The 4 Best Trail Running Vests (That are Also More Sustainable)
Prefer long runs on challenging trails? Same. Sidewalks and asphalt are boring. But big miles far from water fountains and refill stations mean quick hydration and gas station snack stops aren’t an option. Instead, if you’re headed into the woods or mountains, you’ll have to carry all the necessities like a first aid kit, sunscreen, water and more with you. Which means you need a place to stash it all. Enter the not-so-humble trail running vest.
Also called hydration vests, these wearable powerhouses are purpose-built for moving fast on uneven terrain. They usually have lots of pockets, sleeves for your hydration reservoir, soft flasks and attachment points for everything you could need for an hour or five of trail running fun.
These are the best and most sustainable we tested. Here’s how they fit, function and who each is best suited for so you can find the very best option for you.
Looking for some barefoot trail running shoes to pair with your new vest? Check out our faves.
How We Test
We tested each of these ultralight trail running vests on short 3-mile and long 10-mile runs in Utah’s Wasatch mountains and beyond, packed them full of water and snacks, and assessed features, fit and functionality to see where each excelled and where they fell flat.
The Best Trail Hydration Vests for Running
On Ultra Vest Pro: For Customizable Carry
If there’s a brand that knows that running and sustainability can (and should) go hand-in-hand, it’s On. So we weren’t surprised to find such a well-designed, sustainable running vest from the brand. We were just as unsurprised to discover we loved it. Especially since it’s designed to function for runs of any length. Plus it’s comfortable, easy to use, and was a pleasure to run in.
Capacity
The Ultra Vest Pro is technically 10L, but that is highly customizable. Largely thanks to a detachable dry bag pocket that affixes to the back of the vest. It’s a perfect place to store an extra layer or valuables on rainy runs. But you can also easily remove it for shorter outings when less storage is required.
On one 10-mile run in dry conditions, we removed the extra pocket and still easily carried the two included 500ml soft flasks plus a 1.5L hydration reservoir, proving it’s one of the best trail running vests for long distances.What’s more, there are tons of daisy loops around the vest so you can customize your carry or attach things to the vest wherever you need them.
Pockets
Pockets on the Ultra Vest Pro were well-designed and plentiful. We had plenty of room for flasks, a hydration reservoir, an ultralight windbreaker, snacks, my phone, earbuds, lip balm and sunscreen on a long 10-miler in the mountains. And that was without the dry pouch attached!
All the pockets were fully accessible when wearing the vest and we didn’t lose anything out of them when running, not even empty protein bar wrappers. The only thing we missed was a lumbar pass-through pocket for gear like jackets, but the main rear drop pocket did the trick.
Trekking Pole Carry
We didn’t love the attachment options for trekking poles. When attached via the bungees on the outside of the shoulder straps, our small, foldable poles pressed against our shoulders and got in the way (though minimally) of arm swing.
We relocated the bungees to the back of the vest for rear cross-body carry, but had to take the vest off to do so and couldn’t easily take the poles on and off without assistance. If you run with poles often, we recommend the On Quiver (sold separately).
Fit + Feel
The fit and feel of the vest were impeccable. As soon as we put it on it fit like a glove. It didn’t bunch or gap and felt like a second skin. What’s more, it didn’t bounce at all. It does extend a bit farther down the torso than other vests we tested, meaning there was a bit more surface-to-skin area to help it feel truly secure, but that didn’t bother us.
The sternum straps were comfy, too. The hooks were a little small so not as easily usable as others, but that certainly wasn’t a deal breaker. They are highly adjustable and repositionable. The vest is also almost entirely made of mesh (except the more durable front pockets), so it breathed beautifully and dried fast when we got sweaty.
Sizing
The Ultra Vest Pro is available in unisex sizing, but it is available in sizes XS-XL and in three neutral colors (if you don’t enjoy getting white gear dirty as much as we do). Alisha (pictured) wore an XS.
Features:
- 2 Hydrapak flasks (500ml each) included
- 2 flask pockets
- 2 front drop pockets
- Safety whistle
- Adjustable bungee closure system
- No-budge fit
- Large side pockets
- Removable seam-taped dry pack with water-resistant zipper
- Front zip pocket
- Back zip pocket
- On Ultra Quiver compatible
Pros:
- Removable dry storage pocket
- Fast drying
- No-bounce
- Excellent fit
- Plenty of storage space
Cons:
- Only neutral colors available
- No lumbar pass-though pocket
- Tricky trekking pole attachment points
How it’s sustainable: Made of about 90% recycled polyester from a brand committed to sustainable materials and gear recycling innovation.
- Weight: 10.6 oz
- Capacity: Up to 10L
- Price: $200
Osprey Duro/Dyna Pro 10L: For Big Miles
With options for men (Duro) and women (Dyna), Osprey’s most capable trail running vest offers lots to love, including tons of pockets, multiple hydration options and an included trekking pole quiver. The Pro version does come at a pro price, so will most likely appeal to serious long-distance trail runners versus folks who prefer to keep it short, sweet and in fair weather. But it’s one we’ll be reaching for over and over again, especially for big mile days––it’s an excellent hydration vest for long trail runs.
