A vestpack is a pack that clasps around your chest without a waistband. This ensures there is no bounce in the pack when you run and helps prevent any chaffing or discomfort from the waist strap. There are a variety of vestpacks on the market. This is our list of the best vestpacks available with a summary chart of: What race distance they are suitable for; the hydration capacity of the vestpack; and what we feel is their best feature.
ITEM | SUITABILITY | HYDRATION OPTIONS | BEST FEATURES |
---|---|---|---|
Ultimate Direction Fastpack 35 | This is NOT a race appropriate pack. A vest pack most suited to longer adventures such as multi-day missions. Storage capacity - 35L | Plenty of space for your own bottles and even an Ultimate Direction 2-3L Reservoir. Total Capacity - >4L | Largest volume vest pack on the market. It has an adjustable waistbelt for heavier loads. |
Ultimate Direction Fastpack 25 | This is NOT a race appropriate pack. A vest pack most suited to longer adventures such as long single day or very light multi-day missions. Storage capacity - 25L | Plenty of space for your own bottles and even an Ultimate Direction 2-3L Reservoir. Total Capacity - >4L | Large volume vest pack for longer personal missions, including running, cycling & hiking |
Salomon S-LAB Peak 20 | This is the largest vest pack made by Salomon. It is NOT a race appropriate pack. A vest pack most suited to longer adventures such as long single day or very light multi-day missions. Storage capacity - 20L | 2 front hydration elastic pockets, compatible with 500ml Salomon Soft Flasks with side space for extra Soft Flasks. Total capacity - up to 2L | Stretchy, customised fit for long adventures. |
Ultimate Direction Fastpack 15 | The best run commute pack ever! With laptop storage and plenty of space for clothing & accessories. Storage capacity - >20L | Can add Ultimate Direction 2L Reservoir. Total capacity - up to 3L | The best run commute pack ever! We love the laptop sleeve and front pockets for all your personal items. |
Salomon Advanced Skin 12 Set (2017) | Largest pack available for racing. Ideal for 80km - 100 miler distances which have larger mandatory gear requirements. Storage capacity- 12L | Comes with 2x 500ml Salomon Soft Flasks (1L total) and can store a 1.5L Salomon Soft Reservoir. Total Capacity - 2.5L | Ideal size for longer races and the fabric is soft against skin. |
Ultimate Direction Jurek FKT | Ideal for 80km - 100 miler distances which have larger mandatory gear requirements. Storage capacity- 11.6L | Comes with 2x 600ml Flex Form Bottles (1.2L total) and can store an Ultimate Direction 2L Reservoir. Total Capacity 3.2L | This pack is an evolution of the immensely popular SJ Ultra Vest. New ergonmic bottles too. Front access pole holders for steep terrain. |
Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Vest | Ideal for 80km - 100 miler distances which have larger mandatory gear requirements. Storage capacity- 11.5L | Comes with 2x 500ml Ultimate Direction Body Bottles (1L total) and the ability to carry Ultimate Direction 2-3L Reservoir. Total Capacity - up to 4L | Perfect pack size for longer distance races. Easily accessed storage of bulky items and large fluid capacity. Plenty of pockets on the front of the pack. |
Ultimate Direction Adventure Vesta (Women's Specific) | Ideal for 80km - 100 miler distances which have larger mandatory gear requirements. Storage capacity- 11.2L | Comes with 2x 500ml Ultimate Direction Body Bottles (1L total) and the ability to carry an Ultimate Direction 2-3L Reservoir. Total Capacity - up to 4L | One of the only women's specific trail running race vest packs on the market. Ultimate Direction have used softer fabrics and tailored to the women's body shape. |
Ultimate Direction PB Adventure 3.0 | This pack holds 10L of storage so will easily fit all your mandatory gear in it for the longer ultra distance races. | Comes with 2x 500ml Ultimate Direction Body Bottles (1L total) and the ability to carry an Ultimate Direction 2L Reservoir. Total Capacity - 3L | Perfect pack size for longer races when you stil want to keep things to a minimum. Plenty of pockets and softer seams next to your skin. |
CamelBak Ultra 10 (2017) | Large pack suited to 80km - 100 miler distances or races with large mandatory gear requirements. Storage capacity- 10L | Bladder only (2L). Can add 2x500ml Quick Stow Soft Flasks. Total Capacity - up to 3L | Highly versatile pack. Setup would be ideal for mountain biking too. Very durable fabrics (makes it a little heavier though). |
Salomon S-LAB Sense Ultra 8 Set | The perfect vest pack for individuals who can pack very light for a 80-100km distance or a great 'normal' option for the 25-50km distances. Storage capacity - 8L | Comes with 2x 500ml Speed Soft Flasks. Total Capacity - 1L | Perfect for very light weight racing or training where you don't want a bladder. Easy to wash in the washing machine and non-chaffing light-weight fabrics! |
Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 3.0 (Women's Specific) | For light weight 100km events or events such as the Ultra Trail Australia 50km which have larger mandatory gear requirements. Storage capacity - 7.2L | Comes with 2x 500ml Ultimate Direction Body Bottles (1L total) and the ability to carry an Ultimate Direction 2-3L Reservoir. Total Capacity - up to 4L | This vest pack is lighter weight, uses softer fabrics, has a phone compatible pocket and adequate front-of-body storage for race fuel & valuables. |
Salomon Advanced Skin3 5 Set | Ideal for events under 50km or as a training vest. Storage capacity- 5L | Comes with 2x 500ml Salomon Soft Flasks (1L total) and can store a 1.5L Salomon Soft Reservoir. Total Capacity - 2.5L | Ideal size for shorter races where you still would like a bladder. |
Salomon S-LAB Sense Ultra 5 Set | Very light-weight pack for racing. Ideal for 50km distances or races which do not require large amounts of mandatory gear. Storage capacity- 5L | Comes with 2x 500ml Speed Soft Flasks (1L total). Total capacity is 1L | Really great, less-abrasive fabrics. Light weight. Easy to clean in the washing machine. |
CamelBak Ultra Pro | Small pack carrying a 2L bladder and 2L volume for gear. Ideal for short trail races up to 40km where minimal gear is required. Storage capacity - 4L | 2x500ml Quick Stow Soft Flasks. Total capacity - 1L | Ideal as a multi-use vest pack such as utilizing it for mountain biking too. |
Salomon S-LAB Sense 2 Set | Lightest pack on the market. Designed for races where no mandatory gear is required. Ideal for road races and short trail events. Storage capacity - 2L (in pockets on chest area and a very small back pocket) | 2x 500ml Speed Soft Flasks. Total capacity - 1L | Ideal for marathons and events where you just need to carry fluids, nutrition or personal essentials such as, keys & phone. The extra 1L capacity is really helpful to carry more nutrition too. |
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