BEST Running Packs and Hydration Vests 2023 | ft Osprey Salomon Harrier

BEST Running Packs and Hydration Vests 2023 | ft Osprey Salomon Harrier

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Whether you’re starting off running or looking to expand your running kit, we’ll be looking at some of the best hydration vests out there to look into why to invest in one and also how to choose the best one for you.

Here are all the packs featured:

Rab Veil 2L: https://trc.social/3O45qbd
Salomon Active skin 4: https://trc.social/43FOgqm
Harrier Curbar 5L: https://trc.social/3rCHfcp
CamelBak Zephyr Pro: https://trc.social/474Kt8I
Osprey Dura 15L: https://trc.social/44CFQkR
North Face Summit Training 12L: https://trc.social/3DufHZz
Inov 8 Ultrapac 2in1 12L: https://bit.ly/44DjWOa
Decathlon Evadict 10L: https://trc.social/3rBjHod
Ronhill: https://bit.ly/3QaX2cK
Stolt Podium 13L: https://trc.social/3KaYIPK
Montane Trailblazer It 20L: https://trc.social/3q1TS0g
OMM MountainFire 15L: https://bit.ly/43ERr1v
Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20: https://ultimatedirection.com/fastpack-20/

↓↓ Do you like to run with a hydration pack? If so, which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below ↓↓

What’s in this video?
00:00 Intro
00:47 Short runs
04:38 Long runs
12:08 Commuting
15:20 Multistage runs

MUSIC licensed by Artlist and Epidemic Sound:

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49 Comments

  1. @richardleesl on March 6, 2025 at 3:04 pm

    I prefer belts instead of hydration packs. Also because in the tropical heat, backpacks just makes it a whole lot more sweaty when your back has another layer over it.

  2. @susanball2406 on March 6, 2025 at 3:04 pm

    I’m training for the Amsterdam Marathon in October. Lately I’ve been using a Lululemon Fast&free vest and I love it.

  3. @hakanlarsson3954 on March 6, 2025 at 3:06 pm

    Training for Björkliden Artic Mountain Marathon 50 km (BAMM 50) a Two day event. I have just started running with a hydration pack bit I only have one for shorter runs.

  4. @mmoesby on March 6, 2025 at 3:06 pm

    Coming on to 58 years old, I´m training for My first ever Ultra – havent decided the race yet, but I´m definetely doing one.
    I started running 4 years ago, after not being running for almost 30 years and are really keen on longer runs – ultras…

  5. @Burgman22 on March 6, 2025 at 3:09 pm

    I purchased a “INOXTO” vest on Amazon for like 30 dollars. I have used it on probably hundred runs (shorter 10-15 miles on trail ) It works great. You don’t need to go expensive. It holds 2 .5 liters flasks, phone, keys. Also has a back pocket that can hold a water bladder but I keep first aid, rain jacket gels etc.

  6. @nickschellinger1374 on March 6, 2025 at 3:09 pm

    Does anyone else have trouble breathing when using a running pack? I feel like I have to run slower when wearing one

  7. @EVtrailrunning on March 6, 2025 at 3:11 pm

    I’m training for the UTS 50km next spring, and then the Ultra X 220km multi-day in Jordan next autumn 😊

  8. @rjstewart on March 6, 2025 at 3:12 pm

    I’m hearing impaired and my hearing aids are low power Bluetooth. If I run with my phone in a waist belt my music cuts in and out. I ended up switching to a vest primarily to place my phone up high towards my shoulder so I can enjoy music or audiobooks and hear prompts from my running app. Because of this, even on short runs I always wear my vest!

    I’d also add that my vest has a copy of my ID and a house key etc in the zipper pocket so it’s just always set up and ready to go!

  9. @illustrationjester on March 6, 2025 at 3:13 pm

    Thanks for the amazing overview. I have just finished my first half marathon and now looking towards my first marathon in 2024. I need to get testing some of these!

  10. @AudiThePug on March 6, 2025 at 3:13 pm

    i love my salomon skin 4.

