Trail vests do not have to be Trail Running vests. They are not only for runners. In fact, most trail running is power hiking anyway. Earlier this month a thru-hiker won a 100-miler two days after completing the Continental Divide Trail, further proving the crossover and closeness between the two activities. A larger day pack is often not necessary for day hiking, and the design incorporated into trail running packs makes them ideal for shorter adventures on the trail … at any pace. So, we wanted to put together a list of some of the most popular trail running vests and briefly explain the pros and cons of each.
Salomon Sense Pro – Great for Capacity
MSRP: $100
Weight: 8 ounces
Pack Capacity: 8 liters
Exterior Pockets: 5
The Salomon Sense Pro vest carries any amount of weight seamlessly. With the elastic, all-encompassing back pocket, the pack compresses to your body no matter how full it is. In hotter weather, I have found this to be a bit constricting and warmer than the Ultimate Direction Vest, but the ease of carrying items is the major tradeoff. There is no bounce and the front flask pockets rival any others on the market. The pack’s many pockets make organizing easy and I often go with this pack for races, simply because I can have my nutrition in one location, garbage in another, and headlamp in another.
The North FaceFlight Race Day Vest – Built for Speed
MSRP: $149
Weight: 5 ounces
Pack Capacity: 8 liters
Exterior Pockets: 5
The North FaceFlight Race Day Vest fits somewhere between the Salomon Sense Pro line and the Osprey line. Simplicity is the major differentiator, which comes at the price of versatility. It wears really well and holds items close to the body with very little bounce, even on fast and uneven terrain. But the pack does not work well with a back reservoir, and I found the flask pockets and shoulder straps in general to rest wider on my chest than I was comfortable with. It is a great pack for shorter hikes and something to keep primed for an after-work excursion, but I would look elsewhere for longer adventures.
Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest – Versatile
MSRP: $180
Weight: 11 ounces
Pack Capacity: 17 liters
Exterior Pockets: 11
The Ultimate Direction Adventure Vest has been my go-to for years with its versatility and ease in carrying both larger and smaller loads. The easy-to-reach pockets and the breathability make it perfect for all seasons, especially for living in Montana. The downside to the pack is that the front flask pocket feels floppy, and including a “Burrito” pocket as opposed to a second flask pocket feels unnecessary and I end up using it for a second bottle. I keep this pack in my car because it is versatile for any spur-of-the-moment run or hike that I find myself going on.
Nathan Pinnacle 12 Hydration Vest – Hike / Run
MSRP: $200
Weight: 11 ounces
Pack Capacity: 12 liters
Exterior Pockets: 8
Maggie has used a Nathan pack for the past two years and here are her thoughts: The 12-liter capacity is deceptive—it feels similar to the minimalist vests in weight and fit, though the main pocket has enough stretch and room to pack snacks and layers. There are plenty of easy-access pockets across the vest portion, while the main back pocket can be reached when you take the pack off. I love the long zippered pockets along with the shoulder straps, and the food-stash pockets under the arms. I prefer this pack with soft flasks in the front shoulder pockets, as it can feel bouncy running with a hydration bladder, and the magnet system for the hose isn’t very secure. I wear the women’s model, which has narrower shoulder straps and is comfortable to secure around my chest.
Osprey Trail Running Vest – Best First Trail Pack
MSRP: $140
Weight: 17 ounces
Pack Capacity: 15 liters
Exterior Pockets: 9
Osprey makes great trail running vests for those just getting into trail running, or more leaning on the packs for longer day hikes. They are simple and not overengineered like some of the more specialized packs on the list. It is never a hunt to find a missing item with limited pockets. This would be my top recommendation for beginners just getting into trail running packs.
