Storage
Storage layouts have a lot in common. Most vests have front-access pockets for the things reached for often — phone, a bar — and a back compartment for the shell, the bladder or spare clothing. Particularly useful is a back compartment that can also be reached through side openings, so the whole thing does not have to be emptied to get at something near the bottom. Some vests add a removable quiver or extra back pockets for carrying folded poles.
Drinking systems
Most vests carry two soft flasks, one on each side of the front. Many arrived with Hydrapak flasks; only a few manufacturers, Salomon and CamelBak among them, fit their own.
Soft flasks are small, shapeless plastic bottles that roll down to nothing when empty. Instead of a screw cap they use a bite valve: the mouthpiece is squeezed between the teeth and the water flows. Because the flasks sit on the chest, they can be reached without stopping. Getting the head angle right takes a little practice at first, but it settles after a few runs.
For larger volumes a bladder can be added. Almost every vest here has a large back compartment for one, with hooks or hook-and-loop tabs at the shoulder to hold the tube where it can be reached.
Care
Vests sit close to the body and get thoroughly sweated through, which is entirely normal. They do not need washing after every outing, but they should be emptied, dried and aired after each one, because trapped moisture damages fabric and zips and causes smells. After long or hard runs a vest can be soaked and rinsed in warm water, optionally with a sports detergent or a mild soap. Salomon's own guidance allows an occasional low-temperature machine wash, though not often, since the machine is hard on materials and fastenings. Most vests carry care instructions sewn in.
The picks
Top pick — Rab Veil 12 L
First place. Hot summer runs, long mountain trails or a long run through the town woods — this vest handles all of them. The tested colour was black; grey is the alternative. The styling is plain, with just a white Rab logo front and back.
Storage is generous. The front carries two concealed zipped pockets a side plus further pockets at the flanks. The back has a large U-shaped main compartment big enough for a rain shell or a bladder, and if more room is needed a shell can be pushed under the outer lacing on the back. There is an inner shoulder pocket for a key or money, with a whistle built into it. Poles were thought about too: there are loops beside the soft flasks left and right, where the poles are quick to reach without taking the vest off, though your arms brush against them; alternatively they fasten to the lower back with two further loops.
The drinking arrangement does not disappoint either. Two 500 ml Hydrapak soft flasks are supplied, with wide openings that make them easy to clean, and a 2-litre bladder fits in the back compartment with the tube clipped to a shoulder loop.
The Veil is made from a mono-mesh fabric that looks less elastic at first glance than others here, and the first impression raised doubts about how it would feel in use. Those doubts went at the first fitting: it sits pleasantly around the torso and does not feel stiff. A lacing system adjusts the front with a large number of settings, and the sides are stretchy and adjustable in turn through an elasticated system. The male tester and the female tester were both convinced by the fit, despite 20 cm of height between them.
Build quality is excellent. Zips are cleanly stitched, the cords are high quality, and the small loops the cords hook into at the chest are solid — which matters, because that is where the wear concentrates over a vest's life of being pulled on and off.
Loaded with the standard test kit — rain shell, sunglasses, two 500 ml soft flasks, key, phone and headphones — the vest still did not feel bulky, and the weight spread comfortably across the whole upper body. The slightly thicker mono-mesh works in its favour here: nothing presses. After 60 minutes nothing rubbed or shifted, helped by silicone grippers along the lower hem. Despite heavy sweating the vest did not feel wet afterwards; the fabric is breathable and sits comfortably against the skin. Being unisex, it can be shared with a partner or family member of similar chest size.
The one criticism is that it is expensive, though every comparable vest sits in the same bracket. Used regularly, across both easy evening loops and long trail days, it earns its place.
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Trail-focused alternative — Scott Endurance TR' 6
A well-judged vest aimed at trail running that also suits longer evening runs. Every seam is cleanly finished, the zips look durable, and the pull system allows a great deal of individual adjustment. The shell fabric is polyester, with panels including polyamide and elastane, and it is washable by hand at 30 degrees. The logos on the back compartment and the front are reflective.