  11. @jorayner24 on March 6, 2025 at 3:14 pm

    I am currently running half marathons and am torn between Curbar 5L Race Vest or Salomon Women Active 4
    Has anyone got any preferences
    Thanks

  12. @savagedriver1967 on March 6, 2025 at 3:15 pm

    I’m intrigued by the idea of running with a headtorch that’s not waterproof… 😮

  13. @vincewarne228 on March 6, 2025 at 3:15 pm

    I use a pack or belt but only for the longer long runs. My pet hate is bouncing bottles when they are full.

  14. @acidklaus2854 on March 6, 2025 at 3:15 pm

    I just got The North Face 12l pack today and I love it, but it’s not perfect. I’ve got an iPhone 13 Pro Max and it doesn’t fit in the zip pocket on the front. I think you’d only get a 3310 in there, tbh. But you might even struggle with that when you’ve got a full flask in the holder. You can jam it into one of the snack pockets, but then less snacks (😢), plus not secured by a zipper. Luckily there’s plenty room in the back, but I feel a phone is something that would be better accessible from the front.

  15. @issamami on March 6, 2025 at 3:16 pm

    Completed my first half marathon early this summer, and learn the hard way the importance of nutrition/water during runs. Looking to work on that, and got my eye on increasing the distance to a marathon. A hydration pack sure will help with that 😉

  16. @wobblysauce on March 6, 2025 at 3:19 pm

    As one who hikes, I use my small 10L pack with a 2/3L bladder.

  17. @geofftoscano6804 on March 6, 2025 at 3:22 pm

    I completed my first half marathon in 1983, still the hottest ever Great North Run, when it was held in June rather than September. I was naïve, was having trouble with running shorts, so wore some quite thick tracksuit bottoms. I’d never done that distance before, except for about a week before the run itself doing what I estimated was around 12 miles (later measured at just over 10!). From that I foolishly reckoned I could finish in around 1.45! Oh dear! I firstly got caught up in the early race congestion, and as that cleared realised I was overdressed for the conditions. I couldn’t get anywhere near the pace I’d estimated and became frustrated, and ever hotter. Stupidly, not only was I not carrying water I didn’t even stop at the water stations, thinking I’d just lose even more time. I finished in just over 2.15, feeling dizzy and lightheaded. Even then I didn’t take any water, instead going straight home, as I live only a mile from the finish. When I weighed myself I’d lost 8lbs in body weight, nearly 4 litres! To this day I don’t know how I didn’t collapse from heatstroke.

  18. @IanEAnderson on March 6, 2025 at 3:22 pm

    I have a Nathan’s pack and it’s great! Training for the Brazos Bend 100k!

  19. @andrewmcalister3462 on March 6, 2025 at 3:24 pm

    There are so many different brands and pack options out there. Thanks TRC for walking us through the options available.
    Although if you were going to do a packing speed challenge, you should have then required Sarah and James to run 10k with their gear (as packed) and produce one item on demand every 2.5K. 😈

  20. @jamesmartin1573 on March 6, 2025 at 3:24 pm

    Starting to look at my first ultra, have you done a video on poles and ultra kit just in general? I’m thinking f about what I need as a basic kit list, good sunscreen, hats, glasses, water proof layers, poles (as above) and what to look for in trail shoes. Thanks 😊

  21. @juliae5639 on March 6, 2025 at 3:25 pm

    I’m training for my second half marathon and am thinking about potentially attempting a marathon next year..? This video is perfect timing since I was just thinking about getting a vest for those longer runs

  22. @AndAbr21 on March 6, 2025 at 3:27 pm

    I’m training for my first Ultra 50. Yes, I use a pack. Can’t be without it for kit and hydration requirements. But, newer versions are sooo expensive!

  23. @robhughes645 on March 6, 2025 at 3:30 pm

    Thanks for this, these packs are something I’ve been looking into for longer runs. I tried a few different belts and settled on the Decathlon belt (£19.99) and it’s been better than any of the more expensive options so seeing that they have a vest option is great.

  24. @mukluck11 on March 6, 2025 at 3:30 pm

    I’m training for Manchester Half Marathon in October and I’m on the fence about whether I’ll need a pack or not but I need to decide quick so I can practice with it! I’m a heavier runner so I tend to feel like I need quite a bit of water even during shorter runs

  25. @issammawhoube on March 6, 2025 at 3:30 pm

    Well, I’m training for the great north run. 2nd 1/2 marathon, with the 1st being 3months ago.
    Your videos helped a lot, thanks!

