Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. Summertime brings longer trail days, with increased heat and a need to manage your fluid and cargo for extended distances. Whether you only want to carry the bare minimum or need to prepare for anything, the following options will help you cover high mileage in comfort.
Salomon ADV Skin 12 ($165)
Weight: 8.7oz unisex
Size options: 5
ADV Skin models are almost ubiquitous at trail races, for good reason. Their light compression fabric construction makes them mold to your body like a custom-fit garment, and does a great job of keeping bouncing to a minimum when fully loaded with fluids and gear. Salomon employs a body mapping fit process for both their unisex as well female-specific versions of this vest, which have double-stretch chest straps to reduce pressure across the front. Sensifit technology combines a Y-shaped harness system to distribute weight evenly across the back and shoulders, while adjustable Quick Link elastic sternum straps keep the vest secure and are easy to operate on the fly. Soft and comfortable 3D airmesh fabric sits just off the skin to allow airflow and thermoregulation, and wicks moisture off the body very effectively. This vest has three separate pole attachment options using the included elastic loops, plus two additional attachment options using a pole quiver sold separately.
Rear storage in the ADV Skin 12 combines a large primary storage compartment with a full length vertical zipper on one side, and a full length fluid sleeve with clip fastener that can accommodate up to a 1.5L reservoir. A contiguous tunnel pocket at the base of the vest provides another large storage option, but requires a bit of dexterity to access. In front, stretch mesh pouches above the flasks extend around the torso, and two large zipper compartments provide additional security. Salomon has tinkered with its soft flask configuration over the years, and the current 500ml soft flasks with this vest feature wide-mouth openings that are easy to drop powders into or refill at aid stations in a hurry. Rather than a purely cylindrical shape, the flasks have one flat side and a slightly angled top design. The flat surface makes them easy to insert back into the pouch and decreases bounce when in motion, and the angled top makes the drink valves easier to reach. This vest has amazing versatility for use on short, faster runs as well as getting fully loaded up for ultra-distance outings. Available at www.salomon.com.
Arc’teryx Norvan 7 ($160)
Weight: 7.2oz, unisex
Size options: 3
In the same category of second-skin compression vests is this model from Arc’teryx, a lightweight and streamlined product that can pack a surprising amount of cargo for its minimalist footprint against the body. Its breathable mesh interior surface is made with a diamond-shaped waffle pattern that keeps a slight air channel between your skin and the exterior surface for effective ventilation and breathability. Dual sternum closures can be positioned at any of six anchor points on either side, but this is the only mechanism of adjusting the fit of the vest in any manner. We found the sizing to run on the small size, and with only three size options available, this vest will be a challenge for larger runners.
All of the storage areas on this vest are made from PowerNet stretch mesh fabric, which expands easily to accommodate larger items, and has enough elasticity to hold those items in place, or to keep a slim profile when not in use. In addition to dual 500-ml flask pouches, front storage consists of expansive stash pouches on each side. Inside these large pouches are one small zipper pocket on the left, and one small drop-in pocket on the right. The small zipper pocket is the only secure fully secured storage area anywhere on the vest. Most of the cargo space on the back side comes from a massive pass-through tunnel connecting both flanks and extending most of the way up the back. This area can hold large jackets or even a mountaineering helmet, but lacks any kind of fixed closure to provide confidence that they’ll stay in place. Layered above this section is a two-thirds length stash pouch that serves as a distinct storage area from the pass-through area. Pole attachment points at the top and bottom of the shoulder straps allow you to store your folded poles vertically in a position that doesn’t impede your running. Available at www.arcteryx.com.
Tantrums Crest 6 ($144)
Weight: 4.7oz, unisex
Size options: 5
A relatively new (launched in 2024) company based in Southern California, Tantrums has a limited product lineup, and their most prominent creation thus far is this form fitting vest that has a sleeker profile against the body than similar styles from Salomon or Arc’teryx, particularly on the back side. This is the lightest vest in our test group, but the minimalist design doesn’t compromise functionality. This year the Crest 6 is in its second design cycle, with updates including improved durability, enhanced breathability, and a refined fit system. One key construction element is the use of Cordura-infused textile that has exceptional abrasion and tear resistance while remaining highly breathable. A refined sternum fit system has three clasps that can attach at several vertical daisy-chain anchors; we found these to be easy to attach or open on the move, while remaining secure once in place. The overall sizing runs small, so Tantrums provides a size chart online along with advice to size up if you’re in between; we might recommend sizing up anyway.
Fluid capacity on the Crest 6 is slightly greater than comparable vests; the front soft flasks hold 600ml instead of the standard 500ml, and the narrow rear rear storage sleeve can accommodate a 1.5L reservoir if needed. The pocket layout is fairly intuitive, with large stretch mesh pouches in front of the flask sleeves. Above the flasks, there is a small zippered pocket on the right side and mesh envelope pocket on the left. Rear storage includes a cylindrical pass-through lumbar compartment, and a vertical stash pouch for a reservoir or extra cargo. Fabric loops on the top left shoulder and bottom right flank can accommodate a pole quiver, but the Crest doesn’t come with its own bungee attachments for this purpose, which seems like an easy addition that would prevent an additional purchase. The most impressive of this vest is its ability to minimize bouncing at high speeds, even with the additional 200ml of fluids it is able to carry. Available at www.tantrums.run.
