4 Top Running Vests for Trail Runners

Whether you’re logging long miles in the Wasatch or heading into the Uintas, these four vests offer excellent hydration, storage, and fit—and now you can see what they look like on the trail or from product showcases.

1. Ultimate Direction – Mountain Vest 6.0

Built for long mountain days, the Mountain Vest 6.0 offers ~13.5 L of storage, external compression, pole hooks, and two included Body Bottle 500s  . It’s roomy, stable, and designed to wrap snugly around your torso.

Best For: Ultramarathon training, alpine adventures, unsupported long runs.

Amazon - Click Here.

2. Salomon – Sense Pro 10

Image: Top-right blue/red Salomon vest

Salomon’s Sense Pro 10 is gloriously minimal and sleek, built for speed. It’s ultra-light, ventilated, and shaped to hug your body without bounce. Reviewers praise its comfort and stretchy, breathable construction  . Note: it famously lacks a bladder compartment but works great with soft flasks.

Best For: Racing, fast training runs, warm-weather missions.

Get it on Amazon - Click Here

3. Nathan – VaporAir 3.0

The VaporAir 3.0 packs 7 L capacity yet weighs about 8.8 oz (249 g), and includes a 2 L CamelBak‑style bladder (or similar)  . It offers adjustable sizing, breathable air mesh, and secure front pockets.

Best For: Training and races where you need bladder hydration plus more room.

Get it on Amazon - Click Here.

4. Inov‑8 – Venturelite

Image: Bottom-right runner wearing the vest

This ultra-versatile vest can serve as a stripped-down race vest or be converted into a 4 L expansion pack for longer runs  . Lightweight (~145 g), flexible, with multiple storage loops and travel setups depending on your route.

Best For: Technical terrain, multi-day or gear-heavy ultras, runners who want one vest for everything.

Get it on Amazon - Click Here.

🏃 Quick Comparison

Brand	Capacity	Hydration Type	Weight	Key Strengths
Ultimate Direction	~13–13.5 L	Body Bottles / Bladder	Moderate–robust	Stability, gear space, pole options
Salomon	~10 L	Soft flasks	Very light	Speed fit, ventilation, minimal bounce
Nathan	~7 L	2 L bladder	Extremely light	Bladder-ready, breathable, adjustable
Inov‑8	5–10 L (2‑in‑1)	Bladder or flasks	Ultralight	Configurable for race or long runs

What Runners Say

• Salomon Sense Pro 10 is frequently called the most comfortable with minimal bounce and lightweight design—even preferred over the Adv Skin line in recent posts  .
• Regarding the Ultra Direction Mountain Vest, one long-time user said:
  “It holds a lot… does not have bounce… [I can] tighten around the lower part in the back.”  
• On the Inov‑8 Venturelite, runners note it’s stable even on fast descents and versatile across conditions  .

Final Thoughts

Every runner has different needs—some prioritize storage, others crave speed and minimalism. Whether you’re tackling your first 25K or prepping for something amazing no matter how far, these four vests offer something for every style and distance.

If you’ve used any of these or have another favorite, drop a comment or shoot me a DM on Instagram @Dan.Run22. I’d love to hear what’s working for you out on the trails.