  26. @MortimerDuke83 on March 6, 2025 at 3:33 pm

    Thanks for the Video. I’ve ordered a 5l and 10l harrier pack of the back of this. Cheers.

  27. @trailsandbeers on March 6, 2025 at 3:33 pm

    Get a salamon slab5 and a salamon adv skin 12, or equivalents, they will cover everything for supported road and trail races.
    For unsupported, multi day, fast tracking, extreme conditions etc. you need something bigger…

  28. @_chimera_ on March 6, 2025 at 3:34 pm

    Europeans are adorable! People work 20-30 miles away and there isn’t any transport but cars and roads, certainly no showers😂 its an ultra every day😂

  29. @jayceemindeman270 on March 6, 2025 at 3:35 pm

    I am training for my second ever 5k

  30. @jennabutler6304 on March 6, 2025 at 3:35 pm

    I’m training for my first ever marathon and very nervous! I was hoping Sarah might mention packs for women vs men. I feel like women need ones that connect above and below the chest so they don’t sleep around too much. Love your videos as always!

  31. @djgoa on March 6, 2025 at 3:36 pm

    Small runs i take a belt and no water. Just key and phone. My longer runs i have a £20 muddy fox small back with water pack and man its heavy and bulky. Deffo going to upgrade to a proper light weight pack. To carry water, go pro, phone and key and maybe my thin jacket

  32. @liamhevo on March 6, 2025 at 3:40 pm

    Currently training for a half marathon although my next race is a 10k I’m using as part of the training.

  33. @jayceemindeman270 on March 6, 2025 at 3:41 pm

    You guys are amazing. Your videos educate and keep me inspired in my early stage of my running journey. Could you guys do a video on what you would recommend during the seasons? Everything you need for running in winter, hot water, rainy weather etc?

  34. @BenjaminWilliams-f8j on March 6, 2025 at 3:45 pm

    🙂

  35. @runningchannel on March 6, 2025 at 3:45 pm

    Do you like to run with a hydration pack?

  36. @BeerMatt96 on March 6, 2025 at 3:46 pm

    I’ve got a very soft marathon PB to beat when I get back to fitness. At present I try to travel light, but hydration on the longer runs is always an issue!

  37. @mehmetturkcan1775 on March 6, 2025 at 3:50 pm

    I want to buy salomon active skin 4 or 8? I have evading 5L it is good but I am looking more quality brand. Whichone should I prefer middle or long range? Meanwhile active skin 8 is cheaper than 4 however 8 looks like bulky? My problem is about back bulky looking. Need your advice. Thanks

  38. @Dbukester on March 6, 2025 at 3:53 pm

    Half marathon on Sunday the 6th. Then next June my first marathon!

  39. @mariuszel759 on March 6, 2025 at 3:53 pm

    Is the one from decathlon kiprun trail running 5l okay?

  40. @aileenhernandez9647 on March 6, 2025 at 3:54 pm

    ….do you hide it in the bushes… 😂😂😂

  41. @derrickpershing1529 on March 6, 2025 at 3:56 pm

    The tip to stop the hydration pack slosh – gold. Thanks for the overview!

  42. @PhilMUK on March 6, 2025 at 3:57 pm

    Very useful video, thanks both!

  43. @jayceemindeman270 on March 6, 2025 at 3:58 pm

    Also could you do a video focusing on electric lights?

  44. @ericdewaard1654 on March 6, 2025 at 3:58 pm

    Training for Sovev emek 84km in October.

  45. @jasonnorth7015 on March 6, 2025 at 3:58 pm

    Amazing timing, I am just looking for a running pack. Signed up to Run2Paris next year and training hard, I’ll wait to buy a pack in case I win the prize 🥹😂

  46. @NewSkiwi on March 6, 2025 at 3:59 pm

    Ooooh would love to win an UD pack for Racing the Planet multistage race! Awesome review.

  47. @dianaanwar5868 on March 6, 2025 at 4:01 pm

    Training for Amsterdam marathon 💪🏻

  48. @Carftymk on March 6, 2025 at 4:02 pm

    what brand are your shirts please?

  49. @AnTalk_blog on March 6, 2025 at 4:03 pm

    Let me think; how did I choose mine? …. Oh yess, I remember. I went in the shop and bought the only one they had. 🙂

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