The Zephyr Pro is a versatile vest that would be a great companion for long weekend runs, or 100-mile adventure races. The solid breathability, thoughtful storage options, and overall comfort make this a great choice for pretty much any run you find yourself on. When thinking about how much water you need, consider if you will have any opportunities to refill. If you’re running a race, how many aid stations are there? How long is the furthest distance between them? It’s not worth bringing too much more water than you need, since that will just weigh you down. However, it’s a fine line to run since water is a necessity while on the move. Trey gravitates toward accessible outdoor activities like hiking, running, and cycling, with an interest in human-powered, carless travel with the occasional assistance of public transportation or a friendly hitch.

How much capacity you need will depend on what your runs typically look like. Someone whose average run is a 5-mile road run will have different needs than someone whose average run is a 20-mile mountain run. What we didn’t like: Bottles supplied get complaints about rib discomfort. Price high for problematic bottles. Before we get into the nitty gritty, it’s important to note that even the lightest, softest, and best-fitting vests will still be a slight burden on your stride. In fact, one of our gear testers resisted wearing a vest for so long that she ran her first ultra (a 41-mile race) with handheld bottles and gels stuffed down her shirt. But she’s since changed her ways (and so have we), and the good news is that today’s vests are more comfortable than ever. The rear of each shoulder features a Stow-on-the-Go™ loop, which can comfortably and efficiently carry trail running poles, keeping them out of the way and your hands-free. The sternum straps are removable and adjustable, with a single hand release, as well as being elasticated so they don’t inhibit deep breaths or energetic movements. What we liked: Light, vents among the best of any vest, intuitive to use, made with recycled silver for a more sustainable silver anti-odor treatment, trekking pole attachment

Colour

What we like: More than double the storage of the ADV Skin 5 for ultras, long unsupported efforts, and winter running. Many runners prefer one hydration method or the other, while others use both. However you choose to hydrate, you just need to make sure to bring enough water for your run. Capacity: Water & Gear The duration and intensity of your run will help determine how much water and storage capacity you need; (photo/Ilana Newman)

Trekking pole attachments:If you like running with poles, it’s great to have a way to stash them if you get tired of using them, or get to a section of trail you don’t need them. For more information, see our whole section on running vest comfort and fit above. Does a hydration vest use water bottles or a bladder? Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. The ideal running vest is not distracting while on a run. If you’re trying on running vests, add some weight to them (water, layers, etc) and run or bounce up and down to mimic running. See if you notice the running vest. If you do, it will probably distract you, or even worse, chafe while on a long run.

Secrets

The verdict: The overall best running vest for trail running distances from 10km to 50 mile ultras.

Some running companies understand that unisex just doesn’t cut it for everyone. Often women’s running vests are designed with the assumptions that women generally have shorter torsos, will have different places prone to chafing, require differently tapered vest straps for different chest sizes, and may want an alternative bottle design. The REI Co-op Swiftland 5 redefines the standard of introductory running vests. At an affordable price, it's easy to use, highly adjustable, and capable of carrying a decent load. Our favorite thing about this vest is the intuitive design; at no point do you need to contort your body or undergo an unnatural movement to tighten or adjust a strap. We love that the amount of storage permits you to get out for full-day adventures with the necessary gear and some additional layers or medical supplies if need be. Compatibility with both a hydration bladder and soft flasks (not included) add to the versatility of this do-it-all vest. The majority of vests come in at least two sizes, with some available in up to five for both men and women. But as is common in outdoor gear, it can be difficult to find options beyond the small-to-large spectrum. For larger body sizes, the REI Co-op Swiftland 5 is the only vest we reviewed that offers both XL/1X and 2X/3X sizing. The Nathan VaporAir 3.0 comes in a 1X to 3X option, and a few others here have XL offerings. We hope that this is a sign of things to come, and look forward to seeing more manufacturers expand their size ranges. If you’re in the mountains, are there any opportunities to fill up water from natural sources? Just make sure to bring a water filter or some way to treat water if so. Sizing It’s important that whatever vest you go with fits well and doesn’t bounce up and down while you run; (photo/Ilana Newman) Like all clothing and gear, the perfect running vest depends on your body shape, and your needs. There is no one “most comfortable” vest, since what fits our testers well might not fit your body as well. But look for something that fits tightly, with no bouncing or rubbing.Working with variable conditions is a constant in Trey’s outdoor life — from trail outings starting and ending on NYC trains; to Colorado multi-sport front door-to-door outings that might start with cycling and lead to trail running; to long-distance thru-hikes (on trails like the CDT, PCT, and Long Trail). We do wish that the light thread also illuminated a bit on the front of the vest, as it is also important to be noticed by oncoming traffic — but bright reflective strips on the shoulder straps provide adequate visibility. Performance running vests can look like a lot of different things. But they are generally oriented towards all-day runs, long trail races, ultra marathons, and technical trails. P art of Osprey’s ‘born to run’ series of comfortable hydration solutions, the Dyna (women’s) and Duro (men’s) ranges specialise in optimising fit based on our different geometries.