How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

This product is not available.
The Osprey Duro 1.5 Hydration running vest carries an extra layer, some food and 1.5 liters of water with the included Hydraulics™ LT 1.5-liter reservoir.
Shop similar productsImported.
View all Osprey Running Hydration VestsBest Use | Trail Running |
---|---|
Gear Capacity (L) | 1.5 |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 92 |
Reservoir Included | Yes |
Liquid Capacity (L) | 1.5 liters |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 7 |
Weight | 1 lb. 1.1 oz. |
Material(s) | Nylon |
Bite Valve Shut-off Switch | Yes |
BPA Free | Yes |
Dimensions | 16 x 10 x 3 inches |
Gender | Unisex |
Wide-Mouth Opening | Yes |
Frame Type | Frameless |
Quick Disconnect Tubing | Yes |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Deminsional background: 5ft 10, 44D chest, 300+ lbs, running for 3+ yrs in Texas. I wish I could love water belts/ Spibelts but they just don't stay in place and ride up. My 4 yr old camelbak didn't have enough room to stow necessities for my longer training runs so I'd still have issues with placing the phone. I tried armbands and nope.. friction burns even with body glide. I was serious running out of options. I researched vests and found a Nathan at REI to try but it was more of a trail pack than a vest. On the offchance, they had this new osprey in a M/L and I nearly passed it up (me in a "Medium" anything was laughable) but it said it fit up to a 46 chest and the straps were customizable and stretchy so they went under and over the girls without digging or the straps being fully extended (WIN!) . It was snug the way a vest should be and didn't move while I tested it out (after handing over my license). I can easily reach my phone in the back pouch (wired headphones in use) with my keys, and my chews go on the side panels. I also got 2 collapsible bottles for the front pockets when my runs don't require the 1.5L bladder (which I have not used yet so I can't rate the new design - well, new to me in any case). This vest saved my running regime because now I'm more free to move without anything at the waist and I don't have anything cutting into my arms/chest. I literally forget I'm wearing it, it's so comfortable. Afterward's I can stow all my tech in the pouch pocket (phone i5s, headphones, scosche HRM and keys). I also just roll up the bottles and have one "item" to keep up post race. Also Osprey has an "any reason, any product, any era" guarantee! Which makes me even more inclined to stick with their product line. If you are a larger runner trying to move more and get healthy consider this item. Go try one one and see if it works for you. It may, it may not but its certainly the best that I've found in a 2 month search!
I tested this vest on my last 20 mile run and it worked great. I'm 5' 6" 130, 36 chest and the SM fits great. I usually like to avoid carrying items in my pockets and now that the weather is getting warmer I needed to find something other than a jacket to carry my gear. This vest fits the role, I filled that the reservoir, 3 nutribars, keys, phone, wallet and headphones. Once on, if fits snug and it does not bounce like a backpack. I wore a regular fitted running shirt underneath and did not experience any chaffing. There are two items that may concern others: one being the bite valve in the reservoir, it does take some getting used to and the clips that hold the front together, they seem a bit flimsy but held and did not cause any problems. As of peace of mind Osprey would repair it anytime as the tab indicates should anything happen. Overall, I am very satisfied with this purchase and would recommend it.
Tried on a few different packs before I settled on this one. Really like this one for the following reasons: -snug fit. I can wear it without a shirt and it doesn’t chafe. -the bladder works really well and I like the magnet that holds the hose in place. -holds quite a bit to include two soft water bottles in the front pockets. -overall super comfy. Also I’m 6’0, 179lbs and bought the m/l size.
(My experience is contingent on a pretty athletic/standard shaped torso. If you have some different anatomy, YMMV...) I have just started using this vest, so my review doesn't include durability. That said, Osprey has a great guarantee, so I'm optimistic. For reference, I'm 5'8" and I wear a size 40S suit jacket. I can wear a "medium" of just about anything, and it fits. I bought the M/L for this Duro 1.5. This vest fits snug with the chest adjustments 2/3 tight. I'd estimate there is another 5" of outward adjustment if you were thicker and they are elastic so you have maybe 7-8" of give. I've put just over 5 miles on it, trails, no wild pace - and it held nicely. Actually, it held really well including keeping my back cool. That was an unexpected benefit. My primary reason for carrying this vest to keep a wallet, two phones, and a few other work essential pieces of gear I need on me at all times along with water. CamelBak packs always seem to move or just have to bite into me with unforgiving web straps (instead of this stretch mesh) when I cinch them down. This vest does the trick, and holds what it needs to for me. I had room for snacks or extra things if needed, and nothing moved. The sternal magnet is sort of a treat since I'm used to tucking my bite valve under the CamelBak chest straps. All in all - well thought out, lots of adjustments, and does the trick. The mesh is thin and won't be the best option for sharp or angular objects. I wouldn't strap a survival knife or trauma shears or any other "survival" type objects with edges into it. But it will hold gummies, granola, gloves, hat, wallet, compass, GPS, two-way, etc.
