Trail Running Pack / Vest

Nathan HPL 20 has been around a long time.
rides very well.
still one of the more popular packs among ultra runners.
no front bottle carry.
actually designed for bladder carry.
but if you are a bottle person you just remove bladder.
you can fit 2 bottles in the pack (I do this).
only downside is you must remove pack from your back to switch bottles.

HPL 20 is 5L volume rated.
I can fit 2 bottles, a UL rain jacket, and 6 hrs of food in it (just barely).

The UD vests are very good, but their bottles don't work very well in the front pockets – they are too large and rigid and cause bruising on the ribcage for me and apparently many others. However, their soft bottles work very well in the front pockets. The downside of the soft bottles is that they are pricey and not that durable – both of mine sprung small leaks after a few months of heavy use. The bladder in the back option works well too, and frees up the front pockets for food, phone, camera, etc. I use soft bottles in the front, bladder in the back, or both, depending on the situation.

The UD Hardrocker vest is basically the SJ with a few minor changes, but comes with soft bottles instead of hard bottles. If you are thinking of going with UD I'd get this one. My guess is they will switch to soft bottles being standard with all their vests when the next version (3.0) is released this spring.

http://www.ultimatedirection.com/p-648-hardrocker-vest.aspx?category=hydration-packs

The Salomon vests are supposedly better/more comfortable but cost a lot more. Check the outdoor gear lab review which came out recently. Salomon and Nathan both get very good ratings, with UD not too far behind.

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Hydration-Pack-For-Running-Reviews

This pack is easily one of my fave pieces of gear. I tried run packs from solomon, UD and osprey & I find this carries the best and has the best functionality for me. The front pockets are perfect for soft bottles. I use an ultraspire soft bottle with a straw on it, so its easy to drink from on the go. The front pockets are perfect for carrying other stuff like camera, phone, snacks etc too. The back compartment is small, but just big enough for my mb ex anorak a rain wear, headlamp and snacks for the day. Its become my day hiking pack as well since its nice to have the freedom to run if I feel like it. Its light beautifully simple and way cheaper than the others too. The best thing about it is the carry though–very stable without effecting breathing too much. I'd def recommend soft bottles with it though.

http://www.tahoemountainsports.com/product/mountain-hardwear-fluid-race-vestpack-hydration-vest?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_ads&gclid=Cj0KEQjwr8uuBRCcg6-s-4TrmIsBEiQAN1TdEY9xlZNer6ux6FU9aXIUKaK9ajWRVGU3Gdchx8Bn0jEaAoqx8P8HAQ

I have the now discontinued MH Fluid 6, the VestPack looks like it replaced it. It carries very nice; I’ve also run with several different vests and keep coming back to the MH. I use mine w/ a bladder though.

I have the Montane Dragon- great for an overnight, too much for a “typical” long run.

I also have a Osprey Rev 1.5 and 12 that’ll I’ll sometime carry- they carry nice and the 12 has a lot of room for shoulder season runs- I’ve thought about getting the 6 for something in between, but the MH works so well I haven’t.

Thanks for the input, guys. You successfully swayed me. Bought the MH Fluid VestPack, found it on sale and couldn't resist just going for it.

I'm trying to get better about over-analyzing gear, no point in stressing about this decision for 2 weeks.

Salomon 12 Set looks awesome, but $185 seems a little absurd…

Again, thanks! If the MH doesn't work out, I'll be coming after you….

Quick follow up for the MH Fluid VestPack:

Will 750ml soft bottles fit in the shoulder straps or is 500ml the max size?

Andrew, I'm glad you don't know where I live, but i think you'll prob be happy with it, assuming you got the right size :)

As far as bottles go, I'd get either the ultimate direction body bottle plus or the ultra spire collapsible bottle and straw. The 750 bottles will fit, but stick out a bit when they are full. The 500ml one's fit perfectly, and I especially like having the ultraspire one with the straw for easy sipping on the go. I cut it down a bit to get it out of my face. I usually just carry one of those and carry my camera in the other pocket. There's a little elastic loop thing on the side thats the perfect size for a sawyer mini filter, and then there's a back hydro pocket, where i put the empty sawyer bag. For most mountain runs and day hikes I do, there's enough available water, that I don't want to carry any more than about 500ml anyway.

For fitting everything in the pack, it def helps to have an ultra compact sub 9 oz puffy (if its something you think you'll need) and a UL rain jacket. Its easy to rig some shock cord on the back for lashing a rain jacket or windshell, if not everything fits. Anyway, hope it works for ya. Its definitely among my favorite and most used kit.

link to the bottles i mentioned:
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/catpage-HYDBOTFLAS.html

Also a MH Fluid VestPack user here. Fits great, carries well and has nice features. I think you will love it.

Ryan