Hydration Vest, Soft Flasks & Electrolyte Pack

Carry water and fuel on the run without it bouncing, rubbing or running out.

Beginner

4 min

HYDRATION VEST, SOFT FLASKS & ELECTROLYTE PACK
[ ] 5L Race Vest
[ ] Twin 500ml Flasks
[ ] Salt Tabs
[ ] Energy Gels

5L Race Vest: the owner's size spec. Look for adjustable chest straps and pockets you can reach while moving.
Twin 500ml Flasks: collapsible, so they shrink as you drink. Two flasks balance the load left and right.
Salt Tabs: follow the label for dose. Keep dry.
Energy Gels: test flavors and timing in training.

Drink and eat on a schedule. Set a repeating timer instead of waiting for thirst. Why it matters: low fluids and low fuel slow your thinking and your feet.
Use salt tabs with care. Follow the product label, and talk to a doctor first if you have a heart, kidney or blood pressure condition. More is not better.
Know the heat warning signs. Dizziness, nausea, confusion, chills in the heat or a pounding headache mean stop, find shade, sip fluids and get help if it does not ease. See cdc.gov for current heat illness guidance.

Gear types only.

Running vest with front flask pockets
Soft flasks with bite valves
Electrolyte tablets or salt capsules
Energy gels, chews or real food
Waterproof phone sleeve
Insulated bottle for the finish line (Wild Dirt carries drinkware)

Race rules, mandatory gear lists and trail access vary by event, park and state. Check current local rules with the race director or managing agency: nps.gov, fs.usda.gov or your state park website. For health guidance on hydration and electrolytes see cdc.gov.

Dial in your vest on a short run, not on race day. Carry what you need and nothing you do not. Built by explorers, for the trail.

Vest fit

5L Race Vest in your size, tried on with your usual running top
Chest straps snug but not tight enough to restrict breathing
Load the vest with water and jog in place to check for bounce
Check for rubbing at the shoulders, ribs and back before race day

Flasks

Twin 500ml Flasks, one in each front pocket
Fill and squeeze-test each flask for leaks at home
Bite valves or caps closed and clean
Rinse and air dry flasks after each run

Fuel and salts

Energy Gels, tucked in a front pocket where you can reach them
Salt Tabs in a small waterproof pouch
Only use fuel you have already tried on training runs
Pack out every wrapper in a zip bag

Essentials on board

Phone in a zip bag or waterproof sleeve
ID and a note with emergency contact details
Small amount of cash or a card
Light layer and a cap or buff

Plan the drinks

Know where you can refill on your route
Set a watch reminder to drink on a schedule
Start the run already hydrated

Vest fit

5L Race Vest in your size, tried on with your usual running top
Chest straps snug but not tight enough to restrict breathing
Load the vest with water and jog in place to check for bounce
Check for rubbing at the shoulders, ribs and back before race day

Flasks

Twin 500ml Flasks, one in each front pocket
Fill and squeeze-test each flask for leaks at home
Bite valves or caps closed and clean
Rinse and air dry flasks after each run

Fuel and salts

Energy Gels, tucked in a front pocket where you can reach them
Salt Tabs in a small waterproof pouch
Only use fuel you have already tried on training runs
Pack out every wrapper in a zip bag

Essentials on board

Phone in a zip bag or waterproof sleeve
ID and a note with emergency contact details
Small amount of cash or a card
Light layer and a cap or buff

Plan the drinks

Know where you can refill on your route
Set a watch reminder to drink on a schedule
Start the run already hydrated