Credit: Courtesy of brands
Strong Women
Best running vests for women: 7 lightweight storage vests and hydration packs for clocking up the miles
By Lauren Geall
5 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
3 min read
Take your running to the next level with the help of these stylish and functional running vests for women.
When you’re heading out for a run, the last thing you want is kit that leaves you feeling weighed down. It’s why the best running tops, shorts, leggings and trainers tend to be lightweight and unrestrictive. After all, you don’t want to be held back when you’re chasing a new PB.
But at the same time, you can’t head out of the house without the essentials – especially if you’re planning on running for hours on end. In these instances, you need something you can rely on to store all your necessary bits (especially water) without compromising your ability to move freely. Enter, the humble running vest.
A favourite of trail runners and marathon lovers alike, a good running vest is a must-have for anyone looking to clock up the miles in comfort. While some simply provide a space to store your keys, phone and a few jelly babies, others come with slots to store water flasks, gels and outdoor equipment. You’ll be surprised by just how much you can carry with the help of a few pockets and hooks.
The only problem is the price: running vests can set you back a pretty penny, so it’s important to find one that ticks all your boxes and is guaranteed to last. So, to help you come to a decision, we’ve put together this guide to the best running vests for women. Keep reading to check out our favourites.
Rab Veil 6L Running Vest
If staying cool is your main priority, Rab’s Veil six-litre running vest offers maximum breathability thanks to its single-layer mesh back panel and multi-layer mesh body. It also comes with two soft flasks for instant on-the-go hydration.
Osprey Dyna LT Vest
Ideal for beginners or anyone looking to experiment with hydration on the go, this vest from Osprey has adjustable chest straps for customisable stability and pocket space for up to 500ml of fluid.
Available in pink (above) or blue, it’s perfect for adding a pop of colour to your running outfit.
Salomon Advance Skin 12
Serial overpacker? Salomon’s Advance Skin 12 vest has a capacity of up to 12 litres, making it the ideal place to store extra layers, snacks and everything in between.
Lululemon Fast And Free Vest
There’s nothing flashy about this vest from Lululemon, but it’s packed full of functional design details that make it suitable for runners of every type.
With space to store hiking poles, lights, water and snacks, you’ll be able to carry everything you need to tackle a range of distances. There’s even a waterproof phone pocket to keep your tech safe from sudden downpours.
Aonijie Hydration Vest
Stand out from the crowd with this bright pink running vest from Aonijie. With space for two 250ml water bottles, a small pocket for your keys and backpack space on the back, it’s the perfect option for first-time distance or trail runners.
On Ultra Vest 5L
You can always count on On to deliver products which are both stylish and practical, as its latest running vest shows.
Featuring lightweight mesh to boost airflow, the vest has space for two 500ml flasks alongside plenty of pockets and a purpose-built trash pocket with easy-to-clean lining. The days of sticky-gel residue getting on all your stuff are finally behind you.
Arc'teryx Women's Norvan 7 Vest
This pared-back vest from Arc’teryx may look simple, but it’s designed to hold a whole range of items from snacks and energy gels to technical mountain tools.
Images: courtesy of brands
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