Capacity
The Pro is a spacious 10L, perfect for longer runs or outings where inclement weather is likely or additional layers and snacks are required. But we didn’t find it too big for easy 5-milers or shorter pursuits. In fact, on a 10-mile trail run, it easily held two full flasks and a mostly full 2L hydration reservoir. There were also plenty of adjustable bungees and daisy loops to attach extra gear, wrangle hydration hoses and more.
We’re obsessed with the flasks as the only ones we tested with rigid inserts that aid in drying but mostly were useful for easily sliding the flasks into their designated pockets (we all know how frustrating this action can be). If the 10L capacity seems like overkill, there are also smaller capacities available.
Pockets
This running vest has pockets galore! The front storage pockets were great places to stash snacks, sunscreen, a phone and more. The lumbar pass-through pocket was perfect for stuffing an emergency windbreaker on a chilly sunset run. And the one zipper pocket on the front was large enough for an iPhone Max (but was also a great place to stuff car keys or other small valuables).
The rear drop pocket was tricky to access when wearing the vest, though, and the rear zipper pocket was a stretch to get into, meaning it was only useful for storing items we didn’t need access to on the trail (think a wallet or car keys).
Trekking Pole Carry
The Pro vest does come with one main pro feature: an included removable trekking pole quiver. Getting the poles in and out of it took some getting used to, but we could angle the sleeve in either direction across our backs based on preference, so we were stashing and deploying poles in no time. As a bonus, repositionable bungees on the harness offer a way to lash poles to the vest straps, too, if you prefer.
Fit + Feel
The fit of this vest sits a little higher on the torso than some other options, which felt weird at first, but meant body movement and rotation were unencumbered by excess fabric or bulky pockets. What’s more, there was essentially no bounce at all, even when bounding down rocky steeps.
Two adjustable and repositionable bungees clip in across the chest for a snug and comfortable fit. The material that sits next to the skin also wicked moisture super well when it got toasty, but it is on the rough side, which is worth noting if you tend to run shirtless or in a sports bra.
Sizing: It comes in three sizes for men and women (S, M, L) plus two colors. Josh (pictured) tested a medium.
Features:
- 2 Hydraulics 500ml soft flasks
- Removable trekking pole quiver
- Dual adjustable and repositionable elastic vest closure cords
- Front flask pockets with bungee securement
- Pass-through lumbar pocket
- Upper back stash pocket
- Upper zippered pocket with internal cord
- Four front stretch drop-in pockets
- Front harness attachment loop
- Removable safety whistle
- Front and rear reflective details
- Rear zippered compartment
- Dual vertical-zip front pockets
Pros:
- Tons of pockets
- Removable quiver
- Sweat-wicking
- Bounce-free
- Flask + reservoir compatible
Cons:
- 10L may be overkill for shorter runs
- Scratchy next-to-skin material
- Expensive
How it’s sustainable: bluesign APPROVED, 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex. Contact Mesh: bluesign APPROVED, 100% recycled polyester. Lifetime warranty (Almighty Guarantee).
- Weight: 7.5 oz (medium)
- Capacity: 10L
- Price: $195
Deuter Traick 5: For Runners Who Prioritize Comfort
This running hydration vest got an upgrade this season (spring 2026) and we’re here for it. We tested the previous version a year or two ago and can confirm that the newest version boasts some welcome upgrades (including soft flaks that are now included). It’s super lightweight, comfortable even next to skin, and is streamlined for shorter to medium-length runs.
Capacity
This version of the vest is 5L, but there’s also a 9L available. So it’s smaller, but for shorter runs––say an hour or three––it’s more than sufficient. It was large enough to fit a phone, a snack pack, soft flasks, windbreaker and more (though for longer runs you may want to opt for a larger capacity version).
Pockets
The Traick 5 offers plenty of places to stash things, though be warned: pockets are compact. That’s great for keeping vest weight and bulk down (it’s one of the lightest vests we tested), but can be tricky if you have tons of snacks, safety supplies or layers you need to pack. On 5-mile runs there was certainly enough room for a few things, including in secure zipper pockets, and we appreciated the rear pass-through pocket for extra layers. But cramming an iPhone 14 Pro in the drop pockets was a tight fit.
As for the flask pockets on the shoulder straps, they left something to be desired. At least on the XS vest, they were a little too small to easily accommodate the included flasks, which made them difficult and frustrating to get in and out. The vest seems better suited for a hydration reservoir.
Trekking Pole Carry
The vest comes with additional repositionable bungees so you can lash trekking poles and other bulky gear to the vest. But I found the limited placement of loops and lash points insufficient for comfortable trekking pole carry. When fixed to the vest straps, the poles overlapped with and impeded access to the soft flasks. Poles could also be secured easily enough straight across the lower back of the vest via bungees, but then grossly impeded backward arm swing.
Essentially, this vest may be better suited for runners who don’t use poles. Especially since there’s no quiver option currently.
