The 8 Best Running Vests In 2023

In my opinion, every runner should have a good running vest.

Yet so many runners go without them!   They end up carrying things in their hands as they run, or wearing a fanny pack that rubs and bounces around everywhere.

I wear my running vest all the time.

Indeed, whether I’m training for a marathon or just going for a shorter run, I often find myself slipping it on.  

What do I use it for?

Keys, money, my phone, headphones, water bottle, gels, salt tablets; you name it.

I discovered the benefits of a running vest after spending years running around carrying things in my hands and pockets.   

It was annoying.

A good running vest will fit snugly to your body, and provide no chafing or interference to your running form. 

I actually find that when I run with my iPhone in the back of my vest, the weight gently rolls my shoulders back a bit and helps open up my chest, improving my form!

Related article: How To Run With Your Phone: The Best Options For Carrying Your Phone While Running

What I Look For In A Running Vest

Just like a good pair of shoes, a good running vest should first and foremost be comfortable.   If it annoys you at any point as you run, it’s not for you.

Here are some more pointers for what to look for when picking the best running vests:

Pocket size and accessibility.   My running vest has a myriad of tiny sleeve pockets that are flush with the body of the vest; they’re perfect for money and gels, and I can comfortably carry up to 15 gels in them (I’ve only done this a couple of times . . .).

Hydration system.  Here’s something controversial . . . I don’t like running vests or packs with bladders in the back.  I find them cumbersome to clean and operate, a pain to refill on the move . . . and it’s hard to tell how much water you’ve got left.  Instead, I prefer a running vest with a couple of smaller bottles that hug my chest.   It makes them easier to access and manage!

Body hugging.   The running vest needs to be body-hugging while remaining comfortable; the closer everything is to your body, the less inertia and bounce will occur. Look for vests with at least one chest-strap, and adjustable straps everywhere else.

Related: How To Deal With Chafing and Running

Volume / size.  If you are going to use your own water bladder with the running vest – or want to carry extra items along – then make sure the capacity is big enough.

Related: What To Wear When Running

Best Running Vests

Here is my selection of the best running vests, both with and without bladders:

#1. Best Running Vests for Summer Runs – Nathan VaporAir Hydration Pack

Capacity: 7 L, Weight: 14 Ounces, Bottles/Reservoir Included: 2 L Hydration Bladder

#3. Best Running Vests for Ultra Running – Ultimate Direction Mens Ultra Vest Signature Series 6.0

Capacity: 10.3 L, Weight: 7.9 Ounces, Bottles/Reservoir Included: 2 x 500 Ml Soft Flasks

Pros	Cons
Multiple pockets	Not ideal for shorter/slimmer runners
Super lightweight and breathable	Can feel bulky when fully loaded
Soft fabric to prevent chafing

With plenty of storage options and a design that sits snugly and comfortably on the torso, this is the perfect running vest for a long day on the trail.

It features an upgraded Comfort Cinch™ 3.0 fit system that uses durable high-density polyethylene cord and is completely adjustable for a custom fit.

The pocket at the back is nice and roomy and the bungee straps are useful for stashing a jacket.

#4. Best Running Vests for a Precise Fit – Salomon Sense Pro 10

Capacity: 10 L, Weight: 8.8 Ounces, Bottles/Reservoir Included: 2 x 500 Ml Soft Flasks

Pros	Cons
Lightweight and stretchy	Flasks can cause discomfort
Expandable pockets and compartments	Expensive
Easy to adjust on the go

The soft fabric and SensiFit™ construction make this one of my favorite vests in terms of comfort, with the elastic front buckle system and adjustable cords allowing you to fine-tune the fit.

The pockets are generous and easy to access, whilst the streamlined silhouette makes this a great vest for race day.

The flasks slip in and out of the pockets remarkably easily, thanks to their hard bases.

But this has its downside, too, as I and many other runners have found that they can press heavily on the ribs.

#5. Best Running Vests for Shorter Runs – Black Diamond Equipment – Distance 4

Capacity: 4 L, Weight: 7 Ounces, Bottles/Reservoir Included: 2 x 500 ml Black Diamond HydraPak SoftFlasks

Pros	Cons
Stretchy and comfortable	Can only be adjusted at the sternum
Large front pockets	Only comes in 3 sizes
Very soft seams	Expensive

This vest uses BD SET (Stitchless Edge Taping) Technology that makes it feel super comfortable, with no chafing at the seams.

Quick drying and durable, it has dual hydration pockets that sit comfortably high to minimize bouncing, plus multiple storage options.

It’s also incredibly lightweight and so breathable that you barely notice you’re wearing it, even on hotter days.

#6. Best Running Vests for Fastpacking – Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20

Capacity: 20 L, Weight: 1 pound, Bottles/Reservoir Included: No

Pros	Cons
Removable waistbelt to help balance loads	Heavier than standard running vests
Daisy chains to secure extra gear	Can be uncomfortable when loaded to capacity
Very durable

The Fastpack 20 offers the lightweight comfort of a running vest combined with the extra capacity you need for overnight trips.

The roll top closure expands or compresses to keep the load secure and stop it from bouncing, no matter the capacity, and the back panel has been recently upgraded for enhanced breathability.

The full-side external zipper makes it easy to access your stuff on the go, whilst the moisture-wicking MonoRip Mesh material is tough enough for rugged environments.

#7. Best Value for Money – CamelBak Circuit Run Vest

Capacity: 3.5 L, Weight: 5 Ounces, Bottles/Reservoir Included: 1.5 L CRUX reservoir

Pros	Cons
Cushioned, breathable mesh fabric	Only available in one size
Dual adjustable sternum straps	Reservoir is fiddly to remove
Reflective details for visibility

It might be around half the price of some running vests in this guide, but the Circuit Run Vest from CamelBak certainly doesn’t compromise on quality!

With a lightweight, minimalist design, it comes with a built-in bladder and two roomy flask pockets for additional hydration, specifically designed for Quick Stow flasks should you want to buy those separately.

A handy tube trap keeps your drinking tube in the perfect position for easy access and you also get a secure pocket for your phone, with zip fastening.

#8. Best Running Vests Overall – Salomon Advanced Skin 12 Set

Capacity: 12 L, Weight: 11.8 Ounces, Bottles/Reservoir Included: 2 x 500 ml Soft Flasks. Also Compatible With a 1.5 L Bladder (Not Included)

Pros	Cons
Extremely comfortable	Pricey
Multiple pockets
Dries quickly

Roomy, breathable, and holding your gear securely so there’s no bouncing, this vest ticks all the boxes in terms of comfort and functionality.

Made with durable and stretchy ‘Advanced Skin’ mesh, it fits snugly and evenly distributes the load so you can move quickly, with a strap at the sternum that makes it easy to adjust on the go.

The high-quality zippers glide smoothly, the secure phone pockets are large enough for almost all phones (which can’t be said for all running vests!), and the wide pocket in the back is easy to access from both sides.

The Best Running Vests: Key Takeaways

Because they are designed to hug your body, the best running vests keep the load securely in place so you can run in comfort without being distracted by your gear.

Whether you need a high-capacity pack for days on the trail or somewhere to stash your essentials on short training runs, I hope this guide has helped you find the right vest for your needs.