A running backpack or hydration vest is an essential part of the equipment for any trail runner or long-distance runner. In this guide you can learn more about if a running backpack, a running vest or a smaller hydration belt will meet your needs.
This article is divided into the following sections: Click on one of the headlines to proceed to the section you want to read:
- Fluid vest, running backpack or running belt - What should I choose?
- Running backpacks, fluid vests and running belts for Trail running and Road running
- How big should my running backpack or fluid vest be?
- Running less than 1 hour
- Running between 1-2 hours
- Running over 3 hours
- Ultra running
- Running backpack for running to and from work
- Drinking bottles and fluid bladders for running belts, fluid vests and running backpacks
Fluid vest, running backpack or running belt - What shoud I choose?
Lets start out by looking at the advantages and differences of the three types of bags for running
Advantages by choosing a running belt
You should choose a fluid belt/running belt if you primarily go for shorter runs and doesn´t need to bring more than 250-500 ml fluid.The fluid belt is the lightest and most compact solution. The belt is easy and quick to put on, and as long as you don´t bring more than 500 ml fluid, it doesn´t create any discomfort on your runs. If you are going out for longer runs where you need more fluid or where you need to bring extra clothes or gear, you should choose a fluid vest or a running backpack instead. But for the shorter runs, the belt is the most practical solution.
Example of a fluid vest:
Salomon Agile 250 Belt Set
Advantages by choosing a fluid vest
The fluid vest is designed specifically for running and its the best choice if you want max. running comfort. The vest sits high on your back and very close to the body. This ensures that it moves as little as possible during running. The wide straps under the arms provide the fluid vest with a better fit than the backpack which is typically designed with thin straps. The improved fit makes your fluid and additional gear stay in place and jump-free when you are running with a fluid vest. So, if you are going for a long run, I would recommend that you choose a fluid vest (or a backpack with wide straps). Another advantage is that it is generally easier to get hold of your stuff, WHILE you are running.
Example of a fluid vest:
Salomon S/Lab Sense Ultra 2 Set
Advantages by choosing a running backpack
You should choose a running backpack if you want a more versatile bag which can also be used for many other activities than running. The backpack is generally larger, so it is well suited for transport runs to and from work, for longer hiking excursions or for the one who doesn´t do very long distances.
Example of a running backpack:
Salomon XT 6
Running backpacks, fluid vests and running belts for Trail running and Road Running
When you are on the trail, you are often far away from cities, roads and other people. Therefore help is not close by and consequently its important that you are self-sufficient and can take care of yourself for a longer period of time to a greater extent than during road running. Therefore it can be an advantage to follow our recommendations for choosing a running backpack/running vest in the next chapter.
Some official trail runs even require mandatory equipment and supplies that you MUST bring for safety measures in order to compete.
If you do road running, the need to bring a backpack, vest or belt isn´t quite as important as when you are on the trail. But if its hot or you are planning to run for more than an hour, we would clearly recommend that you bring fluids on your run.
See all backpacks and vests here
How big should my running backpack or fluid vest be?
The capacity of your running belt, your running backpack or your fluid vest depends on how far you are going to run and for how long you will be away. The longer the run, the more food (energy), fluid and extra clothes you need to bring.
Below you will find our recommendations for size based on how long your activity is going to be.
NOTICE: Liters indicate capacity (how spacious it is) - NOT the amount of fluid you can carry.
Running less than 1 hour= Fluid belt or 2 ltr fluid vest/running backpack
Running between 1-2 hours = 2-6 ltr fluid vest or running backpack
Running more than 3 hours = 5-10 ltr fluid vest or running backpack
Ultra running= 10-15 ltr fluid vest or running backpack
Running backpack for running to and from work = Running backpack over 8 ltr
Running less than 1 hour
Choose: Vest/-backpack or fluidbelts - See the selection here
On short runs for less than an hour, most people can get by without carrying any fluids. A fluid belt with a single bottle of 250-500 ml, or a smaller running vest/running backpack might also be a very good idea to bring, especially if its hot.
I would recommend the following:
Salomon Agile 250 Belt– Running belt, incl. 1 250 ml. soft bottle. Room for mobile and keys.
Camelbak Ultra Pro 5 Vest – Minimalist running vest with 2x 500ml soft bottles and with possibility for 1.5L liquid bladder.
Salomon S/LAB Sense 2 set- Lightweight-fluid vest incl. 2 500 ml. soft bottles. Room for energy products, mobile, keys and possibly an extra jacket.
Running between 1-2 hours
If you are going out for somewhat longer runs, it might be a good idea to bring fluids and possibly energy-products or something else to eat. For this purpose one of the smaller running vests with a capacity of 2-6 ltr would be the perfect choice. Here you will find room for fluids, energy products and possibly an extra jacket or other clothing.
I would recommend the following:
Salomon S/LAB Sense Ultra 5 Set– Lightweight-fluid vest incl. 2500 ml. soft bottles. Room for energy products, mobile, keys and some extra clothes.
Salomon Advanced Skin 5 Set– Fluid vest incl.2500 ml. soft bottles. Room for energy products, mobile, keys, fluid bladder (not included), poles and some extra clothes.
Salomon XT 6- Running backpack with integrated pockets at the front for fluid containers. Room for energy products, mobile, keys, fluid bladder (not included), poles and some extra clothes.
Choose: Vest/-backpack or fluidbelts - See the selection here
Running more than 3 hours
When you are active for more than 3 hours, you simply MUST bring fluids and energy products. Its also a good idea to bring extra clothes like a jacket, a hat and a neck brace, so you can change your clothes if the weather should change along the way.
I would recommend the following:
Salomon Advanced Skin 8 Set Women- Women-specific fluid vest incl. 2500 ml. soft bottles with a straw. Room for energy products, mobile, keys, fluid bladder (not included) and extra clothes. This fit is optimized for women.
Inov-8 ultra vest pro – Lightweight fluid vest (274g) incl. 2 pcs. 500 ml. soft bottles. Room for energy, mobile, keys and extra clothes.
Salomon Sense Pro 10 Set– Running backpack with room for 2500 ml soft bottles. Room for energy products, mobile, keys, fluid bladders (not included) and extra clothes.
Ultra running
For ultra running there is usually a number of things that you need to carry. Therefore you need storage room so, in addition to fluids and energy products, you can bring your mobile, clothes, a survival blanket, first-aid kit, hiking poles, etc.
I would recommend the following:
Salomon Advanced Skin 12 Set– Running backpack with room for1,5 ltr fluid bladder. Room for energy products, mobile, keys, fluid bladder (not included), poles and clothes.
Salomon XA 15- Running backpack incl.2 500 ml bottles. Great room for energy products, mobile, keys, 2 500 ml. soft bottles (not included), poles and extra clothes.
Running backpack to and from work
Choose: Vest/-backpack or fluidbelts - See the selection here
If you are running to and from work, the most important thing is of course that you have room for change of clothes and what else you might need. We recommend a running backpack with a capacity of at least 8 ltr for this purpose:
I would recommend the following:
Salomon Trailblazer 20– Affordable, versatile running backpack with a 20 ltr. capacity. Room for everything you need.
Salomon Trailblazer 10–Affordable, versatile running backpack with a10 ltr. capacity
Drinking bottles, fluid bladders and running backpacks
For all Salomon running belts and running vests, some kind of drinking bottle and fluid bladderis included. As for backpacks, drinking equipment might occasionally not be included but it is always possible to buy compatible soft bottles or fluid bladders. See the individual product for more information. You can buy drinking accessories here:
Buy Drinking bottles and fluid bladders
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