Running vests

Why a running vest or trail vest works better than a backpack

A regular backpack hangs from your shoulders and sloshes with every step. A running vest fits around your upper body like a second layer. The weight is spread over your chest and back, so nothing shifts around, not even on descents. Your bottles sit at the front: you drink without stopping and see exactly how much you have left. You can reach gels, your phone and a jacket without taking the vest off.

How many litres do you need?

3 to 6 litres: fast runs and races up to about 30 km.
There is room for two soft flasks, a few gels, your phone and a wind jacket. A vest like this is light and compact, and you hardly notice it. Popular choices are the Salomon Adv Skin 5 and Active Skin 4, the NNormal Race Vest and the Ultimate Direction Race Vest 6.

10 to 12 litres: long runs, trail marathons and ultras.
This holds the mandatory gear of most trail races: a rain jacket, a thermal layer, a headlamp, a first aid kit and food for hours. It is the favourite of most trail runners, because it covers everything from a 2-hour loop to a mountain ultra. Think of the Salomon Adv Skin 12, the Osprey Duro/Dyna Pro 10 and the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest.

15 litres and more: long mountain days, fastpacking and routes without aid stations.
You get extra space for warm layers, food for a whole day or gear for a night out, and it is still a vest you can run in. Have a look at the Salomon Adv Skin Cross Season 15, the OMM MtnFire 15 or the Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest.

Fit: the difference between comfortable and annoying

A vest that does not fit well chafes under your armpits or bounces on your chest. Pay attention to three things:

• Size: most vests come in sizes XS to XL, measured around your chest. If in doubt, choose the size in which the vest fits snugly with empty bottles.
• Women's or unisex: women's vests, such as the Salomon Adv Skin Women and the Osprey Dyna, have a shorter torso and bottle pockets that sit higher and wider. That gives more comfort around the chest.
• Adjustability: chest straps and side cords let the vest adapt to your layers in winter.

Ideally, come and try one on in our store on the Maasstraat in Amsterdam. We fill the vest with bottles and weight, so you feel how it fits when you actually run.

Bottles or a hydration bladder?

Soft flasks at the front are the most popular. You see how much you drink, they shrink as they empty and they are easy to refill at an aid station. A bladder in the back pocket is handy when you need to carry a lot of water without stopping much. Many vests work with both. Note: some vests come without bottles, and the product name then says so.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a trail vest and a running vest?
There is none: it is the same kind of vest with two names. Trail runners often say trail vest, road runners usually call it a running vest. You will find them all here in one overview.

Which vest do I need for a trail race with mandatory gear?
For most races up to 50 km a 5 to 6 litre vest is enough, if you have a compact jacket. For ultras and mountain races choose 10 to 12 litres, so a thermal layer and extra food fit too.

Will a running vest chafe?
A vest in the right size that fits snugly hardly chafes. Chafing mostly happens when the vest is too loose or the bottles hang too low. If in doubt, we help you find the right size in the store.

Can I use a running vest for short runs too?
Definitely. A light 3 to 5 litre vest is ideal for training with your phone, keys and a bottle, without being in the way.

How do I wash my vest?
Rinse it by hand in lukewarm water with a mild soap and let it air dry. Wash the soft flasks separately.