How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

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The women's Osprey Dyna 6 hydration vest lets you pack for extra layers, hydration and fuel for big trail days. And its women-specific design fits just right.
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View all Osprey Running Hydration VestsBest Use | Trail Running |
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Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Reservoir Included | Yes |
Bottle(s) Included | None |
Liquid Capacity (L) | 1.5 liters |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 7 |
Material(s) | Nylon |
Bite Valve Shut-off Switch | Yes |
BPA Free | Yes |
Dimensions | 15 x 7 x 5 inches |
Gender | Women's |
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Haven't tested out the pack on a long run yet, but wanted to leave a note about sizing for those who fall in between the XS/S and S/M. I am 5'6" and on average US size 4 in tops, 34B bra size. I was not able to try on the smaller size, so not sure how it compares exactly, but the S/M is definitely the right choice for me. If I'm only wearing a sports bra, I do have to sinch the underarm rib straps all the way to the smallest setting, but still have some room across the chest to adjust. Plenty of space to layer up and I think the S/M would fit someone with a much larger chest than mine (although Osprey definitely needs to expand their sizing range).
This hydration vest sits high up on my back away from my waist and puts all the weight on my shoulders. It is perfect for what I was looking for in running vest. I got the S/M as I normally wear a medium shirt. It fit great. There is room for my phone, keys, nutrition, sun glasses an extra shirt or light jacket and more. It holds enough water for a warm desert 10 mile run. The color is more blue than purple. The only thing it is missing is reflective accents, so I added a few reflective clip on smiley faces.
I love this vest! It is the first hydration vest/pack I purchased and I was a little worried as I had tried a hydration belt and a hydration pack in the past and did not like how bouncy they were. This vest sits nice and snug on top of my back with no bouncing at all. It is comfortable with the 1.5L pack full or empty by the end of the run. It has just the right amount of pockets to keep my snacks, phone, car keys, and if needed an extra layer of clothes for colder morning/evening runs. I am 5'7" and 138 pounds with a thinner torso and I bought the XS/S - it fits perfectly. It has been with me on several 5-10 mile trail runs so far and I highly recommend it.
I chose an Osprey vest because I thought I would prefer something that sits higher on my back and I do! I really like that most of my back is open, especially as we move into warmer weather and I'll be sweating more (I do have a longish torso, so YMMV). I've run with the vest about half a dozen times and find it well-made, with the right amount of storage. I can easily tuck a book or small parcel in this and run to my library or post office, in addition to carrying my phone, a small, snack, and water. I found it stayed comfortable on 2+ hour runs. The bladder is easy to get in/out and to clean. Overall, this vest has an excellent design and functions beautifully.
I've been trying quite a few brands of running packs including Nathan, Salomon, and Osprey, and ultimately liked the fit and value of the Dyna the best. I have absolutely no complaints about the front pockets, reservoir pocket, and heat retention (none that I can feel!), and I really love the magnetic tube holder. My only trouble is with sizing, since I am pretty squarely between the two sizes. The XS/S fit tight on my shoulders even without the reservoir, but I am cinching my S/M all the way down. Just a warning for those around a 34A bra size. Otherwise, I definitely recommend this pack.
Have had a camelbak for many years (5+), purchased the osprey, without knowing truly how great it is, and discovered that all the camelbak features that were nagging but not terrible were resolved with the osprey. Notably the bladder unlocks from the hose portion, so you don’t have to take both the bladder and hose out and then string the hose back in through the loops. The bladder fills from the tulip and has an easy feature to close more like a ziplock. More and bigger pockets. Definitely a big upgrade for me and great for both distance running / marathon training and hiking on trails.
I love this pack! Great for short hikes, otherwise you might want something that holds more water. Plenty of pockets for a couple snacks, keys, wallet, light jacket, a pocket in the front for your phone. I have a pixel 3 and it fits perfectly. I imagine a much larger phone wouldn't fit. I loosen the straps and use them to hold down my rain jacket if rain is in the forecast. Love the magnet for the tube although I often just tuck the tube in a front pocket as well. I am 5'3"/120lbs and got the S/M. I coulda went down in size maybe, as there is a lot of extra strap in the front but I think I appreciate the extra storage space. I put the extra strap in a figure-4 type knot to get them out of the way of the magnet.
This is a great hydration pack. I ended up going with the XS/S, but think the S/M would have been fine as well. I can see how the end of the adjustment straps under the armpits could chafe. I took the end of the straps out of the nylon loop and tucked it underneath and have no issues. It is so comfortable, I use it on all my runs - from the short 30 min runs and 2+ hour runs. This way I can carry my phone with my hands free. The pockets in the back are great, hold a lot (i.e., bug spray and dog leashes). Love the small whistle as well - comes in handy to call my dog back when he runs after deer.
This is my first hydration vest and I love it. A top priority for me as a trail runner is no movement at all on my body. This pack meets that criterion. I also love all the pockets. On shorter runs I don't use the reservoir but stow a small bottle or two in a pocket. Room for everything I need also for longer runs. I would not recommend this pack for women with a large bust or even anyone but the smaller busted woman. I think it might be too constricting at the chest. Or get to a store to try it on. One issue I just discovered with mine after only three uses of the reservoir is that it had a small leak on one of the seams. I just called my local store and they are going to replace the whole pack for me. I'm glad it's still in stock!
I've never worn a hydration vest before. I've always hiked with back packs. I knew I wanted something different to run with though, so I decided to try the Dyna. Took it out for a few miles last night, and after the first few minutes, I didn't even know it was there. No chafing. No bounce. My Note 20 fit in the front zipper pocket with no issues. I bought the S/M. I'm normally a women's large (sometimes medium). There's plenty of room to adjust if my weight changes one way or another.