This is a great vest for trail runs; I've done short loops up to half marathons and it has just the right capacity to self-support without feeling like you're carrying too much weight or bulk. Its very comfortable and breathes great. The different pocket options give you plenty of places for a phone, energy gels/flasks, and other items. It is also very easy to adjust while you're on the move to keep things fitting just right. I still need to try adding one of their smaller soft flasks to add a little more range or hydration for those hotter/longer days.
I've used a different Osprey running pack for the past 4 years. I decided to update and went with this one, primarily because of the easily accessible pockets in the front. What I wish is that I could have tested it out fully before buying it. It fit great in the store. Gloriously, even. Barely even notice it is on. Excitement builds. At home, with a full bladder, it fits just as gloriously. I barely even notice it is there. I set out on my first run with the thing, full of hope and optimism, ready to conquer Cougar, Squak and Tiger. That hope and optimism was dashed after my first couple of sips of water. (Remember--with a completely full or completely empty bladder the pack fits perfect.) As soon as you start to drain the bladder, it bounces. Not sloshes (that would be doubly obnoxious). It bounces, slapping against my back. I've tried multiple configurations and strap adjustments, to no avail. I tried changing my running gait, just to see if maybe it was me. It wasn't--it kept bouncing. The fit of the pack is still great, but the constant slapping and bouncing of the bladder is absolutely intolerable. I'm not a fast runner. I'm not going to win any races. I'm a survival runner. I just want to finish. I don't need anything that will distract me from the run. This pack fails completely in this aspect. All that said, if I am missing something, I'm open to suggestions. In the meantime, I'm now out $90, and back to the drawing board.
This is only my second hydration vest that I have owned but this one is great. There is no bounce when I run, period. The small pocket in the back is perfect for an extra layer or jacket if needed. In the front there is plenty of storage for just about everything you would want close at hand. The only negative thing I have noticed is that the piece of plastic that closes the bladder on the top is bigger than it needs to be; therefore I can sometimes feel it in my back. Other than that it is almost perfect.
I’ve run about 100 miles with the pack and really like it. Some folks say it flops on their back, but not me. Snug, but not restrictive. The water does slosh, but it’s water...duh. I wear a 36 men’s suit jacket and got the S/M pack...the top strap is about as tight as it can go. So, I moved the magnet attachment to the lower strap which worked well. The front pockets are good for GUs and the back pouch is good for my phone and a couple of other random items. All in all, I’m happy with the pack.
First the pluses...I was impressed with the pockets and the fit of the vest. It fit snug without being to tight or restricting. Pockets were easily accessible, even the ones on the flanks. The hydration bladder appears well thought out. The mouthpiece is one of the best that I have used. I like the detachable hose to the mouthpiece. It makes installing and removing the bladder easy. The major downside is that despite how great it feels trying it on, even with water in the bladder, this thing bounces horribly. The bladder beat me in the back with each step to the point that I had to cut my planned 5 mile run down to 1.5 miles. I tried to adjust the pack and run with it a second time, but it was not any better. Bottom line: I returned it after less than two miles of running.
I'd been using a very old [market leader] pack for trail running (the 'Marathoner') - saw this one from Osprey was on sale, and I have some running friends who use Osprey so I thought I'd give it a try. Overall thoughts: 1. The pack part: I like the pack part of this thing much better than the [market leader] model I'd been using Seems more snug to me, less bouncing, better fit and lighter weight. I like the zippered pocket in front for my phone. 2. The bladder part: Osprey of course uses a different approach to its bladders than [market leader]. Both seem fine, no real advantage one over the other. Perhaps the Osprey method is a little lighter? Not sure. Mostly equal here. 3. The drinking valve part: Not a fan of the Osprey method to the valve. I want a LOT more fluid when I drink, so I easily replaced the Osprey valve with one from a [market leader] I had. Now all is well with the world.