After testing 19 running vests over hundreds of miles, ultra runner Kieran Alger has identified the best options for every type of run, from daily plods to ultra races. The vests were evaluated on storage, hydration, comfort, fit, and durability.
Best Overall: The North Face Summit Run Vest 5l
Priced at £124.99, this lightweight, breathable vest offers a body-hugging fit and easy soft flask access. It has five litres of storage, two zippered bottle holsters, and stretch pockets. However, it lacks weatherproofing and sweat protection. Suitable for lightweight racing and long runs.
Best Budget: Harrier Kinder 10l
At £29.99, this vest provides excellent comfort and ample storage with nine front pockets. It’s heavier but well-padded and form-fitting. The phone pocket is small. Suitable for long runs, trail runs, and hikes.
Best for Hydration: Nathan Pinnacle Series Vapor 12l
From £100.94, this vest includes a 1.6-litre insulated bladder and a close-fitting design. It has a large rear compartment and multiple pockets, though phone pockets are tight. Suitable for ultra-running and all-day adventures.
Best for Winter: OMM UltraFire 5
From £72, this vest features a water-resistant roll-top rear compartment and seven front pockets. Glove-friendly zip pulls are a plus. Soft flasks are not included. Suitable for long runs in tough terrain.
Best for Urban Miles: Stolt 4l Vest
At £129, this durable, padded vest offers a secure fit and includes two 500ml soft flasks. Front storage is limited, and it can run hot. Suitable for everyday miles and races with minimal kit.
Best of the Rest
Decathlon Kiprun Race 900 3l (£49.99) is super-minimal at 90g, ideal for marathons. No rear storage. Silva Strive 5 (from £59) offers a compact fit for smaller frames but isn't bounce-free when fully loaded. CamelBak Apex Pro 12l (from £139.38) provides massive storage for long adventures but is bulky for daily use. Saysky Flow Vest 12l (£177) is lightweight and comfortable but pricey. Osprey Duro/Dyna LT (from £55.30) is comfortable for short to medium runs but has insecure rear storage.
What You Need to Know
Running vests typically have a harness with bottle holsters, pockets, and rear compartments. For short runs, a 2-3 litre vest suffices; for self-sufficiency, consider 12-15 litres. Fit is crucial: look for adjustable sternum straps, a wide padded harness, and bounce-free feel. Front pockets for phone and fuel are essential. Check for weatherproofing, easy zips, and extras like a safety whistle or reflectivity.
