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Hydration Vests

Drink without breaking your stride, on road or trail. Our hydration vests — Salomon, Nathan, Nike — spread the load across your shoulders, keep flasks, gels and gear within reach, and stay stable from the 10K to the ultra.
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  • Nike

    Nike ACG Goat Pack 5L Hydration Vest

    $17495 CAD
    Very low stock
  • - 25%

    Salomon

    Salomon Active Skin 4 Running Hydration Vest

    From $9375 CAD $12495
    In stock

  • Salomon

    Salomon S/LAB Sense 6 Limited Courtney Edition Unisex Hydration Vest

    $22495 CAD
    In stock

  • Nike

    Nike Run Vest 5L Hydration Vest

    From $16495 CAD
    In stock

  • Salomon

    Salomon ADV Skin 12 Gradient Hydration Vest for Women

    $19995 CAD
    In stock

  • Salomon

    Salomon GRAVEL Skin 4 Hydration Vest for Running

    $13995 CAD
    In stock

  • Salomon

    Salomon S/Lab Sense 6 Hydration Vest for Running

    $22495 CAD
    In stock

  • Salomon

    Salomon S/LAB Ultra 12L Trail Running Hydration Vest

    $24995 CAD
    Low stock

  • Salomon

    Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 3 Trail Running Hydration Vest

    $19995 CAD
    In stock

  • Nathan

    Nathan Pinnacle Pro 6L Running Hydration Vest

    $22495 CAD
    In stock

  • Salomon

    Salomon ADV Skin 5 Gradient Hydration Vest

    $17995 CAD
    In stock

  • Salomon

    Salomon Sense Pro 6 Race Flag Hydration Vest

    $20995 CAD
    Low stock

  • Salomon

    Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Hydration Vest

    $17995 CAD
    In stock

  • Salomon

    Salomon ADV Skin 12 Race Flag Hydration Vest

    $19995 CAD
    In stock
  • - 25%

    Salomon

    Salomon ADV Skin 5 Hydration Vest

    From $13495 CAD $17995
    In stock

  • Salomon

    Salomon ADV Skin 12 Hydration Vest

    $19995 CAD
    In stock

Hydration vests for running and trail

The hydration vest — also called a hydration pack — has become an essential for road runners and trail runners alike. Worn close to the body, it lets you carry water, fuel and safety gear while keeping your hands free and your stride perfectly stable. Whether you're training for a first 10K, a marathon or a mountain ultra, there's a hydration vest suited to your distance and body shape.

Why wear a hydration vest?

Unlike a handheld bottle or a simple belt, a hydration vest spreads the weight of the water across your shoulders and back, reducing bounce and fatigue on long runs. Its many pockets — front flasks, stretch storage, a rear compartment — keep your gels, phone, windbreaker and emergency blanket within reach. It's the go-to solution as soon as you move away from water points: trail, long runs and self-supported races.

How to choose your hydration vest

1. Capacity (in litres)

Total capacity, in litres, determines what you can carry:

  • 2 to 5 L: short to medium runs and road races, when you mainly want water and a few gels.
  • 5 to 8 L: long runs and half-day trails, with an extra layer and fuel.
  • 8 to 12 L and up: ultra-trail, full self-sufficiency and mandatory safety gear.

2. Size and fit

A good hydration vest fits snug, like a second skin, without squeezing the rib cage or bouncing as you run. Most models offer straps or adjustment cords to fine-tune the fit. Always check the brand's size guide, as men's, women's and unisex cuts differ.

3. Soft flasks or reservoir?

Two systems coexist: soft flasks up front, easy to fill and monitor, and the hydration reservoir (bladder) in the back, ideal for larger volumes. Many runners combine both. Check whether flasks are included, as it varies from model to model.

Our hydration vest brands

At Boréal Running, we select the best hydration vests on the market. Salomon leads the category with its ADV Skin, Active Skin and S/Lab ranges, known for fit and stability. Nathan offers accessible, versatile models, while Nike focuses on lightness for the road and faster sessions. Explore all our hydration accessories (flasks, belts and reservoirs) to complete your kit.

Caring for your hydration vest

To extend its life, rinse the flasks and reservoir with clean water after every run and let them air-dry, open. Hand-wash the vest in lukewarm water with a mild soap — no machine or dryer — and dry it in the shade to protect the technical fabrics and zippers.

Frequently asked questions

What is a hydration vest?
It's a lightweight vest worn close to the body that lets you carry water (in flasks or a reservoir), fuel and small gear while running on road or trail, all while keeping your hands free.
What hydration vest capacity should I choose?
For short or road runs, a 2-to-5 L vest is enough. For multi-hour trails, aim for 5 to 8 L, and for self-supported ultra-trail, choose 8 to 12 L or more to carry all the mandatory gear.
How do I choose the size of a hydration vest?
The vest should fit snug without squeezing or bouncing. Go by your chest measurement and the brand's size guide, and favour a model with adjustments to fine-tune the fit. Women's cuts are shaped for the female body.
Hydration vest or hydration belt?
A belt suits short runs and the road, when you carry little. A hydration vest offers more capacity, better stability and more pockets: the ideal choice as soon as the distance grows or you head onto the trail.
Can you use a hydration vest on the road?
Yes. Light, low-capacity models (2 to 5 L) are perfect for long road runs and marathons, since they stay in place and don't hamper your stride.
Are the flasks included with the vest?
It depends on the model: many vests come with one or two soft flasks, others are sold without. The details are listed on each product page.
How do you wash a hydration vest?
Hand-wash it in lukewarm water with a mild soap, rinse the flasks and reservoir well, then air-dry in the shade. Avoid the washing machine, the dryer and hot water.