UltrAspire Traverse Hydration Pack ($225)
Weight: 14oz unisex
Size options: 5
For those who cover massive distances, the Traverse is a new product this year built specifically with the 200 to 300-mile distance in mind. It is also ideal for self-supported full day adventures in demanding environments where a lot of gear, fluid, and apparel is required. The Traverse provides 20L of cargo capacity with a relatively low profile design that rides comfortably and keeps the load secure with minimal bouncing, thanks to fit technologies such as S-shaped Ergofit straps that reduce neck and shoulder fatigue, plus an updated MaxO2 adjustable sternum system that expands for breathing while maintaining tension on the harnesses. Material construction combines a super durable and abrasion resistant exterior fabric with soft moisture wicking mesh and sweat proof webbing against the body that stays comfortable against the skin even when fully loaded.
The variety and positioning of storage areas on the Traverse is really exceptional, and provides a large variety of customization to your preferences. Symmetrical front storage includes large zipper pockets on each side with sweat-proof backing that is perfect for storing a phone, plus dual zippered pockets on the shoulders for securing smaller items. Large diagonal stretch mesh pouches sit above vertical flask compartments with compression stitching and cord locks, while large side sleeves accommodate layers of clothing or moderately sized fluid containers, with dual pole attachment options on each side in addition to across the bottom. A massive rear compartment has a full width zippered opening to access all of the contents easily, plus a small mesh organizer pocket. An external reservoir sleeve can be easily accessed when the pack is full, and accommodates up to a 2L bladder. Like most UltrAspire packs, the Traverse does not come with any fluid containers (flasks or reservoir); this allows you to customize your setup with any of the six different fluid container options the company offers, but incurs an additional investment cost on the front end. Available at www.ultraspire.com.
Osprey Duro 10 Pro & Dyna 10 Pro ($195)
Weight: 7.2oz (Duro) or 6.8oz (Dyna)
Size options: 3 for each
These vests represent two areas of product improvement for Osprey. Their longstanding Duro and Dyna series has been updated with 2026 lighter and softer materials, including a new 360-degree stretch structured mesh fabric, a flexible adjustable sternum system using daisy chains and moveable straps, and smoother rolled seams. They also have repatterned flask pockets and improved bungee anchors to prioritize stability and reduce bounce across the product line. Building upon those changes, the Pro collection then incorporated further design elements in collaboration with Osprey’s professional athletes to optimize comfort and performance elements. The resulting Duro (men’s) and Dyna (women’s) Pro 10 vests are ideal for long distance training and racing, and are also available in 7L versions if you don’t need as much cargo space.
Fabric construction consists of a dynamic stretch back panel that stabilizes the load while allowing natural movement, and a soft air mesh body wrap harness that creates a ventilated irritation-free contact surface. The Dyna incorporates Osprey’s female-specific body mapping with fine-tuned shaping on the yoke and harness that contours more effectively to shorter, narrower, or more curved body shapes. These vests come with dual 500ml soft flasks that include removable WingStay stabilizers – a great innovation for helping the flasks retain their shape for easy refilling and reinsertion in pockets, which also help them air dry when not in use. Front storage includes dual zippered pockets that are large enough for phones, and four stretch drop-in pockets that allow you to keep a lot of items within easy reach. This is the most convenient vest we’ve tested in regards to keeping a large number of items conveniently accessible. The back side has a large secured zippered compartment, a vertical stash pocket, and large pass-through compartment for larger items. Poles can be attached on the front or back of the vest, or combined with a separate pole quiver sold separately. Duro/Dyna Pro vests can also accommodate a 1.5L reservoir for additional fluid storage as needed.
Available at www.osprey.com.
Black Diamond Distance 6 ($180)
Weight: 6.9oz, unisex
Size options: 4
Another revamped lineup this year is the Black Diamond Distance series vests, with new 6L and 2L versions designed as streamlined models for racing and no-frills solo missions. The Distance 6 is a minimalist option that is capable of handling the bare essentials (or mandatory required gear) in ultramarathon scenarios, and provides a surprising number of fluid and cargo options for its sleek profile. Its diamond spacer mesh across the back panels and shoulder harness is among the most effective we have tested for breathability and ventilation. This mesh has a soft and comfortable feel against the skin, and a small percentage of elastane which adds a mild stretch component to maximize range of motion, plus soft edged seams that prevent chafing. Dual sternum clips have multiple vertical attachment options to help customize the fit of the vest against your body.