Fit + Feel
The fit on the Traick 5 was comfortable and chafe-free. The materials are soft and super stretchy, which offered plenty of give and allowed for easy layering over thin summer layers and fitted cool-weather layers. Thanks to how close it hugs the body, there was practically no bounce, even on bumpy downhill trails. That’s an upgrade from the previous version of this vest, which we found a little oversized and bouncy.
The closure system we were less fond of. It’s permanently attached to one side of the vest, which didn’t allow for as much fit customization as other vests. And while the bungees were easy to tighten and loosen on the fly, because you could only reposition one side, there was sometimes some gapping and bunching on the inside of the vest straps when pockets weren’t full.
Sizing
The vest is available in unisex and women-specific design (SL). We tested the SL version in XS. The SL is available in XS, S, M while the unisex version is available in S, M, L. Two colors are available for each.
Features:
- Attachment loops
- Key clip
- Adjustable bungee cords
- Pole attachment
- Adjustable bungee sternum strap
- Safety whistle
- 2 Drop pockets
- Hydration reservoir compatible (1.5 L)
- 2 Side access pockets
- Rear pocket with zipper closure
- 2 Shoulder strap pockets with zipper closure
- 2 Soft flasks
- Stash pockets on the shoulder straps
- Reflective details
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Stretchy
- Lightweight
- Not Bulky
- Breathable
Cons:
- Small pockets
- Poorly fitted flasks
- Some gapping on straps
- Limited trekking pole attachment options
How it’s sustainable: Climate Partner Certified Product, Green Button Certified Product, bluesign Product, lifetime warranty (Deuter will repair or replace damaged or defective items).
- Weight: 6 oz
- Capacity: 5L
- Price: $170
La Sportiva Trail Vest 5L: For Minimalist Runners
The La Sportiva Trail Vest is a streamlined, no-nonsense hydration vest for runners who prefer minimalist functionality. It may not have an overabundance of pockets, bells or whistles, but it offers plenty in the way of hydration options and comfort on shorter runs. If you’re looking for a minimalist running vest that holds just the essentials when speed is the priority, this is the one for you.
Capacity
One of the smaller vests we tested, the 5L Trail Vest holds just what you need for shorter, less strenuous runs and nothing more. The side drop pockets were large enough for a few gels or gummies, but bulky items like sunscreen sticks looked lumpy and stuck into our ribs as much as they stuck out in front. There’s a sleeve (and routing) for a hydration reservoir, too.
There are a few more capacities available, including a 10L option.
Pockets
Pockets and storage on the Trail Vest are streamlined and minimalist, but still functional. The placement of the flask pockets was on the low side, requiring a bit more straining to reach the bite valves than on some other vests we tested.
As for other pockets, the Trail Vest is more streamlined and minimalist in that department. Meaning there’s less bulk and layers of fabric, but still enough functional storage. An iPhone 15 Pro Max did fit in the one secure zipper pocket, which was a plus. There was also a lumbar pass-through pocket that was perfect for stashing an extra layer on cool evening runs in the mountains.
Trekking Pole Carry
The Trail Vest is probably better suited for folks who don’t run with poles or rarely lash them to their vest. There aren’t any front attachment points, daisy loops or bungees, and there are only two on the bottom hem of the back, which aren’t easily removable. You could attach an extra to the hose routing near the shoulders for cross-back carry, but it’s not specifically designed for that.
Fit + Feel
The closure system on the Trail Vest consists of two bungees that are adjustable and repositionable. Those straps were as easy to use as any other vest we tested and we appreciated that they were simple and straightforward. As for fit, the vest covered our whole rib cage, which felt more coverage-y than other vests.
That said, it’s still breathable and wicks moisture well––in part due to the fact that the main upper structure is a stretch mesh––and it’s lightweight. The lightest we tested in fact. There’s a bit more bounce while running than, say, the Osprey Duro, but only a minimal amount.
Sizing
Every capacity option of the vest comes in three sizes (S, M, L) but no women-specific sizes, so be warned if you have curves or are extra small. Josh (pictured) tested a large. The colors available are classic La Sportiva: Blue, yellow or white.
Features:
- Quick-access stretch front pockets
- 2 Zippered pockets (one large, one small)
- 2 Front soft flask pockets with elastic holder
- 2 Soft flasks
- 2 Adjustable front closure bungees
- Back mesh panel for breathability
- Whistle
- Reflective details
Pros:
- Breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Minimal bounce
- Stretchy and comfortable
- Room for hydration reservoir
Cons:
- Flat pockets don’t allow for bulky gear
- Limited trekking pole carry or attachments
- Low-set flask pockets
How it’s sustainable: Brand is Climate Neutral Certified. Headquarters and factory in Ziano di Fiemme, Italy uses 100% renewable energy and when under-consuming puts energy back into the grid.
- Weight: 5.8 oz
- Capacity: 5L
- Price: $129
Bottom Line
The perfect trail running vest for you depends on the miles you typically cover, the types of conditions you run in, how much you like to carry, and what sort of fit you’re looking for. Fortunately, one of these sustainable hydration vests is practically guaranteed to be the perfect option.
Still not sure? Drop your questions in the comments! Then hit the trail and wander on.