The equipment is not lavish but is entirely sufficient for trails and long runs: a front zipped pocket for a phone, a large back compartment that swallows a jacket without complaint, a second quick-access back pocket beneath it, and four open pockets on the front. The flask pockets are a good height, although flasks are not supplied. Total volume is six litres, which is enough for longer trails; for ultra distances a 12-litre vest is the better answer, and Scott sells the same Endurance vest in a 12-litre pack size at roughly the same level.
There is a separate bladder compartment, with elastic bands to route the tube forwards so it is stowed securely and does not interfere. Poles can be attached in several ways, and the vest is compatible with the Scott Quiver TR, which is sold separately.
The seat is the standout — empty or fully loaded — thanks to a pull system that adjusts very precisely to the body with a single tug. The large back compartment can also be compressed with a drawcord depending on how much is being carried. Over a 10 km reference route with the standard test kit there was not a metre at which the vest felt uncomfortable, intrusive or unsettled. It is light and barely noticeable on the move. The trade-off against the top pick is a little less included kit and a little less comfort.
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For long distances — Salomon Adv Skin 12
The recommendation for ambitious runners. It offers a close, body-hugging sensiFIT seat, very little wobble even at speed, and an extensive pocket system that pays off over long distances. It is sold in unisex and women's versions and in many colours; the tested item was the unisex model in size S.
Build quality is high: seams cleanly stitched, zips running smoothly, pull system working faultlessly. The fabric mix is polyamide, elastane and polyester, easily cleaned by hand at 30 degrees, and after many test runs and several hand washes the vest was still in flawless condition.
The fit is a highlight. The pull system and the elastic elements keep the vest tight to the body regardless of how much is in it, and across several testers it sat as though made to measure, like a second skin. Alongside regular shorter outings it was used on a 30 km run and a 100 km run. Stability and weight distribution were as convincing as the fit: the Y-shaped back and the pull system on the back compartment stabilise the load, so everything stays firmly against the back even at pace, and the contents of the back pocket barely swing. Air-permeable mesh, particularly at the sides, keeps heat from building — a clear advantage on quick, dynamic runs — although with a heavy load and higher temperatures a sweated-through back could not be avoided on the 100 km run even with mesh.
Storage comes into its own over distance. The pass-through pocket at the lower back gives quick access to a long-sleeved top on the move, and the large back compartment opens by a side zip. Poles fasten to two loops at the lower back, and the vest is compatible with the Salomon Custom Quiver, available separately. The front is equally well thought through: two flask pockets, with two 500 ml flasks included, plus two zipped pockets and two further open pockets. A whistle is fitted as standard, and a bladder — not supplied — stows in its own compartment. Its natural home is competition and distances of 60 km and beyond. The price is high, but quality and function justify it.
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For demanding terrain — Camelbak Apex Pro 12 L
The pick for runs in demanding terrain, with room for a full trail kit. Every seam is cleanly stitched and the zips look durable, although lacing systems are preferred here over clip buckles for longevity. The front carries two large zipped pockets and, at the sides, two transparent slip pockets, so a gel and a phone are secure straight away. More room sits at the back: a large compartment reached by a diagonal zip, plus a second, smaller back pocket opened by a zip at the neck. A bladder fits in the back, and there is a tube holder.
Poles go into a separate quiver, held by press points at the neck and the lower back, and the quiver stows in a lower-back pocket when it is not needed. Carrying poles in it, the quiver wobbles a little on the run but is not especially distracting.
Two dark blue Camelbak Quick Stow flasks are included. They use a particular closure: a wheel has to be turned first to open the flow, and the silicone bite opening has to be taken into the mouth at a specific angle for the seal to open. Anyone unfamiliar with them will struggle at first, because the silicone opening has to be caught just right; the classic Hydrapak bite valves are easier, though less leak-proof.
Loaded with both flasks filled, a rain shell, generous provisions, a first-aid kit and poles, the Apex Pro is cut unisex but has a great many adjustment options thanks to various elastic pulls, and both testers were convinced by the fit. Two chest straps with a clip buckle set it; the elastic bands are pleasantly soft and do not cut in. Weight spreads comfortably across the whole torso, with no pressure or rubbing anywhere. After 10 km of hard sweating the nylon fabric did not feel wet — the coarse weave is breathable and comfortable against the skin.
