Comparative review: From summer mountain training to racing! Highly popular trail running hydration vest

Hydration vests for trail running have become quite popular in the future. It's a backpack that's more of a "wearing" type than a "carrying" one. Each manufacturer has a variety of packs, but what we can say in common is that the hip belt around the waist is omitted, the chest pockets are expanded, and the backpack itself has a center of gravity slightly above the top. Even though it's the best type, you'll need to pack the bare minimum in your backpack, such as portable food, water, clothing, smartphones, maps, headlights, etc. (although it varies considerably depending on the course process, weather, and your own experience and ability). For hot summer mountains and lace designs, a capacity of less than 10L is perfect. It's minimal, light and functional. This summer we've compared and reviewed some of the most popular trail running hydration vests!

table of contents

• About the items we compared and tested this time
• Test results and spec comparison table
• Impressions of each model
• summary

About the items we compared and tested this time

Below are five models compared this time. Based on the following criteria, we have chosen a small hydration vest that is perfect for racing and midsummer training.

• Capacity is less than 10L
• Best-shaped hydration backpack
• A model that can be used mainly in the summer and in spring and autumn.

Here are the five best candidate models that I chose based on my own opinion and prejudice.

• Arcteryx Novan 7 Hydration Best
• Patagonia Slope Runner Pack 8L
• PaaGoWorks RUSH 5r
• The North Face TR 6
• OSPREY Duro 6

Test environment

We tested at Ichichodaira, a resting spot beyond Mt. Takao (Tokyo).

Rating points

• Functionality: We tried to determine whether it has features that are easy to use.
• Storage: Determine how smoothly and simply you can put in and take out the items you carry.
• Fit power: Judge the fit power during activity.
• Lightweight...Simple to make the backpack lighter.
• Breathability...Breathability is generally proportional to lighter weight, but we can judge it without being bound by preconceived notions.

Test results and spec comparison table

If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here

Impressions of each model

Arcteryx Novan 7 Hydration Best

This is ◎

• Fine and clever storage capacity
• Easy to use hydration system

This is △

• The chest strap operation is a bit stressful

"No-Ban" is a high-performance hardening vest. In this comparison review, we have picked out the 7L. The fabric is a bit stiff like a soft shell, but by using a lot of mesh materials including shoulder straps, it has been improved for breathability and weight reduction. The total weight is 265g, which is quite light.

The top has a security pocket that is easy to access and water resistant to weather pouches and keys that are convenient for storing keys. For users who play in the mountains, this can be said to have a carefree storage capacity. In addition, the weather resistant pouch can be adjusted in two stages depending on the amount of luggage. It's a good idea to put in your wallet or map that is not suitable for getting wet. The bottom has an elastic mesh dump pocket that is convenient for storing shells and other items. The front of the shoulder straps and other items are equipped with a mesh pocket for storing soft flasks and energy gels, as well as a zipper pocket. It can also be used to hold items such as stock and is easy to arrange, with a compression bungee cord and pole carry pocket, making it easy to arrange.

In particular, what stands out from other hydration vests is the hydration system stored in the main compartment. It comes with a source hydration bladder (2L), but it is a type that allows you to pass the hydration tube from the side of the vest into the inside. When pouring water into the hydration, there is no need to take out the hydration itself, and the tube can be removed while it is placed in the vest, making it quite smooth. Bring the tube from the rear side to the front and hold it at the chest strap (the water flows much more smoothly than normal hydration, so I feel like I can drink it all the way through).

Only one point. The two chest straps are not adjustable in sliding mode. So it's a bit difficult to adjust. You might just decide once, but there are surely some users who will adjust it even during activities. It seems that the height of the chest straps is still incorrect on both sides... If possible, I would have liked a sliding strap that was highly elastic.

PaaGoWorks RUSH 5R

This is ◎

• Pocket layout designed for user convenience
• Stretch mesh with excellent elasticity and breathability

This is △

• What you want to have wear and waterproofing

PaaGoWorks, which is well-known for its reliable manufacturing experience from a user's perspective, has entered the RUSH 5R. This is a further upgrade of the "RUSH UT" developed for Ultra Trail and has captivated many users.

