What’s the difference between a trail pack and a hydration vest?

They’re the same type of kit. A trail pack fits like a vest, with two wide shoulder straps, front pockets for soft flasks and gels, and a rear pocket for a jacket. Manufacturers call it a pack, vest or hydration pack depending on its capacity.

Can you use a trail pack for hiking?

Yes, for a brisk walk of a few hours carrying water and a jacket. For longer outings, the volume is too small: a picnic and a fleece call for a 20-litre hiking backpack.

What size trail pack should you choose?

Choose your size based on chest circumference, measured under the arms. For Deuter, a men’s size M vest fits a 96–102 cm chest, while a women’s size M fits 90–96 cm. For more room, go up a size in the STRIVE 5 and TRAICK 5.

Trail bags

Q: How many litres of pack capacity do you need for an ultra-trail race?

The Silva STRIVE 10 is a 10-litre vest designed for races from 20 km to ultra distance: its rear pocket holds your jacket and mandatory kit. Check your race’s kit list in our article on mandatory waterproof clothing.

Trail packs, hydration vests and running belts: 2 to 10 litres of capacity for water, gels and a jacket, from training runs to ultras, with Deuter, Osprey and Silva.

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Which trail running pack should you choose for the length of your run?

On a short run, anything that bounces around gets in the way: your flask, keys or phone. For training and short races, a belt is enough. Deuter’s TRAICK BELT weighs 70 g, holds 2 litres and carries poles. For longer runs, switch to a vest. Silva’s STRIVE FLY weighs 129 g in size M, while the STRIVE 5 holds 5 litres. The STRIVE 10 is built for races from 20 km to ultra distance: its rear pocket holds your jacket and mandatory kit.

For tips on organising it, read our article how to pack your trail running pack properly.

Hydration pack: soft flasks or a hydration bladder?

Soft flasks fit in the chest pockets and are quick to refill at aid stations. A hydration bladder slips into the back compartment, so you can drink through the tube without taking anything out. Deuter TRAICK 5 vests come with two 500 ml flasks. The Osprey DYNA 6 also comes with flasks and has a separate compartment for a hydration bladder. For STRIVE vests, Silva 500 ml flasks are sold separately.

Compare these key features:

Capacity: 2 litres for a belt, 5 to 10 litres for a vest.
Water: 500 ml flasks at the front, a hydration bladder at the back.
Weight: from 70 g for a belt to 397 g for the DURO 6.
Poles: attachment points on the STRIVE, TRAICK 5, DURO 6 and DYNA 6.

Women’s trail running pack: straps shaped to fit the bust

A vest that’s too loose rubs against the collarbones and rides up on descents. Four models are cut for women. Deuter’s TRAICK 5 SL and TRAICK 9 SL weigh 155 g each; Osprey offers the DYNA 6 and DYNA LT. Choose your size based on chest circumference, measured under the armpits. For Deuter, XS fits 76 to 82 cm, S fits 83 to 89 cm and M fits 90 to 96 cm.

For men, TRAICK sizes range from S (89 to 95 cm) to L (103 to 109 cm).

Running backpack: how to adjust it so it stays put

A running pack should fit close to your body. Put it on over a trail t-shirt, then tighten the chest straps until it stops bouncing when you jump on the spot. For a more comfortable fit, go up a size for the STRIVE 5 and TRAICK 5. The STRIVE 5 and STRIVE FLY have an emergency whistle and reflective details for night starts.

Complete your trail running pack: a packable jacket and poles

A vest’s back pocket is designed to hold a trail running jacket packable, with attachments for trail poles when folded. For night runs, add a trail head torch. Keep smaller items in our trail running accessories, some trail running socks to the trail running sunglasses.

For an ultra, you’ll find the full list in our article on the essential kit to take to the UTMB. For a day hike with more gear, see our hiking backpacks.

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