solution, but usually gets the job done.

A large zippered main compartment can fit extra layers, and extra hydration flasks for long and dry sections above the treeline. A mesh pocket with bungee netting is great for storing wet rain gear or anything else you’d like to keep accessible.

Intuitive adjustment points, four sizing options, and dedicated designs for men and women help dial in a comfortable fit, something you will be extra thankful for many hours deep into a big mountain ultra.

Best for Comfort: OSPREY DURO/DYNA 6

WEIGHT: 14.8 oz / 419 g

CARRYING CAPACITY: 6 L

INCLUDED LIQUID STORAGE: 1.5 L

TYPE OF LIQUID STORAGE: Soft flask pockets in vest (flasks not included), reservoir sleeve (1.5 L reservoir included)

TREKKING POLE HOLDERS: Yes

PRICE: $$

PROS: Comfortable, streamlined design, comes with high-quality reservoir

CONS: Too small for trail conditions in winter or shoulder season

Osprey backpacks are reputed for their comfort, durability, and excellent design. Their Duro 6 (men’s) and Dyna 6 (women’s) running vests also stay true to these expectations.

The vest comes with a 1.5 L reservoir, which is designed to minimize sloshing. Combined with the snug hydration sleeve, the Duro/Dyna is the most comfortable and functional vest option for runners who prefer reservoir hydration systems over soft flasks.

The harness also accommodates two soft flasks for maximum hydration versatility. Four additional mesh pockets and one zippered pocket keep snacks and your phone easily within reach. The wide, padded shoulder straps are comfortable and distribute weight effectively.

There is an external mesh pocket and a zippered main compartment at the back. But loaded with a full reservoir, the functional space in these pockets becomes rather limited. You can fit a rain jacket, gloves, and perhaps a few other essentials. For winter trail runs or committing all-day backcountry efforts that require additional gear, we find the 6 L capacity to be somewhat insufficient. Vests with similar profiles, like the Salomon Active Skin 8 and the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 offer far more storage capacity. There is a 15 L version of the Duro/Dyna, but that may feel like overkill for your daily runs.

Though lacking in total storage capacity, the 6 L Duro/Dyna allows runners to carry a lot of water in total comfort. It is perfect for racing or long training runs where you want to minimize refills. Osprey’s excellent build quality and lifetime warranty earn the Duro/Dyna even more love from us.

Best for Long and Technical Routes: BLACK DIAMOND DISTANCE 15

WEIGHT: 12.8 oz / 362.9 g

CARRYING CAPACITY: 15 L

INCLUDED LIQUID STORAGE: None

TYPE OF LIQUID STORAGE: Soft flask pockets in vest (flasks not included), reservoir sleeve (reservoir not included)

TREKKING POLE HOLDERS: Yes

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Sleek, durable design perfect for ultra distances and mountain terrain

CONS: Large compartment easy to overpack, no flask/reservoir included

The Black Diamond Distance 15 (men’s and women’s) blurs the boundary between running vests and alpine packs. It was designed in conjunction with ultrarunner and mountain athlete Joe Grant to tackle objectives like the iconic Nolan’s 14: long routes that combine technical ascents with lots of running.

The harness system of the Distance 15 resembles that of most running vests. It features 2 flask pockets, two smaller mesh pockets, and one zippered pocket. It secures across the chest with two buckled straps. In the newest iteration, Black Diamond redesigned the pocket layout, moving the flask pockets up the harness and making them slightly larger. This addressed one of the few gripes we had with previous models, where the position and size of the flask pockets made them essentially unusable.

The first thing you notice about the pack itself is the materials. It combines nylon and Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) Dynex ripstop fabric that is practically invincible. Stitchless edge taping adds to its durability and weather resistance.

The roll-top inner compartment is closed with a drawstring and covered with an adjustable Dynex flap. This zipperless design lets you max out the storage capacity: you can even secure a rope or helmet above the main compartment. In fact, there is so much functional space that it becomes easy to overpack and compromise the Distance 15’s performance while running.

Inside, there is a small zippered pocket for valuables and a dedicated hydration sleeve. On the exterior, you will find trekking pole sleeves and ice ax attachment points. Compression webbing on each side secures the load and eliminates any bouncing.

