Today we’re discussing hydration systems for running.
The vests and belts I’m reviewing are ones I have personally tested and approved. This doesn’t mean there aren’t better options on the market, but it definitely means there are worse ones. I’ve also heard lots of good reviews about RAIDE and can’t wait to try their products.
Let’s start with the vests
I used the Salomon Lab vest for 10 years until it finally needed to be replaced. I still believe Salomon is one of the best brands in the game.
For my 100-mile race in Colorado this July, I took 3 vests with me. I packed everything I wanted to take and tried to fit it all in each vest, and the ON Running Ultra Vest won. It held everything I needed for 100 miles while staying comfortable.
Let’s start in order:
1. ON Running Ultra Vest 10L:
This vest is designed for long-distance trail running.
- Weight: Ultra-light, only 200 grams
- Capacity: 10 liters, including a detachable 5L dry pack, which is great for keeping gear dry
- Pockets: It has lots of small pockets, allowing you to organize your gear efficiently and balance the weight on your body.
Pros:
- Excellent fit with no bounce
- Lots of small, easily accessible pockets
- Back pockets are easy to reach, even while moving
Cons:
- Runs small
- Shorter fit, which might feel off for some people
- Limited color options
What I love about this vest, besides the pockets and material, is the closure system on the chest! It’s really easy to adjust, quick to take on and off, and stays secure even while running. The back pockets are very accessible, and the flasks are easy to insert, even when the vest is full. It comes with two 500ml Hydrapak soft flasks and space for a hydration bladder.
The fit, however, might feel small for some people—it’s more about the vest being short, not small overall. This could confuse taller runners. That said, I would recommend this vest for fast races where you don’t want to take off your jacket.
2. NNormal Race Vest 5L:
- Weight: 174 grams (without flasks); each 500ml flask weighs 40 grams
- Capacity: 5 liters
- Pockets: Two front pockets for flasks, a large front pocket for essentials, a waterproof back pocket, and a small pocket with a whistle
Pros:
- Great fit with minimal bounce, even on technical terrain
- Waterproof back pocket to keep valuables or clothes dry
- Durable, made from high-quality materials
Cons:
- The back pocket is not accessible mid-run, which can be inconvenient
- Flasks are difficult to insert when the vest is full—you may need to take it off
- Lacks small, easy-access pockets for better organization
I love the waterproof back pocket for carrying a jacket or dry clothes. It’s easy to reach while running, but overall, the vest could use more small pockets. Inserting flasks can also be tricky when the vest is full, requiring you to loosen or remove it.
3. Salomon MM6 Maison Margiela ADV Skin 5 Hydration Vest:
This collaboration blends performance and style, based on Salomon’s ADV Skin 5 vest.
- Weight: Around 249 grams
- Capacity: 5 liters
- Design: Breathable mesh for comfort, especially in warm or hot climates
Pros:
- Snug, bounce-free fit
- Plenty of small pockets for hydration and essentials
- Convenient bladder pocket and hydration system
Cons:
- Large pockets are under the arms, which can restrict arm movement when fully packed
I really like the materials and fit, especially if you prefer a bladder system over flasks. However, having most of the large pockets under the arms limits your arm movement if they’re full.
Conclusion:
Each vest shines in its own way, depending on your running needs:
- The ON Running Ultra Vest 10L is great for fast races where you need quick access to gear without removing the vest.
- The NNormal Race Vest 5L is durable and perfect for slow runs or races where you don’t mind stopping to access your gear.
- The Salomon MM6 Maison Margiela ADV Skin 5 is stylish and functional but better suited for runs where you don’t need to carry a lot of snacks or if you prefer a bladder over flasks.
Running Belts
Lately, I’ve preferred running with belts over vests. My shoulders tend to get sore quickly, and for most races, you can store enough food and water in a belt. If I need more than 0.5 liters, I carry a second flask in my hand or in the side pocket of my shorts. For long unsupported races, like when I ran from Yosemite to Mammoth, a vest is the best option.
I used the Satisfy Running Belt for most of my 300-mile adventure. It’s the best belt I’ve tried, though I’ve also tested Compressport and didn’t like it—the material was too soft and it rode up. The NNormal belt is okay for the price.
1. Satisfy Running Belt:
- Weight: 75 grams
- Capacity: 9 pockets, and it doesn’t include a soft flask
- Design: Adjustable bungee cords for extra cargo storage like poles or jacket
This belt has the best storage and pocket design. It fits well, even though it’s not flat, and offers plenty of volume. It also has bands to secure your jacket on the outside for easy access. The only thing I’d change is the color of the pocket zippers—sometimes it’s hard to find and open them.
2. ON Running Ultra Belt 2L:
- Weight: Around 90 grams
- Capacity: 2 liters, comes with a 500ml Hydrapak soft flask
- Design: Bungee cords for pole attachment or jacket, reflective details, and targeted padding for comfort during long runs
This belt fits a bit more snugly than the Satisfy belt and seems to have slightly less storage space. While the fit is great for fast runs, it can be difficult to remove and replace the flask while wearing the belt. I might need a larger size, or it could be the belt’s design.
3. Naked Running Band:
- Weight: 63 grams
- Capacity: 2 liters
This belt is more snug, similar to the ON belt, so you can’t fit as much in it. It lacks bands or larger pockets for a jacket, making it better for fast races where you don’t need to carry much.
4. Salomon S/Lab Pulse Belt:
- Weight: 62 grams
- Capacity: 0.79 liters
- Design: Expandable pockets for small items, diagonal straps with silicone grips for securing a jacket or poles, and reflective details for visibility
This belt has fewer pockets and is very light and minimalistic. I would use it with a smaller flask or as extra storage with a vest.
Conclusion:
Your choice of belt depends on your needs:
- The Satisfy Running Belt is the best for long races with lots of gear, thanks to its many pockets and jacket storage.
- The ON Running Ultra Belt is snug and great for fast races but has limited storage and can make it hard to handle flasks.
- The Naked Running Band and Salomon S/Lab Pulse Belt are minimalistic, designed for fast races with minimal gear.
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