Its distinguishing feature is a Recco reflector at the neck, the only one in the test. These are passive transponders that work without power or activation and have no expiry date; they are normally sewn into outdoor gear such as ski clothing. A whistle sits on the front chest pocket. There is also a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship. It is an expensive package, and for everyday running there are cheaper and lighter models, but high demands in difficult terrain are met in full.
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The value pick — Zeitgeist Outdoor Ultrafit 4
The winner of the "plenty of kit for little outlay" category. The unisex vest comes in three sizes and suits gentle town runs as well as runs where a rain shell has to be carried. For the money, no soft flasks are included and the finishing could be better in places.
The front has four open pockets — two at the sides, two directly beneath the flask cut-outs — plus a further zipped pocket. There are no side slip pockets, which is a pity. The standard test kit fits without difficulty, but fully loaded the front bulges noticeably, because the pockets sit on top of one another; other vests here have a cleverer arrangement.
The back has two large compartments reached through an opening at the top and a long side zip, and elastic pulls let a jacket be clamped on the outside. Poles are held by two elastic pulls at the bottom of the vest. Flasks are not included but can be bought from other makers, and there is room for a 2.5-litre bladder.
The coarse mesh is not very elastic, but two elastic mesh panels at the sides mean the vest still sits very pleasantly around the torso. Loaded with the test kit for a run in a large city park in bright sunshine, it sat very comfortably and offered plenty of adjustment. It fastens at the front with two elastic hook-in straps, and the size adjustment is the neat part: a central pull cord tightens or loosens the whole construction at once, where most vests here need every elastic adjusted individually. The side adjustment is equally good — slacken the side straps when fully loaded, pull the vest in tight at the sides when carrying less. Over several kilometres nothing rubbed or moved and everything stayed put. After repeated putting on and taking off, a few loose threads stood proud around the chest of the test sample, which is where the low price shows.
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Also tested
Osprey Dyna Pro 10 Run — built for ultra distances and strong on included kit: two soft flasks with stabilising wings, an Osprey Pro Quiver in the box, a roomy pass-through pocket and a large zipped back compartment that can be opened and closed while wearing it, plus a drawcord pocket below the neck and well-divided front pockets. Sold in women's and men's versions. The tested size WM sat slightly loose at the shoulders on one tester and well on another; both noted it sits relatively high and tight at the neck, and one felt the need to keep pulling it down, so no complete second-skin feel. Light, air-permeable fabric is used only at the sides, with thicker layers at the back and front, so it is less breathable than others: fine up to around 25 degrees, but heat builds under the fabric at around 30 degrees. Held back from the recommendations by the price; try before buying. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
Nathan Quick Start 15 L — a solid vest whose 15 litres swallow clothing, bars, phone and valuables, though the pocket layout could be more thought through: one large back compartment and one open pocket that is only partly reachable while wearing it, with no lower-back pass-through. The front has two flask pockets (flasks not supplied), a zipped pocket and a small open pocket best used only with flasks fitted. A separate bladder compartment holds the supplied 1.5-litre bladder. It closes with a clip buckle and pull cords that do not loosen in use, but it is unisex and a tester of 160 cm struggled to get it truly close, with the shoulders slack. The large side buckles press slightly on the ribs and the long straps dangle. The back compartment compresses well, but the lack of elastic elements makes it behave a little stiffly and bounce on dynamic runs. Plenty of mesh and no fabric panels at the sides keep heat down there, though the back still warms on hot days. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
Instinct PX Race 3.1 — extremely light, breathable and minimalist, so storage is limited, but an attractive option for fast, dynamic routes to around 40 km; not intended for ultra distances beyond 50 km. The unisex fit impressed most: a double S-cross lacing at the sides lets the panels sit right against the rib cage, and two clip buckles set the front, giving a surprisingly precise fit on both male and female testers. Storage is minimal but present — an open upper-back pocket that takes a rain shell, a small press-stud pocket below it, two open front pockets, a zipped pocket and two flask pockets that cinch tighter. Those flask pockets could be longer, as narrow 500 ml flasks stand proud. Poles and a quiver attach beside the shoulders, and every pocket can be reached without taking the vest off. Its three-part construction, held together by the cross-lacing, makes it feel notably light and air-permeable at the sides. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
