It’s hard to find a runner these days who isn’t setting off with a hydration vest. If you thought they were reserved for experienced ultra runners only, you can think again. Whether it’s long distance trails or casual runs closer to home, this handy piece of kit is now the standard for carrying fuel, equipment, and belongings, and they’re a great investment if you’re planning to increase your distance.
For a long time, I was a hydration vest skeptic. A keen trail runner, I didn’t see the point in wearing an extra layer to weigh me down. I’d survived just fine with a phone armband and flexible flask up until now, what else could I possibly need? It wasn’t until I entered a longer trail race that I realized I could really do with some extra fuel and greater agility. I went home and ordered a running vest right away, and now I’m not sure how I could live without it.
