12 of the best hydration packs for running and cycling | 220 Triathlon

Hydration packs are a handy tool for long training runs, but are also essential for self-supported race days and cycling adventures. So which are the best hydration backpacks? Our experts put 12 to the test for running and cycling

Stay hydrated and fuelled-up on the trails with a handy hydration pack or vest for running – the perfect companion for off-piste adventures, keeping safe when going it alone and endurance activities.

If you don’t already have a hydro pack in your arsenal, it’s high time to invest and gift yourself more freedom to explore.

A running hydration vest keeps you hydrated and fuelled on the trails by way of portable bladders or soft flask bottles, which can be slotted into custom-made pockets for easy-access on the fly.

In addition to this, the pack should also come with ample pocket space for stashing gels and bars, as well as secure zip-pockets for valuables.

Particularly handy are front pockets that are easy to reach when on the move, with any larger back pockets only really serving to stuff unwanted kit until post-session.

You’ll likely be reaching for your hydration pack while running in hotter temperatures, which is why a pack made with breathability and sweat-wicking in mind is essential. Other key features to keep you cool are ventilated back sections, with waffle or porous material, and lighter colours which won’t absorb the heat as much.

In terms of fit, you want your running hydration pack to feel like a second skin to avoid any chafing and annoying bouncing, as well as sore pressure points. To help with this, look for dual or multiple sternum straps, or draw-string attachments points, and under-arm and shoulder adjustable straps.

During testing, we analysed each pack’s adjustability and comfort, including breathability.

We also looked at storage, accessibility and security of pockets, and functionality of the hydration systems that come with the product.

Lastly, we took a holistic look at the packs, analysing overall quality and value for money.

A comfortable, fully featured pack; ideal for off-road adventures score 93%

Pros

Cons

This five-litre Montane Gecko VP 5+ offers a decent amount of storage, with a large zip compartment on the rear, a zip pocket (large enough for phones, keys or other essentials) on the front of each shoulder strap and multiple small elasticated pouches.

There are then two large pouches between the back system and the outer pocket, with one primed for an additional water bladder, plus an elasticated drawstring cord for strapping on extra layers.

Two 500ml soft flasks slide into the shoulder sleeves and are easily drunk from without being removed.

The whole package weighs in at 336g (size medium), which is heavier than some packs but the Montane comes with cushioning on the harness.

It means the Montane is a good choice over longer distances or if you’re going to be carrying quite a bit of kit, as it’s likely to prove more comfortable than lighter packs.

The large Velcro strap at the front and two smaller supporting elastic sternum straps only enhance that comfort and help stabilise the pack when fully loaded.

It’s worth noting that the extra cushioning does make this a sweatier option in warm weather, but the fabric comes treated with Polygeine, which is designed to fend off foul odours.

Hard to fault this brilliant, comfortable run pack from Rab Score: 90%

Pros

Cons

The Rab Veil 6L comes in three sizes, you get six litres of volume and two HydraPak 500ml Softflasks come with it.

HydraPak dominate the soft bottle space for run packs and you’ll find them with many run packs, as they do the job well.

There’s also a slot for a two-litre hydration reservoir down the back of the running vest, which is appreciated.

Storage is another high point. On the shoulder straps you get the two elasticated bottle pockets, two zip pockets on top of those, plus hidden elasticated pockets on the shoulders, which is ideal for a gel, key or whistle.

There’s an elasticated pouch under your arms that’ll easily take gloves and hats, while at the rear there’s a kangaroo-style elasticated pocket large enough for lightweight waterproofs.

On top of that, there are also bungee cord attachments for you to stow two running poles. A 12L option is also available.

Where the Veil 6L excels above all else, though, is comfort. The pack feels a good fit ergonomically, while the elasticated cords at the front are top-class.

They don’t feel restrictive, are adjustable and move with the body. In fact, the whole pack quickly feels like an extension of yourself.

There are cheaper options on the market, but there can’t be many better.

A thoughtfully designed vest with ample storage options Score: 90%

Pros

Cons

Available both in a unisex and women’s version, the Sense Pro 5 is designed to be comfortable and eliminate friction points, with elastic cord taking the place of sternum straps. When on, we admittedly felt no uncomfortable pressure points, which happily translated to no chafing after a long run.

We were surprised to discover just how much storage this vest offers, with two large, easily accessible front pockets sitting on top of the bottle compartments. The main back compartment stretches round the sides and has multiple access points, while two front zip pockets provide ample room for a phone and keys.

The front pockets for the bottles worked well, though we’d have preferred the flasks to be all soft, rather than having a hard plastic part along the bottom. The mesh back offered reasonable breathability, but didn’t dry as quickly as some others on test, while the reflective detailing and whistle were great safety features.