Zelvot ultralight running vest — very cheap and trying to do a lot, but let down by execution. A production smell on unpacking cleared with airing. One 500 ml soft flask is included; drinking from it works well, though its flimsy cap seems unnecessary given the suction closure. No capacity figure is stated. There is an open back pocket and a zipped one; at the front, three open pockets, two zipped (one waterproof) and a small hook-and-loop pocket. Not much kit fits — the standard test load fills it — and there is no pass-through pocket, no room for poles, a quiver or a bladder, so it is not a trail or long-distance vest. Loose threads were found on the test sample. It is unisex in three sizes but adjusts only at the front drawcord, with nothing at the sides or back, so it stood away from the back on one tester, and the cord had to be retightened repeatedly on the run. The fabric is air-permeable but thick, so heat still builds at the back and torso. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
On Running Ultra Vest Pro — three colours, five sizes, unisex; tested in size S. Striking design, very good finishing, and still in flawless condition after weeks of use. The highlight is a removable dry bag with sealed seams and a waterproof zip for valuables. Climate management is genuinely well judged: the entire back, the sides and the shoulder straps are thin, air-permeable mesh, and because the dry bag hangs from just four eyelets it does not lie flat against the back. The pockets are well conceived but improvable — with the flask pockets full, the two front pockets take little more than a slim bar. A small zipped pocket and a zipped back pocket under the dry bag, openable while worn, round it out, though that one opens from only one side. On short runs the dry bag comes off entirely for a more compact, more breathable vest; filled, its size and stiffness let loose items fly around inside. The lacing system is fiddly — bands into small eyelets, with more band dangling the tighter it is set, and a sports watch repeatedly snagged on the cords — and the chest straps had to be retightened several times. Two flasks are included, a bladder fits, and the Ultra Quiver is sold separately. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
Montane Gecko VP 5 L+ — a bright red eye-catcher, also sold in black, with the best equipment list here: room for two supplied 500 ml soft flasks, two large zipped and two open front pockets, two side pockets, and one large plus one smaller zipped back compartment, with elastic bands on the back for lashing a jacket or poles outside, and room for a bladder. The standard test kit fits easily. Fully loaded it is very comfortable, held by two minimalist chest straps and a low hook-and-loop strap. Within 2 km the chest straps proved the weak point: very thin, so they loosen and need retightening repeatedly. The hook-and-loop strap is also fallible under a heavy load, opening repeatedly when pulled tight, though it holds securely with a light load. The coarse stretch fabric is comfortable against the skin, and a built-in Polygiene odour blocker means it does not need washing after every hot run. Finishing lets it down: seams around the front pockets are untidy in several places and threads came loose after repeated wear, though it could not be established whether this was a one-off fault in the sample. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
Dynafit Ultra 12 — a visual treat among the many plain black vests, in fiery orange-red, an earthy pink and classic black, with two 500 ml Hydrapak flasks included. The pocket division is intelligent: a zipped front pocket, an open pocket and two side stretch pockets, and a back compartment split in two by a mesh divider and reachable through two side zips, so getting at something near the bottom needs no unpacking. A removable waterproof inner pocket in the back compartment suits a phone on hot, sweaty runs. Poles fasten three ways — vertically front or back, or horizontally at the back as a V — with the necessary elastic bands supplied. The surprise is that Dynafit uses no elastic material, which is meant to give stability on descents; the logic is clear, but it is distinctly less comfortable than comparable vests with elastic mesh, and comfort tailed off after the fifth kilometre. The two-point hook-in chest fastening works well, though a third fixing point would help at full load. Nothing slipped on the run and everything stayed within reach. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