The main material is stretch mesh and weighs 250g. When you carry it on your back, it feels light and gentle, as the material is stretchy mesh. The vest's center of gravity seems to be slightly higher, making it easy to carry (as always) and has a nice fit. The back is tightly attached to the back and is stretchy, making it surprisingly shaking and breathable during activities.

The approach to the main compartment is a vertical zipper, and the wide open, making it easy to put in and take out luggage (the zipper is slightly stiff). In addition, the bottom of the main compartment has been designed to adjust the amount of luggage to suit the amount of luggage (it's very considerate!!). Hydration is a type where you lie on the side and take it out, making it easy to put in and take it out. The pocket layout is simple and easy to approach as it incorporates user opinions. A shoulder pocket where you can attach soft flasks and bottles in a position that is easy to drink while running, and a large capacity pocket for storing gels and foods, the armpit on the right side of the vest is a dedicated pocket for storing supplies and gel packaging garbage, and a large zippered pocket on the armpit on the left side to store valuables and other items with confidence. The moderate elasticity of the stretch mesh adds to its usability.

The "side adjusters" provide a more optimal fit are also in a nice position, and you can adjust the waist hold by simply pulling the cords on both sides down. The accessories bungee cords and cord locks also tickle the user's playfulness (using bungee cords makes them compressed and give them another better fit!).

Additionally, it has a rather innovative feature that allows you to adjust the length of the shoulder harness depending on your body type and the amount of luggage. It certainly fits pretty well, but perhaps because it is held with Velcro, the shoulder pads are a little stiff. It feels a bit bumpy to the collarbone, and if you're concerned about it, you'll be curious. However, is there any other racing vest that pursues comfort based on user feedback?

The North Face True 6

This is ◎

• Lots of pockets and excellent storage capacity
• The shoulder harness is soft

This is △

• It has a lot of tightness with the body, so it's easy to get stuffy
• Heavy weight

From The North Face, we have picked out the ever-evolving TR series Ultra Trail pack, "TR 6." It has a capacity of 6L and weighs 310g for the M size, which is slightly heavy (S/290g, M/310g, L/330g). In this update, the concept of "carrying" has been changed to "wearing", further improving the sense of unity with the body, and the structure is quite closely attached to the back, making it a high-class stability. The three chest straps, stretch fabric under the armpits and compression bungee cord provide an even more fit. Perhaps because the up and down shaking has been reduced, it continues to fit even in intense movements and is less likely to sway. However, there is something more to consider when it comes to breathability.

The main compartment has a vertically long center double zipper that opens wide, making it easy to put in and take out clothing and other items in and out. There are mesh pockets on the left and right inside. The top also has a rain cover-shaped velcro flap that is highly durable and water-resistant. However, on a small part, I was concerned that if the Velcro flap was still closed, I couldn't approach the mesh pocket. I think the zipper of the zippered mesh pocket on the right inside should be on the long side... However, the number of pockets was impressive. There are large stretch pockets at the bottom of the main unit that can be accessed from the left and right, and two stretch bottle pockets on the shoulder harness. There are two stretch slit pockets under both sides of the front. The stretch pocket on the right under the front also has a security mesh pocket with a whistle zipper! However, the stretch slit pocket on the bottom front may be a little too large. Considering ease of use, it would be better to store small items such as gels if they were separated inside.

OSPREY Duro 6

This is ◎

• Excellent waterproof and wear resistance

This is △

• Heavy weight
• Exterior stretch pocket buckle position

OSPREY has picked out the "Duro 6." OSPREY has made many lightweight backpacks for mountain climbing, but perhaps because it is designed to emphasize durability and water repellency, it is surprisingly heavy, weighing 510g (S/M) including hydration, and 540g for M/L. The shoulder strap is a mesh type, which shows that it is breathable, but hmm... On the other hand, the straps are soft and have a very smooth feel. It seems to help prevent friction when used for long periods of time. As for the fit, I can say it's done pretty well. The highly elastic chest strap provides an exquisite fit that can accommodate intense movements. The buckle at the end of the strap can be operated with just one action. However, since it is made of plastic, it is not suitable for rough handling. You should try to avoid missing anything.

