Hydration vest advice please!

[Week7]

Hi all. Please could I request some advice from fellow runners.

I am currently increasing my mileage and think it may be time to invest in a hydration vest . I have seen quite a few on line but don't really know where to start! I am only just over 5'2" and have tried one belonging to a relative and it felt quite bulky . Any recommendations from fellow little runners?

Thank you 😊

[Tabbles Half Marathon]

I have this cheap one which I purchased from Amazon. I have used it both with a blader and soft bottles. Big pocket takes my large phone.

There are some 5l packs that might me smaller.

amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07689...

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to Tabbles]

Thankyou .This looks interesting and sent me down a massive"google hole" with even more options that I hadn't seen before!.😀

[nowster Metric Marathon]

One thing to remember that 1 litre of water weighs 1kg.

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to nowster]

Tganjs, good point.I think I don't need a lot of water just easily accessible and comfortable to carry.

[buzzards]

I have the Salomon ADV Hydra Vest 4 Unisex Hydration Vest. It’s not cheap but it came with 2 soft flasks and has good storage allowing me to carry my phone, wipes, chews and water on long runs.

I previously had a cheap one from Amazon but I didn’t find the pockets suitable for carrying soft flasks or holding my phone securely. It was also a little bulky.

The Salomon is snug and doesn’t chafe or move around when I’m wearing it and is very comfortable. I wear it mostly on long runs. It suits me as I don’t like running belts and hate anything around my waist. I wouldn’t be without the Salomon now.

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to buzzards]

Thankyou . Snug and not moving around is what I need . Will have a look .I am happy with a small belt for my phone but I tried one holding water and it really didn't work for me. Great for walking not running!

[RunWillie Marathon]

I’ve got the Ultraspire Alpha hydration vest which works well. I only use it for trail running when I’m carrying more kit 😍

edit to add - I’m 5’7” though

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Thank you .

[Cmoi Marathon]

Hi Week7 , I'm a broad-shouldered, chunky, 5-foot-nothing woman and my cheapy Decathlon hydration trail pack (10L total capacity) fits very well.

My top advice would be to think about what sort of running you're thinking of doing in future and what you might need to carry. A minimalist pack for carrying liquids and a few gels would be fine for longer distances on roads in populated areas, or events with lots of aid stations, but useless for off-road running where you need more kit.

I'd also suggest you try stuff on before you buy - what others love, you might hate.

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you.

A minimalist pack is probably adequate for my needs.I tried a running belt with water flasks and it really didn't work.It felt great in the shop and worked really well for walking but turned out to be extremely uncomfortable on longer runs hence my hunt for alternatives.

I had forgotten about decathlon. There is one about an hour away so a weekend visit may be on the cards to see if they have anything reasonably priced which I haven't seen elsewhere .

Thanks again

[Tabbles Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

Also a great chance to pick up some new gear.

Their male shorts are one of my favourites as well as my yellow running top that was around £3.

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

Mine is the decathlon evadict 5l and is very comfortable. The pockets could do with being a bit bigger but it's not bad for its price! I get enough jelly babies in for a half marathon!!

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Thanks for the tip off. Just had a look on line -the Evadict 5l running bag looks hopeful. Hoping to go and have a look at the weekend.