Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is a gritty, all-out test of strength and stamina, from slogging through Tough Mudder mud pits to scaling Spartan walls. Whether you’re tackling a Spartan Race, a Tough Mudder Infinity, or a Savage Race, staying hydrated is critical—especially for longer races that push your limits.

A hydration vest keeps water, gels, and gear secure without slowing you down, whether you’re a once-a-year racer or a seasoned OCR beast. We’ve scoured the internet looking at reviews, polled the OCR community, and analyzed specs to bring you the Top 10 Hydration Vests for every budget.

From wallet-friendly picks to premium packs, these vests are ready for mud, sweat, and obstacles. Let’s find the one that fits your race and your wallet!

Your perfect vest depends on your race and needs.

A Spartan Ultra demands high-capacity storage for mandatory gear, while a Savage calls for something lightweight and agile.

We’ve split this list into three price tiers:
$20–$75,
$75–$125, and
$125–$200.
To suit everyone from casual racers to OCR diehards.
Each vest is chosen for OCR performance, with features like no-bounce fit, quick-draining materials, and storage for gels or phones.

Ready to gear up? Let’s dive in!

4 LOW BUDGET OPTIONS

AONIJIE Running Hydration Vest

• Price: ~$25–$35 USD
• Popularity in OCR Events: Popular among budget-conscious Spartan Sprint and Tough Mudder 5K racers for its affordability and functionality.
• Weight: 8.8 oz (250g, without bladder).
• Capacity: 5L storage, 1.5L bladder compatible (not included).
• Fit and Features: Lightweight mesh with adjustable straps, multiple front pockets for gels and phones, and breathable design for muddy races. Soft flask compatible (500mL).
• Similar Vests: TETON Sports TrailRunner, TRIWONDER Hydration Vest.
• Other Models Available: AONIJIE 12L for more storage.
• Common Reviews: Rated 4.3/5 on Amazon for value and comfort, though some note the fit can be loose on smaller frames.
• Why Beneficial for OCR: Affordable and lightweight, it’s ideal for shorter races like Spartan Sprint where minimal gear is needed. Quick-draining mesh handles dunk walls.
• Type of Runner: Casual racers or beginners doing 3–7 mile OCRs on a budget.

TETON Sports TrailRunner 2.0

• Price: ~$25–$35 USD (Amazon, Running Warehouse)
• Popularity in OCR Events: Common in Spartan Sprints/Supers and Savage Races for its low cost and reliable hydration.
• Weight: 10 oz (283g, with bladder).
• Capacity: 4L storage, 2L bladder included.
• Fit and Features: Adjustable straps, breathable mesh, and a single zippered pocket for essentials. Simple design with a focus on hydration.
• Similar Vests: AONIJIE Running Vest, Nathan QuickStart 2.0.
• Other Models Available: TrailRunner 3.0 for added capacity.
• Common Reviews: Rated 4.4/5 for durability and price, but limited storage makes it less versatile for Ultras.
• Why Beneficial for OCR: Budget-friendly with a stable bladder for shorter races. Mesh drains fast after water obstacles.
• Type of Runner: Entry-level OCR racers or those doing sub-10K events.

TRIWONDER Hydration Pack

• Price: ~$35–$45 USD (Amazon)
• Popularity in OCR Events: Seen in Spartan Sprints/Supers and Savage Races for its low price and lightweight build.
• Weight: 7.1 oz (200g, without bladder).
• Capacity: 5.5L storage, 1.5L bladder compatible (not included).
• Fit and Features: Ultralight nylon with adjustable chest straps, front pockets for flasks or gels, and reflective strips for night races.
• Similar Vests: AONIJIE Running Vest, CamelBak Circuit.
• Other Models Available: TRIWONDER 10L for longer races.
• Common Reviews: Rated 4.2/5 for affordability, though some report minor durability issues with heavy use.
• Why Beneficial for OCR: Super light for sprints, with enough room for essentials. Reflective strips suit Spartan’s Hurricane Heat.
• Type of Runner: Budget racers or sprinters needing minimal gear for short OCRs.

Nathan QuickStart 2.0

• Price: ~$70–$80 USD (Amazon, Nathan Sports)
• Popularity in OCR Events: Favored for Tough Mudder and Spartan Sprints/Stadion for its minimalist design and reliability.
• Weight: 9 oz (255g, with bladder).
• Capacity: 3L storage, 1.5L bladder included.
• Fit and Features: Lightweight mesh with adjustable straps, five small pockets for gels and keys, and moisture-wicking fabric.
• Supports two 22 oz bottles (not included).
• Similar Vests: TETON Sports TrailRunner, Salomon Active Skin 4.
• Other Models Available: QuickStart 4L for more storage.
• Common Reviews: Rated 4.3/5 for comfort and ventilation, but limited capacity isn’t ideal for long races.
• Beneficial for OCR: Sleek and light for short races, with quick-draining mesh for muddy obstacles like dunk walls.
• Type of Runner: Casual racers or sprinters in 3–5 mile OCRs.

2 MIDDLE BUDGET OPTIONS

Orange Mud Phone Flask Vest (PFV) V2.0

• Price: ~$80–$100 USD (Orange Mud, Amazon)
• Popularity in OCR Events: Loved in Spartan Super/Beast and Tough Mudder for its bounce-free design and OCR-specific features.
• Weight: 8 oz (227g, without flask).
• Capacity: 2L storage, one 500mL soft flask included.
• Fit and Features: Bounce-free design with adjustable straps, front pocket for phone and flask, and quick-access storage for gels.
• Compact for short races.
• Similar Vests: Nathan TrailMix Plus, Salomon Sense Pro 5.
• Other Models Available: Orange Mud Gear Vest (1L bladder) for more capacity.
• Common Reviews: Rated 4.5/5 for OCR fit and no-bounce design, though storage is limited for Ultras.
• Why Beneficial for OCR: Tight fit stays secure during rope climbs and crawls, with mud-resistant materials. Perfect for 5–10 mile races.
• Type of Runner: Racers tackling mid-distance OCRs who want quality without breaking the bank.