Kiprun Running Vest 5 L Unisex Race — a simple vest for town running or short trails, fastened by clip buckles at three chest straps, with a very wide lower band that holds it in place and stops it riding around. Finishing is very good for the outlay, though clip buckles are less robust than lace hooks. The thin material suits summer. There is one zipped front pocket and a slip pocket each side for phone, keys and a gel, all easy to reach on the move — but there is no room for more. Poles push into the lower back pocket, where they get in the way on the run; a pole pocket is sold separately. There are sewn-in pockets for two soft flasks, which are not included; Decathlon's own flasks are sold separately in its shop. There is no room for a bladder. The vest is thin at the chest and pleasantly reinforced at the back, and does not feel wet even with heavy sweating, but fully loaded it is not very comfortable because the back pockets are quite small, so it suits shorter distances with little to carry. It comes up small, so order a size up; Decathlon offers four sizes from 2XS to 2XL, and a 10-litre version exists for those needing more room. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
Mammut Aenergy TR 5 — sold in men's and women's versions, both tested. At 180 g it is very light and sticks to essentials. It fastens at two chest points with a lace hook and adjusts at the sides as well. Two Hydrapak soft flasks are included, and there is a fixing for a bladder tube. A lower-back pocket takes folded poles, though they press against the back and are not comfortable on the move. The minimalist black and silver design carries reflective elements. Finishing draws one criticism: the elastic bands at the sides are untidily stitched on both test samples and tore off after a long run. Otherwise it is very comfortable, and it sits well despite adjusting at only two chest points. It suits short distances with little to carry; with two full soft flasks and a full bladder it is no longer especially comfortable, and quick-access storage is limited. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
Silva Strive Fly — a surprise on unpacking for its low weight and soft fabric. Soft flasks are not in the standard box but can be ordered. The unisex vest adjusts at two chest straps and at the sides. The front has two double-access pockets for bars or glucose plus a zipped pocket with a key hook for a phone. A rain shell goes in the large mesh pocket at the back, and poles strap to the back, where they are noticeably felt on the run; there is also a strap to fix a bladder tube. Lightly loaded it feels very pleasant and allows complete freedom of movement, but with a bladder or a jacket at the back it feels bulky. It suits short town runs, since storage for a large kit is limited, and it combines a low outlay with excellent finishing. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
Camelbak Zephyr Pro 12 L — sold in women's and men's versions, both tested. Two chest straps with a clip buckle plus two further straps each side mean it sits outstandingly and does not shift even on long runs. Twelve litres and numerous small pockets hold everything needed: three front-access pockets a side, two of them zipped. Two of Camelbak's own soft flasks are included, with the same wheel-and-angle closure as the Apex Pro's. Poles stow in a removable quiver, and the back compartment takes a bladder and a rain shell, with a tube holder at the shoulder. The mint green finish is a welcome change from the mostly dark colours here, though a lacing system fixable at several chest points would give a better fit still. It suits long runs, where a lot of kit can be stowed sensibly; the Apex Pro was recommended over it. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
Deuter Traick 5 SL — sold for women and men; the women's SL was tested. It stands out immediately in two bright colours. A lacing system fastens it, with high-quality cords and elastic hooks. The front has a zipped pocket each side and two flask pockets, but no flasks are included, which is a shame at this level. The back compartment takes a 2-litre bladder and closes with a zip. Folded poles stow either beside the flasks or at the rear, with secure elastic fixing loops. A whistle, a key clip and shoulder slip pockets complete the kit. Fully loaded it is not very comfortable, because the weight at the back does not distribute well. The breathable stretch fabric feels pleasant even with heavy sweating and suits summer, and the vest is very light. It is recommended for shorter runs with little to carry: well made, with an optimal fit for women, but held back by the price given the separate flasks and the loaded comfort. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
Osprey Dyna LT — sold for women and men; the women's Dyna LT was tested. One of the few vests here with a Y-shaped back, which leaves no room for a bladder, and the pack volume is a modest half a litre. In exchange there are two large stretch-mesh pockets for two soft flasks, not included, and two zipped front pockets for a phone or a bar. A snap closure at two chest points, reinforced on both sides, makes it sit excellently without shifting on the run. The fabric is recycled nylon. Tested at high temperatures, the standout was that no sweat collected under it, the Y-shape leaving the back particularly breathable; the material is not water-repellent. It comes in pink and blue. Recommended for women wanting a light vest for shorter runs with little to carry: excellent finishing at a comparatively low outlay, but no room for a bladder or poles and flasks bought separately. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
