Gear

Hydration Pack & Belt Review

March 16, 2009
By Gus Alexandropoulos

With few convenience stores or water fountains on the trail, if you want to stay hydrated during off-road runs, you need to come equipped. It may not be an issue of shorter runs, but most trail routes tend to be on the longer side. The best option is using a hydration pack or belt. The smaller units carry just enough water or electrolyte solution for short runs, while the larger rigs have room for a wind jacket, first aid kit, energy bars and enough water for epic adventures in the warmest weather.

Here are some other factors worth considering when buying a hydration pack or belt:

Carrying Capacity

On longer, more remote runs, a change in weather or a minor injury could have serious ramifications.

For this type of run, consider using a larger pack with enough capacity for water, clothing, food and a basic first aid kit. On shorter runs or urban trails, lighter hydration belts with room for water, a few loonies and couple of energy gels may be sufficient.

Reflectivity

Although there are rarely any vehicles on most trails, the added visibility of reflective trim is useful during the run to the trailhead or on the way home. If you’re running with a partner or group using a headlamp at night, the reflective material with help you maintain visual contact.

Fit and Padding

Padded waistbelts and shoulder straps reduce chafing and improve comfort, but excess cushioning, which looks comfortable in the shop, only adds weight, bulk and restricts movement. Focus instead on a snug fit that prevents pack movement and friction.

Here are some of our best picks for trail-running hydration systems:



  • Octane XC - $85

    Octane XC - $85

    Camelbak


    This classic hydration pack includes an easy-to-fill, wide-mouth bladder housed in an insulated compartment for cool drinking. Lightly padded and highly breathable shoulder straps control pack shifting without restricting upper body movement. Camelback adds two waistbelt stash pockets for quick access to energy gels or bars, while the high-mounted organizer pocket holds keys, spare change and a cellphone. An adjustable compression web secures a light jacket for insurance against changing conditions.

  • Trail Runner Litevest - $145

    Trail Runner Litevest - $145

    Gomotion


    The innovative Trail Runner Litevest includes a built-in focusable light, mounted to the sternum strap, and a blinking light in the back. The combination delivers exceptional visibility during early-morning or late-evening urban runs, and when properly adjusted, provides plenty of light for safely running on trails. The small pack accommodates a water bladder and has a zippered pocket for organizing essentials.

  • XT Wings 5 - $80

    XT Wings 5 - $80

    Salomon


    With its modular construction, the XT Wings 5 is the Swiss Army knife of hydration packs. In its stripped-down form, the pack conveniently carries two 600 mL water bottles and has enough room for a light jacket, energy gels and a small first aid kit. For longer runs, simply customize the base unit by adding extra bottle holders, flask holders, a front pocket or zipped pockets. The breathable shoulder straps and back panel ensure comfort on the hottest days. Runners who want one pack for a multitude of trail running situations will love the versatility of the XT Wings 5.

  • Speed 3R - $60

    Speed 3R - $60

    Nathan


    The new Speed 3R is perfect for urban trail runs. Three easy-to-use flasks sit in moulded plastic holsters for instant deployment, while a stretch-mesh pocket holds small necessities without the bulk of zippers and straps. For comfort, the Speed 3R uses a canted and breathable waistbelt that won't ride up during the run.

  • E Race Boa - $120

    E Race Boa - $120

    The North Face


    Many hydration systems suffer from excessive shifting as the water sloshes inside the water bladder. The E Race Boa ends this irritating issue with its on-the-fly Boa adjustment. The shoulder-strap-mounted knob tightens a thin, stainless steel web that compresses the bladder and eliminates unwanted movement. Our testers found the system worked very well, creating an incredibly stable pack for serious trail running. Other innovative features include a magnetic bite-valve attachment clip for fumble-free drinking and two small, ventilated pockets for gels, energy bars, keys and ID. An excellent pack.