CamelBak Circuit Vest

• Price: ~$80–$100 USD (Amazon, CamelBak, Steep & Cheap)
• Popularity in OCR Events: Popular in Savage Race and Spartan Super/Beasts for its balance of price and performance.
• Weight: 9.5 oz (270g, with bladder).
• Capacity: 5L storage, 1.5L bladder included.
• Fit and Features: Breathable 3D vent mesh, adjustable straps, and dual front pockets for flasks or gels. Reflective details for visibility.
• Similar Vests: Nathan QuickStart, Salomon Active Skin 4.
• Other Models Available: Circuit 7L for more storage.
• Common Reviews: Rated 4.4/5 for comfort and affordability, though some find the bladder hose bulky.
• Why Beneficial for OCR: Lightweight with enough storage for mid-distance races. Drains well after water obstacles.
• Type of Runner: Mid-distance racers (5–10 miles) seeking value and reliability.

4 HIGH BUDGET OPTIONS

Salomon Active Skin 8

• Price: ~$109–$120 USD (Amazon, REI, Salomon)
• Popularity in OCR Events: Gaining popularity in Spartan Super/Beasts and Tough Mudder for its balance of capacity and comfort, praised for accessibility.
• Weight: 7.5 oz (213g, without flasks).
• Capacity: 8L storage, two 500mL soft flasks included, 1.5L bladder compatible (not included).
• Fit and Features: SensiFit design with stretchy, breathable fabrics and inner mesh for comfort. Strategic chest pockets for quick flask access, plus a large rear compartment for gear. Elastic sternum strap for easy adjustments.
• Similar Vests: CamelBak Circuit, Nathan Pinnacle 4L.
• Other Models Available: Active Skin 4 for shorter races.
• Common Reviews: Rated 4.5/5 for no-bounce fit and durability, though some note limited bladder support for heavy loads.
• Why Beneficial for OCR: Snug fit prevents bouncing during obstacles like rope climbs, with 8L capacity for mid-distance races. Breathable mesh handles muddy conditions.
• Type of Runner: Racers doing 5–12 mile OCRs seeking a versatile, mid-range vest.

CamelBak Ultra Pro Vest

• Price: ~$90–$130 USD (Amazon, CamelBak)
• Popularity in OCR Events: Gaining traction in Spartan Sprint/Supers and Savage Race for its ultralight design.
• Weight: 5.6 oz (160g, without flasks).
• Capacity: 6L storage, two 500mL soft flasks included.
• Fit and Features: 3D vent mesh for airflow, adjustable sternum straps, and stretch pockets for essentials. Minimalist design prioritizes speed.
• Similar Vests: Nathan Pinnacle 4L, Salomon Active Skin 8.
• Other Models Available: Ultra Pro 10L for more storage.
• Common Reviews: Rated 4.4/5 for lightweight feel and quick hydration, but limited capacity isn’t ideal for Ultras.
• Why Beneficial for OCR: Featherlight build shines in shorter, faster races like Savage or Spartan Sprint/Super, with easy flask access for obstacles like monkey bars.
• Type of Runner: Sprinters or racers in shorter OCRs prioritizing minimal weight.

Nathan Pinnacle 12L

• Price: ~$165–$200 USD (Amazon, Nathan Sports)
• Popularity in OCR Events: Favored for Spartan Beast & Ultras and World’s Toughest Mudder for its lightweight premium design.
• Weight: 10.5 oz (297g, without bladder).
• Capacity: 12L storage, 1.6L bladder included.
• Fit and Features: Lightweight mesh with 12 pockets (two water-resistant), soft flask compatible, and stretchy fit for comfort. Reflective for night races.
• Similar Vests: Salomon ADV Skin 12, Osprey Duro 15.
• Other Models Available: Pinnacle 4L for shorter races.
• Common Reviews: Rated 4.5/5 for breathability, though some struggle with fit adjustments.
• Why Beneficial for OCR: High capacity and no-bounce fit suit long races, with durable materials for muddy crawls.
• Type of Runner: Serious racers doing endurance OCRs.

Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0

• Price: ~$105–$140 USD (Amazon, Running Warehouse)
• Popularity in OCR Events: Popular in Spartan Beasts, Ultras and Tough Mudders for its lightweight durability and adjustability.
• Weight: 9.9 oz (280g, without bladder).
• Capacity: 10.3L storage, 2L bladder compatible (not included).
• Fit and Features: Comfort Cinch 2.0 system for adjustable fit, ripstop nylon for durability, and front bottle pockets for quick hydration. Includes waterproof phone pocket and pole holders.
• Similar Vests: Nathan Pinnacle, Osprey Duro.
• Other Models Available: Ultra Vest 5.0 for less storage.
• Common Reviews: Rated 4.5/5 for durability and comfort, though some find bottle pockets tricky to access mid-run.
• Why Beneficial for OCR: Lightweight yet tough, it handles muddy crawls and carries enough for 12+ mile races. Adjustable straps prevent chafing during wall climbs.
• Type of Runner: Endurance racers needing durability and storage.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whether you’re dodging mud in a Spartan Sprint or grinding through a Tough Mudder Infinity, these hydration vests keep you fueled and ready. Budget-conscious racers can grab an AONIJIE or TETON for under $50, perfect for a once-a-year event, while Spartan Beast warriors will love the Nathan Pinnacle or Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest for their capacity and durability.

Test the fit, check the storage, and pick a vest that matches your race and budget.