Camelbak Dart Run — suited to minimalist running and to high temperatures. Its two litres take the essentials and no more: a thin rain shell, the full 1.5-litre bladder, sunglasses, a bar, key and phone already filled it. Despite the maker's own claim, it is not recommended for long distances with a lot of equipment. It comes in one size only but adjusts well individually, confirmed in practice by a woman and a man. Finishing is high quality, adjustment is quick and simple, and the few storage options are practical: a large main compartment on the back with a zipped mesh pocket above it, and at the front room for one soft flask (not included) and a small zipped pocket. A quiver is sold separately. The supplied bladder is well made, with a plastic holder at the opening that makes filling comfortable, and the tube fixes to the front of the vest. It lies close but is notably breathable and airy, thanks to airy Air-Mesh at the back and a lower section attached to the back panel by a single adjustable band, which keeps heat from building at the sides. It sits comfortably and stays in position. It came only narrowly short of the recommendations. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
AeroRun running vest for women and men — only moderately convincing. In its favour are a low outlay, many small storage pockets and a total volume of five litres. Three sizes are offered (XS-S, M-L, XL-XXL). A slightly unpleasant plastic smell on unpacking cleared with airing. It adjusts very quickly and simply by cord routing, but does not sit perfectly: on one tester it threw deep creases at the chest and sat too loose at the shoulders. There is room for two soft flasks and one is included; a second would have been welcome. The two small zipped front pockets run rather freely, so care is needed that nothing escapes by accident. There is a useful pocket at each side and a large main compartment at the back that takes a bladder with tube routing, plus a pole holder. On the test runs it never quite came together: the tester described the feeling of wearing a suit of armour, with the vest always noticeable rather than light. A modest amount more buys considerably better vests. Search Amazon UK · Search Amazon US
How they were assessed
The test was run by two experienced runners, one woman and one man, and since the August 2026 update by two women and two men of differing standards and distance requirements. Where a vest is sold in separate versions, both the women's and the men's model are tested; all other models here have a unisex fit and are worn by every tester.
Before the practical test, seam and pocket construction and the contents of the box are checked. Most vests ship with two soft flasks; a bladder usually is not included. A well-conceived storage layout with easily reached pockets counts for a lot, because nobody wants to take the vest on and off to glance at a phone or eat a bar.
In use, every vest covers a 10 km reference route on both tarmac and uneven ground, followed by further runs. Vests built specifically for ultra distances are used over at least 50 km, and selected models are worn at 100 km events. Comfort is assessed along with whether the vest rubs or sits unpleasantly over time. Fixing at a minimum of three chest points gives the most stable seat and the least wobble, and lacing systems proved more durable and more reliable than clip buckles.
To keep conditions comparable, every vest is loaded identically with a rain shell, two 500 ml soft flasks, a protein bar and everyday items — phone, keys, headphones and sunglasses — so that weight distribution and comfort under a full load can be judged. Empty, most vests here are comfortable. Depending on the intended use, some models are packed with more equipment to judge their storage properly. Because vests lie close to the body, breathable, air-permeable fabric is essential, so particular attention goes to how a vest feels after a sweaty run and whether moisture collects under the fabric.
The short answers
Which running vest is best? The Rab Veil 12 L for most people. It suits running in town as well as in the mountains, the lacing system and the many adjustment options fit male and female anatomy alike, and the build quality is excellent from the seams to the zips.
What is a running vest for? It sits close around the torso and stays out of the way while running, so drink, food and extra equipment such as a rain shell or plasters can be carried comfortably.
What drinking systems do running vests use? Most ship with HydraPak soft flasks, whose silicone bite valve allows drinking on the move. Many vests also have room for a bladder in the back compartment.
