Looking for the best hydration pack for running in 2025? We asked our Trenara community which models they trust most for marathons, ultras, trails and long runs. In this guide, you’ll discover when you really need a pack, what to look for before buying, and which brands come out on top.
You see them more and more often these days: runners with small backpacks. Once reserved only for trail runners covering long distances, now they are everywhere. No surprise they used to be called trail vests, and even now the best ones are still made by the trail brands.
Among old-school runners, backpacks can still trigger some eye-rolling: “There goes another one who thinks they’re running an ultra.”.
The market is booming, though. But do you actually need one? Maybe not. Still, they can be very practical in certain situations. Here’s our take.
When are you better off without a pack?
No, I’m not a hater, I wear one myself now and then. But the truth is, even the most comfortable pack is still restrictive. A few guidelines:
Anything under an hour and not intense: skip it.
We’re talking easy runs and recovery jogs. You don’t need gels or hydration here. A backpack adds an extra kilo or so, which raises the effort level, exactly what you don’t want on these sessions.Anything high intensity: skip it.
For hard interval work, I’m not a fan either. A pack reduces VO₂max and increases relative effort because of the extra weight. Instead, design your session on a track, or run loops past your house, car or a bench where you can stash supplies. One or two gels easily fit into your shorts.
When is a pack useful?
Hydration packs are not just a fashion trend. The growing focus on fueling during endurance runs makes us look for ways to carry gels. Solutions range from shorts and belts to full packs.
If hydration isn’t a big issue, a running belt is often the perfect option. You can fit plenty in and give up less comfort.
Long runs in marathon or ultra prep.
Hydration and fueling are essential. Train as you’ll race, drinks and gels included.Trail runs or races without aid stations.
Often packs are even mandatory here. They carry not just fluids but also safety gear. And yes, your empty wrappers too, until you reach a trash bin.Hot conditions.
The hotter it gets, the more fluid you lose, the more important rehydrating becomes. Packs with soft flasks or a camelbak make it easier to sip regularly. On the other hand, a pack also reduces your body’s cooling ability 🙈
What to look for when buying a hydration pack
Fit: it should sit snug without chafing. Check the number of adjustable straps and whether it’s unisex or gender-specific.
Capacity: 2–5 liters is plenty for most runners. Ultras or long trails often require more, always check race rules.
Soft flasks vs. bladder: soft flasks up front are easy to refill, make less sloshing noise, and avoid wrestling with a hose. A bladder in the back is handy if you prefer constant sipping.
Storage: gels, phone, keys, … make sure you can reach them without taking the pack off.
Weight: as with VO₂max, lighter is better. But don’t sacrifice durability.
The best brands and models (2025)
One of the great things about our Facebook community with thousands of members is that we can simply ask what they use. No need to guess what’s popular: we ask, they answer.
The market is growing fast, but these brands stand out for quality and fit:
Salomon: the pioneer and still the benchmark, with the Adv Skin and Sense Pro lines. The clear number one choice (55%) in our Trenara community.
Compresssport: both backpacks and especially great belts. Huge in popularity, convincing 13% of our voters.
CamelBak: famous for their bladders. Even when we don’t wear a CamelBak, we still call it one.
Kiprun: budget-friendly yet solid quality. Perfect for occasional use, like mine. Sixteen percent of our community agrees.
Flipbelt: the OG when it comes to running belts.
Conclusion
A hydration pack isn’t always necessary. For short or intense workouts, you’re better off without. But for long runs, marathons, trails or hot days, it’s a practical and sometimes essential tool. Choose a model that fits well, keeps weight down, and gives easy access to drinks and fuel.
That way your training stays comfortable and effective, with or without a pack.
