A running backpack or hydration vest can be your best friend during long runs, ultra-marathons, or even your commute. Whether it’s to hold your water flasks, energy gels, running jacket or your office supplies, you want a bag that is going to safely hold your belongings without impacting your running form.

We know that running backpacks aren’t a one-size-fits-all purchase. The type of running you’re doing can determine the style and weight of your bag.

You also want to consider hydration. Do you want a hydration pack that also packs a bit of storage, or a running rucksack that has space for some bottles or a bladder?

To help you find the best buy for your needs, we asked our expert group of runners to test and review some of the best running backpacks and hydration vests available from brands we love and trust.

Best running backpacks and hydration vests

• Best hydration vests
• Best reflective backpacks
• Best waterproof backpacks

Best hydration vests

Trail Goddess Artemis 5L Race Vest

Technical details:

• RRP: from £86
• Weight: 140g (without flasks)
• Sizes: S-L
• Compatible with soft flasks and bladders
• Front, side and rear storage + secure phone zip pocket
• Pole carrying option

What our tester said:

“You only need one race vest, and this Trail Goddess one is now The One for me. My old vest never fitted properly and I just put up with it. I assumed that vests would never fit women properly. Trail Goddess is out to change that, with its promise of “no bounce, zero chafe, just running”.

It looks great: it’s bright turquoise with hi-vis zips. It’s short and compact so that the pockets sit at the sides of the chest rather than over the middle. It fits me well. There is lots of space for arm movement. The gap between its top seams and my collarbones and neck means no chafing. In fact, with a phone, one soft flask and many snacks in the pockets, I can happily report there’s been no movement while running.

The vest has been well thought out, boasting 12 pockets, two of which are zipped (one front, one back) and many more that will hold a phone or gel without them bouncing out. There’s even a hidden whistle attached to one of the many bungee cords. The back has a few layers of fabric but the short length means it doesn’t feel hot when I’m out running.

My only gripe is the soft flasks; the valves are stiff to bite and I find them hard to wash. That’s not a dealbreaker for me, as I can swap in another bottle brand. Overall, an excellent, well-designed piece of kit that is worth the investment.”

Salomon Active Skin Set

Technical details:

• RRP £95
• Weight: 195g (without flasks)
• Sizes: S-XL (unisex)
• 4L
• Reflective detailing for added visibility
• Compatible with flasks and bladders

What our tester said:

“I have loved (and ruined, via tumble dryer) my older Salomon pack, and was desperate to replace it. On first wear, this one is a very different feel. The older version was more stretchy, while this feels a bit more rigid, and the fabric is more ‘anorak’.

It comes with two soft flasks, but you can easily pop a bladder in the back as well/instead. I’ve taken it on several long marathon-prep runs. It stays put, with no chafing around my neck. The storage has increased and improved, with even more pockets. The water flask pockets hold them in place brilliantly.

The only slight niggle is that I’ve noticed that when I’m fiddling about with my hydration, the elastic can sometimes pop loose from the hook at the top. It’s worth taking the time to adjust this and make sure it’s really snug before you set off. Other than that, I can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but I love it even more than my old, broken version! Well done, Salomon!”

Deuter Traick 5 SL

Technical details:

• RRP: £115
• Weight: 155g
• Sizes: XS-M (women’s fit)
• From 5 litres
• Great eco-credentials
• Four pockets, plus back pouch

What our tester said:

“This backpack came along a matter of days before the London Marathon. And while the Running Gods tell us not to use anything new on race day, I decided not to listen. Why? Cos this fitted perfectly. I had one in a size smaller than I’d normally go for, but it was bang on.

I was able to fit a bazillion gels, an inhaler, tissues, cereal bar, and two litres of electrolytes and it all packed in wonderfully. No bouncing, no chafe. Yes, I had a dreadful London Marathon, but none of it was down to this, which will be accompanying me on my next (hopefully more successful) one!”

Montane Gecko VP+

Technical details:

• RRP: £120
• Weight: 167g
• Sizes: S-L
• Comes with 2x 500ml flasks
• Back pocket for extra storage/bladder
• Fast-drying
• Pole carry system for trail running

What our tester said:

“This hydration vest is barely noticeable on the run, with a clever anti-bounce design that really works. I’ve worn it on all my long runs during this training block and haven’t had a single issue with chafing – even in the rain. The front pockets come filled with two 500ml flasks that have a clever little but of elastic around the rim to stop them slipping down, and there are plenty of other zip pockets for gels, keys and whatever else you like to take out running with you.

You can clip your poles in if you’re a trail runner, and there’s even a chunky pocket at the back where you could pop a larger bladder or store a lightweight jacket or cap. The front clasps stay put and don’t feel constricting or annoying at all, made from a thin but strong elastic. It’s also a flattering fit, despite being a unisex number. I absolutely love this vest – I wouldn’t be without it for long runs.”