A lightweight pack with handy storage that’s ideal for summer Score 92%

Pros

Cons

The Scott Trail RC TR’ 4 Pack sports a minimalist design with little padding on the back system.

As a result, the pack and bottles weigh a paltry 177g (size medium), which is hardly noticeable when worn without anything in it.

This is great but the lack of padding means the Scott isn’t the most comfortable pack if you’re fully loaded.

That lack of padding means the Scott also breathes well, with the thin, perforated material making this a great option on hot summer days.

As a fastening system, you simply have two cords that clip across the chest to keep it in place.

They work well and proved comfortable enough in our testing, but they’re not elasticated.

In terms of storage, you get four litres here, which are split across two zipped hip pockets

(ideal for a phone, keys or gels), a large zip pocket on the rear, plus a stash pocket on top of that. The two soft flasks work very well.

Meanwhile, the pack answered our storage needs perfectly, with enough space for extra layers, nutrition, fluids and other essentials.

It also comes with attachments for running poles.

A great fitting pack with lots of storage and quality craftsmanship Score: 92%

Pros

Cons

With a large storage capacity of 6L, you’d be forgiven for assuming the Dyna 6 would feel bulky, but Osprey has done a brilliant job of designing this women-specific pack (the men’s version is the Duro) to feel compact and fit securely when in motion.

Three back compartments, easy-access side pockets and front stretch pockets with bottle compartments are your storage options, with the front zip pocket a nice touch for valuables. Meanwhile, the Dyna’s light mesh breathes well and aids comfort. We found the vest sat higher on the torso than others, but this doesn’t affect function and we soon got used to it.

Two 500ml soft flasks with straws come with the pack and are effectively secured in front pockets by elastic loops. The bottles create a vacuum when drunk out of, which means no loud sloshing of water like other packs on test. If you’re looking for a pack that’ll go the distance, the stylish Dyna would be our first pick.

This pack does a lot right, but it’s missing a couple of features I’d like Score: 80%

Pros

Cons

The Arc-Teryx Norvan 7 Vest comes in three sizes and uses HydraPak 500ml Softflasks to up the storage to seven litres. As a result, there’s no provision to hang a water reservoir in the back for extra hydration.

That means there’s two large stretch pockets on the rear to house extra layers, which can easily take waterproof tops and bottoms.

There’s additional storage on the front, including underarm pouches that’ll take gloves, hats or nutrition, for example, and one of these also has a zip pocket, though it’s not big enough for my iPhone 15.

It will take keys, cards or other small items, though.

You also get a small elasticated pocket on each shoulder that’ll just take an energy gel, plus bungee attachments to attach running poles. There’s even a whistle, too.

Unfortunately, the Norvan 7 didn’t quite hit the same comfy heights as Rab’s vest, as the chest cords aren’t elasticated, so don’t give as much.

I also found that the end of the cords, which are tied into knots, would sometimes irritate my chest, though a bit of readjustment would normally alleviate it for a while.

Otherwise, the pack feels stable and reasonably comfortable. I’d just have expected perfection for the price.

Fantastic storage solutions, but not the comfiest and the pole attachment isn’t perfect Score: 78%

Pros

Cons

I really rate the storage and safety elements of the Compressport UltRun S Pack Evo, but comfort wasn’t quite as strong as I’ve experienced with similar packs from Montane and Rab.

The 10-litre capacity is great and I thought the storage options were well thought out. You have two elasticated pockets for the included two 500ml bottles, plus additional large elastic pockets on the sides under the arms. These will easily swallow multiple gels and essential items.

There’s also a large zip pocket on one side (which’ll take a phone) and a small zip pocket on one of the shoulders, which is handy for keys. Other positives come in the form of lots of high-vis detailing on the back of the bag. This is placed on top of two large elasticated pouches, which’ll easily take an extra layer or two.

During my first experience running with the pack fully laden I found it bouncier than I’d like, but this can be counteracted somewhat by tightening the straps under the arms. One thing I didn’t get on well with was the running pole storage, as my elbows were regularly bumping into them and there was no way to tighten the fastening.

The result was that one pole did come a little loose mid-run. It’s possible that your elbows might be clear of the pack depending on your shape and size, but it was a small issue for me.

Secure storage options but somewhat cumbersome when on Score: 70%

Pros

Cons

Ultimate Performance (UP) claims the Arrow 3 is perfect for racing and events, but we’d be more likely to don this for a training amble if we’re honest, as it felt cumbersome and wasn’t quite as flexible as others on test.