There are two zippers in the main compartment. It opens relatively wide and is easy to approach. The sub compartment is also very convenient for storing small items. However, there is a large stretch pocket on the exterior, and the buckle of the harness is designed to interfere with the main compartment being inserted and removed. So, every time you approach the main compartment, you have to unbuckle (why did you make it like this?).

The shoulder harness on the front has a stretch mesh compression pocket, and is deep enough to fit a plastic bottle (500ml) and is reasonably stable. In addition, there are compression pockets that are useful for taking out and putting in and out gels, and each side has one compression pocket, allowing you to store food and soft shells, making it the basic storage capacity of racing vests. It also comes with a zipper sleeve dedicated to Rezavoir (from the hydration system), but the included hydration capacity is 1.5L. It's a detailed order, but I think the 2L was better, which is very easy to use. However, it is appreciated that the tube's drinking port is magnetic and can be fixed.

Patagonia Slope Runner Pack 8L

This is ◎

• Sophisticated lightness and breathability

This is △

• Chest straps are difficult to use
• A very simple pocket layout

Patagonia chose the "Slope Runner Pack 8L." It's a racing vest that is not "carry" but "wearable", and it has a capacity of 8L but weighs 200g, making it an ultra-lightweight class. The main fabric of the main body is made of ripstop nylon, which is stitched into cotton, nylon, and is lightweight and water-repellent, and is also a white product with a polyurethane coating and a durable water-repellent finish. The back panel, which is closely attached to the back, incorporates monomesh, which is highly breathable, making it a very supple bite that is less likely to get stuffy. The shoulders also give a soft impression.

The main compartment has a wide zipper, making it easy to approach. It's very easy to put in and take out hydration, clothing, food, etc. The small inner zippered pocket is convenient for storing essentials and comes with a loop for attaching the key. The chest area is equipped with four stretch mesh pockets for storing flasks and behavioural foods, and a zippered pocket for your mobile phone. I would like to say that the basic storage capacity is decent, but unfortunately, the only practical exterior is the vertical mesh pocket. Considering convenience, I would like a rain cover type pocket or a compressed bungee cord (although there are holders that can be attached to trekking poles, etc.). I also think the compression cord should be at the bottom of the pack to allow for smooth adjustments when you rotate your arms back. At the top of the pack, it's difficult to turn your arms. The ultimate point is that (is it because they pursued too much weight and simplicity?!) the chest strap is thin and unstable. Perhaps because of this, when you run, you will easily feel the shaking. Even though I adjusted it, the loop that caught my eye is small, which is a bit stressful. It's lightweight and breathable, but it's a shame that it's a racing vest.

summary

This time I tried it out and found the easiest to use was the Paagowaorks RUSH 5r. It is perfect for everyone, with its design with a high center of gravity, pocket layout, and breathability and fit that makes use of stretch mesh. Adjusting the shoulder harness and installing the bungee cord seem easy, but I feel like it's a bit more for experts (lol). The same rating is the "Arcteryx Novan 7 Hydration Best." This trail running vest is studded with excellent detail, not only breathability and fit, but also functional pockets such as weather-resistant pockets and security pockets, and easy-to-use hydration system. If you have a lot of luggage and want ease of use, check out "The North Face True 6." If you're looking for durability, go to the "OSPREY Duro 6." These two have a comfortable fit made of stretch material, but are heavy because they are weather-resistant. If it's light and breathable, the Patagonia Slope Runner Pack 8L is by far the best, but its functionality is too simple, so if you understand that, it's fine. Small hydration vests have been released by various manufacturers. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the stretch pockets around the chest are now standard. The fabric material is also roughly made of mesh fabric for breathability and weight reduction, and if you want to achieve a fit and versatile pocket, it is clearly seen that it can be used in a stretch material with highly elasticity. In particular, if you are pursuing a structural fit, the chest strap is also a big key point, just like a shoulder harness. It's quite interesting to see the colors of various companies, such as using stretch material that can handle even intense movements, using lightweight thin pulls, and increasing the number of them. It's easy to approach even during activities, and I think it's also compatible with users, such as a pocket layout that's easy to approach and practical, whether or not there's a bungee cord that's easy to use, and compression functions, but the details are impressive for each company. The future challenge will be how many weather resistance, durability and water repellency elements (which are at the expense of weight and breathability).