Ultimate Performance Finn Race Vest 1.5L Hydration Pack

Technical details:

• RRP: £60
• Weight: 190g (without flasks)
• One size: fits 30 ̋– 50 ̋ chest approx
• 1.5 Litre hydration bladder (included)
• 3.5 storage capacity
• Reflective detailing for added visibility
• 5 front pockets and 1 larger prior pocket

What our tester said:

“This vest has plenty of capacity. On the back, there’s a large pocket which stores the 1.5-litre hydration bladder. It has a large opening that’s quick to fill (essential if you’re topping it up mid-race) and a hose and bite valve for drinking on the go.

There are five front pockets, two of which are suited to 500ml bottles or soft flasks and one which has a zip for valuables. Two chest straps and two other straps mean you can easily adjust the pack to suit your size. I wear a size 10 and found I was able to get a good fit at the tighter settings, with minimal movement while running.”

Thule Vital Women’s Hydration Pack

Technical details:

• RRP: From £94.99
• Weight: 499g
• 1.75L Hydrapak reservoir (included)
• 3L storage capacity
• Hands-free ReTrakt magnetic hose

What our tester said:

“As a mid-size backpack, this will suit marathon and ultra-marathon runners. It comes with a 1.75L hydrapack, so larger than many packs offer. The hands-free magnetic hose return system is a great feature I’ve not encountered before, and it means the end of the hose instantly snaps onto your pack after you’ve had a sip – a great idea for latter stages of races when you’ve run out of energy.

It’s a well-designed pack, with more storage than I need but very comfortable to run in with minimal bounce. The only slight negatives are the very long adjustable straps and the length of the pack, which sits on my hips, that may be slightly too long to suit a shorter runner.”

Vaude Trail Spacer 8

Technical details:

• RRP: €140
• Weight: 400g
• Capacity: 8L

What our tester said:

“There is plenty to love here: the padding at the back is comfy and made from clever 3D form-knitting, which moves the main bag part away from your body, and keeps you cool. But you want to know about the pockets, right? There’s a massive zipped one at the back, which includes space for a bladder, and two drop-in pockets. On the front and sides, there are three more drop-ins and two zipped, so you can fit a soft water bottle on one side, and there’s storage for poles too. Big ticks all around.

However, the bag is long in the body – hitting me mid-waist – and feels more suitable for chaps. It only comes in one size, and for me, as a size 10 small-boobed person, that meant having the straps on their tightest fitting, and the shoulder straps pulled too close to my neck, causing rubbing.”

Best reflective backpacks

Proviz Reflect360 Running Backpack

Technical details:

• RRP: £49.99
• Weight: 427g
• Capacity: 10L
• Highly water-resistant material

What our tester said:

“Made with exceptionally reflective material, you won’t worry about being seen wearing this! Light yet spacious, it’s designed to keep weight off your back and it feels very supportive. Zip pockets on the waist strap allow easy and accessible storage, but they are sadly a little small to fit a phone.”

Silva StriveFly 3L Reflective Running Backpack

Technical details:

• RRP: £69.95
• Weight: 123g
• Sizes: XS-L
• Capacity: 3L
• Suitable for 2 front flasks (not included)
• Dual-entry side pockets, mesh back pocket, front zip pocket
• Pole attachment system & compatible with quiver

What our tester said:

“This lightweight vest delivers on comfort and visibility. At just 123g, it feels barely there, with a close-to-body fit that minimises bounce even at faster paces. The reflective pattern is a highlight, adding visibility during early morning or evening sessions. I found that the three-point fastening system allowed me to get a secure fit.

I did find the front fastening a little fiddly to undo, especially mid-run. There are multiple pockets and space for flasks, layers and essentials, and the soft, breathable materials feel comfortable against the skin. A great option for shorter, faster runs.”

Best waterproof backpacks

Montane Trailblazer LT 20 Backpack

Technical details:

• RRP: £109.99
• Capacity: 20L

What our tester said:

“The thing I like most about this backpack is its versatility. Whatever you need to carry with you on a running adventure, there’s a perfect spot for it in this pack: zipped pockets on the shoulders for small items, stretchy ones on the front for easy access to bigger things, and then the main bag itself, which is waterproof and can be tightened to prevent things rattling around as you run.

The straps of the bag were very adjustable and super comfortable, with padding and straps to give you a body-hugging fit. The bag is waterproof and has a roll-top closure for maximum protection. It was a little bit fiddly to open and close with cold hands, but it was well worth it for the dry clothes stowed within.”

How we test to find the best running backpacks

All our kit is tested by real runners. Our reviews team is a group of passionate women with diverse running experiences, from dedicated marathon runners to happy plodders.

We wear the clothes, run in the shoes and use the tech on our usual runs to see if they go the distance. We then give each piece of kit our star rating to find the best running backpacks and hydration vests out there.