How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

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Our trail testers ran a lot of miles to make sure the women's REI Co-op Swiftland 5 Hydration vest has the compression, adjustability and storage to keep you comfortable all day out there.
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View the REI Co-op Swiftland Product LineView all REI Co-op Running Hydration VestsBest Use | Trail Running |
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Gear Capacity (L) | 5 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 305 cubic inches |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Reservoir Included | Yes |
Bottle(s) Included | None |
Liquid Capacity (L) | 1.5 liters |
Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 50 fluid ounces |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 5 + main compartment |
Material(s) | 70-denier recycled nylon with 700 mm silicone/polyurethane coating (bluesign approved) |
Bite Valve Shut-off Switch | Yes |
BPA Free | Yes |
Dimensions | 14 x 8 x 4 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Sustainability | Product meets the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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This is my first hydro-vest and I highly recommend it. The material is super light weight and comfortable. I love the breathable mesh material in the back which helps during long run, hikes and cycling adventures. My favorite part it fits perfect. I got the xl/1x vest and fits right in all places. The four extra pockets in the front of the vest are a plus to store snacks, maps, keys,and my phone to snap pictures along the way. The main pocket is large enough to store my binoculars and journal. The bladder holds enough water and doesn’t slosh around. I used my hydro vest to go birdieing, jogging,hiking,walking and cycling. I highly recommend this product. It will go on many more outdoor adventures!!
I loved using this hydration vest while hiking and running outside! The fit was great: comfortable and lightweight, and the cross-chest straps in the front are easy to adjust but still stable. Even with a 1.5L water bladder inside, the vest felt super lightweight. I also appreciated all of the different pockets and compartments, it's extremely functional! The hydration tube was held nicely in place with two hooks (one on each shoulder strap), the only two things I didn't love were: 1) having to take the tube out of one side in order to put the vest on or take it off, and 2) the tube can't be disconnected from the bladder itself, so it's harder to clean/dry. But overall, they're pretty small things -- the vest is otherwise well-designed, super practical, and comfortable! And I loved the look of it, I liked the neutral with a splash of bright color. I would highly recommend this if you're into trail running (or even just hiking and don't need a larger pack)!
I purchased this vest for my first 50k and it was perfect! I have to wear it slightly differently than is recommended (see photo) with the sternum straps a bit high because I have broader shoulders and I'm long from the top of the shoulder to under the bra-band, but the pack rode beautifully all the same. I tried on multiple other brands, but this one offered the most adjustment points and space for my broader-shoulders. Bonus - all the great front pockets and additional storage space in the back. I carried extra fluids, headphone case, battery pack, socks, snacks, and supplies in the back!
Overall great product! The water bladder was a little tricky to open the first, but an online video did the trick. It has a good amount of storage room for a vest, with pockets for my phone and snack on the straps, an outside pocket in back, and extra space with the bladder. I wore it both more relaxed (pictured) and with straps tightened up for jogging. It is comfortable and easy to move in. It is a smidge broad across the chest/shoulders, but I am very petite so that is true with almost everything I buy. Wearing a t-shirt helped with the fit, though a tank probably wouldn’t work well for me. I also liked the colorful detailing.
I recently purchased this vest for running/light hiking. I was pleasantly surprised at it's usefulness for spring uphill skiing, I easily attached my helmet for the uphill travel and it didn't bang around or require any additional straps etc. It's not to big( I already have plenty to f back packs) not to small I can bring a light wind breaker..pepper spray keys..phone .. etc this is exactly what I wanted for my activities when I don't want my pockets full of stuff ( or I don't have pockets) but I'm don't need the volume of a full pack. Thank you! I tried all the other vests and this one was the best beat out the more expensive ones for sure
My Women's Swiftland 5 Hydration Vest is a birthday present and is the M/L size. I have used bike-vests to carry my supplies and water and while they have been adequate, they are too bouncy for my hikes and learning to run. I am good at distance, (I turn 74 this week and am heavy). This vest has so many ways to tighten/expand, and I have only used it for a long, hot, urban-hike (7 miles) but this vest will give me the freedom to have what I need for training and for my long hikes. I had rinsed the water bladder out with water with a tablespoon of baking soda and ran it through the hose to clear it, followed with a full rinse of water with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice - to prep it so that any plastic tasting would be minimized. The pack easily fills, seals and is non-slosh (when burped). It fit like glove. The sisters are happy, the upper and lower straps were pushed open to the fullest possible. The pocket I used for my phone (iPhone 14 MaxPro, large) was deep enough and snugs perfectly. I did not have any chaffing; the fabrics seem both durable and soft. Everything that I could want in a hydration vest was met. I am looking forward to using this on my hiking trails and for my running. (I'm getting lighter but not taller! I am 5' 2" and weigh 180 lbs)
I used the sizing and fit guide that came with this to get it right my first time putting it on and haven’t looked back since. It’s game changing and I love it. The pockets are deep and expand to fit gels, phone, keys, whatever you need to carry. The bladder is relatively easy to clean. The color is pretty universally flattering.
I bought this and immediately loved it, so comfortable for long runs, carries a great amount of water, and not too hot for running in the summer! Unfortunately the chest straps are attached via an alligator clip on a rail, and after only using the product a couple times, while routinely tightening a strap the alligator clip popped right off! Even with the help of youtube my attempts to get the clip back on only resulted in bloody fingers and I had to take it back. Seems like fairly shoddy construction of a well-thought-out and feature-packed product. I'm afraid to buy another of the same in case it has other structural problems.
I love the ease and comfort of this pack, and the fact that it was so simple to fill, fit, and go. I need to figure out the sloshing but even that didn’t really bother me once I got going. I like the ease to fill and secure the bladder, and how instantly comfortable it was to wear and go. The less fuss the better!
I’m 5’5” and 125lb and this vest was too short on me. The straps restricted my breathing because they sat mid-lung and made it difficult to breathe unless left loose. In leaving the pack loose, it jiggled too much on my run and was uncomfortable. Trying to tighten the pack to fit my chest led to it scratching skin off of my back in two penny-size marks on either side of my spine at the base of the pack. I had high hopes for this given the reviews, but it didn’t fit my frame. I also didn’t like how small the front pockets were; it made it difficult to fit water bottles. I’m going to try unisex vests or mens vests instead.