Despite having the single sternum strap fully tightened, the bottles stored on the straps sat quite wide when on, creating a wider profile and a bulky feel. Effectively secured with a drawstring, the two front 500ml flexi flasks come with straws, which is a plus, but we still had to stoop our necks to drink from them.

The water also sloshed around noisily due to the flasks not creating a vacuum when used, which isn’t the case with our samples from Osprey, Montane and Salomon. Having said that, the zip pockets on the front are secure and sizeable, making them ideal for cramming in nutrition, and we had no complaints in terms of comfort and fit, with the waffle fabric providing ample airflow.

A race-ready vest that best suited for up to half-marathon distances Score: 85%

Pros

Cons

The Montane Gecko Ultra V+ has a different look and feel to other packs on test. Due to its body-hugging fit, picking the right size (our UK8 tester had a small) means smaller chested runners could comfortably wear this as a sports bra or running crop top.

This is in part thanks to the zonal stability construction and silicone hemline. Meanwhile, the uber thin, four-way stretch material feels light and breathable when on. Admittedly, the vest has less storage capacity than others on test, though the built-in side and front pockets provided ample space for gels and bars.

The two 360ml HydraPak soft flasks were easy to fill and drink out of thanks to the self-sealing nozzle, though the lack of straw means you need to lean down to reach them. The main niggle with this is the placement of the bottles which, although comfortable, felt like an extension of the bust and looked a little awkward when on. This may not be a problem for men, though.

A traditional pack that does its job, but seems a little dated Score: 75%

Pros

Cons

The Circuit Vest is the only pack on test that comes with a back reservoir (1.5L) instead of front soft flasks, so it may suit those after a more classic set-up.

Side straps and dual sternum straps provide ample adjustment and can be placed at any point along the length of the bag for a more personal fit. There’s plenty of easy-access front storage in the form of two drawstring pockets, which are large enough for phones, bars or soft flasks, and these are easy to tighten securely with one hand.

Meanwhile, a smaller zip pocket can fit keys and a card without being too big that they moved around as we ran. The BPA-free reservoir is designed to deliver 20% more water per sip, which worked well when it was full, but the water sloshed around loudly when it wasn’t, as it didn’t create a vacuum like other bottles. The reservoir’s large screw lid made it easy to fill up and clean, but we found it a little fiddly to tighten securely.

A high price but all-day comfort and smart features abound Score: 88%

Pros

Cons

‘You get what you pay for’ rings true with the Salomon Adv Skin and it’s instantly apparent that this is a quality construction on par with the Inov-8 and Montane in terms of comfort, design and usability.

The 277g weight is lean and achieves that barely-there feel on the run (even with the duo of 500ml soft flasks full), with the positioning of the vessels meaning there’s minimal bounce. The 12L storage volume is effective and there’s an insulated sleeve if you want to add a reservoir for an extra £32.

Yet we’re currently content with the flasks, although the lack of extension straws does mean it looks like you’re trying to chew your armpit when taking a swig. The construction and durability appear strong and, if we had the stamina, we’d happily run all day in this.

An insanely good price, and everything you need to get started Score: 83%

Pros

Cons

Given this pack from Decathlon includes a water reservoir, that RRP is insanely good value and draws favourable comparisons with the Montane.

Both have comfy vest-style designs, which avoids weight pulling too much in one area, and both have many pockets for stashing essentials. Here, hydration is a single 1L back reservoir, which is fiddly to fill but does the job. We prefer the side flasks of the Montane when running, but the Evadict wasn’t uncomfy.

One large back pocket sorts out valuables, while front stretchy pockets can handle a jacket or fuel. It chafed a little on our shoulders, but broader athletes should have no troubles. The chest straps feel secure and can be moved up or down, and a whistle is included.

Top flasks, fine storage but just too much bounce when on the move Score: 76%

Pros

Cons

Osprey’s cycling packs come highly recommended, but their debut run offering, the Duro 6 (litre) – also available as a women’s Dyna or smaller Duro 15 – is a hit and miss affair.

The hits are the straw extensions, which makes it easier to swig when on the move, and the sheer array of pockets; some zipped, some cavernous, but all secure, durable and neatly positioned (there’s even an attachment for a helmet, although we’re not sure how much we’d use this).

And the misses? It’s the words that no-one wants to read when assessing a hydration pack… the bounce. We (and running pals) just couldn’t get the two 500ml flasks to stop moving up and down when containing liquid, something that may be due to the flasks being located more centrally than Osprey and Montane.

Kate Milsom is 220 Triathlon's former staff writer. She's a keen endurance triathlete, marathon runner, and bikepacker and her interests include cycling, nutrition and sports injury. Having previously bikepacked across Europe solo, Kate advocates for adventure and inclusivity within sport.