7 best hydration packs for long, hot runs
Hydration packs are a must-have if you're planning on running long distances this summer.
Hands up if you’ve ever tried to run whilst clasping onto a slippery, sweaty water bottle? Not very fun, is it? Neither is scouring your long-run route for safe places to hide water bottles before actually making out the door for your run. But for any runner – amateur or pro – looking to bank serious miles this summer, staying hydrated is so important, especially when the temperature starts to soar.
Why? Well, the short answer is that when we exercise, our body temperature rises and we sweat in order to cool ourselves down. If this water isn’t replaced, and you don’t drink enough water when exercising, you can start to feel lightheaded, dizzy and fatigued, your heart rate increases and suddenly what usually feels ‘easy’ will begin to feel so much harder.
So what’s the solution? Carrying water in hydration packs, of course. Exactly how much water you need to take on during your run depends on a whole host of factors, including how hot it is, how much you tend to sweat and how far you’re going. But hydration backpacks allow you to hit the trails or embark on that long run with easy access not just to water, but to snacks, extra layers, suncream and anything else you might want to carry with you. Handy, huh?
So, say goodbye to fumbling around with water bottles or worrying about running out of fluids, it’s time to invest in one of the best hydration bladders on the market.
After something else? Shop the best running shoes for women and the best bikes for women, including hybrid bikes and mountain bikes.
Meet the expert:
- Salomon athlete, marathon and ultramarathon runner, Abi Woolaston
Best hydration packs at a glance:
- Best overall: Salomon Sense Pro 10, £150, Salomon
- Best for the trails: The North Face Race Day Vest, £135, The North Face
- Best for women: Ultimate Direction Women's Race Vesta 6.0, £124.99, SportsShoes
- Best for marathon training: Camelbak Women's Ultra Pro Vest Packs, from £68, Amazon
Why might you use a hydration pack instead of a water bottle?
Wearing a light hydration pack or daypack means you can easily drink water without having to stop, unpack your rucksack and take out a water bottle. This is particularly useful for runners or hikers who don’t want to slow down or stop to access their hydration system. And who need to keep their hands and front pockets free.
“Using a hydration pack takes the strain off your arms and wrists which can cause them to ache when carrying a water bottle,” explains Abi Woolaston. “It’s so much more comfortable over longer distances, giving you freedom of movement while leaving your hands free for taking on snacks or catching yourself if you take a tumble.”
How to choose the best hydration pack for you
Firstly, you’ll want to choose a hydration pack that properly fits and is comfortable to wear (no one wants all their belongings bouncing up and down for a three-hour run). Functionality is key.
“If possible, I always recommend trying on a hydration pack before you purchase,” advises Abi. “Each brand has a slightly different fit and feel, so it’s important to find one that feels comfortable and fits well to minimise bounce; some brands have packs specifically designed to fit a women’s shorter torso length and accommodate the bust, so this may also be something to look out for.”
For added comfort on all-day adventures, look for running packs with fully adjustable straps and a padded back panel.
You also want to make sure that the pack you choose has enough space for everything you might need for your runs, says Abi “as they come in varying sizes and capacities.
"I wear the Salomon Sense Pro 10 Hydration Vest which is light and streamlined and suits the longer mileage I do”.
Perhaps it’s obvious, but it’s also worth noting that if you’re planning on doing a multi-stage ultramarathon then you’re likely to need a zippered hydration pack with a larger hydration reservoir and storage capacity than if you’re just heading out on a short walk.
Ahead, our top hydration pack recommendations for running in the heat.
Best: Overall.
Pack size: 10 litres.
Bladder capacity: 3-5 litres.
Weight: 165g.Why we love it: This hydration pack from Salomon is a firm favourite for many runners, and it’s easy to see why. With two 500ml flasks included with the pack (which are super easy to drink from, and large enough to fit ice cubes), this hydration vest is really comfortable and features loads of handy pockets for quick access to any items you need to access on the go. The front flask pockets hold the Salomon flasks securely in place and limit bouncing while the back compartment is big enough to throw in an extra layer or two. This is the unisex model, but there is also a women's-specific running vest (also £150), which has a slightly different style of soft flasks, positioned more to the side, to accommodate women’s chests.
Best: For the trails.
Pack size: 8 litres.
Weight: 120g.Why we love it: Ultra lightweight, this hydration pack from The North Face includes two 500-ml soft flasks for hydration and just enough space for storing anything else you might need, including gels, a waterproof jacket and phone, without too much extra weight. The pockets don’t feel quite as large as the Salomon Sense Pro 10, but we loved how breathable the mesh fabric felt (ideal for those super hot and sweaty runs). As these are unisex packs, we’d recommend sizing down here, as they have a tendency to come up a little large, and in order to avoid any bouncing, it’s best to opt for more of a snug fit.
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Best: For women.
Pack size: 6 litres.
Bladder capacity: 2 litres.
Weight: 174g.Why we love it: Perfect for storing all your essentials, the Ultimate Direction Women’s Race Vesta Ultra Vest has adjustable straps, so you can customise the fit, and a slightly narrower cut in the shoulder straps and back means it’s more tailored fit for smaller, female frames. Featuring a water-resistant, breathable back panel (impressive because many vests don’t tend to feature waterproof or water-resistant pockets), two water bottles and a large rear compartment that accommodates up to 2L reservoir, it offers ample storage, and easy access to hydration on the move. For hikers or runners using hiking poles, there are also special bungee loops at the back to attach your trekking poles or any extra gear.
Best: For marathon training.
Pack size: 6 litres.
Weight: 150g.Why we love it: Designed specifically to fit women’s bodies, this hydration pack from Camelbak is the perfect companion for marathon training in the heat. Made from lightweight mesh, so you won’t overheat during long training runs, the Women’s Ultra Pro Vest Pack has two adjustable straps, two 500ml soft water flasks and a large zipped pocket on the back for carrying either a water bladder or extra layer. There’s also a secure zipped pocket on the front, which is ideal for providing easy access to your phone.
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Best: For ultramarathons.
Pack size: 8.25 litres.
Weight: Unknown.Why we love it: This sleek-looking hydration pack from Adidas Terrex is designed for massive days in the mountains or when you need to carry more layers (thanks to its stretchy back pocket). Lightweight, soft and made from 79% recycled polyester, this hydration pack includes two soft flasks, a protective waterproof pocket for your valuables, an emergency whistle and reflective detailing.
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Best: For the occasional hiker.
Pack size: 1.5 litres.
Weight: 300g.Why we love it: Small but mighty, this slim, comfortable women’s hydration pack from Osprey only carries 1.5 litres (so perhaps isn’t the one if you’re tackling a remote adventurer ultra-marathon race). But it does come with two 250ml soft water flasks and several stretchy pockets for carrying items on the go. So if you’re only looking to head out with the bare minimum, then this trimmed-down style might work for you. Less expensive than some of the other options, here you really do get what you pay for, and the cheaper price point is reflected with this being more on the basic side of hydration packs.
Best: For those on a budget.
Pack size: 5 litres.
Bladder capacity: 1 litre.
Weight: 175g.Why we love it: Affordable and lightweight, this hydration pack from Decathlon is a great entry buy for anyone new to the world of long-distance running and hiking. Unlike the other packs on this list, it doesn’t come with the two 500 ml water bottles (you have to buy those separately, £9.99 each) but it does have lots of pockets for stowing energy bars and valuables. Its simple, yet effective, design means it’s great value for money, but perhaps not the most comfortable vest out there.
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