A smaller version, the Distance 8, is slightly more running-friendly and all you need for zippy half-day scrambles or ridge runs. But we love the 15 for its versatility. It is big enough for full days in the mountains and minimal overnight fastpacks, while the compression straps effectively cinch down smaller loads for more casual outings. It even doubles wonderfully as a comfortable and high-volume pack for bike-commuting around town.

Best for Fastpacking: PA’LANTE JOEY

WEIGHT: 13.9 oz / 394 g

CARRYING CAPACITY: 24 L

INCLUDED LIQUID STORAGE: None

TYPE OF LIQUID STORAGE: Soft flask pockets in vest (flasks not included), reservoir sleeve (reservoir not included)

TREKKING POLE HOLDERS: No

PRICE: $$$$

PROS: Gorgeous, and versatile design: perfect pack for fastpacking and around town

CONS: Expensive, limited manufacturing runs

Pa’lante Packs is a boutique gear company based in Salt Lake City. The Joey is their premier fastpack, and our favorite pack for running adventures stretching over two or three days.

The Joey features 24 L of internal storage and is available in only one size. The running vest-style harness has thick shoulder straps to help distribute heavier loads comfortably without the addition of a hipbelt. The result is a running-friendly pack that can be loaded up to about 15 pounds.

Beyond the 15-pound threshold, the performance of the pack suffers. The frameless design concentrates weight on the shoulders and makes running uncomfortable. Honestly, anything beyond 10-12 pounds makes running awkward, no matter the pack. But if your kit is dialed in, the Joey is the standout choice for multi-day fastpacking adventures. With an ultralight base weight in the 5-8 pound range, you could reasonably go four or more days unsupported with this sleek pack.

The Joey has two hydration pockets on the shoulder straps and two water bottle pockets on its sides, an uncommon feature in most runner-oriented packs. The shoulder pockets were designed with a Smartwater Bottle/Sawyer Squeeze setup in mind, a nice touch that veteran ultralighters will appreciate. However, the pockets are short and therefore don’t support soft flasks very well. There is also an access point into the main compartment above the left shoulder strap for a hydration tube, but the pack lacks a dedicated hydration sleeve.

The main compartment is accessed through a roll top and secured with a drawstring. One top buckle cinches down the load. A roomy exterior mesh pocket and bottom stash pocket round out the storage options. Shock cords on either side can also be used to secure trekking poles.

The Joey comes in 100-denier Robic brand nylon or 210-denier nylon with UltraWeave gridstop. We tried out the Robic version, which is about an ounce lighter but not quite as bombproof as the UltraWeave, a material similar to Dyneema.

Whatever the model or colorway, the Joey immaculately marries form and function. It has all the features and performance qualities that multi-day fastpacking demands, with a gorgeous aesthetic that makes it perfect for run commuting or everyday use in town too. Read our full review here.

Best on a Budget: NATHAN QUICKSTART 2.0

WEIGHT: 12.4 oz

CARRYING CAPACITY: 3 L

INCLUDED LIQUID STORAGE: 1.5 L

TYPE OF LIQUID STORAGE: Soft flask pockets in vest (flasks not included), reservoir sleeve (1.5 L reservoir included)

TREKKING POLE HOLDERS: No

PRICE: $

PROS: Affordable and low profile, great for beginner trail runners

CONS: Heavy for its volume, only one size, sacrifices comfort

The Nathan Quickstart 2.0 is a no-frills hydration vest from one of the most reputable pack manufacturers. At less than half the price of most quality running vests, it is an outstanding budget-friendly option.

The Quickstart 2.0 even comes with a 1.5 L hydration bladder. Two stash pockets on the harness can accommodate soft flasks. There is also a zippered phone pocket and a small mesh pocket for snacks. The main storage compartment is large enough for an extra layer or two and other trail essentials.

Adjustable chest and side straps allow you to dial in the fit reasonably well, but don’t expect this vest to ride as comfortably as the premier running vests on our list. It doesn’t have the seamless form-fitting design of Salomon or Naked models and its breathability is subpar.

However, Nathan’s build quality is solid. And for a vest and hydration reservoir combo, the Quickstart 2.0 offers exceptional value. It is an excellent vest for new trail runners or anyone looking for a simple and serviceable hydration solution at a great price.

