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Accessory Reviews > Top 5 Hydration Vests in 2025
Top 5 Hydration Vests in 2025
By Runners Gear Guide - June 2, 2025
When the miles pile up and aid stations are few and far between, a good hydration vest becomes your best training partner. Whether you're tackling long trail runs, summer marathons, or fastpacking adventures, the right vest balances storage, comfort, and breathability without slowing you down. In 2025, brands continue to refine their designs, offering lighter materials, better fit systems, and smarter storage layouts tailored to how real runners move. We’ve tested and analyzed the top contenders to help you stay fueled, focused, and friction-free on your runs.
Below, you'll find our top 5 picks for hydration vests this year. Each vest includes a quick-look graph covering capacity in liters, weight, materials, and other key specs, followed by a summary of what kind of runner it's best suited for. Whether you need just enough room for a 10K with hills or you're gearing up for an ultramarathon, this guide will help you find the perfect fit—literally and figuratively.
1. Salomon Unisex Active Skin 12
Best Overall Option
The Salomon Active Skin 12 earns our top spot thanks to its near-perfect balance of comfort, storage, and on-the-run usability. Designed with soft, breathable mesh and a close-to-body fit, it feels more like a part of your kit than a piece of gear. The 12-liter capacity offers just enough room for long trail runs, supported ultras, or all-day adventures without feeling bulky. Dual front flask pockets, a secure hydration bladder sleeve, and well-placed stash compartments make hydration and fueling seamless mid-stride.
Where this vest really shines is in its thoughtful design—stretch pockets are easy to access without breaking your rhythm, and the adjustable chest straps keep bounce to a minimum, even on technical terrain. Whether you're toeing the line at a 50K or heading out for a solo day in the mountains, the Active Skin 12 adapts to a wide range of training and racing needs. It’s an investment that pays off in performance, versatility, and comfort.
2. Nathan Pinnacle Featherlite
Lightest Option
The Pinnacle Featherlite from Nathan lives up to its name—this vest is incredibly light without compromising on functionality. Weighing in at just over 5 ounces without flasks, it's a great choice for runners who want storage without the bulk. The 4L capacity may seem minimal on paper, but smart pocket placement and compression zones make it surprisingly efficient for everything from marathon training to shorter trail races. The fit is snug and stable, thanks to Nathan’s adaptive sizing and breathable material.
What really sets the Featherlite apart is its high-performance design for fast runners and hot conditions. The vest is built with sweat-wicking, chafe-resistant fabric that keeps you cool when the pace picks up. While it doesn’t offer the full storage of a larger vest, it’s perfect for race days, speed workouts, or supported long runs where agility matters more than cargo space. If you’re chasing PRs or like to run light and fast, the Featherlite delivers.
3. Camelbak Apex Pro
The CamelBak Apex Pro is built for serious long-distance runners who need endurance-level performance from their gear. With a generous 12-liter capacity and room for both flasks and a 2L bladder, this vest is ideal for unsupported trail runs, all-day mountain missions, or back-to-back long runs during peak training. It also includes trekking pole storage and zippered security pockets, making it one of the most adventure-ready vests in this lineup.
It’s a little heavier than some of the more minimal vests, but CamelBak makes up for that with structure and durability. The materials feel premium, and the fit is adjustable with dual sternum straps and side compression. Despite the rugged build, ventilation remains solid thanks to the mesh back panel. If you're looking for a hydration vest that can double as a small pack for long efforts, the Apex Pro is a reliable and rugged companion.
4. UltrAspire Spry
The UltrAspire Spry is a minimalist's dream—lightweight, breathable, and purpose-built for speed. With a 4-liter capacity and an ultralight frame, it’s best for short to mid-distance runs where you still want to carry fuel, fluids, and a few essentials. The Spry fits close to the body and allows for maximum airflow, which makes it a favorite among trail racers and summer runners who want hydration support without the bulk of a full pack.
Despite its smaller size, the Spry includes features you'd expect from a more robust vest: rear stretch pockets, front bottle storage, and a simple yet secure fit system. It's not the best option if you're heading out for a full-day adventure, but for 10–20 mile runs or races under four hours, it hits the sweet spot. If you’re a runner who values simplicity, breathability, and speed, the Spry is worth a serious look.
5. Haimont Running Hydration Vest
Best Budget Option
The Haimont Running Hydration Vest proves that quality doesn’t have to break the bank. Coming in at a fraction of the price of big-name brands, this vest still delivers on the essentials: it includes dual front flask holders, a sleeve for a hydration bladder, and multiple storage pockets for gels, keys, and even a light jacket. The breathable mesh and adjustable fit make it comfortable for most body types and suitable for runs up to a few hours.
Of course, at this price point, you’re not getting top-tier materials or race-level performance, but for beginner runners or anyone on a tight budget, it’s an excellent starting point. The vest is surprisingly durable for the cost and doesn’t chafe even on longer efforts. If you're new to hydration vests or just need a reliable backup option for casual training, the Haimont gets the job done—no frills, just function.
Conclusion
Whether you're a weekend trail explorer, road marathoner, or ultrarunning enthusiast, the right hydration vest can make or break your run. In 2025, there's no shortage of great options—from minimalist speed vests to full-featured packs designed for all-day endurance. Our top pick, the Salomon Active Skin 12, stands out for its all-around versatility and comfort, but every vest on this list offers something unique depending on your needs, budget, and running style.
Ultimately, the best hydration vest is the one that fits your body, matches your mileage, and disappears while you’re in the zone. Before you hit the trails or head out for a long run, take a moment to consider how much fluid, fuel, and gear you truly need. With one of these five vests on your back, you’ll stay hydrated, comfortable, and focused—mile after mile.