Fluid storage on the Distance 6 comes from dual 500ml flasks that stay in place nicely thanks to a slightly higher front seam than most flask pouches, and a reinforced band near the top that combines with the elastic bungee cap ring to minimize bouncing. The left side has a large vertical zipper pocket that includes a secure key leash, and both sides have large stretch mesh storage pouches for nutrition or other small items. Additional fluid capacity is found on the back side, with a full length sleeve compartment and bladder clip that can hold up to a 2L reservoir (sold separately) or utilized for additional cargo storage. Otherwise, rear storage consists of a horizontal zipper compartment on the top half, and a large lumbar pass-through pocket below. Z-pole attachment loops at the top right shoulder and lower left rear flank allow you to carry poles vertically across your back. In our experience this positioning is a bit tricky to manage on the fly, especially for storing the poles, but rides very comfortably once they are in place. Available at www.blackdiamondequipment.com.
Nathan VaporAir & VaporAiress 4.0 8L ($160)
Weight without reservoir: 7.7oz
Size options: 3 for each
This longstanding model has been a favorite of runners for many years thanks to its overall comfort and versatility for big outings. The VaporAir is unisex, while the VaporAiress offers the same storage layout and hydration capacity with a women’s specific fit, mainly in the contour of the harnesses and the footprint of the side panels against the body. Nathan prides itself on accommodating a wide variety of bodies, and even though these vests only come in three size options, each model can be adjusted to fit two different sizes, effectively expanding the range from S to XXL for the unisex VaporAir, and XXS to XL for the VaporAiress. These vests are also distinctive in this test group for being the only models to use a 2L rear reservoir as the primary fluid system, although the front pockets are compatible with 500ml flasks sold separately. Their primary fabric construction is 3D mesh durable ripstop material with a honeycomb pattern that provides nice breathability and softness. Although these are not form-fitting vests, there is slight compression across the side panels to ensure a secure fit, along with strap adjustments at the sternum, and front toggles at the base of the harness that tighten or loosen the lower edge of the vest against the body.
A strength of VaporAir/Airess vests is the large capacity and multiple options available for cargo storage; they each have 10 pockets as well as pole carry attachments and an external bungee storage system. The front straps have two expandable mesh pouches on each side, and one vertical zipper pocket on the left that provides security for a phone; this zipper pocket also has a key clasp inside it. Dual side pouches are expandable to store moderately large items, and connect to each other in the lower lumber area, but the passage is quite narrow, so it’s hard to pull items from one side to the other. The full-length reservoir sleeve shares a zippered compartment with a full-length stash pocket, which provides plenty of space for those larger items that can’t fit through the lumbar opening. Available at www.nathansports.com.
Kailas Fuga Air 7 IV Trail Running Vest 7L /8L ($159)
Weight: 6.3oz (small women’s)
Size options: 6
Newer to the US market, Kailas Fuga is a climbing apparel and equipment company founded in China in the early 2000s. Known for their technical innovation, they are expanding their presence in North America, and while the brand’s main focus is mountain and climbing gear, they’ve recently branched off into the sport of trail running.
Their hydration vests offer unique features that indicate their technical innovation is keeping up with other outdoor companies around the world, including an all-round dial fit, which allows the user to tighten the entire harness, consisting of three clips and crisscross cables, to create a custom fit that can be adjusted easily on the fly and fits comfortably across the chest. Kailas designed the women’s vest specifically for the female body, including positioning on the upper torso with an equal balance and weight distribution to reduce the burden on the lower body.
Storage capacity of the vest includes multiple outer pockets as well as one waterproof zippered pocket for phone storage and two ways to carry poles. Each vest comes with two 500ml soft flasks that feature a 360-degree swivel bite valve which fit in front upper pockets on either side. An extra pouch is secured in the lower right pocket, meant for storing empty gel packets and other garbage while out on the trail. The back of the vest includes a two elastic pockets and a full-length space between the breathable honeycomb mesh layer and the lightweight outer fabric offers room for a jacket or other piece of outerwear. A smaller zippered pocket in the middle of the back is perfect for valuables or items like a headlamp that needs to be secured. We tested this vest on multiple trail runs and were able to lock in the soft flasks with minimal bounce and enjoyed the ease of the swivel valves while drinking on the run. Available at kailasgear.com.
Raide LF 5L ($219)
Weight: 154g (small)
Size options: 5
Founded in Carbondale, Colorado, Raide first made waves with their debut product, the UL 1L belt, and recently released their very first hydration vest, the LF 5L. Designed to carry 3L of fluid, each vest comes with two 600mL Hydrapack locking flasks that fit into front pockets, with two additional pockets below, along with a zippered pocket to secure a phone. The vest’s tension system includes two adjustable nylon cords that easily clip across the front, and an integrated pole quiver in the back of the vest that can also be used for an additional 600mL of hydration storage. A large pass-through pocket in the lower back of the vest includes silicone dots on the interior to keep larger items like a long-sleeve shirt secured in place, while a large, zippered pocket beneath helps to keep valuables safe or could also fit a 1L bladder (a passthrough port is included for a hose).
During our testing, we appreciated the lightweight, breathable Dyneema Mesh fabric, which was one of the lightest in our test group. Other small but detailed design features, such as rear locking loops to keep the pole quiver secure, made this vest standout. Because it’s the first vest in Raide’s lineup, quantities are limited but can be found at raideresearch.com.