BUYING ADVICE FOR TRAIL AND ULTRA RUNNING VESTS

Other than perhaps your shoes, a hydration vest is the most expensive piece of your trail and ultrarunning kit. It helps to know what you’re looking to get out of your vest and what features are most important to you. Here are a few things you should consider.

Capacity

Trail and ultrarunning vests come with a wide variety of storage capacities. Options include everything from 2 L vests for racing to 25+ L vests for multi-day mountain runs. Low-capacity vests (2-5 L) are less bulky and usually the most comfortable and breathable option. They are ideal for shorter trail runs and well-supported races. Large vests (12+ L) begin to blur the line between vest and pack. At this size, you lose comfort and fit for running to gain capacity for mountaineering or overnight trips.

Trail and ultrarunning vests in the 6-12 L range are the most versatile. They are streamlined enough to remain comfortable, and low-profile but with enough capacity to prepare you for big all-day adventure runs or remote ultras. Our two all-around favorite vests, the Salomon Active Skin 8 and Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0, fall in this category.

 

It blurs the boundary between running vests and alpine packs, but for long days that require more capacity we love the Black Diamond Distance 15.

 

Hydration system

Trail and ultrarunning vests use either a reservoir or soft flask hydration setup. Most offer the possibility of either and feature soft flask pockets in the harness and a hydration sleeve. Soft flasks are easy to access and refill. They also make it easy to track your water intake. Bladders minimize the need for refills, but since they are packed away out of sight, it is hard to know when it is time to refill, and doing so can be a bit of a pain.

There is no right answer here. You will probably find you prefer one system over another, and your preferences may change depending on the nature of any given run. We recommend going for a vest with both flask pockets and hydration sleeves and experimenting with your setup.

 

For runners who prefer reservoir hydration systems over soft flasks, we believe the Osprey Dyna (or Duro for men) is the most comfortable and functional vest option.

 

Access

Throughout a 50 or 100-mile ultra, the time you save simply by having all your gear easily accessible can be significant. Running vest with large, versatile harness pockets and convenient trekking pole attachments will keep you moving. Some race-oriented vests, like the Naked High Capacity Vest, even design the main compartment to be accessed on the go.

Fit and comfort

Running with a poorly fitted pack is simply miserable. The chafing, bouncing, and squeezing are all you will be able to think about. Most vests are available in multiple sizes and many are made in both male and female-specific versions. Take the time to measure your chest and shoulders with tailor tape if you’re buying online, or try out a vest in person to avoid potential frustrations.

 

We loved the easy access, soft flask hydration system, and streamlined, bounce-free fit of Naked’s High Capacity Vest.

 

Trekking pole compatibility

Do you run with trekking poles? If so, look for a vest with trekking pole attachments. The ability to stow them away on the flats or to free up your hands for technical mountain terrain is a huge perk. Collapsible Z-style poles, like Black Diamond’s Distance Carbon-Z Poles pack into running vests better than telescopic or fixed trekking poles.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What should I look for in a trail running vest? Look for a vest that can capably carry everything you plan to run with (snacks, water, layers, safety gear, etc.) while remaining comfortable and streamlined. Trekking pole attachments and hydration features are some key things to look out for.

How should a running vest fit? Your running vest should be snug but not constricting, with straps that can be adjusted to customize the fit. Ideally, you’ll retain your full range of motion with minimal bouncing when running.

Are trail running vests good for hiking? While trail running vests can certainly be used for hiking, most do not offer the same level of support and storage capacity as hiking-specific backpacks. If you want a single pack for both running and hiking, hybridized packs like the Black Diamond Distance 15 are an option.

Can’t I just run with a hiking pack? No one will stop you from running with a hiking pack, but it almost certainly won’t be fun. Hiking packs are typically heavier, bulkier, and less form-fitting than running vests, which can lead to chafing, bouncing, and general discomfort during a run.

When should you run in a vest? Running vests are a great choice for long city training runs or when running and racing in remote terrain where you need to be self-sufficient. They can also be useful for shorter runs when you want an easy, hands-free way to carry water and your phone, and any other essentials.

MORE INFORMATION

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